The Tasting Tours LLC

What The Tasting Tours LLC does

The Tasting Tours LLC is a privately held, women-owned experiential tourism operator founded in 2011 by Andrea Jones-Downs (CEO) and JoAnna Engel (CFO), headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. The company designs and sells guided culinary and beverage pairing tours, pub crawls, and seasonal holiday rides delivered via walking routes and chauffeured electric vehicles, sourcing content from a curated network of 30+ locally-owned partner restaurants across four Florida markets: St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Palatka. Core product formats include the family-friendly Taste of St. Augustine Tour (ages 3+), 21+ Corks & Forks Strolling Tours and Wine & Dine Rolling Tours, Progressive Pub Crawls, the seasonal Nights of Lights Rides (November 21, 2026 - January 18, 2027), and customizable private experiences for corporate groups up to 85+ guests and bachelorette celebrations.

The business operates on a direct-to-consumer go-to-market model with online booking via the FareHarbor platform, phone reservations through a booking hotline (904-325-3911), and a dedicated corporate sales line (904-325-3971) managed by a National Director of Sales. Tours run 7 days a week with reservations accepted up to 4 hours prior to start. Revenue is generated entirely through one-time transactional ticket sales, private group packages priced by group size and customization, and gift cards — no subscription, licensing, or recurring revenue model is used. There is no disclosed proprietary technology; the technology stack consists of embedded third-party booking (FareHarbor), PCI DSS compliance (SecurityMetrics), and a countdown timer widget (TickCounter). The company employs 28 staff (3 full-time, 11 part-time, 14 seasonal) and has accumulated 3,250+ five-star reviews with a 4.9 rating across TripAdvisor, Google, and other platforms, plus 15 consecutive TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence, Hall of Fame induction, Travelers' Choice Awards, and #1 Tour Operator in St. Augustine for 2026 by Google Review data. No external funding, PE/VC investment, or parent company is disclosed.

Name

The Tasting Tours LLC

Legal name

The Tasting Tours LLC

Website

https://thetastingtours.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Tasting Tours LLC operates guided culinary and beverage pairing tours across St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Palatka, Florida, serving tourists, families, couples, corporate groups, and bachelorette parties via walking and electric-vehicle formats sourced from 30+ local restaurant partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Culinary Tourism Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520), Tour Operators (56152)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Restaurant Progressive Dining Tours (THAJAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food, Market & Culinary Culture Tours (THAJAAAG), Wine Tastings & Vineyard/Winery Tours (THAJAGAD)

Keywords

• Guided food tours
• Culinary tasting experiences
• Beverage pairing tours
• Corporate team building tours
• Private group events

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Augustine

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Food Tour Tickets: Progressive dining tours featuring food and beverage pairings at multiple local restaurants. Tours include Corks & Forks Strolling Tours, Wine & Dine Rolling Tours, Taste of St. Augustine family tours, and specialty seasonal experiences.
2. Nights of Lights Rides: Holiday-themed carriage and character rides through St. Augustine's twinkling lights display during November-January season. Includes e-carriage rides and themed character experiences.
3. Corporate & Private Group Events: Customized private tours for corporate team building, bachelorette parties, and celebrations. Pricing based on group size and customization requirements.
4. Gift Cards: Gift cards sold through FareHarbor platform for tour experiences, available for purchase as gifts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Tasting Tours LLC sells guided progressive dining tours that visit a hand-selected collection of locally owned restaurants in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Palatka, Florida. Each three-hour experience features chef-driven tastings paired with wine or craft cocktails at multiple venues. The company also operates seasonal holiday-themed Nights of Lights rides, customized corporate team-building and bachelorette private group events, and gift cards redeemable across its tour portfolio.

