Specialist travel provider, Food and Wine Travel has teamed up with California Tourism to create a series of exclusive food inspired travel experiences. 

California Tourism is the official consumer office of California and recently partnered with Australia's Junior Masterchef, to take the show to California. 

Food and Wine Travel's ‘adult style' gourmet packages are designed to tempt travellers with an interest in local and seasonal fare and top class regional wines. San Francisco is leading the way in the USA with the unique food truck movement and of course the world renown Napa and Sonoma Valleys. 

These exciting and specialised tours which feature all sorts of wonderful tasting and dining experiences from Chinatown sights and cooking classes through to a dining experience at Chez Pannise the home of pioneering foodie, Alice Waters. 

The San Francisco region and in particular, the Napa Valley just beyond, are amazing in their gourmet offerings, and truly are world class.

As a sample of what is on offer to travellers, local foodie expert will take you through San Francisco's Mission District, where the traditional and often lusty Latino and South American flavours are a part of a changing community of various background and cultures. Excursions include a mouth-watering assortment of tastings and samples. It's a world of tacos and salsa (the sauce, not the dance), freshly made ice cream and savoury pies. Travellers will enjoy learning in person, the stories of Mission culinary artists and shop keepers, with insights into the area's history and beautiful, world famous murals.

Travellers are encouraged to bring their appetites with them as tasting local artisan edibles is par for the course.  Such delights as handmade tartlets from Mission Pie, a hand held savoury pie delivered by Bike Basket Pies will be on offer as well Humphry Slocombe's award winning, fresh, original ice cream.  Mexican delicacies from El Farolito (tacos), La Palma Foods, (huaraches and fresh salsa) and La Victoria (pan dulces) will keep your tastebuds guessing and wanting more. Further visits and tastes will include Mission Minis, home of the mini cinnamon horchata cupcake and Mr. Pollo's incredible Venezuelan empanadas and arepas as well.

Top this off with a visit to The Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center with more than 80 colourful murals celebrating the Mission District's cultural heritage, as well as a visit to La Cocina, a fascinating Mission-based business incubator for food entrepreneurs.

Travel to the Westcoast USA is truly a hidden treasure when it comes to food, wine and artisan delights.  Now is chance for some California dreaming of your own!