About Us

Mary Dardenne

When I came to Bordeaux 16 years ago – I new nothing about wine! Let me teach you what I learned.

Today I have over twelve years of experience in sharing the French lifestyle with wine lovers from around the world through Bordeaux wine and food tours. I have enjoyed it so much that I enrolled in and successfully completed the Bordeaux  Oenology faculty’s course at the Institute of Vines and Wine Science.  The DUAD (Diplome Universitare d’Aptitude a la Degustation) course comprises on the one hand, theoretical classes that cover grapes to wine, and on the other hand practical olfactory exercises for analytical and descriptive tasting.

I also started a networking group  called Women in Wine… Tourism some 150 ladies who meet monthly to discuss new trends in wine tourism, whos who, whats what and past successes.  Generally its just a really good gossip arond good food and wine! The group consists of almost everyone (female of course) in wine tourism in Bordeaux, tourist offices, chamber of commerce, chateau owners, travel agencies, guides…

My experience in wine is vast.  Previously with a large internationally renowned chateau in Bordeaux promoting their many wine tourism businesses I made my mark on the industry.  Dealing with a four star Relais & Chateaux hotel, two Michelin starred restaurants and cooking and wine tasting classes were a good start in luxury wine tourism.   Whether marketing wine, running the hospitality side of a prominent Chateau in Pomerol or organizing wine tours for individuals and groups, I have met almost everyone on the wine scene in Bordeaux now.  The difference for Decanter Tours is that because of these connections, our clients have the luxury of a relaxed and welcoming reception where they are well received in moste every chateau in the area.

Some of our previous clients have included wine clubs and fraternities from several countries, cooking school groups, future wine professionals and wine enthusiasts from all backgrounds. The groups range from 2 to 200 people. We are specialists in high end clients, we cater to all your needs when touring the vineyards. Every detail of your program will be carefully planned with your input.  Whether it be cultural, historical or purly epicurean, your visit to the wine regions will reflect your own desires and tastes.  We offer the most luxurious accommodation, the safest and most comfortable chauffeur-driven cars, the finest restaurants and the most knowledgeable English or American guides.  Our close relationships with the growers and owners mean that we can pass on to you experiences that the average wine tourist will never see.  We promise that your next wine tour will be unforgettable.

We are an independent operator  and are not attached to any particular properties so you can suggest your own itinerary.  We will do our best to make it happen.   You choose what you want to taste and who you taste it with.

But we are not stopping at Bordeaux! We have incredible contacts all over the world, mostly epicureans, some wine makers, some winery owners, some organizers, all of them active. From kite surfing & Sherry tastings on the Costa de la Luz in Spain, to snowboarding and fondue with Reisling in a sumptious chalet in Zermatt, our future tour opportunities will never be boring. Connect with us via twitter, facebook or simply check back here often to see what our future tours will include.

Of course you decide the dates and the destination. We put you in touch with the most exciting upmarket culinary travel professionals available today. We intend to bring you along with us every step of the way on this incredible journey.

Come along with me on a fantastic wine journey and we will share the experiences of a lifetime!

Mary Dardenne, the driving force behind Decanter Tours, has lived in Bordeaux for over fifteen years with her two sons, three dogs and assorted cats and her husband.  Originally from Texas, she made Bordeaux her home after living in London, Paris and Southern California.