Hi, I’m Sarah — a golf lover, wine enthusiast, and travel addict who believes life’s best moments happen somewhere between the tee box and the tasting room. TEE, TASTE & TRAVEL is my space to share the beautiful courses I play, the incredible wines I discover, and the unforgettable places (and people) I meet along the way. So grab your favorite glass, pack your sense of adventure, and come swing, sip, and sparkle with me around the world.
Hi there! I’m Sarah, born and raised in Cork, Ireland, and completely in love with travel, golf, and good food — especially when they all come together in one trip!
I started this blog to share the places I’ve been lucky enough to explore, the golf courses that stole my heart (and sometimes my patience!), and the amazing meals and moments along the way.
My hope is that reading about my adventures might inspire you to plan a few of your own — maybe even visit some of the same fairways, fun spots, or foodie gems I’ve discovered.
Thanks so much for following along — I’d love to hear from you in the comments or connect with you on your own travels. Here’s to new adventures, great friends, and plenty of laughs along the way!
The adventure begins! On the 9th of October, Louise and I packed our golf clubs, a little too much excitement, and set off with Aer Lingus bound for North Carolina. Destination: the fabulous Member Guest tournament with my American twin, the one and only Kerry Sansone!
There’s something about that first flight that always sets the tone — the mix of anticipation, laughter, and the promise of new adventures ahead. And this trip was shaping up to be a special one!
Thanks to a clever use of Avios points, we kicked things off in true style — business class all the way. A few glasses of bubbly (okay, maybe more than a few), plenty of great chats, and a couple of feel-good movies later, we were cruising across the Atlantic and officially in “holiday mode.”
The Triplets Sarah Kerry and Sonia
Writing this midair on my Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to NYC, en route to my first Kiawah Island Member-Guest! A week of golf, beach days, and southern nights ahead with the dream team — Kerry Sansone, Louise Martin, and our secret weapon Brianna (former pro golfer + Kiawah expert!). Let the adventure begin! ✈️🏌️♀️🌊
HERES WHAT THE vWEEK LOOKS LIKE
Friday – Beach Club Bliss & Dinner at The B-Liner
Sunshine, pool time, and coastal cocktails at the Kiawah Beach Club, followed by dinner at The B-Liner — the perfect kickoff spot.
Saturday – Beach Day & Dinner at The Ocean Room
Another day in the sun before dinner at The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary — always a Kiawah highlight!
Sunday – Practice Round & Ladies’ Dinnerr
Practice round at The River Course (10:40 AM), then the Ladies’ Dinner at the clubhouse — laughter, good food, and pre-tournament buzz.
Monday – Day 1 at Cassique & Dinner at The Atlantic Room
Tournament play begins at Cassique, followed by dinner at The Atlantic Room overlooking the Ocean Course — always stunning.
Tuesday – Day 2 at River Course & Closing Night
Final day at The River Course, with TBD evening plans to celebrate an amazing Kiawah week.
Stay tuned for sunshine, fairways, and plenty of photos from our first Member-Guest adventure! 🌴✨
🌧️
Kiawah Island — Day 1: Stormy but Spectacular
Our first morning on Kiawah Island began under moody skies — soft rain, ocean mist, and winds swirling through the palms. It wasn’t the sunshine we expected, but it was the perfect Southern welcome.
We started with a dreamy buffet breakfast at The Sanctuary — buttery biscuits, creamy grits, and pastries that were almost too pretty to eat. The staff were incredible, serving up that famous Southern hospitality with warm smiles. Definitely one of the best brunches we’ve ever had! 🥞☕️
The afternoon was all about shopping for cozy layers (the storm leftovers had us bundled up!) before heading to The Beach Club for an early dinner. From the first B-LINER cocktail to the final glass of wine and bubbles, every sip was sublime. 🍸✨ Even with torrential rain outside, the food, the service, and the atmosphere were out of this world.
Stormy skies, full hearts, and unforgettable Southern charm — what a way to start our Kiawah adventure.
Kiawah Island Club – A Week of Golf, Laughter, and Unforgettable Memories
The week began with a wonderful message from the Kiawah Island Club Golf Committee, extending heartfelt appreciation to all Members and guests for making this year’s Tournament such a tremendous success. The turnout far exceeded expectations — all thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm, camaraderie, and love for the game.
