We consider it a privilege to receive at our chateau all kinds of people from a variety of countries and with different backgrounds. Some people join us for a week tour to the great wine producers of Bordeaux, others take day tours in the Bordeaux vineyards with us.
At first we were hesitant to put guest comments on our web site. We were afraid that people might think we've put these comments here to make us feel good about ourselves (actually it does, but that was not our aim...)
On this page you will find a selection of comments by our guests on their experience with The Bordeaux Wine Experience.

Wine and Culinary tours Bordeaux
Day tour Bordeaux "Grand Cru" Médoc
Day tour Saint Emilion Grand Cru
Weekend Wine and Chateaux of Bordeaux
Gala Weekend Wine and Châteaux "Grand Cru"
Tailor made wine tours
Comments in Dutch - Gastenboek in het Nederlands

Wine and Culinary tours in the Bordeaux region

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour July 2008

Dear Margaret & Ronald,
I had hoped to write in this guest book without reading everyone else’s kind & honest & complementary words first, to avoid sounding repetitive. All the previous entries however are from the heart, as this one will be.
This trip was a dream for John. He has always wanted to tour Bordeaux. I came along… and everyday we were both inspired, impressed & thinking about when we can come back.… Alumni Tour…email us!!
We have been spoilt. You both made this week so easy – from our initial registration, receiving the information package & leading the path each day. Our Bordeaux Wine Experience was shared with another couple, strangers @ first but friends today. We feel this goes for the two of you, «Arrive as strangers, & leave as friends». Please keep in touch & know that you are welcome to our home in Toronto.

I feel we are now leaving to explore Bordeaux wine on our own and it won’t be the same without Ronald, our wine coach & tour guide. … And the food… wow… each place you personally selected was so different & appealed to each of us for reasons of our own. Each one was perfect! This week was perfect!
Thank you.

John & Rachelle Yoxall
Toronto, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour July 2008

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
We had a wonderful week. Each day brought new and more interesting experiences. The balance that was each day and which must have taken tremendous thought and organization is very much appreciated.
Of course, the personal contact with both of you gives guests very quickly the feeling of extended family and is so special.
Our appreciation and enhanced knowledge of Bordeaux region and its wines will stay with us.
Thank you and till we meet again.

Eric & Linda Lenczner
Westmount, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2008

Dear Margaret & Ronald,
Thank you for leading us in such an enjoyable and unique experience. We’ve completely loved every minute. Your love of wines and the Bordeaux region really comes through in the lessons, descriptions and, of course, most importantly the wine. Please contact us the next time you come to the U.S. and we’ll continue the laughs.
Your fellow Winos,

Dave & Kristina Mazaika
San Diego, California, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2008

Dear Margaret & «Uncle Ron»,
The Bordeaux Wine Experience is indeed «FABULOUS». It rates 100 on the revered «Don & Sandy» scale!! We look forward to going home and making good use of all the wine knowledge you have imparted to us.
Margaret, you exemplify the epitome of gracious hostess!
Thank you both for making these five days some of the most special fun and enjoyable days we’ve ever spent. Do come to Florida and share more wine and good times with us.
Fondly,

Don & Sandy Goodman
Aventura, Florida, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This has been a wine experience of a lifetime!
The Irish contingent hopefully added to the «blend» from which we think Margaret and Ronald will take some time to recover from.
Ronald your passion for wine and your great sense of humor, and your endless stories entertained us constantly!
We will never forget this trip!
Thank you both,

Paul & Margaret Anderson
& Stephen & Barbara Mac Kenzie
Dublin, Ireland

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2008

Dear Ronald & Margaret,
Thank you for providing an experience which will assure our honeymoon memories last forever.
We learned so much about wine, Bordeaux and the history of both. This experience has only strengthened my love of wine.
A truly remarkable week, that was setup to perfection.
Thanks for everything,

Jim & Katie Crotty
Worthington, Ohio, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Your Tour and hospitality were fabulous! We had very high expectations for a trip we would celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary and this tour truly exceeded our expectations. And the Dutch humor and stories were a wonderful bonus.

Michelin gives you the highest stars!

