Manuel Mederle

founder

Hi, I’m Manuel — certified sommelier, hospitality expert, and the passionate (and perpetually curious) founder of this wine & food-focused tour company.

After more than a decade working in high-end gastronomy — and over 10 years living in the U.S. — I’ve taken my love for fine wine, exceptional food, and unforgettable hospitality on a global adventure. I’ve traveled extensively, sipped my way through vineyards on nearly every continent, and learned that the best way to understand a culture is through its kitchen… and its cellar.

Today, I split my time between Northern Italy and South Africa. These two places feel like home — and serve as inspiration for many of the bespoke tours I create.

Whether I’m curating a private wine tasting in the Langhe, leading a vineyard walk in the Cape Winelands, or sharing insider stories over a perfectly poured glass, my goal is simple: to give you a taste of the world the way I’ve come to love it — one bite, one sip, and one incredible experience at a time.

Fluent in German, English, Italian, and French, I bring an international perspective, deep local connections, and just the right amount of nerdy wine trivia to every journey.

meet the rest of the family

Samantha Madden

creative content developer

Hi, I'm Samantha. I guess I don’t fall into the category of obsessed wine nerds or decade-long industry veterans. What I bring to the table, though, is eye-catching and refreshing—creative strategies and concept development that bring clarity, structure, and purpose to every piece of content.

If I'm not busy brainstorming new ideas, I’m working in academia, where I genuinely enjoy the energy and fresh perspectives students bring. As a professor, I’ve been told I’m demanding, fair, and very supportive of individual needs. Luckily, those traits have translated beautifully into this role, making it a fun journey—one I hope to keep creating and growing in for years to come.

A man in hiking clothes squatting on a rocky terrain outdoors with mountains and greenery in the background.

Nicu Meyer

certified wildlife guide

Hi, I’m Nico — a nature enthusiast, conservationist, and tour operator with a deep-rooted passion for South Africa’s wild beauty. I grew up in the Little Karoo, surrounded by mountains and wildlife, where my love for the natural world took shape early on and never left me.

That passion led me to spend over a decade working in some of South Africa’s top 5-star game reserves, where I gained invaluable experience in hospitality, guiding, and conservation. These years shaped my belief that travel should do more than just show people a place — it should connect them to it.

Whether tracking wildlife on safari, exploring hidden gems, or sharing stories around a campfire, I aim to create moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.

What matters most to me is authenticity — in the experiences I offer, the connections I build, and the way we care for the land that gives us so much.