Dinner and Guided Tour with your Personal Scottish Sommelier

Planning a night out in Edinburgh that combines fine food, expert wine and whisky knowledge, along with discovering some of the city’s best-kept secrets? This Dinner and Guided Tour with a Personal Scottish Sommelier promises just that—an evening crafted to tantalize your taste buds and deepen your understanding of Scotland’s culinary treasures. From intimate restaurants to historic whisky bars, the experience offers a personalized route through Edinburgh’s vibrant food scene, all led by a passionate local guide and expert sommelier.

What sets this experience apart? Firstly, the tailored approach means your preferences shape your journey, making each outing unique. Secondly, the deep insight into food and drink pairings elevates the tasting beyond the usual. Lastly, the hidden gems tucked away in the city’s historic streets add a layer of authenticity that many travelers truly appreciate. However, with a price tag of $666 per person, it’s certainly an investment—worth it if you love music, good company, and learning about local flavors in a relaxed, private setting.

This tour is best suited for food and drink enthusiasts, couples looking for a romantic yet educational night out, or travelers eager to see Edinburgh from a local’s perspective while sampling its culinary delights. If you’re a curious soul who loves discovering off-the-beaten-path venues, you’ll find plenty to love here. Just note that this experience is not suitable for children under 18, and it offers an intimate, exclusive vibe that might feel a bit too refined for casual night owls.

Good To Know

• Personalized Experience: Every part of the tour is tailored to your tastes, from food choices to drink pairings.
• Expert Guidance: Led by Joanne, a friendly local guide and professional sommelier, you’ll gain insights into wine, whisky, and Scottish cuisine.
• Hidden Spots: The journey includes visits to lesser-known restaurants, whisky bars, and secret culinary spots that travelers often miss.
• Flexible and Private: This is a private tour, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Unpredictable & Unique: No two tours are alike; your evening adapts to your preferences, making each experience fresh.
• Comprehensive Learning: From food pairing skills to whisky tasting techniques, you’ll leave with new knowledge and appreciation.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Inside Look at the Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The journey begins with one of three pickup points—W Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse, or The Balmoral—giving you flexibility based on where you’re staying. From there, your guide Joanne will lead you through the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, sharing stories behind the city’s most charming spots.

Your first stops include sightseeing and visits to secret restaurants and bars that aren’t on every tourist map. These are chosen specifically to showcase the city’s culinary diversity—think cozy wine cellars, historic whisky bars, and intimate eateries known only to locals. One reviewer mentioned that Joanne “took us to tucked-away restaurants steeped in history, which made each stop feel like a discovery.”

Champagne and Food Tastings

In the middle of your tour, expect a decadent champagne tasting and a selection of food tastings designed to highlight the best of Scottish ingredients. These stops are carefully curated to balance modern flavors with traditional Scottish dishes, helping you understand the local culinary scene in a relaxed, refined setting. Imagine savoring fresh oysters paired with crisp wines or sampling artisanal cheeses that reflect Scotland’s dairy craftsmanship.

Evening Dinner and Whisky Bar

As the evening progresses, you’ll arrive at an inviting restaurant for a specially prepared dinner paired with wines selected by your sommelier. The focus here is on food and wine harmony—learning which wines enhance each dish and why. Several reviews note that Joanne’s expertise made the pairing sessions fun and educational, making it easier to remember what goes well together next time you’re shopping for wine.

Following dinner, you’ll visit a historic whisky bar, where your guide will introduce you to a selection of Scottish whiskies. This part of the experience is often highlighted as a favorite—”Joanne opened my eyes to whisky I’d never heard of, and I appreciated her stories about each distillery’s history.” You’ll learn how to taste whisky properly, appreciate its nuances, and understand the different styles Scotland has to offer.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Additional Tastings and Sightseeing

The tour also includes stops for cheese and additional whisky tastings, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage with your guide. The last moments are spent strolling past Edinburgh Castle and other iconic sights, which add a touch of sightseeing to your food-focused evening.

