Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, settle in to your room in the heart of the historic city. Depending on your arrival time, you can wander the cobblestoned streets and squares, relax on the shaded terrace of a café, or visit one of the many art galleries and museums. Dinner tonight is included at one of our favourite restaurants.
For the 1855 “Exposition Universelle” of Paris, Emperor Napoleon III requested a classification system for France’s best Bordeaux wines which were to be on display for visitors from around the world. The Medoc wine region spans from the mouth of the Gironde River down south and includes the four famous communes of St-Estephe, Pauillac, St. Julien and Margaux.
Your tour will begin in the Margaux appellation with a private “Prestige Visit” of Classified Growth Chateau Kirwan. Here, the richness and personality of a soil created over more than two million years by the accumulation of Pyrenean gravel, together with the climate and the flora, make up the precious DNA of the estate. Over time, mankind has learned ways to innovate so as to better express the originality and authenticity of the Château Kirwan terroir. After a visit of the technical installations, you will wine taste two wines and discover the famous Canelés cakes.
Then, follow the legendary Castle road that is lined up with some of the most prestigious wineries that the Medoc region is composed of including Chateau Palmer, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Pichon Longueville and so many more… Your next tasting is a treat – you’ll have a visit at another Classified Chateau, including an assortiment of paired cheeses or chocolate. Afterwards, you’ll still have an appetite for lunch in a great local restaurant (lunch not included).
Continue on to a final tasting at another Classified Growth, such as Chateau Camensac. The estate borders the Saint-Julien appellation, in the commune of Saint-Laurent-Médoc. The vines are located on the area’s finest gravelly rise. The topography is fairly steep and the pebbly soil quite deep. Here, your visit will focus on the 1855 Classification system as well as on the unique methods of marketing linked to Bordeaux wines. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the afternoon.
Your destination today is the Saint Emilion wine producing appellation where Merlot is the predominant grape variety. You’ll have a first stop is to enjoy a private visit and wine tasting in a classified growth Chateau. Here you discover and understand the work, chemistry & technical complexity involved in the wine making process, followed by a great tasting.
Then, discover the village of Saint Emilion and enjoy a unique private guided tour of the underground monuments of the village including the fascinating monolithic church and hermitage.
After some free time for lunch and personal exploration, depart for 1st Classified Growth Chateau Beauséjour Bécot. After the visit of the installations and of the underground quarries, participate in a wine tasting of these fabulous wines paired with a local delicacy, the macarons of Saint Emilion. Return to Bordeaux again at the end of the afternoon to your hotel for your final evening.
Your Private Bordeaux Wine Tour has come to an end; after a final breakfast, connections are easy out of Bordeaux train station or airport for your further travels. Bon Voyage!
What's included
- 3 nights in charming hotels of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC + or DELUXE
- All hotel taxes
- All breakfasts, 1 dinner in Bordeaux (drinks not included with dinner)
- 2 Fully guided touring days with an English speaking expert guide in a comfortable vehicle
- 3 visits & tastings on the Medoc day: 2 in Grand Cru Classés and 1 in a Cru Bourgeois, including 1 tasting with a food and wine pairing (cheeses or chocolates)
- 2 visits and tastings in Grand Cru Classés on the St Emilion day
- Tour of the underground monuments in UNESCO St Emilion, including the monolithic church
- Note the specific tastings will depend on your dates and availabilities at time of booking.
* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
Hotel Details
Classic Tour
1350 € / pers.
3 Nights
Hotel de la Presse – Bordeaux
Classic + Tour
1490 € / pers.
3 Nights
Grand Hotel Francais – Bordeaux
Deluxe Tour
1890 € / pers.
3 Nights
Le Palais Gallien – Bordeaux