John and April van Vlaardingen,
Atlanta, GA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
It has been a truly fabulous week - we have learnt lots, enjoyed so many delicious meals and unforgettable wines. And we have enjoyed the great company of yourselves and the other guests.
We will remember you with fondness.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and warm hospitality.
Best wishes for the future.

David and Faye Tan,
Market Harborough, England

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2008

Chers Margaret and Ronald,
La semaine passée avec vous fut comme une rêve! Merci de votre acceuil chaleureux, de votre passion à partager l'amour du vin et de la table.
Jamais nous n'oblierons ce séjour.

I just wanted to say again that I was completely delighted with the tour. It was an experience we will never forget.

Ian and Stéphanie Champagne,
Quebec, Canada

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2008

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you for your hospitality and the perfect Wine Tour in Bordeaux. It was our first visit to Bordeaux and we look forward to visiting you again in the near future.
This Tour was actually a fairy tale with a happy educational ending, which we hope some day to continue with you both in our beloved Slovenia.
Warm welcome to our place. We hope to stay in touch.

David Vasiljevič (Sommelier II)
and
Janez Račič (Sommelier I),
Krško, Slovenija

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2008

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you very much for a fantastic, educational, fun and entertaining wee! Your knowledge, welcoming personalities and contacts at chateaux were beyond hope and expectations.
All the best

Michael Fieldhouse and Nicole Fang,
Stellenbosch, South Africa

 

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
This has been a great experience! It's just the best idea we've ever had, even we didn't have a clear idea on what to expect.
Ronald's knowledge and the amazing ability to transmit that to somebody that knows nothing about wines, plus Margaret's warming welcome and everyday care, makes this Harvest Tour a fantastic experience.
Thank You!

Veronica and Alberto Carregha
Cancun, Mexico

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2007

Dearest Margaret and Ronald
We arrived here at your lovely Chateau really not knowing what to expect. You are both so professional, knowledgeable, kind and generous.
It has been a marvelous experience!
Ronald you are the most patient and entertaining host. Thank you for such a wonderful time. We leave feeling that we have made friends with all.
Fondly,

Patricia and Jaques Khoriaty
Alexandria, Va, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
We came with very high expectations and anticipations and The Bordeaux Wine Experience surpassed everything we hoped for.
Margaret was a delightful, helpful, considerate and informed hostess. The trips were super and the positive experiences were endless. It was exciting, adventures and most educational. Our accommodations were excellent.
Ronald, our trip leader + wine guru was tremendous: knowledgeable, witty, humorous and very articulate.
In all, it was a perfect experience that will have long legs - to be remembered forever. We are slowly recovering from our trip home but back into our very busy life. We had a wonderful trip and can think of nothing that would have improved it, so thank you. You have obviously found the perfect combination of knowledge, interest and enjoyment in your lives and that permeates the tour. We are certain to talk it up to as many of our wine-loving friends and relatives.
Thank you!

Jack and Jane Novick
Branford, CT, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
When I saw the website I thought it was a lot of good marketing, but after I started communicating with Margaret my curiosity increased. I am trying to learn about wine because I love the good life. On this tour I learned more than I thought I was going to.
Final lesson: Ladies first on any wine tasting. Thank you very much for everything!

Alberto and Veronica Carregha
Cancun, Mexico

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald (I love the name Ronald),
It has been a great pleasure knowing and being with the both of you this week. In booking this trip, I was eager to experience the aura of being in the Bordeaux region of France and at the same time enjoying the great taste of the wines grown here. I thought I new about wines, but little did I know. In visiting the various wineries and learning of their production I found out I knew very little and this was due to the vast knowledge of Ronald and programming me as what to expect. In the last week I became to know a "little" about Bordeaux Wines and the French people connected to the industry. I also learned the hospitality of both Ronald and Margaret and how much they contributed to my enjoyment and stay. It was an experience I shall never forget and I hope to some day return.

