about
Are you...
Busy juggling work, social commitments, and home life? I understand how overwhelming it can feel when you want to plan an incredible wine country getaway but don't have the time to research every vineyard, coordinate reservations, or figure out the logistics. Whether you're dreaming of exploring Tuscany wine tours, discovering natural wine bars in Paris, or experiencing Burgundy vineyards, I'm here to make it happen.
Hi, I'm Kathryn Davidson
My passion for wine runs deep. I've completed the Court of Master Sommeliers Introduction to Wine course and recently earned my Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 certification, which is the first step in the sommelier journey. But my education doesn't stop there. I'm constantly attending local wine tastings and classes, reading Wine Spectator cover to cover, and yes, you'll find me watching Drops of God on HBO (if you know, you know).
This isn't just professional development—it's genuine love for wine and the stories behind every bottle.
When I was considering starting my wine travel business, I took a trip to France's Rhône Valley that changed everything. I fell in love with how the landscape, climate, and culture work together to create something extraordinary. The Mistral wind—the force that blows through the valley keeping grapes dry and helping create exceptional wines—inspired the name of my business. My husband is a meteorologist, so the connection felt perfect.
Mistral Winds Travel was born from that trip and my desire to help others discover the powerful connection between place, climate, culture, and the food and wine that define a destination.
Why Work With a Wine Travel Advisor
You could spend hours researching wineries, reading reviews, and hoping you've made good choices. Or you could work with a certified wine professional who has walked through the vineyards of Chianti, tasted wines in the Rhône Valley, completed sommelier training, and built relationships with the people who make these destinations special.
I handle everything from flights, accommodations, ground transportation, winery bookings, and all the details in between. I'm reachable during your trip, monitor your flights, and solve problems before they become your problems.
Whether you're a serious wine collector who knows exactly which vineyards you want to visit, a wine enthusiast ready to explore new regions, or someone who just wants to experience a beautiful vineyard or two during your European wine vacation, I'd love to help you create an unforgettable journey.
Read more about working with a wine and food travel advisor in my blog post. Ready to start planning your wine and food travel experience? Submit the intake questionnaire and we can talk through the process.
A Few of My Favorite Activities
get to know me
01.
Exploring Paris like a local - reading in Jardin du Palais Royal
02.
Vineyard Tours and Wine Tasting in Tuscany
03.
Drinking Paulaner Pilsner in Munich, Germany
04.
Watching my favorite F1 Drivers track-side
05.
Sunset Cruises in Key West
Wine Expertise - Insider Experiences - Custom Planning
Wine Region Experiences - From meeting fourth-generation winemakers in Chianti to exploring wine producers in Beaujolais, I create experiences that help you understand wine regions at a deeper level. You'll taste wines you can't find at home, learn about terroir from the people who work the land, and discover why certain wines can only come from specific places.
Immersive Food and Wine Experiences - Discover a destination's soul through its cuisine. I arrange cooking classes with local chefs, guided market tours, and dining experiences that reveal the connection between regional ingredients, traditional techniques, and the wines that pair with them. These aren't tourist experiences, they're authentic connections with the people and places that make each region special.
Romantic Getaways - Planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or couples' escape? I specialize in creating romantic wine country experiences, from private sunset tastings overlooking vineyards to intimate dinners at family-owned wineries. Let me handle the stress of planning so you can focus on each other and the experience.
