On December 12, during the Times Monaco Christmas event, Tour de Wine hosted an exclusive private wine dégustation for local residents. In a warm setting, guests were invited not only to taste wine, but to experience the stories, terroirs, and emotions behind each bottle. We sat down with the founders, Denis and Evgenia, to learn more about the philosophy and vision behind Tour de Wine.

How did the idea of Tour de Wine come about?

We have been working in the wine industry for over 15 years, but the idea of creating Tour de Wine emerged only a few years ago.

Long before that, we regularly gathered with friends and organized private tastings. We also traveled extensively through wine regions such as Burgundy, Bordeaux, and beyond, where we especially enjoyed comparing soils, terroirs, and the many factors that influence the character and taste of wine.

Over time, we realized that this experience — observing, comparing, and truly understanding these differences — was something we wanted to share. That is how Tour de Wine was born.
Because the deeper the understanding of terroir and winemaking nuances, the deeper and more meaningful the appreciation of wine becomes.

Tour De Wine focuses on rare, aged, and premium bottles. What defines “true rarity” for you when selecting wines and spirits?

For us, true rarity is never about price alone or simply the age of a bottle. It is always the result of a combination of factors.

First, there must be genuinely small-scale production — wines created in very limited quantities that capture a unique moment in time. Successful vintages also play a crucial role, when nature allows the terroir to fully express itself.

Authenticity is equally essential. Unfortunately, the market for rare wines is saturated with counterfeits, which makes the provenance and life story of each bottle critically important.

And finally, everything rests on the craft of the winemaker — their vision, experience, and ability to transform land, climate, and time into a wine with soul.
True rarity exists at the intersection of all these elements.

What does being a sommelier mean to you today, beyond technical knowledge and certifications?

Above all, it is the ability to listen and feel the person — to understand their mood, experience, and expectations. Wine should not be chosen strictly “by the rules,” but through intuition and the context of the moment.

Professional tastings are a key part of your work. What do you want guests to discover beyond aroma and flavor during these experiences?

We want our guests to discover the context behind the wine — the place, the people, and the moment in time behind each bottle.

A tasting is not about analysis; it is about dialogue and emotion. When guests understand how terroir, climate, and the winemaker’s decisions shape a wine’s character, wine truly begins to speak for itself.

What skills or qualities do you believe distinguish an exceptional sommelier from a good one?

Genuine curiosity and a constant desire to learn are fundamental. But just as important are empathy and humility.

An exceptional sommelier does not showcase their erudition — they create comfort and enjoyment. The goal is never to impress, but to ensure the guest leaves with a sense of discovery and joy.

You also organize wine and whisky tours. What makes your tours different from traditional wine tourism?

First and foremost, our tours are private. Each journey is designed for a family, a group of friends, or a company that wants to share an intimate experience together.

Second, everything is fully customized. There are no standard itineraries. Each route is created from scratch based on our clients’ preferences — from winemakers and distilleries to accommodations.

We also place great emphasis on understanding the region itself: soils, climate, vineyard locations, and how these elements shape wine and spirits.

Beyond that, we provide a full concierge service — transfers, private villas or châteaux, luxury hotels, private chefs, and curated leisure experiences.
Our tours go far beyond wine tourism; they are fully curated, high-end personal journeys.

In your opinion, how has the culture of wine and premium spirits evolved in recent years, particularly among younger collectors?

In recent years, especially among younger generations, wine culture has shifted noticeably. The philosophy of “buy and drink” has replaced long-term cellaring and collecting.

Today, young collectors are rare. Collecting remains largely the pursuit of mature, deeply engaged individuals for whom time, context, and history truly matter.

Current trends favor fresher, earlier-drinking wines. Many winemakers now intentionally produce wines meant to be enjoyed just a few years after the vintage.
This reflects a broader cultural shift — away from accumulation and patience, toward immediacy and experience.

Can you recall a particularly memorable bottle or tasting experience that truly embodies the philosophy of Tour De Wine?

Once, during a tasting, we opened a bottle of Henri Jayer Richebourg 1975, acquired at auction. Despite its age, the wine astonished everyone with its structure, vibrancy, and depth.

It clearly conveyed the vision of a legendary winemaker who is no longer with us. Tasting a wine of this level is an exclusive experience — a rare opportunity to connect with a master’s legacy through a single glass.

Today, wines by Henri Jayer are among the rarest and most difficult to obtain in the world, which makes moments like this unforgettable.

What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning their journey into fine wine and aged spirits?

Start with curiosity, not rules. Explore different styles, regions, and categories, and trust your own senses.

Don’t rush to chase rarity or status — taste develops over time. Learn to compare, taste consciously, and enjoy the process itself.

And train your nose. Pay attention to aromas in everyday life — while walking, cooking, or traveling. Fruits, flowers, soil, summer air — all of these exist in a glass of wine.

And of course, join our tastings and never hesitate to ask questions. That’s how the dialogue with wine truly begins.

 

About Tour de Wine

Tour de Wine is a company specializing in the selection and sale of rare, aged, and premium wines and spirits. By combining deep sommelier expertise with a genuine passion for wine culture, the team creates curated collections in which every bottle carries its own story.

Beyond sourcing exceptional bottles, Tour de Wine hosts professional tastings and organizes exclusive wine and whisky tours to the world’s most renowned wineries and distilleries — transforming the discovery of fine drinks into an inspiring, immersive experience.

What sets Tour de Wine apart:

• Personalized selection of wines and spirits tailored to individual tastes and requests

• Access to rare, vintage, and hard-to-find bottles

• Professional sommelier guidance throughout each experience

• Tastings that reveal the culture and philosophy behind wine and distillates

• Bespoke wine and whisky tours to the world’s leading wine regions and distilleries