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.

Bordeaux Wine Tours
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

 

 

Bordeaux Wine Tours

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2011

Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you so much for opening your home to us and making us feel welcome in Bordeaux. We have wanted to visit for a long time, but we were intimidated by the entire idea. Casey, my fiancé wanted to make our way through Bordeaux as he so loves the wines. If we tried to “go it alone” we’d have been so lost!! You taught us about the area, the terroir, the people and the vintages. I have loved Bordeaux wines for a time, but now I am in love with the culture, the respect and the love everyone shows the vines and the grapes. Your connections in the area led us to chateaux we’ve only dreamed of! And Casey and I feel like the two of you as well as the other couples on the tour became our friends. Hopefully we will all be together again ---SOON!!!

Much love and thanks!
Andrea Burke and Casey Bracher
Viera, Florida, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
You warmth and hospitality will always be remembered. Thank you Ronald for teaching us so much. I feel that I can now at least discus Bordeaux wines. I had a long way to go, but I feel I have started with the best teacher.
Thank you both so much for making our first trip to Bordeaux very special. Our major take away form this trip is that we now drink and experience our wines with a different level of appreciation and understanding. We stop to look at the color, experience the "nose" before and after swirling, coat the entire cavity of our mouths and finish it off gently and slowly. Our wines are basically the same, and we're looking forward to receiving the ones we bought, but our appreciation of them has gone up exponentially, thanks to you. This will remain with us forever, and that's priceless. I just want to add that we were very pleased with the non-commercial approach of the tour. I felt we were in the company of very good friends that we have known for years.
I would be happy, very happy if our paths would cross again. As I told you Ronald: “You did good” and Margaret is the best!

All the best. Hope to see you in NY, fondly
Lou and Marcella Pellicano
Garden city, New York, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2011

Dearest Ronald and Margaret,
A little bit of heaven in Bordeaux -mixed lightly with warmth, hospitality, laughter and wine! What a perfect combination –and we truly think that you are a Grand Cru Classé- a league of your own! We will remember this year (2011) as the year we fell in love with Bordeaux and you can be sure that we will become frequent visitors so don’t give our room out too often!
We are returning to the UK more knowledgeable, educated and hungry to learn more. But above all we are excited with the opportunity to have been able to share this with your both –leaving you as friends and not acquaintances.
The Bordeaux Wine Experience is a truly unique experience and one that we will both treasure.

Thanks for everything!
Mark Hampton and Adrian Amiri
London, Great Britain

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Bo and I would like to thank you and at the same time compliment you as a couple for helping us celebrate our wedding anniversary with a BANG!
For us your wine lessons during our first night was so informative. The chateau wines were very unique and the dining at the chateau's and michelin rated restaurant were unforgettable!
Everything was perfect. Our only problem is how do we repeat this kind of trip???

Thanks Man!
Bing and Bo Yoo
Sanduski, Ohio, USA

 

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Teresa and I enjoyed ourselves immensely. The time we have spent here at your home will be a collection of fond memories for many years to come. We were very impressed with your knowledge of not only the region of Bordeaux but the history, people and of course the wine!
We look forward to, perhaps one day, returning to visit you again and spending another glorious week in Bordeaux.

All the best,
Peter and Teresa Crage
Charlotte, Nc, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2011

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
We want to thank you for your wonderful hospitality in your beautiful chateau. We both enjoyed the incredible Tour and experience in Bordeaux. We will always remember this wonderful experience. Sharada and I have shared your beautiful CD you gave us on our departure with all our family and friends and everyone are so envious. We had one of the best short trips of our life! Thanks for the great educational and memorable experiences both of you gave us. Our six cases of Bordeaux wines are expect to arrive on Thursday of this week. Thanks, Ronald for all the great wines you have selected for us to put in our new cellar. (We will definitely let them rest in the cellar until Christmas before imbibing per you suggestion)

Warm personal regards,
Sharada and Donald Alducin
Palm Beach, Florida, USA

PS
Don't change, you guys are the best

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2011

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Marianne and I arranged to join your Bordeaux Wine Tour because we enjoy wine and the possibility to experience a taste of Bordeaux with friends was an opportunity that could not pass up. We are all new to the world of French wine and we were hoping that our knowledge of this would grow on this tour. Not only do we feel a bit more knowing of the wine, we have experienced the food and sights of the region. And we will be back, I hope soon. Thanks for the sharing of all!