Product overview

The Tasting Tours LLC operates a multi-format culinary experience platform offering guided food and drink pairing tours across St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Palatka, Florida. The core product portfolio centers on Food Pairing Tours (walking and electric vehicle formats), Progressive Pub Crawls, and seasonal Nights of Lights Rides, supplemented by private group offerings for corporate team building and bachelorette celebrations. The company positions itself as a curated marketplace connecting guests with over 30 locally-owned restaurant partners through experiences ranging from family-friendly Taste of St. Augustine Tours to elevated 21+ Wine & Dine Rolling Tours. Tour formats include strolling (walking) and rolling (electric vehicle), with seasonal specialty experiences like Island Blvd Tour and Fiesta De Mayo Tour rotating throughout the year. The platform supports booking via FareHarbor integration and sells gift cards as a complementary product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Food Pairing Tours Three-hour guided progressive dining experiences featuring chef-driven tastings paired with wine or craft cocktails at hand-selected locally owned restaurants in St. Augustine. Designed for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, couples, and groups seeking curated local culinary immersion.
• Corks & Forks Strolling Tours

Quantifiable outcome

• 15 consecutive TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence with Hall of Fame induction
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

49 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Old City HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal restaurant partner in St. Augustine featured on food pairing tours. Family-owned establishment offering Southern-inspired cuisine with historic charm.
• Carrera Wine CellarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoutique wine shop and wine bar in Uptown St. Augustine featured on pairing tours. Offers rotating selection of wines by the glass and curated flights.
• Athena RestaurantcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreek restaurant located at Alcazar Cafe in St. Augustine. Features Mediterranean cuisine featured on food tours.
• Odd Birds BarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal bar featured on pub crawl and cocktail tour experiences in St. Augustine.
• The Gifted CorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoutique wine and gift shop with daily wine tastings and flights. Partner venue offering wine education experiences.
• Casa de Vino 57coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWine bar housed in historic home with shaded garden courtyard. Features global wine list paired with charcuterie boards.
• Bin 39 Wine BarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWine bar at St. George Inn with 70+ wines by the glass. Featured venue known for wines rated 90+ points.
• Peace PieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrozen dessert shop featuring ice cream pies. Featured for sweet treats on food tours.
• Cafe AlcazarcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric venue restaurant in St. Augustine. Features lunch service in the Alcazar Pool building.
• Tradewinds LoungeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal bar and lounge in St. Augustine featured on pub crawl experiences.
• The Ancient OliveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOlive oil and vinegar tasting shop. Features artisan products for tasting experiences.
• The Spice & Tea ExchangeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpice and tea shop with multiple St. Augustine locations. Features datil pepper and local flavor blends.
• DJ's Clam ShackcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeafood restaurant featuring Minorcan clam chowder and fresh seafood. Signature local dining destination.
• Treylor ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant in St. Augustine featuring Southern-inspired menu with creative dishes.
• Luli's CupcakesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal bakery featuring cupcakes and sweet treats for tour tasting experiences.
• Roosevelt RoomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant and bar in St. Augustine featuring craft cocktails and elevated bar bites.
• Nonna's TrattoriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian restaurant featuring family recipes and traditional pasta dishes.
• Spinster Abbott'sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal establishment featured on St. Augustine food tour experiences.
• Casa MayaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexican restaurant with authentic cuisine featured on food tours.
• Mimi's Famous CrepesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCrepe shop offering sweet and savory options including gluten-free buckwheat flour crepes.
• WHIPS Waffle CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaffle shop featuring creative waffle dishes for tour tasting experiences.
• Bath JunkieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBath and body shop with The Tipsy Duck Parlor feature, offers unique local shopping experience.
• Modern RoseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal restaurant in St. Augustine featured on food tour experiences.
• Paladar Cuban EaterycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCuban restaurant featuring authentic sandwiches, empanadas, and gluten-free cakes. Featured for cultural cuisine.
• Savannah Bee CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoney and bee product shop featuring local honey and beeswax products.
• Ben's Soft PretzelsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSoft pretzel shop featuring fresh-baked pretzels for tasting experiences.
• Pizzalley's Chianti RoomcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian restaurant and wine bar featuring Chianti-themed dining experience.
• Kernel PoppersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPopcorn shop featuring gourmet popcorn flavors for tasting experiences.
• Savannah SweetsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCandy shop featuring handmade sweets and confections in St. Augustine.
• Peace, Love and Little DonutsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonut shop featuring creative donut flavors for tour sweet treat experiences.
• The Spanish Bakery & CafecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish bakery featuring empanadas and traditional baked goods. Highlights cultural heritage.
• Hot Stuff and The Key Lime ShopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHot sauce shop featuring datil pepper products and key lime specialties.
• The Conch House Marina ResortminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarina resort restaurant featuring seafood and waterfront dining experience.
• Biscotti'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant in Jacksonville's Avondale neighborhood. Features Italian-inspired cuisine.
• The Blue FishcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeafood restaurant in Jacksonville featured on food tours. Known for fresh fish and creative preparations.
• The BrickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant in Avondale featured on Jacksonville food tour experiences.
• JosephinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant in Avondale featuring Southern-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails.
• Cork ThymeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant featuring farm-to-table cuisine in Jacksonville area.
• The Casbah CafeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMediterranean restaurant in Jacksonville featured on tour experiences.
• Peterbrooke ChocolatierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChocolate shop in Avondale featuring artisan chocolates and confections.
• The Palace SalooncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric saloon on Amelia Island, one of Florida's oldest bars. Features local history and craft beverages.
• Timoti's Seafood ShakcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeafood restaurant on Amelia Island featuring fresh seafood and local favorites.
• Duck PinzminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant and entertainment venue on Amelia Island featuring bowling and dining.
• The Tavern by AIBCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrewery restaurant at Amelia Island Brewing Company featuring craft beers and pub fare.
• Olive AmeliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestaurant on Amelia Island featuring Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
• Marlin & Barrel DistillerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDistillery on Amelia Island featuring craft spirits and tasting experiences.
• Nana Teresa's Bake ShopminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBakery on Amelia Island featuring artisan baked goods and sweet treats.
• The DecanterycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWine bar and shop at Amelia Island Hotel & Golf Resort featuring curated wine selections.
• Hopcraft CollectiveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury wedding hair and makeup artists. Partnership for custom bachelorette packages including beauty services.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Airbnb Experiences: Airbnb Experiences is a global marketplace hosting thousands of host-led culinary tours, including progressive dining and food-and-drink pairing formats. It is the dominant distribution and discovery layer that The Tasting Tours could either partner with or compete against for tourist bookings.
• Viator (Tripadvisor company): Viator is the largest online marketplace for tours, activities, and attractions, including food tours in every major city. It represents both a distribution channel for The Tasting Tours and a competitive aggregator that surfaces competing operators.