Practical Details

The four-hour experience is designed to be comfortable and manageable, with pickup and drop-off included at your hotel. During the tour, all beverages—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are included, so you can focus fully on the tasting without worry. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

Expert Guidance from Joanne

From the reviews, it’s clear that Joanne’s knowledge and friendly demeanor elevate the tour. She’s praised for her ability to blend storytelling with expert advice, making each tasting informative yet relaxed. Her passion for Edinburgh’s food and drink scene shines through, creating an engaging, authentic atmosphere.

Customization and Flexibility

Every detail is tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re into rare whiskies, local delicacies, or offbeat venues, the tour adapts accordingly. This flexible approach ensures you get a genuinely personal experience rather than a cookie-cutter tasting session.

Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Many reviewers appreciated the chance to visit lesser-known spots—”we loved the secret whisky bar with its cozy atmosphere”—and to see parts of Edinburgh most travelers never experience. This focus on authentic venues adds value to the experience, especially for travelers wanting to feel like a local.

Quality and Value

While the cost might seem steep at $666, the inclusion of dinner, all drinks, private transportation, and a dedicated guide makes it a comprehensive package. For those wanting a curated, intimate, and educational evening, this experience offers good value—especially compared to typical restaurant or bar outings in Edinburgh.

The Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Transport and Logistics

The tour offers pickup from three prominent locations—W Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse, or The Balmoral—making it easy to integrate into your hotel stay. The transportation within Edinburgh is included, eliminating worries about navigating the city’s streets after a full evening of tastings.

Duration and Pacing

Spanning four hours, the tour strikes a balance between being comprehensive and not overwhelming. The pacing allows enough time at each stop to enjoy the dishes and drinks without feeling rushed. Several reviews mention that the time flew by because of Joanne’s engaging storytelling and the variety of experiences.

Group Size and Atmosphere

This is a private experience, meaning it’s just you, your companions, and Joanne. This intimacy fosters relaxed conversations and allows her to customize the experience further if desired. Many travelers noted how much they appreciated the quiet, personal vibe compared to larger, more generic tours.

Pricing and What You Get

At $666 per person, the experience includes dinner, all beverages, private transport, and a knowledgeable guide. This all-in-one approach delivers a full evening of entertainment, education, and culinary delight. For food and drink lovers, it’s a chance to indulge without worrying about extra costs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a carefully curated journey through Edinburgh’s culinary landscape, led by a guide who’s passionate about sharing Scottish flavors. Its strength lies in the personalized approach, hidden local spots, and the expert-led tastings that truly elevate the experience beyond a simple dinner or bar crawl.

It’s particularly appealing for those seeking an intimate, educational, and authentic exploration of Scotland’s food and drink. If you’re a foodie, whisky lover, or someone eager to see Edinburgh from a local’s perspective, this tour will likely delight.

However, it’s a splurge—so consider whether you value a personalized, all-inclusive evening with expert insights. For travelers who want to indulge in Scotland’s best flavors while learning how to pair them expertly, this experience is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s a private experience designed for your group, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers dinner, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and transportation within Edinburgh.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, with flexibility depending on your pace and preferences.

Where does the tour start?
Pickups are available at W Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse, or The Balmoral, depending on your hotel location.

Can I customize the experience?
Absolutely. Your guide will contact you beforehand to understand your preferences and tailor the stops accordingly.

Is there any age restriction?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 18.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Are drinks included?
Yes, all beverages—wine, whisky, or non-alcoholic options—are included throughout the evening.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I pay for the tour?
Booking allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, this Dinner and Guided Tour with your Personal Scottish Sommelier offers an inviting, expertly curated way to enjoy Edinburgh’s culinary scene. It combines insider knowledge, authentic venues, and tailored tastings into one memorable evening—perfect for those eager to taste, learn, and explore Scotland’s flavors in style.

You can check if your dates are available here: