​CONGRATS!! Last night, The Tasting Tours Co-Founder, Andrea Jones-Downs (CEO), was honored at the Golden Pineapple (Hospitality) Awards! Celebrating the top 20 women over the past 10 years (2018 honoree).
When asked why she chose and loves a career in hospitality:
"The world of hospitality and tourism is vibrant, lively, and always interesting. It’s never cookie cutter, there is always something different to experience, and it also allows you to have a creative outlet. And...it's all about teamwork! There is no 'I' in team. I am very lucky that I get to share my workdays (and more) with my amazing business partner, JoAnna Engel (CFO). With whom, we co-founded the company together in 2011. And Niki Kemper (COO), who joined the team in 2016 and became a shareholder in 2019. I could not imagine my days without them! Entrepreneurial women working together, as a team, to support a common goal and each other.
I come from a cruise line background and what better hospitality training ground is there than that?! I actually had the best training from two worlds with Premier Cruise Lines & the Walt Disney Company (the official cruise line for Disney at the time). Disney ethics is a powerful tool and when teamed with a cruise company…it is ‘magical’. I may be on land now, but that type of training carries over into everything I do and put into the company. From 5-star customer service to top notch hospitality standards.
On the fun side of my career…I get to eat and drink ‘professionally’!! And I am good at it! As a highly regarded food tour company, we have the amazing opportunity to be ambassadors for our city and its venues. Our job, as a company, is to promote the venues, highlight the dishes/chefs and make recommendations for the guests’ return. And best of all, we get to indulge and partake, all the while promoting, the wonderful food culture within the city. It’s a dream job - win, win!"
Congrats, Andrea!! The management team of The Tasting Tours would like to extend our thanks to Leigh Cort Publicity, for creating a wonderful organization (Womens Food Alliance), where we can all share our business accolades, networking opportunities, entrepreneurial ideas and friendships with other like-minded women.
#girlpower www.thetastingtours.com

Book your next event in the heart of downtown St. Augustine at The Tasting Tours Suite and enjoy breathtaking views of the bayfront and city skyline. Owned and operated by The Tasting Tours, this new space offers a new way to celebrate, providing an intimate space for private events, micro weddings for up to 35 guests, educational workshops, wine tastings, and more. Located on the fifth floor of The Treasury building, this exclusive venue offers one-of-a-kind views from Matanzas Bay to Flagler College.
“This space is perfect for anyone looking to host a private celebration or join in on one of our custom events such as how to build charcuterie boards and educational wine tasting workshops,” explained Andrea Jones, CEO of The Tasting Tours. “My favorite thing about The Tasting Tours is sharing a unique perspective of the city. The Tasting Tours Suite is just another way to share the best parts of our city and invite others to make their own memories, which is incredibly special.”
Located in the city’s one and only ‘skyscraper,’ The Tasting Tours Suite is a private events space and tasting room providing guests with the chance to experience the best of what St. Augustine has to offer. This intimate venue is ideal for those looking to celebrate nuptials, an anniversary, birthday party, baby shower, or any other event for up to 35 guests. In addition, the venue also offers wine and culinary tasting events for those looking to experience a sprinkling of local flavor.
“This space is where memories are made,” Jones said. “With stunning views of the waterfront to your right and a gorgeous sight of the Flagler College skyline to your left, I can’t imagine a better place to celebrate. Being in the heart of the city, above the hustle and bustle of downtown, is the perfect chance to step back, slow down, and enjoy the moment.”
ABOUT THE TASTING TOURS: Founded in 2011, The Tasting Tours is a woman-owned business offering local food tours and culinary adventures throughout Northeast Florida. Located on the fifth floor of The Treasury building at 24 Cathedral Place #505 in downtown St. Augustine, The Tasting Tours Suite offers a private meeting/event space and monthly wine tasting events. Recognized as one of North Florida's largest culinary experience providers, The Tasting Tours is ideal for everyone from lifelong locals to international visitors, bachelorette and bridal parties, corporate events, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thetastingtours.com or contact Suite Coordinator, Niki Kemper, at suiteevents@thetastingtours.com or 904-325-3971. Follow along on social media The Tasting Tours, LLC

​We had the pleasure of attending a (foodie) media event at Uptown Swinery. The Swinery is located in the Uptown area of the Historic District.

If you have not experienced this venue, on one of our amazing tours, then please take the opportunity to check them out on your own! Not only do they serve LOCALLY sourced, farm raised (swine) dishes, but they have great vegetarian options as well.

Katrina (the GM) is a knowledgeable restaurateur and designer. She has changed the look and feel, of the old La Pavilion, into a fresh, bright and relaxing atmosphere. The new BAR has been created, from the old foundation, of the original building. We love UP-cycling! And she did it herself! Talented woman!

Bar manager, Cooper has put together an amazing drink menu to accompany their eclectic dishes. The food menu is creatively diverse - with so many options to explore!

Make sure to try their southern ramen (say what?!). It's so good! PS - ask for their homemade cheesecake! Yummo!

We thank you for the invite and look forward to introducing our future guests to your fabulous venue!

​Uptown Swinery
45 San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 824-6202