French Wine Explorers

French Wine Explorers, based in Florida, is headed by Jean-Pierre Sollin and Lauriann Greene-Sollin, a Franco-American couple who both graduated from France’s esteemed highest level sommelier program. They organize pre-packaged private tours, wine tasting barge cruises, and customized private tours in Burgundy. Their trips are led by an impressive team of French wine experts and even can be tailored for wine and food professionals.

The trips in Burgundy include visits to the most prestigious domaines, accommodations in historic hotels and chateaus, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and shopping and sightseeing in the town of Beaune. The focus of the trips is educational but the intent is to be fun and unpretentious. Trips are limited to 12 guests.

A Burgundy and Champagne Prestige Tour is planned for May 26-31, 2008 ($4995 pp) and a Great Estates Burgundy Tour is September 8012, 2008 ($3995 pp).

The excellent website, www.wine-tours-france.com, includes frequently asked questions, multiple testimonials and a wealth of tour information. Sign up for the e-mail newsletter on the website. A recent newsletter featured a concise and easily-understood article on malolactic fermentation by Mary Kirk- Bonnet. Sommelier Conseil and Wine Expert Guide for French Wine Explorers. I think you will find this a superior explanation of this critical step in winemaking.