Ronald and Charles Davis
Fort Mill, S.C., USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald
Thank you both for an exceptionally wonderful time in Bordeaux. What made our time here such an unexpected pleasure was the warm and personal touch that you provided making us feel welcome at your Chateau. Each day was an unique adventure and totally delightful. You made our 25th anniversary celebration a memory we will cherish for years. We look forward to tasting a Bordeaux First Growth with you sometime in the future.
Warm regards,

Tom and Lisa Gibson,
Irvine, California, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald
Thank you so much for your warm touch and the way you carefully planned our trips, the exceptional meals and visits. They were all very educational and informative. I am certain we will be your guests again to enjoy these God given gifts of exceptional wine from Bordeaux. It was great staying at your home, your Chateau en to enjoy the tour.

Collin and Carol Hong,
Toronto, Canada

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you for the wonderful time we had in Bordeaux. It was truly a great learning experience that went way beyond our expectations. You were great hosts and hostess who went to great distance to our stay at your lovely Chateau a lovely experience. We'll certainly go back home and tell all our friends about these moments.
Hope we'll see you again in the future.

Belinda and Alfred, Toronto, Canada
Carrie and David, North York, Canada
Daniel and Lyne, Arcadia, California, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2007

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you very much for arranging this trip for us. This is indeed one of our most memorable experiences. We've got such pleasant surprises day after day, it is really amazing! We have enjoyed the chateau visits, the food and most of all the wine that goes very well with the food.
Thanks again and we all look forward to the alumni gathering soon!

Eugina and Sam
Betty and Co Mok
Christine and Tommy Chan
Tamy and Edwin
Eric and Cindy Chan
Hong Kong

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2007

Ronald and Margaret,
Visiting wineries and wine tasting can be too often predictable and routine. Ronald you have made the experience enjoyable, entertaining and always educational and fun. Both of you have made this visit one of the most enjoyable vacations I ever had. Your kindness and good humor was always present. Your knowledge of wine at times was overwhelming but never pretentious. Staying at your Chateau made the trip all the more special.
Thank you so much.

Al Parisi
Callawassie Island
Okatie, SC, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2007

To Margaret and Ronald,
You are such exquisite hosts and you have made this a most memorable week for me and my father and me.
Ronald your enjoyable commentary has brought Bordeaux to life for me (and made some sense of names and appellations). I am a convert to Sauternes (a dangerous thing!) and I have made a new contact in the wine retail world (another dangerous thing!). Margaret, thank you for your warmth and hospitality and for organizing everything so preciously. I look forward to returning with my wife to share this great experience with her. Thank you so much.
A Bientot!

Joe Parisi
Clemson, Sc, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2007

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Paul and I would like to thank you for a terrific Wine Experience. Paul is far more knowledgeable than I about red wines. Now I have learned so much thanks to this trip to Bordeaux and thanks to Ronald.
We enjoyed the other guests. It has been a lot of fun, and we will enjoy our many pictures and fond memories.

Lyn and Paul Santina
San Diego, Ca, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2007

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Vito and I would like to thank you both for offering us such a memorable Bordeaux Wine Experience. Your exceptional regard to details, excellent choice of restaurants and your kind hospitality. Thank you for your translations from French at the restaurants since none of us speak the language. Your warm welcome into your home and your sweet smiles and hardy laughs will always remain with us.

Sincerely

Pamela Antic,
Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Vito Calandra
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2007

Dear Margaret and Ronald,

Thank you both so much for a wonderful Bordeaux Wine Experience!

Ludmilla Kohut
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 2007

To Ronald and Margaret
When we left Toronto we thought we had some knowledge of Bordeaux wines. You have shown us that what we knew was extremely limited. The French way of classification of wines is extremely complex but you have explained to us in a somewhat easy way to understand. We now leave the Bordeaux region with a better understanding of both the wines the labels of the area. You both have been very hospitable and patient with our endless questions. We truly have had an incredible stay.

Tony and Anna Fazio
Toronto, Canada

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May - June 2007

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This is our first visit to France. It is not possible to put into words how much we enjoyed our trip and stay with you - it's truly a a Bordeaux Wine Experience as it says!!! Your incredible hospitality, wines we tasted, the restaurants we visited all were superb!!!
Besides the wonderful wines we tasted, Margaret's beautiful smile and hospitality and of course Ronald's humor - we'll never forget. We'd love to bring our friends with us next time we visit.
All the best,

Ben Kim and Tammy Chung
Dallas, Tx, USA

P. S.
This is my gift to Ben's 50th birthday!

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May - June 2007

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Both Bill and I has a great time with you in Bordeaux! Thank you so much for all the effort and concern for our comfort and good time you have shown us. We will never forget you or our wonderful time in Bordeaux. What a wonderful honeymoon for Bill and I.
I hope you will feel free to give us a call (or email) when you come to the States. We would love to see you and take you to a nice dinner in our area. All the best to you both always.

