Elevate your wine journey with an unforgettable experience tasting through five different wines hosted by accomplished sommelier and Unmapped Excursions founder, Merrick Gilroy. With over 20 years of expertise in the world’s most celebrated wine and food destinations—including Chicago, Boston, and Aspen—Merrick brings his passion for connecting people with exceptional wine, gastronomy, and culture to your home. Enjoy this experience in the location of your choosing. Unmapped Excursions will incur all travel and lodging costs within the continental U.S. Outside of major markets, client will incur travel expenses required for experience.

This exclusive package includes two extraordinary offerings:

Dynamic and Experiential Wine Tasting for up to 8 guests

Indulge in an interactive wine tasting led by sommelier Merrick Gilroy. He will bring the world of wine to life with his masterful storytelling, guiding you through the history, terroir, and winemaking techniques behind each sip. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced wine lover, this tasting will deepen your appreciation for the art and artisanship of winemaking. The tasting will consist of five otherworldly wines for a group of up to 8 guests. 

Personalized Cellar Curation Consultation (4 Hours)

Transform your wine collection into a reflection of your unique palate and aspirations. Whether you're building a cellar from scratch or refining your existing collection, Merrick will guide you through the art of selecting wines that match your taste, lifestyle, and future goals. Explore classic favorites, experiment with emerging trends, and craft a collection that’s as exceptional as it is personal.  

About Merrick Gilroy

Merrick is the founder of Unmapped Excursions, a boutique travel company specializing in immersive food, wine, and cultural tours to the old world. From guiding guests through the vineyards of Sicily to orchestrating exclusive truffle hunts and dining experiences in Piedmont, Merrick crafts transformational small-group journeys both public and private that connect travelers to the heart of the world’s most enchanting regions.

His extensive expertise, combined with his flair for storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, has made him a sought-after sommelier and tour leader. Merrick’s passion lies in creating dynamic, educational, and deeply personal experiences that celebrate the beauty of food, wine, and culture.

Why Bid on This Experience?

This bespoke sommelier experience is the perfect gift for wine enthusiasts or a luxurious way to enhance your own collection and celebration. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply savoring life’s finer things, this package offers the best of both worlds: a curated collection tailored to you and an unforgettable tasting experience in the comfort of your home.

With a personal history of having his high-school GSA help save his life, this is a deeply personal contribution to ensure that other gay youth can access resources to help them achieve success along their personal journey.