top wine tours in bordeaux

The Best Wine Tasting & Tours In Bordeaux

Browse through the best selection of bordeaux wine tours.

A terroir story | Château Balestard La Tonnelle

Wine Tasting and Tour at Château Balestard La Tonnelle in Saint Emilion, Bordeaux

The "Origins" tour | Château Balestard La Tonnelle

Tasting Distinct Wines at Château Balestard La Tonnelle in Saint Emilion, Bordeaux

Wine Tasting at Chateau Dauphiné Rondillon

Discover The Universe of The Great Wines of Loupiac And Cadillac

Wine tasting and tour at Château Loudenne

Visit the famous Pink Palace to step back in history and enjoy a walk at the vineyards or a picnic at Château Loudenne

Wine tasting and tour at Chateau La Rose Monturon

Join the winemaker for a walk at the vineyards and a wine tasting at Chateau La Rose Monturon

Wine Tasting and Tour at Château Bellerive in Valeyrac - 33340 France

Discover Médoc's subtle wine balance and exceptional terroir in a family vineyard in the beautiful Bordeaux Wine Region

Wine Tasting and Lunch at Chateau La Rose Monturon

Vineyard tour, cellar and barrel cellar complemented with an exclusive tasting of local wines and Bordeaux cuisine

Wine Tasting at La Closerie de Fronsac

Taste Amazing Wines of La Closerie de Fronsac, Bordeaux

Visite - dégustation at Château Sainte Barbe

Dive into the heart of Sainte Barbe!

Unique Old Vintages Wine Tasting at Chateau Siaurac

Bordeaux wine journey: explore terroirs, history, and iconic vintages from 1970 to 2016 in a unique wine-tasting experience.

Treasure Hunt | Château Sainte Barbe

Visiting and experiencing the Château Haut-Goujon : half a bottle offered per visit !!!

Enjoy the best of French hospitality, art exhibition and wines at the Château Haut-Goujon

Bordeaux Wine Tours Offered by Local Guides

Discover Bordeaux's wine scene together with knowledgeable local wine tour guides.

Half-Day Guided Wine Tasting Tour in Bordeaux Vineyards

Bordeaux Full Day Tour : Wine Tastings & Lunch

Enjoy this amazing guided wine tour in Bordeaux

Private Tour with Tastings in the Bordeaux Vineyards

We will organize a dream day for you to discover the most famous and prestigious vineyards in...

Bordeaux VS Rioja Wine Tour

Wine Tours ... The best small family, independent and sustainable vineyards with Man vs Wine!

Discover the wines of Bordeaux - History & Wine Walking Tour

An Exotic Tour

St Emilion Medieval Town and Vineyard Tour

A private tour in Bordeaux

Private luxury wine tour in a 1973 presidential Citroën

A road trip across the spectacular Bordeaux vineyards, aboard an exceptional French classic car:...

Luxury private tour of Bordeaux and vineyards in a 1973 Citroën DS Limousine Convertible

Enjoy in the same tour the two highlights of Bordeaux : the elegant heritage of the city centre...

Wine Tasting: Red Wines & Cold Meats

Delve into Bordeaux's vineyard heritage with a professional guide, discovering appellations, terroirs, and grape varieties

Visit the magic Saint-Emilion

Private Winetour in a Vintage Car

Vintage vineyard tour: ride in a Citroen 2cv through Bordeaux's vineyards, visit a castle vineyard, enjoy a winery tour, and picnic

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Hike & Wine in Bordeaux

Outdoor Wine Activities in Bordeaux

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Best cities to visit in bordeaux, france.

Bordeaux Wine Map

How to reach wine tasting experiences in bordeaux.

Wine tasting tours in Bordeaux are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

Looking for a more specific destination?

Design your perfect wine holiday in bordeaux, personalize your wine experiences with our team of experts..

Welcome to Bordeaux, where centuries-old châteaux and world-class wines await your exploration. Located in the South-West of France, Bordeaux is a region steeped in winemaking history and tradition. Discover the essence of Bordeaux as you journey through vineyard-covered landscapes, with charming cities like Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, and Pauillac serving as your starting points. These cities are gateways to the prestigious wine regions of Médoc, Graves, and Saint-Émilion, where you'll encounter renowned châteaux producing exceptional Bordeaux varietals.

Book wine experiences in Bordeaux and uncork the stories behind Bordeaux's legendary châteaux and reveal the secrets of this captivating wine region.

The best season to visit Bordeaux?