From rain-soaked swings on Sunday to sun-drenched finishes on Tuesday, this year’s competition truly had it all. The weather tested every golfer’s patience and precision, but spirits never wavered. Through every drop, gust, and ray of sunshine, smiles stayed wide and energy high — that unmistakable Kiawah spirit shining through.
The competition was as friendly as it was fierce. To land atop the leaderboard this week required focus, consistency, and a good dose of grit. Congratulations to our six Flight Winners for their outstanding play and composure under pressure!
As for my week — I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much on or off a golf course! Huge thanks to our group leader and chief cheerleader of fun, Kerry Sansone, who masterminded every moment like a general of joy — from sunrise breakfasts to sunset cocktails, all perfectly planned with one mission: maximum fun.
My wonderful travel companion Louise Martin and our newest friend (and incredible ex-pro golfer) Briana, who claimed the title of Best Gross Winner, made the week even more special. Together, we played what can only be described as FFT golf — Fun Fing Tastic!* Our faces are still sore from laughing, smiling, and maybe the occasional celebratory high kick!
We dined like queens, sampling everything from traditional Southern breakfasts to the freshest sushi, raising a glass (or two) to new memories, new dance moves, and new friendships.
Tomorrow, we trade fairways for fireworks as we head off to Orlando and Disney — but I have no doubt the magic of Kiawah will stay with us for a long time to come.
Here’s to laughter, friendship, and golf — the Kiawah way.
After an unforgettable few days at the stunning Hogs Head Golf Club in the charming village of Waterville, I had the absolute pleasure of playing in the Hogs Head Bean an Tí Tournament. Despite the wild Irish weather—howling gales and relentless rain—the spirit of the event was undampened. It was pure joy to play on a world-class course alongside incredible people from all around the globe, including a few lovely friends from Kinsale. Congratulations to FIFI and Meg on a fantastic win with nearly a hole in one at the shot out .
With the tournament behind us, we hit the road for a scenic drive across the lush Irish landscape, heading toward The Open. Our first stop en route: the idyllic Drumee Lodge. Tucked away in peaceful countryside, this boutique B&B is a true hidden gem. We’re surrounded by rolling green fields, grazing sheep and cows, and postcard-perfect farms.
The contrast between the dramatic coastline of Waterville and the tranquil charm of Drumee is part of what makes traveling through Ireland so special. After the excitement and camaraderie of the tournament, this pause in the countryside is the perfect reset before the next leg of our journey.
More to come soon from the road to The Open—stay tuned!
Skittles, Mussels, and a Side of Nostalgia at the Maghera Inn
We dined at the Maghera Inn Pub and Pantry, and before we’d even made it to the door, we were welcomed by a cheery gang of locals enthusiastically playing skittles in the car park—a scene so delightfully old-school it felt like we’d wandered into a rural sporting documentary.
Starters That Nearly Stole the Show
We kicked things off with the local mussels, which were fresh, plump, and positively swimming in a creamy white wine and shallot sauce—so good we briefly considered licking the shells (don’t worry, we didn’t… at least not in public).
Then came the beef roast of the day, proper Sunday comfort food—even though it wasn’t Sunday. And Billy was practically misty-eyed when he spotted his all-time Irish favourite on the specials board: turkey and ham. He tucked into it like it was Christmas morning and declared it “a plate of pure joy.”
The portions were massive, and despite our best efforts (and stretchy waistbands), we had to admit defeat before dessert. A rare but noble loss.
VIP Days at The Open – Portrush Perfection with Doosan
We’ve just wrapped up an absolutely unforgettable three days at The Open—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—and what an experience it’s been! We were lucky enough to have VIP hospitality passes, courtesy of the amazing team at Doosan, and from start to finish, we were completely spoiled.
The hospitality suite was nothing short of fabulous—exceptional food, delicious wines, cold pints, great company, and the best view of the action. Every bite was a delight (let’s be honest, we may have gone back for thirds), and the service was second to none. A huge thank you to the wonderful Karen, who looked after us like royalty—you’re a total gem.
Doosan, we honestly can’t thank you enough. Your hospitality made The Open feel even more special, and we’re so grateful to have been part of it.
And then there’s Portrush—vibrant, stunning, and buzzing with golf fans from around the world. We were cheering hard for Lowry and Rory, hoping for a little home-grown magic, but alas, it wasn’t to be this year. Still, the atmosphere, the drama, and the sheer joy of being there more than made up for it.
After three epic days of watching the pros, it’s now our turn to shine (or at least try)! Tonight, it’s an early one because tomorrow Billy and I lace up our golf shoes and take on Royal Portrush ourselves. Wish us luck—we’re going to need it!
We kicked things off by flying out of Málaga with a long layover and eventually crash-landing (figuratively) in Rochester late Friday night — tired but ready for tee times and trouble.
Golf, Games & Gourmet in Rochester
A few glorious days of golf unfolded at CCR with the dream team: Kathy and Thom, Jacquie and Rob, Lynn and Wally Morse, Whiz and Rob Merrell. Post-round, we headed to Kathy’s place for a proper evening: dice games, world-class wines, decadent food, and fantastic company — including Donna and Kelly’s friends, who proved wildly entertaining.
We also scored a round at Oak Hill East, courtesy of a reciprocal through Old Head. The day? Absolute perfection. The course? Sublime. The only hiccup: poor Donna took a tumble from a trailer and fractured her ulna. Still, like a champ, she smiled, cracked jokes, and kept spirits high.
Dinner highlights: Next Door and Black & Blue, both delicious. We also had a classic lazy lake day complete with a chilly boat ride, wine and beer tasting, and a bit of Buffalo Bills mania. Billy ducked out for a couple of days for business in NYC, but the party rolled on.
Off to Albuquerque: Desert Vibes & Fairway Strides
We caught an ungodly early flight from Rochester to Albuquerque via Chicago. Rented a beast of a QX80, grabbed our Instacart pickup from Albertson’s like seasoned pros, and arrived at our Airbnb — Casablanca at 500 Navara Dr SE.
This place was next-level: pool, hot tub, pool table, enough bedrooms for a golf team, and even a play kitchen under the stairs. It felt like a Wes Anderson film set… if Wes loved golf and tequila.
First Swings at Paako Ridge
We teed off for our first seven holes with Donna putting only (doctor’s orders), and joined forces with Dave and Marty Pendarvis, whom we met at Old Head. A fabulous five-some was born. The weather? Ridiculously perfect. The vibe? Even better.
Chef Ryan Takes the Stage
Dinner that night was a private chef’s dream. Seated in the pro shop (because why not?), Chef Ryan rolled out a knockout meal:
Charcuterie
Gazpacho
Salad
Elk filet AND Lobster Thermidor
Chocolate & fruit dessert
Oh, and Redbreast courtesy of Joe Marsh.
Our bellies were full. Our eyes were heavy. Our beds were calling.
Solheim Saturday & Emergency Golf
Saturday started with more sunshine and a 9:30 tee time. Another perfect five-some, another beautiful round — front nine, then holes 19–27. Lunch + Solheim Cup viewing = inspiration for an emergency couples scramble. (Because golf emergencies are real.)
Quick swim. Quick nap. Then off to Campo at Los Poblanos for an 8:30pm dinner (yes, it’s late, and yes, we were starving). Finding the entrance is still a mystery, but the food was top-tier.
Sunday: Sandia Sunsets & Jamison Stories
A luxurious sleep-in. 10:30 tee time. Donna and Sarah vs. Dave and Marty. We played a full 18, swam, snacked, and got ready for a dreamy night at Ten3 on Sandia Peak.
We arrived via tram, clouds looming ominously… only to be met at the summit by a light drizzle and a rainbow over the mountains. Irish luck, confirmed. 🏔️☘️
The dinner? Lovely. The view? Sunset gold. The descent? Magical — the city lights sparkled like fairy dust. The night ended as all good nights should: Jameson, Bailey’s, Doritos, M&Ms, and stories on the patio.
Monday: Tarantulas & Tacos
Dave and Marty flew out, and the rest of us made the rainy drive to Las Campanas. After breakfast at the clubhouse (charming, quiet, classic), we tackled the Sunrise Course — rain on the front nine, sunshine and tarantulas on the back.
We lunched, then played another sunny nine because… why not?
Dinner was a spontaneous pick: Cocina Azul, a local diner-style spot. Shoutout to our waiter Alex, who rocked a full beard and immaculately manicured black and silver gel nails. (The boys did a delayed double take.)
Sarah’s spicy margarita came with a side of fire. The food? Fine. The atmosphere? Electric. The drive home featured a lightning show, and we capped it with more patio Jameson and cookies. Obviously.
Tuesday: Tourists & Takeout
A day off from golf = a day on the town. The girls (Kelly, Donna, Sarah) explored Sawmill Market, wandered Old Town, bought jewelry and ice cream, and dodged a bit of rain. Margaritas at Hotel Chaco were a welcome reward.
Dinner was fridge-foraging meets Papa John’s. Mission: eat everything left. We almost succeeded.
Wednesday: Final Fairways & Farewell Feast
Our last hurrah: a full day of matches at Paako. Teeing off at 9:30, playing until we couldn’t swing anymore. Games came down to the final hole. Emotions ran high. Kelly earned the title of Señor Cozy (it’s a long story).
Dinner, one last masterpiece by Chef Ryan:
Seared scallops
Lobster risotto with broccolini
Crème brûlée with rum raisin sauce
The last drop of Redbreast
We toasted, we hugged, we swore we’d do it again.
Until next time, Albuquerque — you were wild, wonderful, and just spicy enough.
Baltimore, Ireland: Boats, Bubbles & a Blowout at Dede
Date: Sunday, July 6th
Weather: Blue skies & 26°C – practically tropical
Tagline: A seaside escape with boat races, prosecco, and the most unforgettable Michelin-starred meal of our year
🚗 The Road to Baltimore
We were scooped up in style by our trusty friends John and Julie Finn—chauffeur service with added wit. Julie, ever the icon, was already one deep before we left. Hydration is key, after all.
The journey from West Cork was like a drive through an Irish fairytale: rolling hills, smug cows, and more shades of green than a Pantone catalogue. Ireland was truly showing off.
⚓ Boats, Pints, and Perfect Timing
We arrived in Baltimore, a colourful coastal village perched at the edge of Ireland, just in time for a lively boat race in the harbour square.
Surrounding the action? Four perfectly placed Irish pubs, each looking like it had a story (or a few spilled pints) to tell.
Naturally, we grabbed a prime outdoor table for front-row views—of both the boats and Julie’s ongoing bubbly top-ups. The woman is rarely spotted without a flute in hand.
🍽️ The Main Event: Dede Restaurant at the Customs House
Now, let’s talk about Dede.
This place isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an edible love story between West Cork’s finest produce and the rich culinary heritage of Chef Ahmet Dede’s Turkish roots.
Set in a gorgeous Georgian building with harbour views, Dede at the Customs House is refined without being stuffy, creative without being fussy, and full of flavour without ever being predictable.
We were lucky enough to have a reservation (a rare unicorn)—and what followed was nothing short of a gourmet extravaganza.
Day One: From Estepona to Seville via Jerez & Arcos de la Frontera
We left Estepona early in the morning and made a charming roadside stop in a tiny village for fresh coffee and orange juice — the kind of moment that sets the tone for the day.
From there, we drove straight to Jerez de la Frontera, where we parked underground near the old town. The Cathedral of Jerez is absolutely worth a visit — a guided tour includes a 360° headset experience, allowing you to explore the structure virtually as well as in person.
Just across the street lies Tío Pepe, the world-renowned sherry bodega. The grounds are stunning, ideal for a slow walk. The guided tours only run at set times, but the visitor centre is worth a browse even without one.
Next, we continued to Arcos de la Frontera, often called one of the prettiest towns in the region. We parked just outside and took a relaxed walk through its mini churches, pedestrian streets, and the main cathedral. For lunch, we highly recommend the Parador Hotel beside the castle — we had an excellent meal with beautiful views.
The best restaurant in Seville no words to describe Thank you Colm Ryan for the recommendation The FoieGras starter we did the tasting menu Hop on Hop off the best way to explore a city in 39 degrees. Barry having a morning stroll in Seville
Back on the road, we made our way toward Seville through rolling countryside and sunflower fields — a golden, picture-perfect drive.