Direct peers

• Secret Food Tours: Secret Food Tours operates guided culinary walking tours in dozens of cities globally with similar progressive dining and local-partner formats. It is the closest scaled direct competitor to The Tasting Tours' core product, targeting foodies, tourists, and private groups in major destinations.
• Context Travel: Context Travel offers expert-led small-group culinary and cultural walking tours across major global cities. Comparable in scholarly/storytelling-led approach, premium positioning, and small-group tour mechanics targeting culturally curious travelers.
• Avital Tours: Avital Tours is a US-based culinary and cocktail tour operator offering curated food and drink experiences in multiple US cities. Comparable in food-and-drink pairing format, B2B/corporate group offering, and small-group progressive dining approach.
• Eating Europe (now Eating With Journeys): Eating Europe runs small-group food tours across European and US cities, offering progressive dining experiences led by licensed local guides. Highly comparable in tour format, target customer (foodies/tourists), and partnership-based model with local eateries.

Others

• FareHarbor: FareHarbor is the booking platform The Tasting Tours already uses; it also powers thousands of tour and activity operators including direct competitors. Relevant as both an enabling technology vendor and a competitive intelligence lens into how food tours are priced and distributed.

Regional players

• St. Augustine Historic Tours / Old Town Trolley Tours: Old Town Trolley Tours and similar St. Augustine sightseeing operators compete directly for tourist sightseeing spend in the same historic district. Comparable in guided tour format and St. Augustine tourism customer base, though focused on historical rather than culinary content.

Emerging players

• Delicious Food Tours: Delicious Food Tours operates small-group culinary walking tours in multiple US cities with similar local restaurant partnerships. Comparable in tour size, partner-based model, and tourist target audience, though at smaller scale.
• Local Food Adventures: Local Food Adventures offers neighborhood-focused food tours in select US markets with strong ties to independent restaurants. Comparable in partnership-based format with locally-owned eateries and small-scale multi-market operation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-tasting-tours-llc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Tasting Tours LLC