The season to visit Bordeaux vineyards is actually very long, as it goes from May to the end of September. In May, vine rows are starting to grow, while September is the harvesting period. It might be very interesting to visit the region during the harvesting season, but some wineries don't allow visitors during that time. Check out our list of Bordeaux grape harvest tours to discover where you can join the harvest.

What to do in Bordeaux?

The Bordeaux wine region offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. Here are some quick suggestions for an unforgettable trip:

• Bordeaux: The vibrant and historical capital city.
• Saint-Emilion: The wine capital with a rich medieval history.
• Arcachon: A unique coastal town with distinct districts.

Explore more in our Travel Guide to the Bordeaux Wine Region .

What to taste in Bordeaux?

Before embarking on your Bordeaux wine-tasting experience, here are some essential tasting notes :

• Bordeaux Red Blends: These wines are typically full-bodied, boasting high tannins and medium acidity. Expect aromas of red and dark fruits like cherries or blackcurrants, complemented by notes of dark chocolate and herbs. Some blends may even offer hints of graphite and minerals.
• Bordeaux White Blends: These wines are dry and range from medium to light-bodied. Unlike their red counterparts, white blends have no tannins and feature medium to high acidity. Look for distinctive aromas of lemon, lemongrass, grapefruit, and citrus.
• Bordeaux Sweet Wines: These delightful wines are known for their sweetness and complexity. You can expect rich flavors of honey, apricot, peach, and tropical fruits, often accompanied by hints of caramel and spices. Bordeaux sweet wines offer a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them a true delight for your palate during your Bordeaux wine tasting journey.

What travellers says about Bordeaux Wine Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, which are the best wine experiences in bordeaux.

• Private Wine Tasting and Winery Tour at Château de Pressac
• Châteaux La Croizille & Tour Baladoz, St Emilion Grands Crus Classés : Visit & Tasting
• Wine tasting with a view upon Saint Emilion | Château Balestard La Tonnelle

Which places provide the best wine tours in Bordeaux for groups?

• Chateau Kirwan
• Chateau Dauphiné-Rondillon
• Château Haut-Goujon

What do you normally do during visiting Chateaux in Bordeaux?

Language tips for visiting bordeaux, what is the famous wine village near bordeaux, which grape from bordeaux is considered one of the greatest, are you interested in reading more about bordeaux.

If you are looking for organized tours, check out our list of guided wine tours .

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The best wine tours in Bordeaux

If you’re looking for amazing wine tours and wine-related experiences, Bordeaux is your city! This shouldn’t come as a surprise in a region that is considered by many as the world wine capital. 

If you’re confused and don’t know what are the best wine tours to take in the Bordeaux wine region , I’m here to help. After years of traveling and trying different tours, guides, and winery visits I gathered a list of the best experiences the Bordeaux region has to offer. If you’re a wine lover or just interested in visiting several wineries on your trip to Bordeaux, keep reading as there’s a lot of important information here for you.

How to take a wine tour in Bordeaux

A semi-private wine tour to saint emilion or medoc, discovering wineries by bike – biking wine tours in bordeaux , group tours in the bordeaux wine region , private wine tours from bordeaux , self-guided tours in the wineries of bordeaux , wine activity in bordeaux .

If you have no problem planning your wine trip yourself and looking for winery recommendations , you can go ahead and skip to the Self-Guided Tours section of this article.

I want to start, however, by helping those who don’t want the hassle of organizing a wine tour. And even though, I personally like self-organized tours, there are a few big advantages to taking a guide.

First, you get a lot of knowledge about the history of the Bordeaux wine region and winemaking in Bordeaux. But also, it enables you to drink a lot of wine without worrying about driving back to Bordeaux.

Wine tours are probably the main attraction Bordeaux has to offer. So as you can imagine, there’s no shortage of guides and tour operators offering wine tours in the region. Some of them are very professional and knowledgeable and others less so. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re booking. 

There are several types of wine tours you can find in Bordeaux. 

A private wine tour with a guide who takes you straight from the doorsteps of your hotel to visit several wineries in one day. A more popular option is the semi-private wine you, where a small group is going to visit 2-4 wineries in one or two wine regions in Bordeaux . 

Then you have the big group tours with 10 to 50 participants. These are less recommended in my opinion but they are very well-priced. And lastly, you have more unique experiences that include food tasting, cycling, and more.

In this article, I summarized the best wine tours and experiences in each of these categories. All the tours on my list start in Bordeaux which is great for anyone staying in a hotel in the city center . 

Semi-private tours are small group tours of 6-8 people. These tours feel quite intimate even though they are not private. They’re usually not too expensive, considering the fact that it saves you transportation costs. So all in all, that’s the tour I recommend taking if you’re not into self-guided tours.  

