09/29/2026
Chef Marcus Guiliano recently traveled to Emilia-Romagna, Italy, after being selected to participate in an international tourism-focused program that brought together approximately 70 delegates from around the world.
Chef Marcus was the only chef in the group.
He was there representing VIP Winery Vacations, using the opportunity to explore new tourism partnerships, strengthen relationships in the region, meet producers, and identify authentic food and w**e experiences that could be incorporated into future VIP journeys.
Emilia-Romagna is often regarded as one of Italy’s great culinary regions, and for good reason. Parmigiano Reggiano. Prosciutto di Parma. Traditional balsamic vinegar. Mortadella. Salumi. Handmade pasta. Lambrusco.
During the trip, Chef Marcus had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Piacenza, have dinner with the President of the Emilia-Romagna tourism board, connect with respected chefs from the region, and spend time with local producers.
He also visited what could best be described as a “university” for salumi and cheese, a place dedicated to the craftsmanship, production, aging, and traditions behind some of Emilia-Romagna’s most iconic foods.
For Chef Marcus, the trip was about much more than tasting great food.
It was about understanding the region from the inside and creating opportunities for VIP Winery Vacations guests to experience Emilia-Romagna in a deeper way.
That means going beyond the typical tourist stops.
It means meeting the people who make the cheese, cure the salumi, grow the grapes, cook the regional dishes, and carry these traditions forward from one generation to the next.
Chef Marcus returned from Italy with new relationships, new ideas, and new possibilities for expanding VIP Winery Vacations’ experiences in Emilia-Romagna.
For a chef and tour operator whose work is built around food, w**e, hospitality, and authenticity, few places offer as much as this part of Italy.
Emilia-Romagna truly is one of the great food capitals of Italy.
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If you want to experience places like Emilia-Romagna the way we do, through the w**emakers, farmers, chefs, producers, and families who make a region special, follow VIP Winery Vacations
See where we’re going next, explore upcoming departures, and discover what chef-led food and w**e travel is really about.
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