Sincerely
Marianne Coburn and Randall Harris
Huron, Ohio, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
It was a dream come true! I have been trying to visit the chateaux for a while, but now I am grateful that I was introduced to them with you. My passion for wine has increased as a result of these wonderful days.
I will return to Bordeaux and I hope to see you again.

Peace and blessings
Juan Torres
Houston, Texas, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Wendi and I of course were disappointed when we learned that we weren't able to visit Lafite (exceptional early harvest) and Mouton (renovations) and we were a little anxious when we arrived. But the warm hospitality, your sense of humor and your knowledge about wine was totally amazing. We definitely had no regrets and we really did have a great time!
This has been a great week. We learned so much about the wine making process, and the wines we tasted was absolutely unbelievable!!!

Thank you so much!
Lonnly Ching and Wendi Chen
Arcadia, Irvine, CA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We had really looked forward to this trip ever since we booked it last October. And we had high expectations for an interesting and informative time in France. Everything surpassed our expectations.
We have learned so much about French wines and we have especially enjoyed Ronald’s insight into the French wine industry and culture.
The visits to the wineries and the lunches and dinners were all well planned and selected. They were all so different with interesting people and delicious wines and food. Everything was well organized, so that we benefited from every experience and chateau visit. Best of all we enjoyed our time here with you and we thank you for your hospitality and warm personal reception of us all.
Now we wish you a great vacation! Please come over and visit us in Napa Valley so we can take you around there!

Love,
Ane and Wayne Small
San Clemente, CA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2011

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you so much for your great hospitality and professionalism in bringing us a wonderful and knowledgeable holiday. No doubt Bordeaux is a great place with great food and excellent wine. However without the right people opening the door to see, to learn, and to taste, this would have been just another nice place. You are the key to turn this into paradise. Thank you so much!

Much love,
TY, Nancy and May
Hong Kong

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Words cannot express what a wonderful time Dom and I had over these past few days. Your hospitality is amazing. We felt so welcome in your home. Our room was "over the top" special. We both loved the wine tours and felt like we were treated "like royalty".
Please keep in touch, and if you ever come to the USA we would love to get together with you. Enjoy your vacation with the boys. Cherish every moment that you have with them as they grow up so fast.
Hope to see you again.

Love!
Dom and Susan Stanzione
Holmdel, New Jersey, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
What a wonderful week: great wine, wonderful food and truly unforgettable people. We thank you for your warm hospitality.

Jim and Linda Foy
Dobbs Ferry,NY, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2011

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you so much for helping me realize Simon's dream and his 40th birthday. From the minute I started planning this trip, I knew that it was right!
You made us feel so at home at your chateau from the moment we arrived.
The wine, the food, the company and even my naps were all amazing.

Enter as strangers; leave as friends!

With love!
Lauren and Simon Webb
Philadelphia, Pa, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2011

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
What a wonderful experience you both provide! You've opened our eyes to a whole new world of wine and culture. We will never be able to thank you enough. You have created a treasure of clarity in a world of confusion and you should be extremely proud of what you have done with this Bordeaux Wine Experience.

You have added an incredible experience to our "Dash",

Thank you again.
Michael Demnicki and Tammy Digioia
Schaumburg, Il, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This has been a wonderful way to spend our anniversary; one we will certainly never forget. You both have made this such a comfortable and lovely experience- one we will certainly recommend to our friends.
Ronald you have such a unique way of condensing about 500 years of history into an entertaining, interesting and informative message that also incorporates a peek into the French personality. This is not something we could have ever learned on our own, no matter how many books we read or courses we took. We so appreciate your sense of humor and your efforts to keep us involved during the bus rides. Each day as we dragged ourselves out of bed we said to ourselves: “There was no possible way you could top the prior days experience in food, wine and magnitude of specialness”. Every day you left us shaking our heads saying: “How does he do it?”
It’s obvious you take great pride in and care in the preparation for your guests. We feel so happy and elated to have had the change to have this time with you.
Margaret, thank you for what Dale and I are both saying: This has been the best vacation of our lives; and believe me, we have had a few great ones!