There are quite a few companies offering private and semi-private tours from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion or Medoc. Here are a few I recommend. 

A Saint Emilion wine tour

One of the best travel companies to offer wine tours to Saint Emilion is Ophorus. Their tours include guided visits to some of the best wineries from different classifications of Saint Emilion. They also take you on a tour of the village of Saint Emilion where you get to visit some of the main landmarks.

The first option is a full-day trip to Saint Emilion and its wineries. If you have time, I highly recommend taking that tour so you can properly explore this world-renowned wine region, which has so much to offer. This tour includes a visit to three wineries from 1ᵉʳ, 2ᵉʳ, and 3ᵉʳ Saint Emilion wine estates (different growth classifications). You can book the full-day tour here .

If you don’t have the time for a full-day trip, there is also the half-day wine tour option with a visit to a one-classified growth winery and the village itself. The company offers daily tours in the morning and the afternoon. You can book the tour here .

*See recommended wineries to visit in Saint Emilion . 

Medoc Full Day Wine Tour, from Bordeaux

One of the tours I highly enjoyed was the one offered by Ophorus , a reputable company in wine tourism in this region. 

The full-day wine tour to Medoc includes a visit to three different wineries, all carefully chosen by their team. The tour allows you to visit wineries from different appellations in Medoc and observe the differences between the more prestigious chateaux and smaller family-owned properties. All the chateaux on the tours are either Grand Cru classé or Cru Bourgeois, so good wine is guaranteed. 

There are two great options for guided tours to the Medoc – A full-day tour and a half-day tour. I really enjoyed the full day, but I think that half a day is enough to get a taste of the Medoc.

Saint-Émilion Food and Wine Tour

If you want a full-day trip to Saint Emilion I recommend taking the one offered by Olala Bordeaux. Their tour lasts about six hours and includes a visit to three châteaux in Saint Emilion as well as a fun picnic. Book it here . 

* See recommended wineries to visit in Medoc . 

From Bordeaux: Afternoon Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Trip

If you want to start the morning in Bordeaux and get to Saint Emilion later in the day, this tour might be perfect for you. The afternoon wine tour offered by Bordovino includes a visit to two wineries and a tasting of four Saint Emilion wines. 

As you get to visit one small family estate and a big Grand Cru winery, you have the chance to compare their wines and see the differences in their wine-making techniques. You’ll finish the day with an early evening tour of the medieval town. 

You can book the tour here . 

Cycling from one winery to another while enjoying the landscape of Saint Emilion’s lush vineyards is a beautiful experience you don’t want to miss. There are a few companies offering biking tours in Saint Emilion. Both companies I mention here offer only electric bike tours and that’s because Saint Emilion is a very hilly wine region which makes cycling hard.

Bordeaux: St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour with Wine & Lunch

This Saint Emilion full-day bike trip is offered by Bordovino. You start the day in Bordeaux and the company takes you to Saint Emilion where you’ll get the e-bikes. 

You then get a bit of time to tour the beautiful medieval town before you head on your cycling journey. The unique part of the tour starts once you get out of the center of Saint Emilion. You’ll cycle on the beautiful chateaux route, passing by famous estates like Petrus or Château Cheval Blanc. 

On this tour, you get to visit two Saint Emilion wineries and taste their wines. The visit to the first château also includes a light lunch in their garden. Their bike tours are offered only during the tourist season, starting in April. 

Book your bike wine tour here . 

Rustic Vines – e-bike tours

This is another recommended wine e-bike tour, offered by Rustic Vines, a company that specializes in biking tours. In this small tour, you get to visit two wineries and taste delicious local specialties during your lunch. You get a short walking tour of Saint Emilion at the end of the day and even have an extra wine tasting at a wine boutique.

Like in the previous tour I described, here too you start your tour in Bordeaux and the company takes you to Saint Emilion. If you’re already in Saint Emilion you can start straight from there, and get a reduced price.  Book your tour here .

While I highly recommend taking a semi-private wine tour, their prices range from 90 to 160 euros p/p. It’s not extremely expensive for a wine tour, however, it’s not an affordable price for a lot of travelers to the Bordeaux region. 

That’s where the group wine tours come in handy. 

The Bordeaux tourism office offers tours to most wine appellations around Bordeaux, including the less-known ones. You can choose between a day trip to Saint Emilion with a visit to one winery and a wine tour to areas like Medoc, Blaye, Graves, and Sauternes where you get to visit two wine properties. 

These tours are guided by professional guides who are generally quite charismatic 🙂 The main advantage of taking a group tour is the price which is usually under 50 euros p/p.

If you have the Bordeaux city pass , you get another discount of 15% – you can purchase the city pass here . 

