Our mission
Travel well
We’ve wandered the vibrant landscapes of Argentina, Chile, and Japan for over 20 years soaking in their magic. Often, we’re asked for pro-tips and secrets on these bucket-list destinations. We realized planning the perfect adventure can be an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve designed enchanting travel experiences curated for you. Each journey is a carefully crafted blend of culture, cuisine, and tasty sips, immersing you in the heart of these extraordinary lands.
Let us turn your wanderlust into unforgettable memories!
Drink well
Our wines and sake are more than just award-winning and delicious—they’re stories in a glass, born from breathtaking places and crafted by incredible families and renowned winemakers. In a world where it’s hard to tell the gems from the ordinary, we’ve done the work for you. Each bottle is a treasure, authentic and full of character, waiting to take you on a journey. Sip, explore, and let your palate wander.
Drink well, dream big, and discover something extraordinary.
MOVE WELL
Discover the perfect balance of movement and relaxation on our wellness-inspired trips. Whether it’s sunrise yoga, scenic hikes, horseback riding, or peaceful walks around charming villa grounds, each experience is designed to nourish your body and uplift your spirit.
Embrace the joy of moving well in every sense.
BE WELL
A trip for the senses. Savor exquisite wines, indulge in unforgettable eats, and explore breathtaking destinations that inspire awe. Through wellness practices that connect you to your higher self, this experience blends taste, movement, and discovery to create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
Where all the worlds collide.
The team
Elizabeth butler
South American Travel Extraordinaire
With a deep love for South American wine and culture, Elizabeth’s enthusiasm is contagious. A foodie, fluent in Spanish, a trail runner, and a connector of worlds, she has built heartfelt relationships with winemakers and local artisans alike. Originally hailing from Boston, she now calls Sausalito, California, home.
Elizabeth’s journey with wine spans both sides of the Andes, where she began her adventure with the iconic Catena Zapata winery in Mendoza and later at Viña Mayu in Chile. For over six years, she has crafted unforgettable trips to South America with Vine Connections, a premier importer of fine South American wines. Her Argentina and Chile adventures have become legendary.
Follow her on Instagram (@withtwoforks) to see her epic travels!
Monica Samuels
Sake Samurai (Literally, it’s a thing.)
Monica Samuels is the Director of Sake & Spirits for Vine Connections, an importer of Japanese sake. Monica has worked in the sake business for over ten years, at the restaurant, distributor, and importer level.
Monica grew up bilingual and bi-cultural, spending every summer in Tokyo with her grandparents. With a grandfather who was a sake brewer Monica has been around sake from a young age, but the turning point was working for the Japanese-Peruvian-Brazilian inspired SushiSamba, her first job after moving to NYC.
Monica’s insane love for eating, drinking, and meeting new people match perfectly with the demands of her travel schedule. When at home in NYC she loves cooking, yoga, and making people laugh.
Follow her sake adventures on Instagram (@msamuels1212)
Valeria Guarnieri
Our Girl on the Ground, and favorite Argentine.
Valeria’s work with Pourtal combines her vast experience as a designer and artist, an undeniable understanding of her home country of Argentina, and originality in planning and coordinating groups of people. Day-to-day, Valeria works as a designer, primarily designing wine labels.
Valeria’s passion for the wine industry, as well as her passion for life, make her the ideal tour guide for our Pourtal trips! Some of our trip attendees' highlights were V's painting class among the vines.
See her beautiful art and passion for life on her Instagram (@luckyladyargentina)