Merci beaucoup!
Dale and Theresa Griffin
Lake Mathews and Laguna Beach, California, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This experience is one of the most memorable I’ve had. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit France and have been welcomed by such warm and lovely people. Ronald your knowledge and the passion for the wines of Bordeaux is evident everywhere. I am so grateful for what you shared with us. And it is only second to the attention you have both displayed in making certain we have all felt welcome and enjoyed our stay- you are excellent hosts. I will certainly highly recommend you and I look forward to your online notes on Bordeaux and its wines.

Thanks again
Maureen MC Nicolas
New York, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
What a fantastic time Ian and I have had. This is a trip Ian has wanted to do for two years and it was better than we ever imagined. The weather was perfect for us all which helped with the touring. The wines- we will now go home with a lot more knowledge of the Bordeaux region and will continue to buy it in our wine shop.
The food was unbelievable- Margaret I know you organised this and it was something we couldn’t do without your help. The company of our new friends- we have enjoyed all the different nationalities and have made some wonderful friends.
Ronald, you have been amazing. Your knowledge and wit has made our holiday. We say goodbye, but hope one day to see you in Australia.

Lots of love
Jill and Ian Winter
Sidney, Australia

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Gaynor and I would like to sincerely thank you and Margaret for a truly memorable Bordeaux wine experience. You were both such fantastic hosts and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole week. The visits to all the Chateaux, meeting the owners and tasting the Worlds finest wines was such a privilege and something we will never forget. All our expectations have been excelled, we can’t say enough how much we have enjoyed our “infotainment”. We have learned so much always accompanied by laughter. Food, wine and hospitality have been excellent. See you next year!! Parker points 100.

Cheers
Barry and Gaynor Cook
Sevenoaks, England

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
How do I start? This week has been one of the most memorable that we have ever experienced. Your knowledge and the way you conveyed this was excellent and with such humour and ability. I am sure we all will go away with an increased appreciation of “Bordeaux” and of course its wines!
The hospitality that both of you have shown is very special and we thank you very much for such an experience for my special birthday. Without a doubt I will tell many about the tremendous wine, food and the great hosts. Hopefully we can see you again.

Much regards,
Graeme and Jane Cassell
Haywards Heath, England

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you very much for everything. This Wine Experience Tour is the best ever! Thank you again for everything. How shall I say this? Just like you mentioned, everything is going down hill after tonight. We’ll miss you so much. About the tour: Your arrangement is so great that all my colleagues and friends will be jealous about what we experienced. I’ll recommend them to join this tour without hesitation.

Love you!
Huai-Tei Yang and Violet Lin
Taipei, Taiwan

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2011

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
It has been a beautiful week; an escape from the daily routine and a reflection of humanity. We have had a door opened to a wonderful life experience and our senses have been treated to a unique time.

Simply wonderful. Thank you!
Richard Clegg and Anna Rizova
Sophia, Bulgaria

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux November 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We've just come back to Toronto and woke up way too early (!) and to assuage our regret that the vacation is already over. It is only sinking in now what a unique, memorable experience we just enjoyed. You really have a gift for assembling the best of the best.
We came as strangers and were leaving as friends. Thank you for a great experience, one we know we’ll never forget. Especially when we look and taste a bottle of Bordeaux wine. We will always remember this lovely trip and the excellent company.
Please feel free to use our comments or testimonials if it suits you. We can't say enough good things.
Merci et a bientôt!

Cesare and Carolyn Tacchi
Oakville, Ontario, Canada

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux November 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Merci Beaucoup, you have created a stressless time for us. It means so much, to both of us, not to have to think about anything, EXCEPT what kind of surprise you have cooked up next. We have walked the earth enough; and traveled a lot and this was the most happiest and warm holiday we have ever had.
The tour was magical, educational, and delicious in every way. While it will be enjoyed by visitors with any level of interest in wine, as a "New World" visitor who has already invested in developing wine connoisseurship, the tour was an incredible way to enrich my connection to the most celebrated Old World region of all.

When we first found this trip it already seemed so much more than I imagined I would ever experience in Bordeaux… Once here, it was even better than we would have imagined even with the itinerary to dream about for months. Thank you for sharing the warmth and passion for your adopted home,

Sandra Poe and Rebecca Zagoory
New York, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux November 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This a great experience for both myself and Kylie. I am really impressed by the attention to detail of both the accommodation and the tour. I have no hesitations to recommend this tour to my friends and business colleagues.