The downside of these group tours is the number of people allowed on a tour which can easily get to around 40. 

Here’s the schedule of the group wine tours in Bordeaux: 

Monday: Saint Emilion or Fronsac  Tuesday: Medoc Wednesday: Graves and Sauternes  Thursday: Bourg and Blaye Friday: Entre Deux Mers (the white wine region of Bordeaux) Saturday: Medoc Sunday: Saint Emilion or Fronsac 

Some useful information: 

• All the tours start at the Tourist office of Bordeaux at 13:30 and last for five hours. 
• During the winter the tours are offered only on weekends
• Kids under the age of 5yo cannot join their tours 

You can book your tours directly on their website . 

Another option is private wine tours from Bordeaux . These tend to be quite expensive as you hire a person to accompany you the whole day. But if you find the right guide, a private tour can be an unforgettable experience.

The best guides in this region are personally familiar with many wine markers and can take you to unique places. 

Here are a few of my recommendations for private guides in Bordeaux.

If you’re looking for a tour in Saint Emilion, I highly recommend Nicolle from Sip . Her tour focuses on small independent producers in Saint Emilion. She also wrote a great book about Bordeaux wine which I highly recommend.

As she has been working as a wine guide for more than two decades she can organize tours to Medoc, Pessac Leognan, and other parts of the Bordeaux wine region. This is her Medoc private tour , for example. 

If you’re interested in discovering the Sauternes world, I highly recommend Anne from Aquitaine travel guide . 

If you’re looking for kid-friendly experiences, Anne is great at that too. Drop her an email with all your questions: [email protected]

Two other great English-speaking wine tour guides in the region are Malgorzata Balaban-Delcros and Marie Hallier ,who also offers amazing tours to Cognac. 

In the last few years, I wrote many articles about visiting wineries in the Bordeaux wine region . So if you want to go on a self-organized tour, you can find all the info on this site. 

Here are a few wineries that I recommend for English speakers: Château de Pressac in Saint Emilion, Château Pape Clément in Pessac Leognan, and Château du Taillan in Medoc.

And this is a full list of all Bordeaux wine-related articles with more winery recommendations, that will help you plan your Bordeaux self-guided wine tour:

Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion  A guide to the Bordeaux wine region  A day trip to Saint Emilion How to visit wineries in the Bordeaux wine region without a car A weekend in the Medoc wine region  Best wineries to visit in Sauternes  Best wineries in Bordeaux to visit with kids 

If you’re planning on a wine road trip with several winery visits, I highly recommend renting a car. You can find good prices for rental cars in Bordeaux here . If you’ve already decided what chateaux you’re planning to visit and you just want a driver to take you there, you can find one here . 

Finally, if you’re in Bordeaux for a very short stay and have absolutely no time for a wine tour you have a few other wine-related activities in the city. 

Cité du Vin – visit the world’s biggest wine museum

La Cite du Vin is a unique cultural center, dedicated to the discovery of wine. Through its interactive exhibition, it offers a journey to both French and global wine history. Read about what to expect when visiting the museum in my article about my visit to the Cité du Vin . You can avoid the lines at the entrance by booking the tickets online – here . 

The ticket to the museum is quite pricy but you can enter the museum for free with the Bordeaux CityPass . To enjoy the free entrance you must enter the museum before noon.

Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting class 

You can also take a morning wine-tasting class with a Professional sommelier guide. This is a two-hour workshop where you’ll learn about and taste wines from different wine regions in France.

Book the class here . 

Wine tours with kids

Most wine tour providers in this region do not welcome kids on the tour, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Bordeaux wine region with your kids. All you have to do is choose a château from my article about the most kids-friendly wineries in Bordeaux . 

Pin this article, so you can use it on your visit to the Bordeaux wine region!

First time visiting Bordeaux?

If you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time, be sure to check out my  ultimate guide to Bordeaux , which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the  best hotels in the center of Bordeaux  as well as a  guide to the districts of Bordeaux  to help you choose your preferred location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France  via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook  | Instagram  | Email  |  Facebook group

* Note  – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂 

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The Best Wine Tours in Bordeaux

13 Jul, 2022

Find the best wine tasting tours in Bordeaux

What better way to uncover the authentic Bordeaux than on a wine tasting and winery tour through the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. Choose from a private tour or group tour and visit the best wine regions of Bordeaux including St. Emilion, Margaux, Graves, Médoc, Sauternes and Pauillac and of course, wine tasting and food tours in Bordeaux city itself. Book now with Winerist and be assured you’re guided by experts.