Quick dip on the rooftop of the H10 boutique hotel it was the perfect locat
“Tasting Our Way Across Spain, One Fork at a Time
Day Two: Seville by Foot, Bus & Boutique Finds
We woke up early in the H10 Boutique Hotel and had our bags packed by 8:20. After checking out, we dropped our luggage at the El Corte Inglés car park and set off to pick up a few things for breakfast.
To our surprise, the hop-on hop-off buses didn’t start until 10:00 AM. But luck was on our side: we managed to board a staff shuttle bus at 9:15, which dropped us near Stop 1 — perfect timing.
Walking Tour Highlights
We walked through some incredible sights, including:
Teatro de la Maestranza
Ruinas del Castillo de San Jorge
Torre del Oro
Capilla del Rosario
Each one had its own character — from grand architecture to hidden gems tucked between the winding streets.
After the bus loop, we hit the pavement again for more city exploration. Eventually, we popped into El Corte Inglés for a short shopping spree — and left with a few stylish finds.
At 1:00 PM, it was time to hit the road again — though getting out of Seville’s tight car parks and narrow streets was an adventure in itself! Mirrors folded in, nerves slightly frayed, we finally escaped the maze and started the drive to Córdoba..
Day Two (Continued): Seville Streets, Scenic Detours & Poolside Rosé in Córdoba
After wrapping up our Seville visit with a final wander and a productive stop in El Corte Inglés, we hit the road around 1:00 PM. Escaping the maze of narrow city streets and tight car parks felt like an Olympic event — but we made it out in one piece and headed east toward Córdoba, taking the scenic route.
A Magical Stop in Carmona
We made one spectacular detour: the ancient hilltop town of Carmona. This is the kind of place that isn’t just a stop — it’s an experience. If you’re passing by, don’t miss it. Park the car, put on your walking shoes, and take your time. The history here stretches back thousands of years, layered through Roman, Moorish, and Christian legacies.
Here are just a few of the incredible sites we visited:
Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla – the city’s historic gateway
San Fernando Plaza – central and full of life
Market Square – charming and authentic
Churches: El Salvador, Santa María, San Pedro – each unique, with stunning details
Santa Clara Convent & Hospital de la Caridad – peaceful and atmospheric
Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro – more fortress magic
Puerta de Córdoba – the original Roman exit from the city
Cerezo Theater
Roman Necropolis & Amphitheater – spine-tingling remnants of the empire
Walking through Carmona feels like stepping into a living museum — yet it’s far from crowded or overrun. It was a real highlight of the day.
Lunch Fit for Royalty
We treated ourselves to a long, delicious lunch at the Parador de Carmona, built into the ruins of a Moorish castle overlooking the plains. The view from the terrace? Breathtaking. The food? Impeccable. If you’re ever nearby — go. Just go.
Evening Arrival in Córdoba
We arrived at the Parador de Córdoba around 5:00 PM, greeted by the full blast of 36°C heat and cloudless skies. Thankfully, a cool swim in the pool and a chilled glass of rosé made for the perfect welcome.
Feet up, spirits high, and one of Spain’s most beautiful cities just waiting to be explored the next day
you gotta love the “poor potatoe””
Day 3 – Cordoba to Toledo: Ancient Paths & Air-Conditioned Highways
We started Day 3 bright and early with a 7:30am breakfast, ready to explore the beautiful city of Córdoba before the summer heat (and tourist crowds) descended. It was the perfect plan—peaceful streets, golden morning light, and the scent of orange blossoms in the air.
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Day 3 (continued) – Toledo: History, Heat & Heavenly Tapas
We arrived in Toledo, and honestly—nothing could have prepared us for how breathtaking it is. Set high on a hill and steeped in layers of history, the city is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, grand plazas, and awe-inspiring architecture.
It was also hot. As in, 40°C kind of hot. But with views like this, we didn’t mind.
Our hotel, Entre Dos Aguas, was a destination in itself. We were warmly welcomed by Sara, who sat with us and mapped out the perfect walking route to make the most of our limited time. After that, we were shown to our spacious suite overlooking a beautiful old church—a peaceful spot to cool down and soak in the city vibes before heading back out.
First stop: the Toledo Cathedral. One word—magnificent. Well worth the €12 entrance fee. The soaring Gothic structure, golden altars, and intricate artwork made it feel like a living museum of Spanish history and religion. Truly unforgettable.
