Why We’re Increasing Culinary Travel in 2026

Over the years, I’ve witnessed one thing time and again in our kitchens at The Chopping Block.

Students don’t simply need recipes. They need context. They wish to perceive the place components come from, why traditions matter, and the way tradition shapes what finally ends up on the plate.

I’ve watched folks’s confidence develop when one thing clicks — once they notice cooking isn’t simply approach, it’s story. It’s geography. It’s historical past.

That’s precisely why we’re increasing our culinary journey experiences in 2026.

These journeys aren’t about checking landmarks off a listing. They’re about cooking within the locations that formed the delicacies. They’re about assembly the producers, farmers, winemakers and artisans who dwell this work day by day. They’re about slowing down sufficient to actually study.

If you’ve ever felt that pull — the will to expertise meals past your individual kitchen — that is the following step.

Meet the People Behind the Trips

I’ll be touring with every group in 2026, joined by trusted native guides in Ireland and Iceland who convey deep regional information and context to the expertise.

For Tuscany, I’m partnering with Viktorija — a former Chopping Block teacher and sommelier who now lives in France. She speaks Italian and has in depth information of the Chianti area. Throughout the week, she gives wine training that enhances every little thing we cook dinner and style.

Our itineraries are designed and managed in partnership with Onward Travel, whose experience ensures the logistics, pacing and lodging assist the expertise seamlessly. In our current informational session, Molly from Onward Travel walks by every itinerary intimately so you may see how the weeks unfold.

Local producers, small companies and long-standing partnerships form each cease alongside the way in which.

Ireland: Cooking, Culture, and Connection (June 2026)

We’ll be touring to Ireland in June 2026, when the countryside is lush, the times are lengthy, and seasonal components are at their peak.

Ireland continues to shock folks with the vibrancy of its culinary scene. 

In this clip, Molly walks by the geography of the journey — providing you with a transparent image of how we transfer by the nation and why every area issues.

We aren’t speeding from website to website. We’re spending significant time in locations that enable us to cook dinner, style and join.

Here, you’ll see how the times are structured — from hands-on courses led by skilled cooks to visits with native producers and cultural exploration.

Ireland in June affords heat, storytelling and ingredient-driven delicacies rooted in custom — all skilled at a considerate tempo.

Tuscany: Our Most Loved Experience (October 2026)

In October 2026, we return to Tuscany throughout probably the most lovely and flavorful occasions of 12 months. Harvest season brings power to the vineyards and richness to the desk.

Our Cook Like a Tuscan tour has change into a favourite for good motive.

We keep at Villa Pecille in Panzano in Chianti, and the setting shapes the complete week. This clip highlights the villa itself — our dwelling base within the coronary heart of Chianti.

It’s intimate, scenic and designed for small-group connection.

From cooking courses to vineyard visits, market time and cultural excursions, the week balances structured studying with time to soak up the rhythm of Tuscany.

With Viktorija guiding wine training all through the week, October in Chianti turns into not only a culinary expertise — however a layered understanding of meals and wine collectively.

Iceland: A Rare Culinary Opportunity (November 2026)

In November 2026, we head to Iceland — a time of 12 months that gives dramatic landscapes, fewer crowds and a culinary id formed by seasonality and preservation.

Iceland is maybe our most sudden vacation spot — and that’s precisely what makes it compelling.

In this clip, Molly walks by the expertise — the areas we discover, the culinary traditions formed by local weather and resilience, and the way the itinerary flows.

November in Iceland gives a distinct perspective. It’s immersive, atmospheric and uniquely suited to vacationers who admire depth over peak-season tourism. It’s additionally the right time to steadiness exploration with restoration — together with the unforgettable expertise of soaking in Iceland’s geothermal spas, the place mineral-rich waters and dramatic landscapes create house to actually unwind.

Who These Trips Are Designed For

These excursions are designed for individuals who worth depth over velocity.

They’re excellent for vacationers who:

• Want hands-on studying in a supportive setting
• Care about native meals methods and small companies
• Prefer small teams
• Enjoy construction with out over-scheduling
• Want to return dwelling with new information and expertise

You don’t want skilled cooking expertise.

And these journeys work fantastically for {couples} or pals the place one particular person likes to cook dinner and the opposite merely likes to journey. The culinary elements are partaking, however the cultural experiences, surroundings and wine training make sure the expertise is rewarding for everybody.

Your Top Questions, Answered

Value is likely one of the commonest questions we obtain. In this clip, we speak about what’s actually included — past lodging and meals.

You’re investing in:

• Professional chef-led cooking courses
• Access to native producers and small companies
• Regional experience by trusted guides
• Small group measurement
• Thoughtful pacing and curated experiences

These journeys are immersive by design. They require intention to plan — they usually ship depth in return.

Ready to Travel With Us in 2026?

If considered one of these locations has been at the back of your thoughts, now’s the time to take a more in-depth look.

You can watch the complete informational session here.

And if you’re prepared, discover every journey in additional element under.

Travel adjustments the way you style. It adjustments the way you cook dinner. And it adjustments the way you see.

I hope you’ll be part of us.