Best wine tour of Bordeaux number 1:

Half-day saint emilion châteaux, wine and village tour from bordeaux.

Discover the famous village of Saint Emilion, visit two beautiful châteaux: a Great Classified Growth estate and a beautiful family-run estate. If you want to gain a good insight into Bordeaux wine and how to taste it, this tour is for you!

Book now from EUR 99 per person

Best wine tour of bordeaux number 2:, full-day e-bike and wine tour in st. emilion from bordeaux or saint emilion.

Enjoy a unique electric bike tour through the scenic UNESCO heritage region of St. Emilion, visit two famous châteaux, enjoy a picnic lunch, a refreshing wine tasting and explore the medieval village of St. Emilion.

Book now from EUR 130 per person

Best wine tour of bordeaux number 3:, full day saint emilion wine tour & bike with lunch at a château from bordeaux.

Spend an amazing day riding your bike in the beautiful Saint Emilion vineyards, having lunch in a château and learning how to become a great wine taster.

Book now from EUR 149 per person

Best wine tour of bordeaux number 4:, château pape clément.

Visit this beautiful 700 year old château, enjoy a tour, cellar visit, vintage wine tasting with the cellar master, and learn about its history and production processes. This wine experience is great for all, including wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Book now from EUR 20 per person

Best wine tour of bordeaux number 5:, morning gourmet city tour of bordeaux.

Learn about the history of Bordeaux whilst visiting local producers for a tasting of the city’s best chocolate, cheese, and patisserie. This gourmet city tour will take you to three of the most distinctive producers of local delicacies.

Book now from EUR 72 per person

Click here to explore our full range of bordeaux wine tours.

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The 13+ Best Bordeaux Wine Tours of 2024

Last updated on February 28th, 2024 at 10:40 pm

Table of Contents

Looking for the best Bordeaux Wine Tours for your trip? I’ve got you covered!

With over 7,000 wineries to choose from it’s hard to know which are the best Bordeaux Wine Tours to choose.

Considered to be one of the wine capitals of the world Bordeaux has a lot to offer, and it can be a little overwhelming with so much choice.

Maybe you should do a self-guided tour. Perhaps you’d enjoy wine tasting as part of a group. Or you might prefer a private tour.

It’s no great secret that I enjoy a glass or two of wine, and Bordeaux wine is some of my favourite.

And living in the Charente, I’m just 90 minutes away from Bordeaux and have enjoyed several of the wine tours available.

My Top 3 Picks: The Best Bordeaux Wine Tours in 2024

Full-Day Saint Emilion Wine Tasting Tour

✅ This 8-hour tour has 400 5-Star Reviews

✅ Visit a Grand Cru Classé chateau

✅ St-Emilion, is a UNESCO-listed village

Médoc Private Wine Tour & Tastings

✅ Visit three wine châteaux in the Medoc 

✅ A personalised tour with guided tastings

✅ Explore winemaking villages such as Margaux

Electric Bike Wine Tour Tasting

✅ Guided tour of two chateaux

✅ Picnic Lunch & Wine Tasting

✅ Hire fees for your electric bike

The Best Bordeaux Wine Tours on Foot in the City

If you’d rather not tour the vineyards or simply don’t have time, wine tasting in the city is the perfect option. There are lots of great wine bars and boutiques where you can enjoy a wine-tasting experience in Bordeaux itself.

1. La Cité du Vin

⭐️  RATING:  4 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2-3 hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

You cannot fail to be impressed by this unique wine museum. I was blown away by how much I learned on my trip, not to mention the building itself.

It was designed to represent the flow of wine into a glass and is nothing short of spectacular. La Cité du Vin stands high, at 55 metres and is a huge tourist attraction. 

It opened in 2016 intending to educate people about winemaking and doesn’t just feature the wine region of Bordeaux.

It’s an immersive wine experience featuring wines from around the world.

You won’t spend most of your time reading as you do in many museums. But there’s a lot to see and a lot to listen to.

And don’t worry there’s an English audio option for those that need it.  The main exhibition is on the second floor and covers everything you could possibly imagine about wine history.

From understanding how wine is made to the incredibly cool ‘Buffet of the Five Senses’ (Le buffet des 5 sens). I mean wine tasting does need all five senses after all.

The wine tasting happens on the 8th floor called ​​the Belvedere where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

It really doesn’t get any better than tasting fantastic wine and a view to match.

To really enjoy the experience you’ll want to set aside half a day. But if you’re pushed for time you can create a tour specific to your own interests.