From there, we explored:
A historic synagogue, reflecting the city’s rich Jewish heritage.
A surprise live concert, tucked into a small courtyard—one of those magical travel moments you never plan but never forget.
And, by complete luck, we caught part of the Corpus Christi parade, a colorful, festive procession that filled the streets with music, incense, and celebration.
As the sun dipped lower, we found a perfect little spot for a well-earned break: Alfileritos 24. We enjoyed wine and gorgeous tapas at the bar before heading into their restaurant for dinner. Everything was delicious—from delicate bites to heartier dishes—one of our top meals of the trip.
After dinner, we weren’t ready to call it a night, so we strolled through Toledo’s softly lit streets, stopping for a couple of nightcaps at some of the many inviting bars dotted throughout the old town. The whole city has this glowing, timeless quality at night—quiet, romantic, and just magical.
We finally returned to our suite, happily exhausted and ready for a great night’s sleep.
Day 4 – Onward to Burgos
We started the day with what might have been the best breakfast yet—freshly made, beautifully presented, and served in the peaceful courtyard of Entre Dos Aguas. Recharged and excited, we packed up, said our goodbyes to Toledo, and hit the road.
Next stop: Burgos, with new adventures waiting ahead!
Evening in Burgos: A Toast to the City
We’ve arrived in Burgos and checked into a charming apartment with an incredible view—right across from the majestic cathedral. It’s easy to see why this Gothic masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; even from our window, the intricate spires and detailed stonework are awe-inspiring.
The wine tasting has officially begun! We’ve decided to skip a traditional dinner tonight in favor of something more spontaneous and local—a “vino y pincho” adventure through the city. With each stop, we’re sampling regional wines paired with small bites, soaking in the cool northern evening and the rich medieval atmosphere that fills the streets.
We’ll keep you posted as the night unfolds. ¡Salud!
Burgos Wine Crawl: Bar #3 and a New Plan!
We’re on bar number three of our wine-and-pincho crawl through Burgos, and spirits are high—figuratively and literally! We’ve just enjoyed a beautiful Rivero for a change of pace. Still on the hunt for our favorite pour of the night, but we’re more than happy to keep trying. It’s just after 7:15 PM, and the city is coming alive around us.
The mix of crisp northern air, cobbled streets, and lively locals has us completely enchanted. The energy here is infectious, and each bar has its own charm (and wine list to match).
In a spontaneous twist, we’ve also just made a change to our travel plans: instead of leaving Bilbao to Rosslare on Thursday, we’ve pushed our boat trip to Sunday—more time for adventures, tapas, and of course, a few more glasses of wine.
We’re having so much fun and loving every moment. More updates to come—cheers to the journey!
Day Three & Five – From Glove Compartment Chaos to Wine Country Magic
Our GTA5 adventure took a slightly comical turn at the start — a quick stop at the garage turned into a minor crisis when we accidentally locked the glove compartment and couldn’t get it open. Naturally, we gave up and hit the road. Turns out, the best way to forget a jammed glovebox is with a scenic drive through some of northern Spain’s most charming villages. And we didn’t leave empty-handed… our wine stash grew significantly with every stop.
We rolled into LaGuardia in the late afternoon — and what a sight! Our hotel, Villa de Laguardia, came with a gorgeous pool where we unwound for a blissful two hours before heading into the old town. Let me tell you: one bar was better than the next. The whole place is dripping with atmosphere, perched high on a hill with jaw-dropping views. Luckily, there’s a hidden gem — a futuristic lift carved into the mountainside that whisks you effortlessly to the top of the old town (goodbye steep hike, hello sunscreen and sunset views!).
Dinner was a highlight: a stunning seafood sharing platter, perfectly paired with some of our newly acquired wines. Photos and full details are, of course, below!
Last night, after dinner, we explored the incredible cave system beneath the hotel. It’s a hidden world of winding tunnels and vaulted stone chambers — an unexpected adventure and a brilliant way to end the evening. (Photos below — trust us, it’s worth a look.)
This morning, we set off into the heart of Rioja’s wine culture with two unforgettable experiences.
First stop: the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture — hands down one of the most informative, interactive, and inspiring wine museums we’ve ever visited. You don’t need to be a sommelier to appreciate it; it’s pure magic for any wine lover.
