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Founded in 2011 by longtime entrepreneurs and hospitality veterans JoAnna Engel and Andrea Jones-Downs, The Tasting Tours has grown from a two-woman passion project into one of North Florida's premier culinary experience companies. Built on a shared love of great food, great wine, and meaningful connections, Andrea and JoAnna created a company dedicated to showcasing the incredible restaurants, rich history, and genuine hospitality of St. Augustine -one unforgettable experience at a time.
What began with a single tour has evolved into a multi-market operation offering award-winning food-and-drink pairing experiences throughout St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Palatka. Today, guests enjoy both walking and electric-vehicle (EV) tours featuring four to five carefully selected local restaurants, bars, and artisan partners from a network of more than 30 venues, ensuring every experience is fresh, authentic, and uniquely local. Drawing upon decades of experience in hospitality, tourism, entertainment, and business leadership, JoAnna and Andrea built The Tasting Tours on a simple philosophy: exceptional guest experiences begin with exceptional relationships. Their vision transformed the company into a nationally recognized brand, earning more than 3,250 five-star reviews, 15 consecutive TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence, TripAdvisor Hall of Fame recognition, Travelers' Choice Awards, and features in Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, Coastal Living, and Cooking with Paula Deen. In August of 2026, after more than fifteen successful years at the helm, JoAnna and Andrea proudly passed ownership of The Tasting Tours to Niki Kemper and Dawn Mariotti. The transition represents a natural evolution for the company, as both Niki and Dawn have been integral members of the leadership team for more than a decade and have played a significant role in shaping the company's culture, guest experience, and continued growth. Together, Niki and Dawn are committed to preserving the values and vision established by the founders while leading The Tasting Tours into its next chapter. Their dedication to hospitality, community partnerships, and exceptional service ensures that guests will continue to enjoy the same memorable experiences that have defined the company from the very beginning. Today, The Tasting Tours continues to operate throughout multiple St. Augustine districts, Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Palatka, welcoming thousands of guests each year. Proudly locally owned and community driven, the company remains committed to supporting independent restaurants, celebrating local businesses, and sharing the stories, flavors, and people that make North Florida such a remarkable place to visit. |
