South African Wine Tastings in DC, Philly, New York & Chicago

My good friend Jeff Ward who operates Savvy Navigator, a gay travel tour company that specializes in trips to South Africa, Argentina and Costa Ric, is planning upcoming wine tastings events in DC, Philly, New York & Chicago. Jeff only does things first class so I encourage readers in the cities involved to experience a taste of South Africa with Julian Melck, Jeff's South African farmer host from Kersefontein Farm. Jeff assures me that Julian will titillate your taste buds with some of the best vintages from the vineyards we visit on our South African Tours. Here are the details:

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DC Wine Tasting
Monday, March 15th, 7:00 pm
At Savvy Nav HQ, 1329 T Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20009
Please click here to RSVP for the DC Wine Tasting

Philadelphia Wine Tasting
Tuesday, March 16th, 7:00 pm

At the home of Joe DiStanislao

622 Kater Street,Philadelphia PA 19147
Please click here to RSVP for the Philly Wine Tasting

New York Wine Tasting
Wednesday, March 17th, 7:00 pm

At the home of Hugh Duthie

70 Washington Street #8b

Brooklyn, New York, NY 11201
Please click here to RSVP for the New York Wine Tasting

Chicago Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 20th, 6:00 pm

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Club

220 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604
Please click here to RSVP for the Chicago Wine Tasting

A Savvy Navigator for South Africa

Back in October, 2008, I wrote about a friend, Jeff Ward, who had started a new business called Savvy Navigator, LLC, of conducting escorted gay friendly tours to South Africa. Now, Out Traveler has done a story on Jeff's endeavor. Jeff has plenty of travel experience both from his background in the airline industry not to mention travels with his TV producer husband. I'm trilled that Out Traveler is giving him much deserved coverage. Here are some highlights:

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A 12-day trip to South Africa can be a daunting adventure to plan well. Tack on looking for gay nightlife, day trips to the country's famed vineyards, and a few days escape to Zambia's thundering Victoria Falls and well...you'll be a travel expert by the time you get home!

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If, however, you'd rather let a tried-and-true gay traveller take over the heavy lifting, there are a bunch of gay tour operators out there with great Africa packages. Created and run by Jeffrey Ward, who earned his travel expert stripes as an executive at gay-friendly American Airlines, the Savvy Navigator has put together a fun-looking trip for this May (and other in November).

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Centering around Cape Town with an optional four-day add-on to Victoria Falls, Savvy Navigator specializes in small groups (no more than 12) and intimate luxury experiences. More than other gay tour operators to the area, Savvy Navigator will focus as much on culinary and cultural luxury as on, say, trips to vineyards and a safari -- both of which are included, too.

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Starting at $5,995 for 12 days, plus $1,995 for the Zambian add-on, plus your own airfare in and out of Africa (domestic flights are included), of course, you'll have to reach deep in these uncertain economic times. With Ward at the helm, though, there doesn't seem to be any doubt you'll have an experience worth every penny.

Savvy Navigator LLC

My friend, Jeffrey Ward (who calls Norfolk his home town), a 20-year travel industry veteran and executive coach, has launched a specialized gay tour company catering to sophisticated male travelers. With three departures planned in 2009, Savvy Navigator offers 12-day experiential, life-changing journeys for small groups to sample some of South Africa’s lesser-known attractions and meet with leading artists, naturalists and intellectuals.

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Jeff has traveled extensively both during his career with American Airlines and with his partner, Michael, who is a television producer. He's both knowledgeable and a great guy, so I can't think of anything more enjoyable than going on a personally guided trip with Jeff as my guide. Here is how Jeff describes the intent of his travel adventures:

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My concept for Savvy Navigator is the best dinner party imaginable extended over 12 days in settings of startling beauty.”. . . “Sophisticated travelers are craving something different and want the opportunity to have a transformative adventure that includes getting to know interesting locals, and not just have a traditional tourist experience.”

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Check out his web page and imagine the wonders you might experience.