Unmapped Excursions
Embark on unforgettable journeys through the world’s most enchanting wine regions as part of an exclusive small group led by sommelier Merrick Gilroy, founder of Unmapped Excursions. Tour fabled vineyards in breathtaking sceneries and taste at the most exciting wineries, where a sense of place and tradition meets fresh ideas and youthful enthusiasm. Indulge your culinary senses, whether at hot spots of culinary invention or in off-the-beaten-path family run inns rooted in local offerings. Our engrossing adventures transcend the ordinary—Unmapped Excursions will guide you straight to the essence of a destination.
Summer 2025
Private Tours AvailableFall 2025
Slow Cheese Festival of Piedmont
September 19th-26thPiedmont's Finest: Barolo and White Truffles
October 18th - 26th
November 1-9th - Sold OutWinter 2025
Noël en Alsace: Wines, Wonders and Winter Markets
December 6th-12th
December 13-19thDeparting 2026
Now Booking Private ToursCoastal Passages: Monte-Carlo to MarseilleSicily: Flavors from the Heart of the MediterraneanNoël en Alsace: Wines, Wonders and Winter MarketsWhite Truffle Tour of Piedmont
The Unmapped Experience
Explore the Old World and connect with an intimate group of like-minded travelers, free from worry about details and logistics. Wake up to breathtaking views of rolling hills from a beautifully restored farmhouse or enjoy the vibrancy of an historic city from a refined and elegant hotel. Cruise through the countryside in our luxurious executive coach with private driver and visit local artisans who share the secrets of their craft: dairy farmers, bakers, pasta-makers. Enjoy art, music, and culture to complement the culinary experience. Limited to 12 guests, our tours offer a highly personal experience, where every moment is thoughtfully curated and designed to delight.
go beyond
Unmapped Flavors
Experience terroir and delve into love letters from the past, penned by chefs, winemakers, farmers, and producers who uphold time-honored traditions. Immerse yourself in the soul of famed wine regions through interactive wine tastings, engaging cooking demonstrations, eye-opening farm tours, and unforgettable visits to artisans of time honored crafts. Every bite, sip, and stay on our tour is included—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. As we savor our meals together, indelible memories will form.
About Merrick Gilroy
Founder Unmapped Excursions
I founded Unmapped Excursions to share my favorite places around the world with new friends. In 15 years of working as a sommelier, I had the fortune to immerse myself in different wine regions, spending long days with winemakers across Europe, working harvest seasons, and dining in many of the most respected kitchens. As an educator, I love to teach guests about regional food and wine and the people and history behind them. I have led some of the top wine programs in the Boston area at Tasting Counter and Contessa, allowing me to deepen my connections with Old-World winemakers. As general manager of Stir, chef Barbara Lynch’s 10-seat demonstration kitchen and cookbook library, I curated different experiences for a nightly five-course tasting menu, taking the guests on armchair trips to Europe and elsewhere. Wanting to share my love and understanding of different wine regions with their complex microcosmos of food, wine, crafts, and culture, I launched Unmapped Excursions in 2024. Every destination is close to my heart and each trip is driven by my unrelenting desire to share the great pleasures of life with others.
Learn More
Subscribe to our mailing list to learn more about current itineraries and future offerings. We welcome questions about booking your next vacation with Unmapped Excursions. We welcome you to join a group, or plan your own private tour!