A dirt road in a rural neighborhood with trees and houses, reflected in the window of a vehicle parked on the side of the road, under a partly cloudy sky.

Tied together through roads travelled

Years of travel and running a wine business have shown me how powerful culture, cuisine, wine, and real human connection shape our lives. After 15 years across the industry, it was time to create something new—exciting, meaningful, and full circle.

2015 saw me checking into a hostel in rural Zambia. A few days later, a new lady friend (now, my wife) and I hopped on a string of mini-buses and spent two months zigzagging through Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa— long rides, wild views, and the experiences that made us realize we were onto something big.

People walking along train tracks with a passing train, rural landscape with small houses and smoke in the background
A person with a backpack overlooking a coastal landscape with a large rocky formation, green vegetation, sandy beach, and ocean waves.

One unforgettable stop was in the picturesque coastal town of Coffee Bay, South Africa. We pitched our tent, slept under the stars, and met two dear friends. Days later, we found ourselves in their backseat, catching a ride to Cape Town (800 miles!) where the rest of the story began to take shape.

We said our goodbyes in Cape Town but stayed in touch, exchanged new destinations for travel, married, grew our family, and held tight to the values that continue to guide us— joy, connection, curiosity, and a shared vision for a family life centered with wholesome travel.

A smiling couple taking a selfie with a scenic coastal landscape, cliffs, and ocean in the background.

In 2021, we returned to Cape Town with our four-year-old and set out on a 6,200-mile journey through northern South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana (no mini-buses this time!) We reconnected with the friends who gave us a lift years before, found tranquil places to reflect on our first African adventure, and of course— showed our son how the landscapes, people, and culture shaped our story and love for this remarkable, unique continent.

Such experiences influenced the launch of The Wine Chapter. The goal is simple: to create and deliver travel experiences with heart— authentic adventures that connect you with the people, places, and food which make them memorable— in the places we call home. We’re thrilled to share what we’ve discovered and can’t wait to have you along for the journey.

A woman and a young boy sit on a sandy trail overlooking a lush green coastal landscape with cliffs and the ocean in the background.
A man and a boy standing on rocks overlooking a coastline with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
A campsite at sunset with a small tent, a hammock, and a child sitting on the ground, under a shaded area made of wooden slats, with a view of open fields and hills in the distance.
Group of six people, including children and adults, standing near a safari vehicle in a dry, grassy outdoor setting with palm trees. One child is standing on a platform attached to the vehicle, raising an arm. The group appears to be on a safari adventure.