Debbie Thomas, Wine Lovers Travel’s most recent host on our food and wine extravaganza to Tuscany and Emilia Romagna, has a knack for entertaining that makes you want to keep traveling with her.
Don’t know Debbie? The most important thing to know is that Debbie does what she loves, and she excels at it all!
Who is Debbie Thomas?
Debbie loved to run until her knees said no more, so now she loves to hike. And what better way to be a part of that world than to sell athletic shoes for the world’s top brands, like Adidas? Debbie didn’t merely sell—she became one of the top performers. As a side benefit, she got the opportunity to travel the world and experience the best in food and wine because she was either entertaining clients or being the one who got wined and dined.
Debbie loves to eat. When she had to make a decision to relocate from her beloved Paso Robles (California) home or leave Adidas, she did what anyone else who loves to eat would have done. She quit her job and opened a restaurant.
Not just any restaurant, but award-winning Thomas Hill Organics, the first farm-to-table restaurant in Paso Robles as well as one of the earliest fine dining venues. Debbie will be the first to tell you, that she doesn’t cook, but she knows what she likes and built a restaurant that over the 14 years that she owned became one of the top draws in the region.
Traveling with Debbie Thomas
Debbie loves to travel and now that she has sold her restaurant, that is exactly what she is doing, including this first trip with Wine Lovers Travel in Italy.
When you travel with her, you get to experience what Debbie has curated based on her years of owning a restaurant. For the Italy trip, Debbie hand-selected every menu and worked extensively with our team to choose the right blend of experiences to delight our small group of 15 fortunate travelers.
Where else would you find a trip that included a private wine-paired luncheon in the Antinori Palace in Florence? A cooking class taught by famed chef Marcella Ansaldo? A private opera concert at Santa Croce? A tour of one of the most renowned producers of prosciutto di Parma that is closed to the public?
Travel to Spain with Debbie Thomas
Next October 2025, Debbie will be creating more magic with her trip to Northern Spain. Starting in Madrid and making its way up to San Sebastian, Debbie and Wine Lovers Travel have included experiences you will not find in any other trips to Spain. Lunch at the Michelin-starred Venta Moncalvillo in the Rioja where Debbie will hand-select the menu. A master class in Spanish wine taught by a highly regarded sommelier. A wine-paired feast at the famous Marques de Winery. A visit to an invitation-only San Sebastian Gastronomic Society.
If all this isn’t enough to convince you, then you have to meet Debbie and see for yourself. One easy way is to read her new book Fork Me: A Humorous Journey Through the Chaotic World of Restaurant Entrepreneurship. It’s a funny and poignant saga of Debbie’s journey from shoe salesperson extraordinaire to restaurant owner to writer/traveler/tour host. Available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon Even better is to sign up for her Spain trip from October 10-19, 2025.
5 Reasons You Should Travel With Debbie Thomas and Wine Lovers Travel
Here are five reasons why traveling to Spain with Debbie Thomas is an experience you won’t want to miss:
- Passion for Food and Wine
Debbie’s culinary expertise and love for fine wine are unmatched. As the founder of the award-winning Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles, Debbie has spent years cultivating her knowledge of farm-to-table dining and wine pairings. - Access to Exclusive Experiences
Traveling with Debbie and Wine Lovers Travel means you’re not just another tourist. Thanks to our years of experience and relationships, you’ll get access to exclusive experiences, like a private wine-paired luncheon at Marques de Murrieta Winery, a visit to an invitation-only Gastronomic Society in San Sebastian, and a private masterclass in Spanish wines with a top sommelier. - Personalized and Intimate Journey
With only a limited number of guests, this trip is designed for a small group, ensuring you’ll get quality time with Debbie and a personalized travel experience. Debbie’s charm and warmth make every moment memorable, whether it’s a shared meal, a laugh over tapas, or a toast to new friendships. - Insider Knowledge of Spain’s Culinary Scene
Together we’ve included some of Spain’s hidden gems and authentic experiences into the trip’s itinerary. From a Michelin-starred lunch to an unforgettable pintxo tour in San Sebastian, you’ll get a true taste of Spain’s vibrant culinary scene. - A Fun and Gracious Host
Debbie is not only experienced but also a joy to travel with. Her wit, warmth, and genuine interest in connecting with people make her a fantastic host. Her energy is infectious, and she’s known for creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere that makes everyone feel like family.
Share Debbie’s joy in great food and wine and forming friendships as she travels with you. If you’re not already a FOD (fan of Debbie), you will be, and you’ll want to explore the world with her as your fun, gracious and passionate host.
