| Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, and with right. the passion and quality of the winemakers, as well as the simple range and variety of the different wines found there, make this large region rightfully sought out by wine lovers around the world. Our tour allows you to enjoyt the three key areas of the Bordeaux wine region: the Medoc with its renowned chateaux, the Sauternes with its spectacular sweet white wines, and St Emilion area with the rich Pomerol wines and the UNESCO village of St Emilion itself.
THE MEDOC & SAINT EMILION
Sunday: Welcome to Bordeaux
Our taxi driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city centre where you can settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to explore the old town centre. Dinner in a Gourmet restaurant is included tonight.
Monday: The Medoc Wine Region – Grand Crus Classés
You have the morning to explore Bordeaux in earnest. Take some time to enjoy this port-city, in existence since Neanderthal times! You'll love the beautiful 18th century buildings that still line the quays, as well as the general feel of wealth (earned mostly from the wine trade) here from the time of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her husband, Henry Plantagenet. Today it is inscribed by UNESCO as "an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble". Be sure to explore the elegant "Place de la Bourse", as well as St Peter's church, Saint Andre's Cathedral and the Grand Theatre
After lunch (oysters and a glass of wine in one of the bistros along the port?), rendez vous with your guide. After driving into the heart of the Medoc, your first tasting is at Château Desmirail,Grand Cru Classé Margaux. The owner, Denis Lurton, welcomes us and explains his philosophy about wine during our tasting. A unique experience! Following “la route des châteaux” lined with Châteaux Palmer, Margaux, Beychevelle, Ducru Beaucaillou, we come to the next tasting at Château Lagrange,Grand CruClassé Saint Julien, one of the largest wine estates of the Médoc with 115 hectares of vines. The size and rigorous growing methods ensures that the wines from Château Lagrange have the quantity and the quality for worldwide exportation. Return to Bordeaux at the end of the day.
Tuesday: A day in Saint Emilion
A full day of explorations awaits you today with your guide. Your first stop is at Château Angélus, Premier Grand Cru Classé, with its exceptional terroir, and talented winemaker. After our tasting, we are welcomed in to the 14th century convent, the Clos des Cordeliers, for a relaxed picnic lunch (lovely local produce: bread, cheeses, charcuterie, salads, and wines!). Refreshed, you’ll enjoy your private guided tour of the catacombs and monolithic church of extraordinary St Emilion. Before leaving for Pomerol you will also taste the famous “macaroons”, another delicious speciality of Saint-Emilion. Your last tasting of the day is at Château du Tailhasin Pomerol, and along the way your guide will show you some of the most renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, Petrus and Cheval Blanc.
Wednesday: Barrel-making and departure!
This morning your guide takes you back into the Medoc; there is a first stop at Chateau Cantenac Brown, a Top-Classified Margaux Growth for a visit and tasting. After our tour there, we continue on to the Nadalié cooperage, or barrel-makers. You’ll be able to see the different stages of the manufacturing process for the wonderful oak barrels – intrinsic to any great wine, and then get to taste the wines produced by the Nadalié family. Return to Bordeaux in time for late lunch, and afternoon departures for your further travels.
Please note: This tour runs from Sunday to Wednesday; ask us for more or fewer days!
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