John and Kylie Che
Sydney, Australia

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2010

To our gracious hostess and host,
We had no idea how much knowledge and spirit of wine tasting and wine making we would gain this week. Not to mention the incredible hospitality we were given by Margaret. You both demystified the Bordeaux wine world through your unforgettable Bordeaux Wine Experience. We will never forget the lunch at Haut Bailly –and the belly laughter at Pieuré-Lichine–, two magnums and a double magnum and two bottles later and a friendship was forged. Your bus ride commentary was priceless (and though we are both part French) we forgive you! We would love to return some day –perhaps for the Alumni tour– but we will need all ten spots for our friends.
Many, many thanks for your attention to detail and for your genuine kindness and care.
All the best –until next time,

Rob and Melanie Brunner
Walnut Creek, California, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2010

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
When we originally talked of experiencing France and Bordeaux we hoped to increase our knowledge and appreciation of the country and its culture. We have come away with so much more thanks to your kind and enthusiastic efforts. The pairing of the food and wine was a “taste sensation”. Ronald, your lively and spirited stories have been thoroughly enjoyed and most appreciated. Margaret, you are a gracious hostess and we felt very comfortable and honored to be welcomed into your beautiful Chateau.
Thank you for a dream come true vacation and the beautiful roses. From our hearts to your hearts we thank you.

Friends
Mark Jocks and Vickie Coury
Kaknawake, Quebec, Canada

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
You uncorked the mystery of Bordeaux Wine to us. We came as novices and leave as relative experts thanks to your instruction. This trip exceeded our expectations in many ways. We especially enjoyed the visits and the lunches at the chateaus. Ronald you kept each day very interesting and were sensitive to the needs of each individual in the group. It will be impossible for us to drink a glass of Bordeaux without thinking of you.
We really thank you for this experience.

Pat and Patty Gray
Norwell Massachusetts, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you so much for a wonderful Bordeaux Experience. Rarely are our expectations met, but let alone exceeded. You both truly exceeded our high hopes. We enjoyed learning from you, laughing with you and especially drinking with you.
You are both gracious hosts. Thank you for taking care of us like that.

Glenn and Toni Gray
Alta Loma, California, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thanks for an incredible week. Every day exceeded the day before. We learned so much in addition to getting to taste all of these amazing wines. We feel that, in addition to enjoying the wine, food, stories and camaraderie, we learned so much more than just what various wines taste like, etc. We learned much about the differences in the French and American wine business and production methods that I don't think we could have found any other way.
Victor Borge has nothing on Ronald when it comes to Dutch story tellers.
We hope to find a way to see you again.

Dan and Mary Huntsman
Point Reyes Station, California, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This last week has been an amazing time. Our goal was to learn about the wines of Bordeaux, eat some great food and make some new friends. WOW what an experience! Thank you so much for welcoming us and showing us what Bordeaux is all about. What a way to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. Seeing my wife in tears of joy in the Barrel room of Lafite is a moment I will never forget.

Friends forever!

Allan and Gina Keefe
Placentia, Ca, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2010

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you for your warm hospitality. This week has been a time of learning, a time of enjoyment and a time of tasting. Although, technically, Wendy and I have been your clients for several days, you’ve really made us feel like honored guests and almost like family. I hope that our paths can cross again sometime and we can return the favor. If you find yourself in Germany before summer 2012, please allow us to share some wine or beer with you.
With great affections,

Steve and Wendy Daknis
Stuttgart, Germany/ Virginia, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
What a pleasure! We arrived expecting to quench our thirsts and are leaving with the satisfaction of having spoiled our pallets. The taste of the Lafite 1995 has long since faded, but the memories of the Estate will never leave us. We wish you and Margaret all the best in your second careers and look forward to hosting you in Boston when your boys are considering Harvard, if not before.
Thank you for a wonderful experience in Bordeaux. It has been amazing!!! I have a new found appreciation for the wines in Bordeaux as well as the excellent food. This truly was a week to remember.

Cheers!

Irwin Schwarz
And Natasha Engan
Dover, Ma, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
This week in Bordeaux has been a fantastic introduction for us to the great wines of Bordeaux. The visit was delightful and very professionally organised. The tastings at the First Growths Chateaux was a privileged experience, not to mention the great food; both lunches and dinners were superb and we thoroughly enjoyed our lunches at the chateaux – a fantastic experience.. To quote a friend:” we will not be going home skinny”. We look forward to enjoying Bordeaux wines at home in Australia and to continue our experience.
Your depth of knowledge of the wines and their provenance is amazing and very informative. You and Margaret are great hosts. Thank you again for the time and effort you put into developing and organizing the tour. We had a great time.

Thank you both so much,

Gwyn Singleton and Collin Pearson
Tuross Head, Australia

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2010

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you both for a once in a lifetime experience. The wines were only matched by the terroir (i.e. learning, restaurants, experiences, sights and camaraderie of the group). We will never forget and this week will change our appreciation of wine forever. Your warmth made the trip even better!

Thank you so much.

Toby and Michael Alexander
Santa Cruz, Ca, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux June 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Nancy and I have been blessed to travel to many places in the world. Rarely if ever have we been welcomed so warmly and so genuinely as we were at Chateau Colon Laurensac.
This has been a special and unique experience for us. While the wine and food have been extraordinary, your grace and humor will be one of our most enduring memories of Bordeaux.
Please know that I have fulfilled a long-time dream to visit the great chateaux of Bordeaux. Nancy has started what appears a life-time love affair with Bordeaux wines. You made all of this possible for which we are most grateful.
We sincerely hope that if your travels ever bring you anywhere near Geneva, you will visit us in Perroy. (We promise not to serve Swiss wines!). It has been a wonderful to meet you and share this great experience.

All the very best.

John and Nancy Scruggs
Geneva, Switzerland

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux June 2010

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
We, your Macau friends, thank you very much for your careful arrangement, so that we not only can enjoy a very pleasant stay here and also visit many famous Chateaux of wine. We also acquired a lot of useful knowledge related to the wine business. Here in Bordeaux the climate and the soil are so unique. But only with the dedication and the hard work, the faith and the determination of the people here make the most excellent wines in the world.
For the Farewell Dinner we have brought some good wine to drink with our friends together, to taste the best French food provided by dear Margaret and Ronald to celebrate our successful tour. (It was really a Wine and Culinary Experience Tour). We will cherish these unforgettable moments forever.

With our best regards,

Alex en Regina Ma, Alfonso en Frederico MA, Joao MA and Helena MA, Tak Meng LAW and Choi Peng FONG, Antonio LAW and Keith LAW
Macau, China

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We sincerely thank you for giving us the most memorable experience we could ever imagine with Bordeaux wines. This will forever live on in our memories as we enjoy and appreciate wine through a new sense of knowledge. We are grateful for the extensive knowledge and memorable experiences. This far exceeded our expectations and we will always think of you when we drink Bordeaux. Your countless attention to detail is greatly noticed. This is a must for anyone who drinks Bordeaux!

Cheers,

Art and Debbie Kelley
Vienna,Virginia, US

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Your “Wine Experience” has been a WOW!!! Experience. Every small detail has been thought of. The experience has been blended with the best chateaux, wine, food history, humour, hospitality and all the villages you have taken us through. Ronald you have begun the education in a real knowledge of wine for Heather. Thank you, it has been fun and I hope to develop it. Margaret, staying in your home is something very special –we appreciate your hospitality which is so warm and welcoming; thank you.
This was so much more interesting than the “do it yourself” tours we have done before. This tour has really extended our knowledge of Bordeaux and the classification system. The tour exceeded our expectations immensely.

PS
Thanks for starting Gordon’s Bordeaux cellar Ronald –he is going to have lots of fun.

Gordon and Heather Frankland
Melbourne, Australia

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2010

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Every aspect of this trip was wonderful. We had high expectations for the trip – which were exceeded in every way. The food wad exceptional and the wines were spectacular. Each Château visit was memorable. Ronald was remarkably knowledgeable and engaging and Margaret was charming. John and I came away with more insight and understanding of winemaking than we could have hoped for. Thank you for making our first trip to France and Bordeaux such a great experience. We also could not have asked for a better group to be with; I think we were blessed all the way around.

Thank you for a wonderful vacation.

John and Sonya Wise
Springfiefd, MO, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2010

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
We so enjoyed our Bordeaux Wine Experience under your experienced leadership! We learned so much and it was such fun! You‘ve a wonderful job putting this Bordeaux Wine Experience together – visiting the First Growths Chateaux, the delightful lunches and dinners with all those wonderful wines and of course sharing your knowledge with us, all of it.

Thank you

Mary Ann and Bob Ogden
Evergreen, CO, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2010

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thanks so much for an absolutely wonderful week. Everything was superb: the wine, the food, the accommodations at Chateau Coulon Laurensac, the hospitality and the company. We enjoyed learning so much about wines and having the chance to visit wineries that we could never have entered on our own. We felt welcome from the moment we arrived and will remember this vacation for many years to come.

Thanks so much for a wonderful experience.

Don and Carol Clark
Oxford, Mi, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
We had high expectations for this trip and felt a bit uncomfortable having brought two couples along. Our high expectations were exceeded in every way. We learned a great deal and had such great wines and food that we will always remember our visit here. It was so special eating in the chateaus interacting with people who were so passionate and gracious. I just can't t think of anything that could have made it more enjoyable. You obviously have an amazing fund of knowledge about wine and we all truly enjoyed your entertaining stories, and your gracious hospitality.

Many thanks,
Lee and Kazi Alward,
Iowa City, IA, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
From the time we left our home, until the time we left your home, expectations were met in every way. May we congratulate you on your outstanding tours, your knowledge, your time, and your personality; it all added up to an excellent Bordeaux Wine Experience. We will always remember our beautiful time in France.

Thank you both!

Elizabeth and Fritz Viner
Iowa City, IA, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Our Bordeaux visit was unforgettable! Thank you for your wonderful hospitality. We will forever have fond memories of your beautiful home and the exceptional wines we shared. Let us know if you plan to visit Chicago!

Sincerely Kelly and Peter Alward
Moline, Illinois, USA

 

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
This program was so much better than we expected. Specially me, Leila, I have learned things about grapes, wine French culture and so on. So, I hope you continue to be such great persons who know how to approach different people from different countries. And we hope that more Brazilians like us will come to join this Wine Experience here in Bordeaux.

Muito obrigado
Leila and Eude da Costa
Manaus AM Brazil

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2009

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We arrived with very high expectations and they have been exceeded in every way!
Bordeaux will forever have a special place in our hearts. We will think of you both often over a bottle of wine!

All our friends are very envious of our experience so we will be sure to spread the word of your fantastic tours!

Tony and Janene Thomas
Auckland New Zealand

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you again for a marvelous experience. It was very educational and at the same time a refined and elegant way to tour the Bordeaux region.
Your knowledge, personality and charm is without parallel: most impressive and delightful.
We thoroughly enjoyed the week with you. The meals were wonderful and so was the charm of staying in your home. Please plan on visiting us whenever you are near to the Philadelphia area.

Richard and Linda Marcks
Lancaster Pa, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
This has been an exceptional week. During these 5 days we have gained a marvelous insight into Bordeaux wines through Ronald's generous sharing of his knowledge of the area. The wines and the food have been exceptional and the company delightful. Thank you for sharing your lovely home. We are leaving here reluctantly. Your warm Dutch hospitality made our visit a wonderful life-time memory which we will always cherish.
This warm hospitality and the lovely setting of the Chateau added to the wonderful memories of our visit here.
Thank you!

Foster and Patricia Manning
Singapore/United States

 

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
This tour has exceeded our expectations across our senses of taste, smell and sight. Each Chateau brought a unique perspective in the wine making process. Although it is hard to have a favorite moment of the tour, the Lafite Rothschild 1995 in the Chateau’s cellar will be a memory of a lifetime. The selection of restaurants was on par to the First Growths! We already look forward to the Alumni Tour.
Thank you for sharing your passion, knowledge and love of wine with us!

Aaron and Tricia Schneider
Redington Shores Florida, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux September 2009

Lieve Margaret en Ronald,
“Deze tour is een uitzonderlijke beleving geweest. Het was fantastisch om de fijne wijnen met jullie en de anderen op de tour te delen. Wijn is het symbool van leven.”
Your knowledge and love for wine is remarkable. Thank you for your hospitality and very straight forward attitude. It goes without saying that you are welcome to my house whenever you are in the London area. If and when you organize an Alumni Tour I’ll be there and will bring someone with me!

With love,
Satu Salo-Bosley
Slough, Great Britain

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Having enjoyed Bordeaux Wines for many years now, we had our eyes opened! To see the chateaux, to understand wine making, and the terroir and to experience the passion with which the wines are produced, was an experience we will never forget.
As well, your commitment to giving us a fantastic tour, your own passion for the wines and food of Bordeaux, shone through.
Thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful Chateau, and be sure you have built some firm friends in Australia!