Lauren Heininger, June 2, 2007
Stockton, Ca, USA

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Our first visit to France has been so enjoyable and both Lauren and I are so very grateful to your both for everything you have done. Visiting all the famous chateaux, tasting all the greatest wines and dining at all the famous restaurants and enjoying the wonderful scenery is an experience we will never forget. Thank you so much for everything as this trip is one Lauren and I will always remember.

Bill Zeid, June 2, 2007
Campbell, Ca, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May - June 2007

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with you in your wonderful Chateau. The wine tour was outstanding. Each wine was more special than the the previous one and the chateau's were beautiful. Thank you for being such outstanding hosts.

Barb Copland, June 2007
State College, Pennsylvania
Lifetime member of The American Wine Society

Your hospitality and knowledge of the wines, area, history and all other aspects of the "experience" is fantastic. The entire Bordeaux Wine Experience FAR exceeded our expectations. Absolutely one of the best events in our "wine lives".

Russ Meyers
State College, Pennsylvania, USA
Lifetime member of The American Wine Society

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, September 2006

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you both so much for preparing such a wonderful wine experience for us. Your hospitality was absolutely heartwarming! we appreciate you sharing your wonderful and very beautiful Chateau with us. You have broadened food and wine spectrum immensely, and we will savour each memory for many years to come... As well as all of the wonderful stories that Ronald shared with us during our wine tastings.
We would recommend this experience to any wine lovers we know.

Thank you both so much!

Christine and Rob Roach
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, September 2006

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. The itinerary was wonderfully arranged to the finest detail.
It was the most enjoyable experience in all our tours. Thank you for the detail attention.
A most pleasant memory of our stay in Bordeaux.

Alan Wong
Dalreith, Western Australia/Singapore

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality!
I truly enjoyed myself thoroughly and I will not hesitate to come again as and when the opportunity arises!

All the best to you both

Carol Wong
Dalreith, Western Australia/Singapore

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, September 2006

Thank you for an absolute wonderful experience. Every day was great and each one was better than the previous - Amazing! The chateaus we visited and the wines we tasted were terrific. The learning experience was incredible. We are coming away from our tour with so much better understanding of Bordeaux.
We both look forward to seeing you in Toronto.

Cheers!

Lyle Kerr and Valerie Millen
Toronto, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, September 2006

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you for a wonderful time. Everything was perfect.
I plan to tour again with my girlfriend.

Wonderful

Chris and Louis Lavoie
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

 

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2006

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Our stay at Chateau Coulon Laurensac was most memorable. Your hospitality was fabulous; your knowledge of Bordeaux and the wine region unmatched. Thank you again for making this trip run so smoothly. Margaret worked overtime "behind the scenes" to make sure everybody had a fabulous trip. Ronald kept us all on schedule and entertained.
-What a team! Keep up the good work. We will recommend the Bordeaux Wine Experience to all of our "winey" friends -not "whiney" of course.

Best of wishes & we hope to see you in the US.

Mark and Leslie Morrissey
Fairfax, VA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2006

My first trip to France could not have been more terrific. The wine tour week in Bordeaux was "over the top" wonderful. Ronald and Margaret, you are knowledgeable, gracious, and friendly hosts. Every detail was well thought out, organized and comfortable. From your Chateau to vineyards, touring, tasting, dining, oh my!! Thank you for all these memories.
We have been telling all of our oenophile friends about the great tour of Bordeaux. It was more than just the wine and food (which could not possibly have been better) but it was the extra effort that you, Ronald and Margaret, made to make our visit to this unique part of the world the very best.

