Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Mathis.
Hi Kris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We started Raise A Glass Wine Tours in 2019, when my wife Chawntrell and I wanted to create something different in the world of wine experiences. We noticed most wine tours were vineyard-based, and we wanted to bring that adventure into cities—places where people live, work, and explore.
Since then, we’ve been fortunate to host guests from around the world, from the vibrant streets of Manhattan to the tropical charm of Nassau, The Bahamas and even waterfront views in Miami. Each tour blends wine, food, and culture, and we work with local sommeliers, chefs, and wine bars to make it an experience that’s as educational as it is fun.
What really excites us is seeing people discover a city through its wine scene, make new connections, and leave with memories they’ll never forget. And this is just the beginning—we’re bringing Raise A Glass Tours to even more cities soon. So, if you see us in your city, get ready to ‘Raise A Glass’ with us!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Anytime you’re starting something new, there are challenges. For us, one of the biggest hurdles was breaking into city style wine tourism and then being blindsided by the Covid pandemic. Suddenly, our new wine experience was basically shut down along with all of the restaurants and wine bars. Our entire model of city experiences had to pause and we had to learn to navigate our new normal.
Logistics were another learning curve. Finding the right local partners, coordinating with restaurants and wine bars, and creating experiences that feel both fun and seamless for our guests took a lot of trial and error.
But every challenge taught us something important. It pushed us to refine our tours, really listen to our guests, and think creatively about how to deliver unforgettable experiences. Today, those struggles feel like milestones that shaped Raise A Glass into what it is now, an internationally recognized city style wine adventure that people genuinely love.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Raise A Glass Wine Tours is all about bringing unforgettable wine and food experiences to some of the world’s most exciting cities. We specialize in city style wine tourism, meaning instead of vineyard tours, we curate tours in vibrant urban settings, highlighting local restaurants, hidden gems, modern wine bars, and the cultural heartbeat of each city.
What sets us apart is our focus on experience over just tasting. Guests don’t just try wine, they explore the city, connect with local chefs and sommeliers, and make lasting memories with friends or even new friends they meet on the tour. We blend education, fun, and culture into every step of the journey.
Brand wise, we’re most proud of creating something that people truly look forward to. We have a tour that’s accessible, engaging, and memorable, whether it’s in Manhattan, NY., Chicago, IL. Grand Rapids, MI., Miami, FL., or Nassau, The Bahamas. People recognize Raise A Glass for the energy we bring, the experiences we craft, and the way we make wine approachable and exciting for everyone.
What I want your readers to know is that this is more than just a wine tour. It’s a chance to experience a city through its food, wine, and culture, and to walk away with memories and connections that last far beyond the wine tasting.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s through Raise A Glass Tours or other ventures that I own, I’m passionate about connection, helping people discover something new, enjoy life’s moments, and make memories that truly matter.
I’ve seen how shared experiences, like exploring a city, tasting wine, or just laughing together, can transform a day and even create lifelong bonds. That’s why it’s so important to me. It’s about more than business or wine. It’s about building community, celebrating life, and giving people something they’ll remember long after the tour is over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raiseaglasstours.com
- Instagram: @raiseaglasstours
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaiseAGlassTours/
