A native and lifelong resident of WNC, Chall has opened more than a dozen bars in various parts of the US, both as owner and consultant. Little Jumbo was named one of the 2025 Best Bars in the US by USA Today, and one of the Best Cocktail Bars in the South by Garden & Gun Magazine. A noted cocktail expert and history buff, Gray’s recipes have appeared in many publications, including Food & Wine, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Imbibe Magazine and many other magazines, books and anthologies. 

Chall is also well-known as a speaker and author. His book The Cocktail Bar: Notes for an Owner & Operator (White Mule Press, 2018), is recommended reading in the industry for prospective bar owners, and he has spoken at many cocktail festivals and industry events, including a sold-out presentation at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. He lives in Asheville, NC with his wife and teenage son.

July 3-13, 2027: 

July 3, 4, 5 - We'll begin our tour in Edinburgh, a bustling city with gothic vibe, a maze of closes and wynds and so much history, with a meet and greet at 5:00PM on the 3rd. During our 3 days here, we'll have a local guide take us on an authentic and fun history walk through Old Town, celebrate with a group dinner and private concert and visit a local cocktail bar and gin distillery for a special presentation. You'll have plenty of free time to explore the city on your own, armed with a great overview of its history.

July 6, 7, 8 - Our coach will pick us up to head to Glasgow, but first we'll stop at Rosslyn Chapel and Glen for a walk and talk. This is an amazing and mysterious chapel and always a tour favorite. After lunch, we'll continue on to Glasgow, a friendly city with great music and, you guessed it, plenty of history. We'll learn the local stories, meet area musicians, enjoy a private concert, a cocktail bar visit, whisky distillery stop and group dinner while also giving you pockets of free time and suggestions to choose on your own.

July 9, 10, 11 - Next, we journey to Inverness, a beautiful city on the River Ness. Over the next three days, we'll visit castles and gardens and hear the rich area history by musicians and storytellers. A visit here wouldn't be complete without Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield. Named "Scotland's Best Bar," MacGregor's will host a private music and presentation in their back room cocktail lounge. You'll also have time to meander the City Centre.

July 12 - We ride back to Edinburgh for our final night with some special stops along the way. That evening we'll gather for a final group dinner and sharing favorite memories before saying goodbyes.

July 13 - flights home or onward journeys.

Did you know?

Our tours are different than most. We follow a model of Regenerative Tourism, meaning we strive to leave a place better than we found it. Tours are carefully curated to support Scottish communities and be mindful of areas that are overtouristed. You will be seeing Scotland with local guides and friends who show up to share music and stories. You will not be seeing this enchanting land through a coach window with quick stops. We take our time and a portion of every tour goes back to conservation efforts in the areas we visit. Thanks for supporting small businesses and community efforts around Scotland!