Tour Hosts
Bob Madill
Bob Madill has a degree in Electrical Engineering and Master of Science. He has spent over 20 years working in high-tech marketing and management domestically and internationally.
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Bob started his wine industry career in Niagara, Ontario then co-founded Sheldrake Point Winery, Finger Lakes, NY in 1997. He was Winegrower, GM and Partner for 12+ years overseeing the development and operation of a 40-acre vineyard, winery, tasting room and distribution sales.
As Wine Director, Bob was part of the opening team for Kindred Fare Restaurant, Geneva and continues as wine consultant.
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Bob represents Tonnellerie Bossuet in the Finger Lakes, NY and Niagara, ON.
He is the Head Judge for the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition of over 2,000 wines & Spirits. Responsibilities include the selection of wine and spirits judges, setting wine and spirits classes, and the overall conduct of the competition.
Bob has judged at domestic and international wine competitions including as Jury President at the Concours des Grands Vins Blancs du Monde in Strasbourg, France; and Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada in Quebec City.
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Bob is WSET 3 certified, a Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers), and is a certified AWS Wine Judge Instructor. He has conducted educational wine tours in Europe for wine industry professionals for over 15 years.
Bob is a frequent presenter of educational seminar-tastings to the American Wine Society, the largest wine consumer organization in the US. He has also given presentations & tastings to the Society of Wine Educators.
Bob Madill is a member of the Board for the New Wine & Grape Foundation and Chair of the Promotions Committee.
Pascal Durand
Pascal Durand graduated in viticulture and enology from the School of Agriculture, Montpellier and from the University of Burgundy.
After a career in the department of Ag Economics at the University of Burgundy, in 1990 he founded and then directed the Wine Research Institute of Burgundy. From 2003 to 2012, he directed the Wine Executive MBA (CCIV).
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Pascal has been a visiting associate professor at Clemson University and University of Kentucky, and adjunct associate professor Cornell University. Since 2003 he has co-organized the Summer Abroad Program “Introduction to viticulture” in Burgundy for UC Davis. As Director of the Brotherhood “Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Foundation” since 2002, Pascal provides two harvest internships in Burgundy wineries for UC Davis MS graduates.
In 2005, he founded the Pinot noir Academy to consult and advise winemakers from Europe and overseas, organizing and leading dozens of study tours for winemakers in the main vineyards of Western Europe.
Pascal is a retired professor and former director of Institut Universitaire de la Vigne et du Vin GIST; Jules Guyot of the University of Burgundy and Institut Agro of Dijon.
In partnership with Hong Kong Chinese investors, 2014 Pascal co-created and is currently head winemaker at a 40 ha winery-tourism hospitality complex in Penglai-Yantai, Shandong China. In 2016 he was appointed visiting professor at the University of Jinan, Quancheng College, Penglai and has been named “Winemaking Consultant” for the City of Penglai in 2017.
Since 1979, Pascal owns and runs a small winery estate in Beaujoiais, Burgundy. His direct ancestors have been related to wine business for almost 300 years, owning vineyards since the 18th century in Burgundy. Pascal’s son Pierre has assumed operating responsibilities.