Simon
Your Expert Guide and Private Sommelier with a Star-Studded Career
The true oenological soul of Heritour Voyage, Simon is far more than just a private driver; he is your personal sommelier, dedicated to making your wine tour in Burgundy an unforgettable sensory and intellectual experience. Originally from the Loire Valley, where he grew up in direct contact with the vineyards and the artisans of the land, Simon developed a deep passion for wine culture from a very young age. Armed with degrees earned at the prestigious hotel schools of Nantes and Angers, he quickly understood that excellence in sommellerie is forged through contact with the very best.
It was in the United Kingdom, within the renowned Hôtel du Vin group, that his talent truly blossomed. For many years, he had the immense privilege of training alongside absolute legends of the profession, including the late Gérard Basset (World's Best Sommelier and Master of Wine). These guiding figures passed on to him an uncompromising tasting methodology and an encyclopedic knowledge of the world's terroirs. His impressive career then led him to manage the wine cellars of Michelin-starred restaurants, notably at Sir Michael Parkinson's Royal Oak, where he had the honor of serving members of the British royal family and international celebrities with a wine list praised by critics.
Always in search of new horizons, Simon also led operations in Shanghai, becoming familiar with the exacting standards of Asian clientele. But it was Burgundy that ultimately captured his heart. While overseeing the gastronomy of the prestigious Abbaye de la Bussière (Relais & Châteaux), he built close and exclusive relationships with the most talented winemakers of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. Today, he puts this invaluable network at your service. On board our luxury vehicle, Simon deciphers the complexity of Burgundy's "Climats" for you, opens the doors to estates usually closed to the public, and turns every wine tasting into a moment of authentic, luxurious, and deeply human connection.
