Luxury Travel Specialist

Bespoke luxury from the cellar to the sea.

True luxury is not just about the destination; it is about the meticulous orchestration of every moment. Having spent 23 years as the founder and General Manager of Coeur d’Alene Cellars, I understand the "ultra-premium" standard better than most. My career has been dedicated to the fine details of hospitality, a background that now serves as the foundation for my work in the luxury travel sector. Through Thirsty Bird Travel, I apply a winemaker’s precision and a CPA’s diligence to the world’s most exclusive travel experiences.

I specialize in creating high-touch, fully managed itineraries for travelers who demand the extraordinary. My approach is defined by "minute-by-minute" curation—ensuring that from the moment you leave your home until your return, every detail is flawlessly executed. A recent example of this bespoke service involved a curated journey to the heart of Tuscany. I managed every facet of the experience, starting with seamless Business Class arrangements and a private retreat at the historic Borgo Sant’Ambrogio. The itinerary was a masterclass in exclusivity: private, expert-led tours of hidden wine cellars, custom culinary encounters, and intimate candlelit dinners set against the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia. I believe that luxury travel should be a series of "un-buyable" moments—experiences that cannot be found in a brochure, but must be built by hand.

To provide my clients with the highest level of advocacy and expertise, I am constantly refining my professional standing within the luxury ecosystem. I am currently in the final stages of achieving my Luxury Travel Specialist designation with both The Travel Institute and the Travel Leaders Network. These certifications represent the gold standard in the industry, granting me exclusive access to elite properties, private amenities, and a global network of luxury suppliers that ensure my clients receive "top-of-list" treatment wherever they go.

My clients benefit from a unique dual-perspective. With an MBA and a history of successful business ownership, I handle the logistical complexities and financial investments of luxury travel with surgical care. Yet, with a heart rooted in the vineyards of France and the Pacific Northwest, I never lose sight of the romance and discovery that travel should inspire.

Whether you are seeking a private villa in Italy, a Business Class escape to the South Pacific, or a flawlessly planned European river cruise, I provide a level of concierge service that is as sophisticated as the wines I have spent my life crafting.