This is a very well organized museum with wonderful interactive areas. Very educational in many areas and really a first class museum. And a free glass of wine at the top when you finish to look over Bordeaux! lisa ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK Tickets to La Cité du Vin Wine Museum

No 2 – Cousin and Compagnie

⭐️  RATING: 4 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   1 Hour | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

This is one of the oldest wine shops in Bordeaux and their Vintage Wine Tasting event is one you don’t want to miss. Especially as it’s paired with a charcuterie board of cured meats and cheese.

Not only are they the oldest but they were also one of the first to introduce biodynamic wines into the region. They were awarded the Eco-Défis 2022 label.

As well as enjoying four Grands crus wines selected from vintage years in the 70s, 80s and 90s, you’ll learn the history behind making them.

And they’ll tell you how to choose the right cheese for the right wine.

As it’s only an hour so you’ll still have time to explore the rest of the city. You can choose between an experience in French or English.

A must when you are passing through Bordeaux and want to satisfy your wine cravings! A wide range of biodynamic and natural wines and a passionate team that shares its knowledge with us! martin ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK The Vintage Wine Tasting with Cousin and Compagnie

No 3 – Le Pied à Terre

⭐️  RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 Hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

Run by two brothers, Pierre and Geoffroy, Le Pied à Terre is another great wine-tasting option.

These guys love their wine it’s that simple. There isn’t much they don’t know, and they’re happy to help you drink it too. You’ll taste three Bordeaux wines accompanied by a selection of Basque cheese and meat.

They are popular and tend to sell out fast, so make sure you get your tickets in advance.

The tasting lasted close to two hours and it was entertaining, educational, light-hearted and truly a sweet lesson in the wine of Bordeaux. You’re made to feel like family.  stephen ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK Le Pied à Terre Wine Experience

The Best Full Day Immersive Bordeaux Wine Tours

We’ve collated our five of the best full-day tours covering a variety of price ranges and inclusions. Something to suit everyone.

No 4. ​​Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch in St Emilion

⭐️  RATING:  5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

The first in our full-day tours is the super saver. It combines a workshop with lunch along with a trip to the most famous of the Bordeaux wine regions, Saint-Emilion.

The morning is spent in Bordeaux learning and tasting, followed by lunch in the city. Next is a visit to two chateaux in St Emilion for tours of the vineyards and more wine tasting.

This value-packed tour is limited to 8 people to ensure a more personalised experience.

What’s included:

• A two-hour Wine Tasting Workshop with a minimum of 11 French wines paired with cheeses 
• Lunch in the city centre
• A road trip to UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion
• A visit to two châteaux for a vineyard tour and wine tasting
• Local English-speaking guide

We did the full day tour and we are so glad we did. Tasted some amazing wine in the morning and learned all about French wine. It was really interactive! Then went out to the winery’s in the afternoon. So beautiful. Isabell was a AMAZING guide. kelsey ( read more reivews )

▶︎ BOOK the Supersave Wine Tour in St Emilion

No 5. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings

⭐️  RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   8 Hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

Combine two châteaux visits with a walk around the beautiful village of St Emilion. Enjoy tasting red and white wines from Saint-Emilion from the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region.

No need to worry about driving; you’ll be driven everywhere you need to go in an air-conditioned coach.

Starting at a chateau in St-Emilion you’ll learn about the effects the soil and climate have on the grapes before enjoying a 45-minute walking tour of the village.

The second chateau is a Grand Cru Classé chateau and you’ll tour the wine cellars before tasting some for yourself.

• An 8-hour day trip
• Visit two châteaux
• A walking tour of St Emilion village
• English speaking guide
• Wine tasting and vineyard tours

We had a fabulous day visiting 3 chateaux and St Emilion town itself. We have to say that our tour guide, Helena, was superb. She was so enthusiastic throughout and full of knowledge. matthew ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK The St Emilion Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings

No 6. From Bordeaux: Full Day to Saint-Emilion and Medoc

⭐️  RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   9 Hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

Enjoy the morning in Saint-Emilion and the afternoon in the Medoc combining two of the best Bordeaux wine regions.

In a small group of no more than eight people, you’ll get to explore the village of St-Emilion as well as a grand cru tasting at Château la Croizille. Back to Bordeaux for a 3-course picnic lunch with a glass of wine before heading off for the Medoc.

Here you’ll get to do tastings at Château Siran and the grand cru classé Château Marquis. And no trip would be complete without a visit to the famous Château Margaux.

• Explore two Bordeaux appellations: Saint-Emilion and Margaux
• Tastings at three different wineries
• Picnic lunch and a glass of wine
• Guided tour of Saint-Emilion village
• English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle

Our tour guide, Guy, was wonderful and shared a wealth of information about the wine growing regions and the certifications Chateau’s aspire to. The historic town of Saint-Emilion is quaint and beautiful. Although an all-day tour, it wasn’t overly taxing. ronald ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK The St Emilion & Medoc Tour & Wine Tastings

No 7. Luxurious full-day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla

If you really want to do it in style then this is the luxury full-day tour that tops our list.

This private tour starts with being picked up from your hotel in a Tesla by your chauffeur, who also doubles up as your guide. He’ll then take you to explore your chosen Bordeaux appellations, Saint-Émilion, Médoc or Sauternes.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll visit three châteaux, enjoy private tours and do plenty of wine tasting without the need to drive or plan anything.

Everything is taken care of for you so you can enjoy a VIP experience.

• 8-9 Hour Tour
• Private Tesla
• English-speaking Chauffeur/Guide
• 3 Châteaux Tours

This was fantastic! Pascal’s knowledge of French wine is tremendous. He also made the trip entertaining and enjoyable with stories of the history and the famous families who’ve built Bordeaux wine to what it is today. This by far was the highlight of our trip. kevin ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK The full-day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla

No 8. Médoc Private Wine Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings

I have to say this is my favourite full-day tour because the region has some of the best wines, including Malbec, my favourite.

It’s a personalised private tour just for you, allowing you to explore the region which brings you not only Malbec but Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot too.

You’ll see winemaking villages such as Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, and St Estephe and have time to learn about Bordeaux wines, as well as tasting some robust reds.

• A visit to three wine châteaux in the Medoc 
• Three guided tastings
• Private chauffeur and hotel pick-up
• A personalised tour

Gosia was a fantastic guide who was informative and friendly. We were quite familiar with American wines prior to our visit, and she did an excellent job educating us on the unique characteristics of the Medoc region as well as Bordeaux as a whole. We highly recommend this tour!! steven ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK your Private Médoc Wine Tasting and Tour

The Best Half-Day Bordeaux Wine Tours

If you’re looking to do a few smaller tours rather than a full day, we’ve curated some of our favourites. You can even make your own Cuvée.

No 9. Saint Emilion Half-Day Wine Tasting Trip

⭐️  RATING: 4.5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   4 Hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

With over 400 5-star reviews, this wine tour is topping our list.

It’s history and wine combined as you’ll spend time in the UNESCO-listed medieval village of St-Emilion and enjoy wine-tasting in a grand cru estate. It’s the best of both worlds.

With numbers capped at eight, you’ll enjoy a semi-private tour and hear about the 8th-century Breton monk who first started growing grapes in this area.

And of course, you’ll get to sample some wines for yourself.

• 4 Hour-guided tour
• Short walking tour of St Emilion
• Red wine tastings in a Château
• Air-conditioned minibus

My friends and I had a 5-star wine tour from Bordeaux to Saint Emillion. Between the vast knowledge of our tour guide and incredible wine tasting, I couldn’t recommend this tour enough.  katharine ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK your Half-Day Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting and Tour

No 10. Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings

What better way to spend four hours than by driving through the beautiful Médoc region? And stopping off at two chateaux wine estates along the way.

Not only will you learn about the history of the Médoc Region, but the wine estates visited will be either Classified Growth or Crus Bourgeois appellations.

Producing some of the most renowned reds in the region, it’s a great opportunity to sample some of the wines you may have heard of but not tried.

Your route will take you along Route des Châteaux (castle road) where you’ll see the famous châteaux, Palmer and Margaux.

• Wine tasting fees
• Scenic drive through the Médoc Region

An excellent tour of the Médoc region. Valentin was a fantastic guide who was passionate, knowledgeable, and very friendly. The wines that we tasted were incredible and Valentin clearly had a strong relationship with the guides at the winery, which made us feel comfortable and well received. will ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK your Half-Day Médoc Wine Tasting and Tour

No 11. Make your own cuvée of Bordeaux wine

⭐️  RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 Hours | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

Earlier in this article, I told you about two brothers, Pierre and Geoffroy, who own Le Pied à Terre.

They offer wine tasting in  Bordeaux city  and now we’re adding a little bit of personalisation to that experience. You’ll have the opportunity to make your own cuvée of Bordeaux wine. 

First comes the wine tasting where you’ll sample wines from the left bank of the Garonne river, the right bank and the Graves. Then it will be your turn. Under the experienced hands of Pierre and Geoffory, you’ll get to have a go yourself by mixing your blend using different grape varieties.

You’ll even create your own label for your newly created wine. Such a fun and memorable thing to do.

