Bordeaux and Saint Emilion Wines
Description
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Main Grape Varieties
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Discover Bordeaux wines and experience a selection of the prestigious estates with tastes at some of the best and most interesting wineries in the area. Explore the Medoc and Saint Emilion and some its impressive wine appellations like Margaux, Pauillac, St Julien, Haut- Medoc and more. We will customize the trip to introduce you to the wines and area for a unique and special experience.
Chateau visits must be scheduled well in advance. If you have requests for certain chateaux, we will do our best to make these arrangements if there is availability. Otherwise, our expert guides provide exceptional tastings and have the ability to open many doors for some incredible tastings.
Highlights
- Discover and understand more about wines at the Cite du Vin wine museum
- Experience the wines of the Medoc, Passac Leognan, Saint Emilion and Pomerol
- Drive the wine route of the Grand Chateaux
Suggested Itinerary 4 – 6 Nights
Itineraries are hand crafted with extra care to create the right mix of food, wine, and culture for a memorable and unique experience. Here are some ideas and a sample itinerary. Contact us to get started.
Day 1 – Bordeaux
- Arriving at Bordeaux and transfer to your luxury hotel in the middle of the vineyard
- This afternoon, enjoy some time to explore the Cite du Vin wine museum and then take some time to explore Bordeaux
- Dinner in Bordeaux this evening at a nice wine bar or Michelin star restaurant
- Overnight in a hotel among the vines
Day 2 – Medoc
- Private experts guide will take you to visit a top winery in the Medoc and enjoy a special barrel tasting to understand the aging process in oak barrels
- Lunch at a local care that is popular with many of the winemakers in the Pauillac area
- Drive along the Route of the Grand Chateaux as you find your way to your next wine tasting
- Your second visit will be in the classified growth of the Margaux Appellation
- Final visit today is another domain in the Margaux Appellation
- Overnight in the hotel among the wines with dinner on-site tonight
Day 3 – Pessac-Leognan
- This morning you will start with a private visit of Chateaux Smith Haut Lafitte in the Pessac Leognan appellation. Learn about the classified growth of the Graves and follow a customized private tour in the owner’s private cellar
- Following your tour, lunch is at La Table du Lavior, the gourment bistro at Les Sources de Caudalie
- Transfer to your new hotel and enjoy a walking tour of Saint Emilion. The history of the village goes back to medieval times and the whole jurisdiction is classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural landscape
- Dinner this evening is on your own in the village or at your hotel
- Overnight in Saint Emilion
Day 4 – Saint Emilion / Pomerol
- Private day exploring the Saint Emilion Appellations. Start with a 1st growth like Chateau Angelus or similar. Discover the wine-makers passion and understand how the terrior has much to do with the success of the wines in this area.
- Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the route today with a wonderful panoramic view of the vineyards
- Next visit and tasting is at another 1st growth of Saint Emilion Appellation
- Finally, it is time to discover the Pomerol Appellation. Pomerol has magnificent clay and gravel terrior
- Overnight in Saint Emilion
Day 5 – Depart
- Transfer by private driver to Bordeaux airport or station for your onward journey
Options
- Extend your stay in Bordeaux and take a day trip to Arcachon to experience the Southwest seafood. A must is the oyster tasting and be sure to visit the incredible Sandy Dune of the Dune du Pilat
- You can always add extra days in any of the local wine areas near Bordeaux to really focus on some wines you like or add on a day for some of the Sauterines with a tasting at perhaps Chateau d’Yquem
- Enjoy a cooking class in the Medoc with a Michelin starred chef and wine pairing lunch based on your efforts
- Add on several days and go south to the Basque country for amazing ocean views and Basque cuisine. Try a chocolate class or cooking class to really enjoy the local flavors
- If you are a Cognac lover then a day or two to delve into some tasting and tours will be essential