The Bordeaux Wine Magazine 2025 April issue by the Bordeaux Wine Experience, the leading Bordeaux Wine Tour Company
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This magazine was shared with you as a member
of our exclusive circle of Bordeaux wine enthusiasts.
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Starting in 2026, Michael and Maud (R) will carry on our legacy in an exciting new venue!
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A Personal Note From Ronald and Margaret,
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Many guests have asked me over the years, “How long will you continue conducting your tours?”
My answer has always been simple: “as long as I love what I do, and as long as I’m physically able to continue.”
Well, life has a way of throwing curve balls at you and bringing new opportunities at the same time!
Passion for Bordeaux
It is not that I have lost my passion. But unfortunately, I have developed a health issue that is by good luck far from life-threatening.
Having said that, it made us reflect on the future.
And sometimes, the stars align perfectly
Last year, we welcomed wonderful new neighbors—Michael and Maud.
They literally bought the chateau right next door.
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New venue for 2026!
Our 2025 tours will be the last year at
Chateau Coulon Laurensac
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Beautiful idea
And as things happen in France, over many shared bottles of Bordeaux, a beautiful idea took shape.
Carrying on our legacy
Our new neighbor’s deep passion for Bordeaux wines led to something extraordinary:
Starting in 2026, Michael and Maud will carry on our legacy!
Margaret and I are thrilled! It’s a big change, but we couldn’t be happier knowing that the Bordeaux Wine Experience will continue in great hands.
Staying where we are
Don’t worry, the 2025 Tours will be conducted by Margaret and Ronald and will take place at our Chateau.
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Domaine de Coulon,
Michael and Maud’s new residence next door to us
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Chateau Coulon Laurensac will continue to be our home and this means we will stay nearby for guidance for our neighbors.
Seamless transition
To ensure a seamless transition, Michael and Maud will be working alongside us for the entire 2025 season.
This way, we can guarantee that our tours remain the unforgettable experiences we’ve crafted for the past 22 years.
Vote of confidence
Margaret and I are not the only ones that are confident for the future: one of the 2026 tours is already under option!
I honestly can’t think of a better vote of confidence!
In this issue, we’re thrilled to introduce Michael and Maud, who will be continuing the tradition we’ve built.
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Chateau Coulon Laurensac will continue to be our home
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Solo traveler: click the image for a short video
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2026 Schedule and venue released
Today we’ll give you an exclusive first look at the stunning new venue for our 2026 tours.
And we’ll reveal the much-anticipated 2026 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule:
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Continuing the same great fun, food, and wines
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Ronald and Margaret with Michael and Maud (L) who will carry on our legacy
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Here’s to new adventures
and raising a glass to the future🍷!
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Discover Youtube Channel:
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New Chateau, New Faces—
Same Unforgettable Bordeaux Wine Experience
Introducing Michael and Maud
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Michael and Maud literally bought the château right next door
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New friends
After their move next door Michael and Maud soon became good friends with us.
Great wines and a great sense of humor makes these things happen; not just on a wine tour.
It is my pleasure to give you some background on Michael and Maud. Reading this, you will quickly understand why they are such a perfect match!
Family vineyard
American-born Michael spent his summers in the South of France on his family’s vineyard.
Here he developed a deep appreciation for the way wine, food, friendship, family, and history intertwine.
The vineyard was more than just a business—it was a way of life, rich with tradition, storytelling, and shared moments around the table.
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Michael and Maud became good friends with us
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Meeting his future wife through wine
After completing university in the United States in 2005, he returned to France to deepen his understanding of winemaking.
He attended the University of Wine at Suze-la-Rousse in 2008 to contribute to the family business (as Estate Director), and reconnect with the wine, food, and culture that had shaped him.
It was there, in 2008, that he met Maud.
A shared passion for wine
French-born Maud was splitting her time between Paris and the South, managing her art gallery while also working with her family at their restaurant in the South.
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Domaine de Coulon,
Michael and Maud’s new residence next door to us
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Their shared passion for wine and tradition brought them together, and before long, Maud became deeply involved in the vineyard as well.
After spending several years working side by side, they set out to explore the world in 2012.
For 12 years, they travelled, eventually landing in the United States.
Back in the States they started their family (Margaux, 2018 and James, 2020), and pursued careers in the Life Sciences and Aerospace & Defense industries.
Yet, no matter how far they traveled, the essence and importance of wine, food and friendship never left them.
The draw of wine and quality of life
Eventually, they returned to France in April 2024 as our neighbors.
The same timeless connection drew them back—wine, food, friendship, family, and history.
Continuing the legacy
Michael and Maud are thrilled to work alongside Ronald and Margaret this year and are committed to honoring and continuing their legacy in 2026!
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Good news, Michael is almost as bad as Ronald…
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Introducing the new venue for our 2026 Tours
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We found the perfect venue
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The quest for a new venue
Michael and Maud’s Domaine de Coulon is beautiful. But one thing was missing—guest rooms like we have at Chateau Coulon Laurensac.
But we found the perfect solution
The “new venue” is not that new, as it was built in 1872😂.
It sits among vineyards at the gateway of Bordeaux and the Médoc.
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All rooms have air-conditioning and are
accessible by elevator
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Built as a private residence
The Chateau was built one year before the death of Napoleon III (famous for the 1855 Classification) and its design reflected both status and practicality.