Sincerely Robert and Michelle McKinlay
Victoria, Australia

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2009

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We chose the Bordeaux Wine Experience to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and to learn more about the wines in the region. The trip exceeded every expectation from the warm hospitality to the amazing visits at the top chateaux to the great food, wine and great company enjoyed over the entire week! It was a very memorable and special trip that we will never forget - every detail was taken care of and everything was high quality and unique. From seeing the "racking" process in action old-school style with a candle on a stick at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild to an amazing lunch at Chateau Haut-Bailly, we have so many great memories. We also really enjoyed Ronald's tremendous knowledge of wine and local history, as well as his humor and wit. Chateau Coulon Laurensac was beautiful and comfortable and Margaret made us feel right at home. A truly wonderful experience!! Sign us up for the future Alumni tour!!

Sincere thanks to both of you for making this celebration so special for us.
Lisa and Mark Locklear
Irvine, CA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
What fun we had on The Bordeaux Wine Experience. You certainly were wonderful hosts. I am sure your family will not forget the infamous Easter egg hunt in July! Let’s see highlights for the Smiths included: the wine tours-particularly the personal touches offered by “the count”. The meals were phenomenal –how we can eat anything more for the next two weeks will be a mystery. We loved the bus (very comfortable and clean) and relaxing between tours, and of course the Farewell Dinner –“Superb”. Thanks so much for the personalized photos. We will enjoy sharing them with our friends and family.

Warm wishes
Simon and Barb Smith
Toronto, Canada

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux July 2009

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
After living in Paris, we loved France. But after touring Bordeaux and staying at your beautiful Chateau, this will be forever our favorite place in France. I couldn’t imagine so many beautiful wineries and vineyards, each uniquely different with their own special warmth and character. We learned so much about Bordeaux and its wines and we know we have only tipped the glass so I guess we will be forced to come back for the “Alumni Tour”. All the fabulous and bottles of wine consumed were very much enjoyed and we will continue to savor the experience only surpassed by your hospitality at Chateau Coulon Laurensac.
We especially enjoyed your humorous rhetoric, Ronald!!!

Best
Mark and Ann Danner
Newport Beach, CA, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2009

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We can’t wait to share our amazing experience with everyone at home. Everything was absolutely perfect -your beautiful home and gracious hospitality, the incredible food the warm and friendly company and of course the fabulous wine! Please come to see us in Florida – you are always welcome!

Thank you so much,

Brian and Karen Aungst,
Clearwater, Florida, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you! You have created “The Ultimate Bordeaux Wine Experience!” We appreciated your incredible expertise and the wonderful warmth you both shared with us. This was a truly remarkable and memorable experience which has enriched our lives.
Thank you again!

Rich and Liz Seftor,
Chicago, Illinois, USA

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2009

Cheers to you Ronald and Margaret,
We had an exceptional experience and will cherish the memories from our week with both of you. We appreciate the level of expertise in all of the planning of food, wine and personal touches that made this tour such a very unique experience. Thank you.
Wishing you love, laughter and great wine!

Nancy Shaw and Alan Strachnan
Vancouver/Toronto, Canada

The Grand Tour of Bordeaux May 2009

Dear Margaret and Ronald,
Thank you for welcoming us to your beautiful Chateau and sharing your passion for wine and food.
We had a marvellous experience!!!

All the best to yyou both.

Liza an Fritz Gubler,
Sidney, Australia

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We are honored to join the ranks of your alumni. It was a most memorable week for both of us. I began the week as a beginner wine lover and ended the week as a «true believer» in the world of Bordeaux wine.
Thank you, so very much, for a truly memorable experience. Your hospitality was just wonderful. Bill & I will both go forth as true ambassadors of Bordeaux wine, as a result of this fabulous trip. You and your boys are always welcome in our home in Florida. We leave with wonderful memories.
Fondly,

Bill and Dot Hagman
Naples, Florida, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Simply the best, an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Your hospitality and friendship, added to the world of Bacchus that you opened up to us, made for a truly memorable week. It was truly a marvelous experience which we will always remember and cherish
«Jura maith azaibh»

Kevin + Mairead Smith
Dublin, Republic of Ireland.

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret
WOW! We are happy to say that we are experiencing the BEST BORDEAUX WINE EXPERIENCE! Thank you for your hospitality.
Sincerely,

Robert and Rhonda Bailey
Brecksville, Ohio, USA

The Bordeaux Harvest Tour September 2008

We would like to express our gratitude to both you and Margaret for the hospitality you both provided during our visit to the Bordeaux Region. A simple thank you would not justify the experience we had so, we would like to write a summary of our experience for you and all your future guests.
Both Rachel and I did not know what to fully expect on a wine tour to such an esteemed location in the old wine world. Being from a region with limited vineyard exposure, we were understandably very excited to go on a tour as such. We are definitely avid wine drinkers but, we would hardly consider ourselves experts in the field - far from that; we both are health professionals with a one year old at home!
Trying to pick our most favorite or enjoyable winery is impossible. Some days it is the tour of the museum at Mouton Rothschild and tasting the 2004 and newly released 2007 vintage in the tasting room. Or maybe it was the lunch in the official dining room of Chateau Haut Bailly. On other days, our favorites include seeing the "cooper" at Haut Brion toasting the wine barrels in the open fire much like his grandfather did at the same vineyard. And somewhere hidden in this were the great restaurants and meals that accompanied the wine and the accommodations: now we can officially say that we stayed at a Chateau (Coulon Laurensac in France).
To summarize, we left thinking we were going on a tour and came back with what felt like a degree in vinification, history of Bordeaux and an expansion of our palates and wine collections. Or as I expressed to one of my friends: drinking a Chateau Haut Brion in a restaurant can only be superceded by drinking it in the tasting room of the Chateau itself born in 1525.

Finally, we would like to thank Ronald and Margaret for organizing this experience and, we can appreciate how difficult it is to tour some of the very exclusive vineyards that we did.

Cheers, Sante, Salut, Kampai, Prost

Neil and Rachel Devchand
Calgary, Canada

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour September 2008

Dear Margaret & Ronald,
It is indeed «in the details» as you have so gracefully shown us over and over –from the beautiful flowers in our room and every attention to detail– to make our visit special and custom fit. Thank you for your gracious hospitality, for the sumptuous food, for the sharing of this «terroir», for your sharing of this glorious Bordeaux region and your true love of the wine, and perhaps, the French, and all the gifts they bring to us all. Suffice is to say the tour was superb. Ronald held us daily with such humor and joie de vivre– even those tastings in the early time. We both have learned so much and have gained an experience of a life time. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your home so graciously. I can assure you, we will never drink Bordeaux without thinking of you two and we hope to return again to learn still more! Besides, we LOVED the stories!!
An expansive heartfelt thank you!

Jody & Noel Littlejohns
Ben Lomond, California, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour September 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
We enjoyed ourselves tremendously this week: thank you for opening your beautiful home to us and the wonderful planning and execution of the wine touring and fantastic meal arrangements.
It was a nice mixture of pampering, indulgence and yet leaving us with pockets of time and opportunity for our own exploration. We had a wonderful time. Thank you.

Low Sung Leong & Laurence Low
Singapore

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour September 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
Thank you for a wonderful week of wine tasting, fine cuisine and touring Bordeaux. We enjoyed Ronald’s expertise, sense of humor and graciousness. Margaret, thank you for opening your home to us and your choice of restaurants and menus far exceeded our expectations. This was a tour for both wine and food lovers.
Hope to see both of you again.

Jim and Kathy Panepinto
Red Bank, New Jersey, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour September 2008

Dear Ronald and Margaret,
How can I express our thanks! Everything was perfect and exceeded our expectations!
Of course we were amazed with the wine and cuisine but it was your hospitality, personality and knowledge that made this week so enjoyable.
We hope to see you again.
All the best.

Barbara & Marcus Pinto
Plymouth, Minnesota, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour September 2008

Dear Margaret & Ronald
This was almost the best trip that we have ever taken (except for Bora Bora!). All educational experiences should be as nice!
We saw chateaux and tasted wines that we never believed possible.
The food was incredible and the pairing of the wines with the food was outstanding. Thank you so much for the humor and knowledge you have brought us – irreplaceable! And, of course, the experience of the ’82 Château Margaux…

Albert and Sandy Mills
Newburt Park, California, USA

The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour June 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,