Mary Watson-Delauder, Wine Sommelier, Lansdowne Resort

To say that wine is a way of life for Mary Watson would be an understatement. It is a true passion and people who come into contact with her can see the sense of excitement immediately.

Since joining Lansdowne Resort in 1994 she has been an instructor of the vine for both guests and employees. Building the resort’s wine lists and winning numerous awards as well as pairing wines for many of the resort’s special wine dinners, Mary is forever building her list of great wine.

Her love of the culinary world started in San Francisco where she attended cooking school and wine classes. Moving on to Houston, TX Mary started her own catering service, building her endless supply catering decorations. She expanded her wine expertise with the more wine classes and bartending school

In 1985 she was a wine consultant at Central Liquor in D.C. This was an important step in building her vast network of suppliers. This is also when her Sommelier career kicked into high gear. She was the first female at the Mayflower Hotel in 1989, moved to the Radisson Mark Plaza, and did a stint at the Occidental Grill in Washington, D.C. before landing at Lansdowne.

Her accomplishments include Sommelier Society of Washington, DC, Court of Master Sommeliers, Italian Sommelier Society and Master Lady-Knights of the Vine.

She was a two-time finalist in the California Wine Wizards competition, finalist in the French Sommelier Competition, has won 8 Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for the wine list in the resort’s Lansdowne Grille, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, and has served as a judge for the American Wine Competition, Virginia VWGA competition and the Eastern International Wine Competition.

Mary’s true love is pairing food and wine and this year has taken her passion for gardening to a new level. She has been a main force in designing the garden on the property and has integrated wine tasting and herb tasting which has led to the Food and Wine Camp offered during the summer at the Resort.