A solid base highlighted its prominence, protecting it from floods, and allowing for a comfortable single-floor layout.
The ground level was for daily life (i.e. the domestic staff).
Emphasis on luxury
The first floor, with its large wrap-around terrace, was for luxury—featuring a grand living room, dining room, office, and library.
The upper floors housed bedrooms for the owners and their guests.
In need of restoration
Over time, the Chateau passed through many owners and was left unattended.
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New Chateau, New Faces—
Same Unforgettable Bordeaux Wine Experience
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Lovingly restored
A Bordeaux family took on the challenge of restoring it. They combined authenticity with modern comfort to create a unique and luxurious retreat.
Ideal for the Bordeaux Wine Experience.
After four years of work, the Chateau reopened for guests. Our new venue now offers elegant, air-conditioned rooms in a peaceful setting.
An ideal base for a great new chapter for the Bordeaux Wine Experience.
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Our 2026 Bordeaux Wine Tour Program
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Tasting all five First Growtha plus Yquem is an unforgettable experience
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The Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour
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Venues typically inaccessible to the public
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This is definitely one of the most exclusive tours that we offer. Join the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour, for an experience of pure opulence, featuring exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines.
Savor exclusive chateau-meals for a truly gorgeous, culinary experience.
The gastronomic delights are nothing short of extraordinary, featuring exclusive meals set in remarkable venues typically inaccessible to the public.
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As if that weren’t enough, the tour presents a rare opportunity to taste all five First Growths of over 20 years old, plus the Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old!
This tour offers exclusive dining, exceptional wines, and aged vintages, creating an unforgettable journey into Bordeaux’s culinary and wine excellence.
What makes it even more special is the inclusion of older vintages, adding a unique dimension to the wine-tasting experience.
It’s no wonder that the Bordeaux Grand Cru Tour has earned its status as a beloved favorite.
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The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour
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The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour
Behold one of our most exclusive tours, a wine lover’s dream come true in the heart of Bordeaux.
This ultimate wine tour promises an unparalleled experience, setting the bar for perfection.
Harvest time in Bordeaux is a thrilling period, filled with anticipation and vibrant energy in the vineyards.
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Experience Bordeaux in full harvest swing
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Prepare to be amazed as you savor the exquisite taste of all five First Growths of over 20 years old plus the distinguished Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old!
The tour doesn’t stop there; it extends to include the best offerings from Saint Emilion and Pomerol, featuring many older vintages.
Elevating the experience further are the outstanding meals meticulously curated at exceptional venues rarely accessible to the public.
This blend of exceptional tastings and exclusive dining makes this tour highly sought-after, offering Bordeaux enthusiasts the ultimate wine, culinary, and harvest season experience. season.
It’s no surprise that the Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour has become a cherished favorite.
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2026 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule
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What makes our Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Tours so special?
- Exclusive Touring Experience:
Limited to just six double/twin rooms and one single, our tours prioritize intimacy and personalized attention for a truly exclusive experience.
- Effortless and Carefree Travel:
Enjoy carefree and seamless travel in Bordeaux as we take care of every detail, ensuring a hassle-free journey from start to finish.
- Taste all 5 First Growths and Château d’Yquem!
Savor all five First Growths and Château Yquem, providing an extraordinary opportunity to taste some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines.
- Expert and Humourous Guidance:
Benefit from the expertise and humor of Michael and Maud and their dedicated team, ensuring an informative and enjoyable tour.
- Gourmet Dining at Exclusive Venues:
Savor gourmet meals at exclusive Bordeaux châteaux and private venues for a unique culinary experience.
- An entertaining concise cooking class:
Join a fun, concise cooking class to master culinary techniques and taste Bordeaux’s finest wines.
- Chateau Accommodation:
Rest in comfort at an air-conditioned, 1872 chateau, offering an elegant and historic setting for a truly authentic Bordeaux experience.
- Luxury Transportation:
Explore Bordeaux in comfort with our air-conditioned luxury motor coach throughout the tour.
- Small Group, Big Fun:
Enjoy fine food, great wines, and fun in an intimate small group—making your Bordeaux adventure truly memorable
- Grand Cru Farewell Dinner:
Culminate your journey with a Grand Cru Farewell Dinner featuring an array of Grand Cru wines, including Chateau Margaux 1985 and the prestigious Chateau d’Yquem of over 30 years old!Discover Bordeaux beyond the ordinary—exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine, and intimate group charm.
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The “new” ultimate destination to enjoy all five First Growths plus Yquem
in a relaxed and informal atmosphere
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The Bordeaux Wine Experience
at le Domaine de Coulon
2, chemin de Meydieu
33360 Latresne (BORDEAUX), France
Website : www.BXWINEX.com
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Call us:
+33 556 20 64 12 (Ronald and Margaret)
+33 683 44 89 41 (Michael and Maud)
(These lines go directly to our Chateaux in Bordeaux so please remember that we’re on Paris time!)
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Copyright 2025 by The Bordeaux Wine Experience. All rights reserved. The content, design and graphical elements of this Magazine are copyrighted. The Bordeaux Wine Experience is a Dutch company specializing in wine and culinary tours in the Bordeaux region for an English speaking international clientele.
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