How friendship, a passion for food, and a love of St. Augustine brought Niki Kemper and Dawn Mariotti together for their most delicious adventure yet with The Tasting Tours. Photos by Sarah Rivera. Creative Content by Sarah. Makeup by Rebecca Scales, Elegance Artistry. Styling by Lisa Keller-Greulich of Fleur de Lis Boutique
DOWNTOWN The Tasting Tours Co-Owners Niki Kemper and Dawn Mariotti at Flagler College in St. Augustine
There's something wonderful about a friendship between two women that evolves into an unexpected collaboration. For Niki Kemper and Dawn Mariotti, the adventure involves exceptional food, fabulous wine, a little creative mischief, and the historic streets of St. Augustine. As the new owners of The Tasting Tours, the longtime friends are bringing fresh energy and their own delicious sense of style to a beloved local business, proving that a shared appetite for life can lead to some rather extraordinary places.
Their story began years ago in the parking lot of St. Augustine High School, where both of their daughters were members of the cheerleading team. As the girls prepared to leave for cheer camp, Dawn was the only parent permitted to accompany them. Niki approached her with a declaration: Dawn was now her new best friend, and daily proof-of-life photographs of her daughter would be required. What began as a humorous exchange became an enduring friendship that eventually extended to their entire families. “Our children and husbands are friends too,” Niki says.
Their professional journeys, however, couldn't have been more unique. Niki spent over two decades working in nuclear medicine, emergency rooms, and orthopedics. “You learn very quickly how to read people, stay calm when things don't go according to plan and figure things out on the fly,” she says of her former career and how it prepared her for business ownership. When she was ready for a change, Niki traded the fast-paced world of healthcare for a different kind of excitement, one that embraced la dolce vita, and her days would revolve around fabulous food, fine wine, and the charming streets of St. Augustine.
The Team: Dawn and Niki with their fabulous team on St. Augustine’s picturesque Palm Row, (from left to right, Molly Nwokoma, Katie Johnson, Niki Kemper, Dawn Mariotti, Heather Aguilera, Kirsten K. French, and Judi Cowan.)
“I didn’t just want a business partner. I wanted someone I completely trusted, someone who brought different strengths to the table and, honestly, someone I knew I could have fun doing this with.”
Niki joined The Tasting Tours more than a decade ago as a guide, eventually working her way through nearly every aspect of the business, from tour management and sales to directing its Nights of Lights experiences. “Taking ownership felt like the natural next step,” Niki explains. “I knew this company from the inside out.” She understood its guides, restaurant partners, and guests, and saw exciting possibilities for what it could become.
For Dawn, the turning point came when her children left for college. Ready for a new chapter and looking for something fun, she called Niki and asked if The Tasting Tours needed another guide. Soon, she found herself immersed in St. Augustine's culinary scene, helping create memorable events and specialty experiences. What could be better than sharing great food, wine, and the city she loved? “You didn’t just see St. Augustine. You were part of it for a little while,” she says, capturing the very essence of what made the experience so special.
When the opportunity arose for Niki to take over the company, she knew exactly whom she wanted beside her. “I didn't just want a business partner. I wanted someone I completely trusted, someone who brought different strengths to the table and, honestly, someone I knew I could have fun doing this with.”Their contrasting personalities have become their greatest advantage. Niki is the spontaneous idea generator, ready to turn inspiration into action. Dawn brings financial expertise, storytelling, and an eye for the details that transform an ordinary outing into an occasion. “I'm usually the ‘I have an idea, let's do it!’ person,” Niki laughs. “Dawn is much better at making sure we've thought through everything that comes after the idea.” They challenge each other, complement each other's strengths, and laugh often. Most importantly, the friendship always comes first.
Dawn & Niki at the iconic Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine
“They challenge each other, complement each other’s strengths, and laugh often. Most importantly, the friendship always comes first.”
That same spirit of connection defines their vision for The Tasting Tours. “Yes, you’re going to eat incredible food and have some great wine and cocktails, but it’s about more than what’s on the plate or in the glass,” Dawn explains. “It’s the stories you hear, the people you meet, the places you might have walked right past and never known were there.” For Niki, the relationships with locally owned restaurants and businesses are especially meaningful. After more than a decade, these aren’t just tour stops; they’re neighbors, friends, and longtime partners. Their guides bring those connections to life, helping guests experience St. Augustine through the people and places that give the city its character.
Alongside the signature food and wine tours, the duo is introducing imaginative new experiences, including interactive mysteries, Silent Disco Tours, and private celebrations. They envision everything from girls’ nights and milestone birthdays to corporate gatherings and spontaneous evenings out. Their philosophy is simple: Why should visitors have all the fun? Even longtime residents might discover something unexpected in their own backyard.
The holidays bring another dimension of magic. During St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, their seasonal experiences unfold against the city’s sparkling backdrop. Niki remembers helping grow the company’s holiday offerings from just two carriages into a much larger operation, while Dawn enjoys the festive characters, particularly a Santa who can make even grown-ups believe in magic.
Their most inspiring adventure is the one they’re living themselves. At 52 and 55, Niki and Dawn are embracing new possibilities with enthusiasm rather than hesitation.
"I’m 52 and starting one of the biggest chapters of my professional life. I don’t think there is an age when you’re supposed to stop taking chances, changing direction or doing something that scares you a little. Say yes and then figure it out,” Niki advises.
Dawn shares that philosophy. “At this stage of my life, I’m not interested in playing it safe just because something is unfamiliar. I want to keep growing, trying things and saying yes to opportunities that make me feel alive.”
Two friends, one extraordinary partnership, and a shared appetite for whatever comes next. Their story is a reminder that the most memorable adventures aren’t always planned. Sometimes they begin with a simple hello in a high school parking lot and lead somewhere wonderfully unexpected.
Dawn and Niki with the team along their signature Tasting Tours Golf Cart…which you may see tooling around St. Augustine on any given day: Dawn and Niki with their fabulous team on St. Augustine’s picturesque Palm Row, (from left to right, Molly Nwokoma, Katie Johnson, Niki Kemper, Dawn Mariotti, Heather Aguilera, Kirsten K. French, and Judi Cowan.)
“Yes, you’re going to eat incredible food and have some great wine and cocktails, but it’s about more than what’s on the plate or in the glass,” Dawn explains. “It’s the stories you hear, the people you meet, the places you might have walked right past and never known were there. ”
Dawn & Niki enjoying some wine at the Palm Row offices (above)