Mary Taylor has come a long way from working odd jobs in the working-class neighborhood of Massachusetts where she grew up to becoming one of the most successful independent woman-owned wine import companies in the United States. She’s certainly paid her dues, and it is now paying off, even in a changing and challenging wine market.
An English major at Boston College, she started out as a wine server at the Boston Harbor Hotel. She moved to New York City to work as an assistant to human rights activist, Elie Wiesel, a role that opened the doors and eyes to a world of writers, philanthropists, philosophers and fine wine aficionados.
Mary Taylor
A series of jobs working at Sotheby’s and Acker Merrall & Condit, running a wine retail shop, writing the Thoreau Wine Society newsletter and selling wine for a distributor rounded out her industry experience. She also lived in Burgundy for a time and became acquainted with smaller grower producers in France. That planted a seed in her mind.
Back in New York, Taylor earned her M.B.A. at NY University and then worked in banking while developing her business plan for what is now Mary Taylor Wines. Her vision to was to work with individual growers in different appellations who produce “exceptional, regionally distinctive wines at extremely accessible prices.” Mary Taylor Wines was established in 2017 and now has national distribution on and off premises.
We first met Mary Taylor in 2021 in New Orleans where she has a pied a terre in the French Quarter. Over a few dinner parties we have become friends and learned her story. We admire her grit, her wit and her passion for seeking out independent grower-producers who make wines that feel like you are taking a backroads trip through Europe, discovering local gems along the way.
In April, 26 producers from Europe joined Mary Taylor on a nine-city tour through the southern United States to present the “Poor Man’s Paulée,” a laid- back wine tasting and dinner named for the more high-ticket version of this event in Burgundy. During the event, Taylor underscored her mission to demystify wine and make it accessible and approachable. She pointed that in Europe wine is easily accessible and enjoyed every day as much as easting fresh fruits and vegetable. It’s not about scores and ratings. We agree with this. Wine is part of the meal and sharing glasses with friends over good food is a great pleasure to us.
Heloise Pacaud with a bottle of Jean-Marc Bordeaux Blanc (SRP $11)- Mary Taylor Wine
We attended the “Poor Man’s Paulée” in New Orleans on April 14 which took place at the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit at the Audubon Zoo. The location was fabulous, and the weather cooperatred. We could see alligators swimming in the green swamp gunk. Bears came out at night, and the giraffes were having dinner. The casual evening started with a walk-around wine tasting where we could chat with the producers who poured their wines. There was an extensive selection, and we continued tasting throughout dinner. Producers walked around pouring for us while we enjoyed a Louisiana inspired menu by Susan Spicer and Allison Birdsall of Rosedale restaurant and Jenny Breen of The Joint. Event management and catering was provided by Dicki Brennan’s Audubon Tea Room.
Worling the room! Mary Taylor pours wine for guests attending the New Orleans event April 14.
This event was one of the best consumer wine tastings we have attended in a long time because it was an event that made you feel connected with the producers. There was no wine geek talk and posturing about scores and bottles collected, just pure enjoyment for what was in the glass. Based on the enthusiastic conversations we heard on the mini-train ride back to the parking, we think a lot of Mary Taylor wine be sold!
Listen to Melanie’s conversation with Mary Taylor on The Connected Table here: