Tom Plant is a tour operator, the creative mind behind WINEormous blog and an avid wine tourist. Having grown up around wine and the hotels business,Tom is well-versed in the industry. His past experience as a disc jockey and news reporter guarantees a great voice performance during his talk.
Your talk is about offering the perfect wine tourism package. Does one size fit all?
Not all all. Each group is different and you have to cater to them individually. Certain standards of service and quality apply to all tours, but that’s about it.
What advice can you give tour operators about the types of experiences wine tourists are looking for?
Wine tourists love to interact with wine makers and ask them questions. They love the opportunity to taste from the barrel and they always love to see how wine is made, from the crush pad to the bottling line.
What are some unique amenities that wineries have offered wine tourists that you really like?
I have had a winemaker literally lift a guest into a bin to have her crush grapes. Any time they get the opportunity to visit a cellar with a wine maker is a memory they cherish.
Your blog speaks to the wine lover who is not a wine snob. In your opinion, is it possible for tour operators to cater to both?
I certainly think so. I like to treat all my guests with the same level of professionalism whether they are a first time taster or a sommelier. I encourage them to ask questions and if I don’t have the answer I tell them I’ll find out.
What wines are you excited to sample while in Croatia for the IWINETC or while in Fuili with the media fam trip?
All of them! I’m certainly looking forward to tasting Crljenak Kaštelanski, but I’m curious about Croatian Cabernet and Merlot. Like I said, I’m anxious to taste them all.
Tom Plant will be giving his talk Saturday March 16th in the Paris Suite from 09.30 to 10:20. titled: Offering The Perfect Wine Tourism Package