Al Matt & Nancy Costa
Westlake Village, California, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, July 2006

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
For many years we have dreamed of visiting Bordeaux for our 25th anniversary and 50th birthdays. We weren't sure how to go about it, and realized it would be difficult to get into the First Growth Chateaux.
Once we discovered The Bordeaux Wine Experience the rest was easy! This tour has exceeded our expectations in every way. Our accommodations were lovely; every restaurant you selected was truly special. Though we visited many chateaux this week, it never got boring. It is now obvious to us that you carefully selected wineries that were interesting and beautiful in very distinct ways. We have learned so much! Where ever we went, "they rolled out the red carpet" for us. I have never felt more pampered on a vacation.
It has been a pleasure to meet you and your family. We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful way you shared your home with us. We have felt like welcome guests, not clients. Our group has had such fun together. We will treasure these memories forever (though we hope we can return long before that!).

Warmest regards,

Claire and Ralph Yearwood,
Westport, Connecticut, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, July 2006

Chateau Coulon Laurensac 2006: 100+ points. A great vintage for this new and improving chateau. Ever since the property has been taken over by the Rens family it has experimented successfully with new techniques for making their cuvée more approachable and enjoyable. This most recent vintage has benefited from some excellent planning from Margaret and has evoked memories from magnificent First Growths. On first approaching it it has a warm glow and beautiful floral fragrances, particular lavender. However that bouquet is eclipsed by further savouring, the richness and complexity of the experience and will forever leave a long lingering and very satisfying after taste!

Thanks for a great time - and here is to the alumni tour!

Steven Brien and Catherine
London, England

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, July 2006

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
The Bordeaux Wine Experience exceeded all of our expectations. The Chateau Coulon Laurensac is so charming and spacious. You welcomed us with a warm and inviting reception. Margaret's cuisine was full of gourmet delights. Ronald's explanation of the history of Bordeaux's wine region and the wine making process were delivered in an inelligent and approchable fashion. Ronald also shared many humorous and enlighting stories. We would reccommend the BWE to everyone with and interest in wine.

Thank you,

Melissa and Ron Ladrech
Mill Valley, California, USA

Bordeaux Wine Tour

To Margaret and Ronald,
Our stay at Chateau Coulon Laurensac and our tour with The Bordeaux Wine Experience, has been one of our most memorable experiences to date, after being on the road in France for 8 weeks. Your warmth of hospitality and knowledge of Bordeaux and France has been, for us, a rewarding experience.
Words cannot describe our Bordeaux Wine Experience. Margaret's organization and attention to detail and Ronald's guidance and charm has been very impressive. To be taken to so many First Growths Chateaux, to speak to 3th generation wine makers to learn the history of Bordeaux wine making over the centuries, has been educational beyond our expectations. Every day was as good as the last in every detail to magnificent Chateaux, gardens, people and the daily lunch and not to mention the many great wines we tasted.
Thank you so much for our wonderful memories of Bordeaux.

Au revoir!

John and Janelle McColl
Newcastle, Australia

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, May 2006

Dearest Margaret and Ronald,
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you, thank you, for making our dream reality. As we are preparing to leave your beautiful region this morning, I can only think about our next trip to come back here. There are still so many wines to taste and chateaux to visit and not enough time... Until next time, we will be dreaming of Bordeaux and her vineyards. Cheers!

Andy Chan and Sandra Moy
San Francisco, CA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux, September 2005

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful tour; it was one of our best vacations we ever had! Not only did we get to taste the First Growths and several other of Bordeaux ’s finest, but we also learned a lot and we were able to see many elements of the harvest and the wine making process in progress. In addition all the dinners/meals were delicious and quite memorable.
Finally, we both believe that the best part of the experience was the personal touch that both of you bring to the tour, allowing us to get to know you and enjoy your company. If you ever come to San Diego , please let us know!

Anna-Lisa Espinoza and Dan Berge
San Diego, CA, USA.

Wine day tour Bordeaux Médoc Grand Cru

Dear Ronald and Margaret
We are now back at our desks, working again. Thank you for the wine tour on Friday last. We enjoyed Ronald's company and wine explanations very much. Next time, Margaret, perhaps you will drive and Ronald will be able to have a proper few glasses of wine during the day!!

The visit to Pichon was particularly interesting.We visited the area again on Saturday, this time on the bicycles, a tour of 120 km's from the south up to north of St Estephe and back.

Kind Regards,