Afterward, we took a short taxi ride to Bodega Baigorri for a luxurious wine tasting and premium tasting menu lunch. The setting was stunning, the food was phenomenal, and — naturally — we added more bottles to the growing collection.
Now we’re back at the hotel, basking in the late afternoon sunshine at Villa de Laguardia. As for tonight? Who knows… but if the last two days are anything to go by, it’s bound to be delicious.
Day Six & Seven – Farewell to LaGuardia, Onward to Haro and Bilbao
Our final days in LaGuardia were nothing short of magical. This stunning medieval hilltop town is wrapped in vineyards in every direction and brimming with atmospheric bars and restaurants. It was the perfect base for three days of exploring the heart of Rioja — and what a journey it’s been.
We wandered through ancient cave systems, visited wineries built into mountains, and soaked in the contrast between traditional family-run bodegas and ultra-modern wine temples equipped with the latest technology. Everywhere we turned, there was something new to discover — dramatic rock formations, breathtaking landscapes, and an endless supply of incredible food and wine.
One highlight so far today was our visit to Bodega Orbalo, where we had a lovely tour with the winemaker himself. It was relaxed, personal, and full of charm. We tasted a selection of wines, learned about their process, and left with a few bottles we’re genuinely excited about. There’s already talk of a tasting night when we get home… any excuse for a party!
If you’re looking for an active holiday with a twist — full of character, culture, and vino — Rioja is an absolute must. Just make sure you have a designated driver… or a really reliable taxi! We’ll be sharing more details soon about the specific places we visited. A full photo reel is coming below, and we’ll be tagging everything later today.
This morning, we said a fond goodbye to LaGuardia and hit the road again. Our next stop: Haro, for a visit to the iconic Bodegas Muga — one of the region’s most respected wineries. From there, we’re taking the scenic country roads all the way to Bilbao for the final stretch of our journey.
We’re down to the last two nights of our road trip, but spirits are high and we’re really excited for what’s next. Stay tuned — Basque country, here we come!
Day 8: Boiling in Bilbao
We’ve officially arrived in beautiful Bilbao and checked into our hotel — bags down, hats on, and straight out into the city! We kicked off with a walking tour… or at least attempted to. With the temperature soaring over 40°C, the heat quickly turned our city stroll into a search for the nearest bar (strictly for survival, of course).
After cooling off with some much-needed refreshments, we made our way to the river that cuts through the heart of the city. We had grand plans for canoeing, but with the sun blazing, we’re now leaning towards a shaded boat trip instead — preferably with a breeze and cold drinks involved.
Despite the heat, it’s been a fantastic day so far. The drive into the city was stunning, with stops in charming little villages, all rich in scenery and character. Now it’s time to soak up the buzz of the big city, explore Bilbao’s culture and cuisine, and see where the evening takes us.
Let the (less sweaty) adventures continue!
We woke up in the centre of Bilbao, thankfully to a much more manageable temperature in the mid-20s—yesterday’s 41°C was just too hot for us! We’ve spent the morning wandering the charming streets, admiring the beautiful cathedral, lush gardens, and local highlights. A real standout has been the Guggenheim Museum—an architectural and cultural gem.
This afternoon, we’re taking a relaxing boat trip along the river, and later we’re heading off to visit our friend John Mullins in a small nearby village. The city is full of character, with amazing little in-house bakeries and every kind of shop you could possibly imagine. We’ve loved soaking it all in and hope you enjoy the photos below!
All Good Things Must Come to an End
What a journey it’s been! This trip was truly something special—an unforgettable experience made even more meaningful by sharing it with my brother, Barry. From the thrill of discovery to the quiet awe of stepping into beautiful, tucked-away religious sites across Spain, every moment felt rich with history and heart.
Bilbao was a standout—such a vibrant and welcoming city. I’d highly recommend it for a long weekend getaway. With its mix of culture, architecture, food, and charm, it’s the kind of place that stays with you.
We wrapped up our adventure by departing Bilbao by boat on Brittany Ferries and making our way back to Rosslare. A peaceful close to a trip full of color and life.
Now it’s time to unpack, reflect, and start planning the next adventure…
Tee, Taste & Travel With Sarah 