About

ENV Travel is a premier travel company specializing in unforgettable culinary experiences across the globe. Each meticulously crafted journey takes travelers to extraordinary destinations, offering immersive adventures where guests learn directly from local experts and insiders. Our exclusive activities bring travelers into the heart of the action — from cooking alongside celebrated chefs and winemakers to exploring local farms, bustling markets, and family-run kitchens.

With every bite, ENV Travel ensures an authentic cultural experience, giving guests the chance to discover the soul of a destination through its food, traditions, and people.

ENV Travel, a division of Food and Vine Travel, curates extraordinary culinary journeys that satisfy the most discerning food and wine enthusiasts. Our handpicked experiences combine exceptional cuisine, fine wines, unique cultural encounters, and luxurious accommodations, creating unforgettable adventures around the world.

By joining one of our journeys, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of diverse cultures through authentic culinary traditions and innovative gastronomy — bringing people closer together through the universal language of food.

ENV Travel was born in Napa Valley after founder Karen Forster Rowley moved to Saint Helena and relocated her travel business to focus on global culinary experiences. Inspired by the region’s remarkable food and wine, along with her extensive network of culinary connections, Karen began crafting exceptional travel adventures that explore cultures through their flavors.

Karen owns Food and Vine Travel, along with ENV Travel, and has a 22-year background in travel, including Director of Sales and Marketing at Carlson Wagonlit Travel, a position she held for over eight years.  Visiting 63 countries and counting, she focuses on luxury, culinary, and wine travel.  She holds a degree in English Literature and belongs to the prestigious Virtuoso Network of the most accomplished travel designers in the world with a special designation as a Virtuoso Culinary Expert.  She is also a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier an invitation-only philanthropic organization of women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage, and hospitality, a sponsor of Zinfandel Advocates and an Ambassador of the prestigious Coombsville AVA.  

Her passion for discovering hidden gems and connecting travelers with authentic experiences has led to the creation of magical journeys that celebrate the richness of local traditions.

Join Us for Culinary Adventures Around the Globe
Karen and her dedicated team delight in designing the perfect journey for food and wine aficionados, offering adventures that uncover secret spots and unforgettable tastes in dream destinations. Whether you’re savoring truffles in Italy, exploring street food in Bangkok, or tasting wines in the heart of France, ENV Travel promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary exploration.

We'll take you on a journey where every bite tells a story.

Some of the topics I can address include:
•     How do you define gastro travel?
•     What was travel like before the rise in gastro travel?
•     What are some of the most popular destinations?
•     What is your role in gastro travel?
•     How does your company support gastro travel?
•     How does gastro travel benefit destinations and local people?
•     What parts of tourism have been affected by gastro travel?
•     Slow Food and gastro tourism.

I am also willing to write guest pieces about:
•     Global culinary travel
•     Gastro travel to exotic locations
•     The best culinary cruises
•     The rise of winery estate chefs and kitchens
•     Food as the soul of a culture
•     Cooking abroad
•     Food festivals