Eat. Explore. Connect.
Our Story
A Culinary Society believes that the most authentic way to understand a place is through its table—but the table is only the beginning. Every meal opens the door to the people, traditions, music, architecture, history, and stories that define a culture.
Upcoming Retreats:
The Americana Trilogy
AMERICANA TRILOGY
Muscle Shoals
Chapter Two: The Music | Feb 18-21, 2027
From the vineyards of the Pacific Northwest to the Southernmost Point of the United States, Americana Trilogy explores the people, places, flavors, and traditions that tell America's story.
Journey to the banks of the Tennessee River and discover the small Alabama town that helped shape the soundtrack of America. Though modest in size, Muscle Shoals became a legendary recording destination where artists including Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and countless others created music that continues to inspire generations.
Over four days and three nights, guests will enjoy exclusive access to iconic recording studios, live music experiences, exceptional Southern cuisine, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring this remarkable musical legacy to life. From the famed Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Recording Studios to intimate performances and conversations with those connected to the region's rich heritage, every experience is designed to deepen your appreciation for the people and places behind the music.
Designed for travelers who value authentic experiences and meaningful connections, this intimate A Culinary Society journey celebrates the creativity, passion, and perseverance that transformed a small Southern town into one of the most influential recording destinations in the world.
Muscle Shoals is the second chapter of Americana Trilogy, a collection of immersive journeys spanning the breadth of America—from the vineyards of Oregon to the musical heritage of Alabama and ultimately to the rich cultural tapestry of Key West. Each destination reveals a unique facet of the American experience through food, wine, music, history, and the people who bring those traditions to life.
Your seat is waiting.
$2,650 per person (double occupancy)
Reserve your place today with a refundable deposit of $750 per person. Deposits become non-refundable 72 hours after notification of the final itinerary and package details.
AMERICANA TRILOGY
Oregon Wine Country
Chapter One: The Vineyard | October 21-25, 2026
From the vineyards of the Pacific Northwest to the Southernmost Point of the United States, Americana Trilogy explores the people, places, flavors, and traditions that tell America's story.
Begin the journey in the heart of Oregon's celebrated Willamette Valley, where rolling vineyards, world-class Pinot Noir, and a spirit of hospitality create one of the country's most compelling wine destinations.
Over five days and four nights, guests will enjoy exclusive winery visits, private tastings, exceptional dining experiences, and opportunities to meet the winemakers and visionaries who have helped establish Oregon as one of the world's premier wine regions. Thoughtfully curated experiences showcase the beauty, craftsmanship, and sense of place that define the Pacific Northwest.
Designed for travelers who value authentic experiences and meaningful connections, this intimate A Culinary Society journey offers insider access, extraordinary hospitality, and unforgettable moments shared around the table.
Oregon Wine Country is the first chapter of Americana Trilogy, a collection of immersive journeys spanning the breadth of America—from the vineyards of Oregon to the musical heritage of Muscle Shoals and ultimately to the rich cultural tapestry of Key West. Each destination reveals a unique facet of the American experience through food, wine, music, history, and the people who bring those traditions to life.
Your seat at the table awaits.
$4850 per person (double occupancy)
Reserve your place today with a refundable deposit of $1,600 per person. Deposits become non-refundable 72 hours after notification of the final itinerary and package details.
Americana Trilogy
Key West
Chapter Three: The Heritage | April 8-11, 2027
From the vineyards of the Pacific Northwest to the Southernmost Point of the United States, Americana Trilogy explores the people, places, flavors, and traditions that tell America's story.
Conclude the journey in Key West, a place unlike any other in America. Situated at the crossroads of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean, Key West has long served as a meeting point of cultures, ideas, and traditions. Here, the stories of Cuban immigrants, cigar makers, fishermen, writers, artists, and dreamers are woven into the fabric of a community that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Over four days and three nights, guests will explore the rich cultural heritage that shaped Key West through curated culinary experiences, historic sites, local storytelling, and meaningful encounters with those who preserve the island's unique character. From the legacy of José Martí and the Cuban cigar industry to the vibrant neighborhoods, waterfront traditions, and colorful personalities that define the island today, this journey reveals a side of Key West few visitors ever experience.
Designed for travelers who value authentic experiences and meaningful connections, this intimate A Culinary Society journey goes beyond the familiar tourist attractions to uncover the people, history, and cultural influences that transformed a small island at the edge of America into one of its most fascinating destinations.
Key West is the final chapter of Americana Trilogy, a collection of immersive journeys spanning the breadth of America—from the vineyards of Oregon to the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals and ultimately to the Southernmost Point of the United States. Each destination reveals a unique facet of the American experience through food, wine, music, history, and the people who bring those traditions to life.
As the final chapter unfolds, guests will discover that the story of Key West is, in many ways, the story of America itself—a place shaped by resilience, diversity, creativity, and the enduring pursuit of freedom and opportunity.
Your place in the story awaits.
$3,295 per person (double occupancy)
Reserve your place today with a refundable deposit of $825 per person. Deposits become non-refundable 72 hours after notification of the final itinerary and package details.
Start Your
Next Adventure
Culinary is the exploration of culture through the senses—food, wine, spirits, music, history, art, architecture, agriculture, and the people whose stories bring a destination to life.
What Sets Our Retreats Apart
01 / Premium Lodging
Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
02 / Expert Facilitation
Led by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.
03 / Collaborative Energy
Connection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.
What to Expect
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Rooted in culture and rich connection, our retreats are crafted with care - designed to create unforgettable moments at every turn.
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Each retreat is an all inclusive experience - Let us take care of everything for you! The only time you will have to take out your credit card once is for souvenirs.
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From lodging in boutique accommodations, wine pairings with sommeliers, private ground transportation, trip hosts, all meals, and entry fees to planned events included in trip fees for any easy, relaxing retreat curated for your needs!
Our Team
Trish Ellington
Founder, CEO, & Host
With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and group travel, Trish has dedicated her career to creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.
As Founder and CEO of A Culinary Society, she combines her passion for travel, culture, food, and hospitality to design journeys that go beyond the ordinary. Her vision is rooted in the belief that the best travel experiences are built around connection—sharing a meal, discovering a new destination, and forming friendships that last long after the journey ends.
Broadcaster, Author, Wine Expert & Storyteller
Joe Fattorini
Joe Fattorini is one of the wine world’s most recognizable personalities, known globally as the charismatic host and wine expert of The Wine Show, the world’s most-watched wine television series.
A respected wine merchant, broadcaster, and storyteller, Joe has spent decades making wine approachable, entertaining, and endlessly fascinating. His expertise has led him to advise renowned restaurants, celebrities, royalty, and even serve as wine consultant to the U.S. PGA Tour.
Vivian Acosta
Cuban Cigar Specialist
A renowned Cuban cigar expert, entrepreneur, and sommelier whose passion for cigars has shaped a distinguished career spanning more than two decades.
In 2020, she founded Vihumos, a company dedicated to showcasing the richness of Cuban culture through immersive experiences centered on cigars, music, art, and history. Her commitment to preserving and sharing Cuba’s heritage earned her a nomination for the prestigious Excelencias Award in 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Please feel free to connect with us via email at trish@aculinarysociety.com for any additional questions not found in the FAQs. Please also check the FAQs section listed on each trip!
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Getting started is simple. Select your trip, review trip info, fill out our contact form, and pay! We take care of everything else!
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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We offer pricing based on trip type, activities, and complexity. After an initial deposit, we will provide all information regarding tickets, hotel stay/room numbers, and activities!
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