Maísa Mendonça
Maísa Mendonça began her career in the world of wine in 2004, after completing an influential stage at Le Mas des Herbes Blanches, part of the prestigious Relais et Châteaux chain in France.
This initial experience was crucial, as it gave me a solid grounding in hospitality and the dynamics of the French wine world.
Maísa soon realized that her passion for wine required a deeper and more technical understanding, which led her to seek specialized training at the Suze-la-Rousse Wine University, where she obtained diplomas in sensory analysis and sommelerie.
Maísa's career as a renowned sommelière
Maísa Mendonça
Dedicated to expanding her horizons and really immersing herself in different wine cultures, Maisa didn’t limit herself to France.
She has extended her learning and practical experience to other notable wine-growing regions, working in wineries in Chile and New Zealand.
These international experiences have enriched his palette and understanding of wines, allowing him to absorb different winemaking methods and local traditions.
Upon returning to France, Maísa applied her accumulated knowledge to a leading role in wine tourism at Château Gruaud Larose, where she spent 14 years honing her technique and skills in guiding and educating others about the art and science of wine.
It was during this period that Maísa solidified her confidence as an elite sommelière, known for her ability to convey the world of wine in an accessible and engaging way.
Our story to Maísa Wine Tours
2004 - The Beginning
"The Plantation''
Maísa's arrival in France and her first contact with wine culture, as well as a vine being planted.
After specializing in hotel management, Maísa Mendonça left Brazil for Provence to start an internship at the Relais et Châteaux, Le Mas des Herbes Blanches.
This is the beginning of his passion for wine and French art de vivre.
2006 - The Harvest
"Fermentation"
After reaping the rewards of her initial studies, Maísa begins to transform her raw knowledge into refined skills, like grapes fermenting to become wine.
Maísa obtained her diploma in sensory analysis at the University of Wine in Suze-la-Rousse.
She continues at Mas des Herbes Blanches as assistant sommelière.
2007 - The Harvest Continues
"Maturing"
Maísa continues to deepen her education and experience, assimilating the nuances of winemaking, as well as how wine matures and develops complexity.
Maísa continues to deepen her education and experience, assimilating the nuances of winemaking, as well as how wine matures and develops complexity. Driven by an interest in wine production, she decides to explore new wine experiences in New Zealand and Chile
2008-2009 - Years of Transition
"Barrel Aging"
Maísa returns to France and works in Marseille, where her skills are honed and enriched, like wine that ages in barrels, gaining character.
She returned to France, settling in Marseille for a year. There, she worked in a wine cellar as a sommelière-caviste, creating animations and workshops.
2009-2022 - Establishment
"The Bottleneck"
Maísa establishes herself as a respected professional at Château Gruaud Larose, where her work is finally 'bottled' and presented to the world, ready to be appreciated.
Maísa is hired by Jean Merlaut, owner of Château Gruaud Larose, a 2nd Grand Cru Classé from Saint Julien, to develop a wine tourism project. She becomes responsible for wine tourism and also takes part in trade missions for the Château, spending the next 14 years in this role.
2022 - A New Beginning
"The Tasting"
Maísa leaves Château Gruaud Larose to offer her services as a guide-sommelière, allowing others to 'taste' her experience and knowledge of wine.
After 14 years, Maísa leaves Château Gruaud Larose in search of new challenges. She starts working as a guide-sommelière, offering her vast experience to anyone who wants to explore and understand the Bordeaux wine region.
2024 - The Revelation
"The Exceptional Harvest"
In 2024, Maísa inaugurated "Maísa Wine Tours", marking the launch of her own brand in the world of wine tourism. Like an exceptional vintage, this new venture represents the culmination of years of dedication and expertise, offering personalized tasting experiences and tours that highlight the best of French wines and Maísa's passion for wine.
This new phase symbolizes the culmination of Maísa’s work and knowledge, now shared with the world in a more personal and direct way, through her own tour company.
Contact:
Maísa Wine Tours
9, Rue Charles Baudelaire
33680-Lacanau-Ville
França
On our tours:
Les enfants et les jeunes sont les bienvenus lors de nos visites, s’ils sont accompagnés de leur famille.
We are open daily:
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