• 3 Hour workshop
• Wine tasting
• Cheese and charcuterie
• The bottle of wine you create

We had a great tasting and education. Even though I have been to many wine tastings I still learned something. The visuals are really nice. The part where we made our own wine was fun and educational. I highly recommend this experience. lee ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK tickets to make your own cuvée of Bordeaux wine

Wine Tasting Tours By Bike, Sidecar or at Night

If you fancy something a little bit different then this collection of fun wine tours will be perfect. From the magic of the Médoc in a sidecar to biking around Bordeaux for some tastings, these tours have it all.

No 12. The Médoc in a sidecar

⭐️  RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   3 Hours 30 Mins | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

Not for the fainthearted this is by far the most fun way to take a tour of the Médoc.

Limited to two people, one goes in the sidecar and one behind the driver. Helmet and gloves and provided along with a knowledgeable tour guide to tell you everything you need to know about wine in the region.

It’s a fantastic way to see the beautiful countryside of the Médoc. You’ll also visit a château to partake in some wine tasting. The perfect way to spend a day.

• 3.5 Hour tour
• Sidecar and driver/guide
• Helmet & gloves
• Wine tasting at one château 

The Retro Sidecar Tour through the Medoc region of Bordeaux with Alex was a great experience. Despite my wife’s reservations at the surprise mode of transport from the start, by the first half hour she was thoroughly enjoying what was a four hour tour. tripadvisor review ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK your own retro sidecar wine tour experience

No 13. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Wine Tour Tasting & Lunch

I always think there is no better way to explore the French countryside than on a bike.

And if that bike happens to be electric, meaning less work for me, all the better. That’s exactly what you get with this all-day wine-tasting bike tour.

You’ll leave Bordeaux in air-conditioned comfort and pick up your bike in the beautiful UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion. As you cycle leisurely through the region, you’ll pass plenty of famous châteaux on your way.

Stopping off at a vineyard for a picnic lunch, you’ll learn all about the wine in the region and sample some for yourself.

• 8.5 Hour tour
• Air-conditioned transport to St Emilion
• Electric bike hire
• Picnic lunch
• 4 Wine tasting 
• Guided tour of 2 chateaux: vineyards and cellars

Had a fantastic day touring around Saint-Emilion. Our tour guide Dorian was very accommodating and informative. Personalised the tour to our interests. Would definitely recommend helen ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK your own electric bike wine tour experience

No 14. Night Tour with Food & Wine Tasting in Bordeaux

⭐️  RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   2 Hours Approx | ✅  Check Rates & Availability!

Just like Paris in the rain, Bordeaux at night is beautiful. And this walking tour combines food, wine and history as you stroll through the city at night.

Take in sights such as Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, the beautiful old gates of Bordeaux, and Place Camille Jullian, one of the hidden gems in the city. 

You’ll finish your evening in Place Général Sarrail and indulge in cheese, charcuterie and Mezze from Lebanon washed down with some wonderful Bordeaux wine.

• 2 Hour walking tour at night

Siad was a wonderful and knowledgeable tour guide. He was patient with us since my mom walks a little slower. He brought us to all really nice places that we didn’t find when we walked by ourselves for hours. And the bar he brought us to was like being in someone’s home. It was soooo good. jennifer ( read more reviews )

▶︎ BOOK your Bordeaux by night walking tour with wine

Bordeaux Wine – What You Need to Know

As a red wine girl myself, I love the fact that over 85% of Bordeaux wine is red and made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. And even better, there are 7,000 wineries to choose from.

Bordeaux has been producing wine for over 2,000 years and is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. It’s divided by the Gironde estuary into two distinct areas: the Left Bank and the Right Bank. 

The Left Bank is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, while the Right Bank is known for its Merlot-based wines.

The Six Bordeaux wine sub-regions

The region is divided into six sub-regions, each with its unique terroir and style of wine.

Saint-Emilion

Probably the most famous of the five regions, ​​the Saint-Emilion sub-region is located on the right bank of the Dordogne River. It’s known for its Merlot-based wines.

The limestone and clay soils of the region produce wines that are soft and fruity with notes of plum, black cherry, and spice. With its own micro-climate, it benefits from a regulated temperature and avoids the harsh winter frosts.

This makes it perfect for cultivating vines and producing vintages that don’t suffer from unpredictable weather patterns.

The four appellations of Lussac Saint-Émilion, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru represent almost 970 registered winegrowers. 

Another wine found in this region is Pomerol, also made from the Merlot grape.

However, you won’t find any classification such as Cru or Grand Cru. It’s the only major Bordeaux appellation that doesn’t.

Next on the list is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, the Médoc. It’s my favourite as it’s where you’ll find some of the heavier reds I love so much.

It’s on the left bank of the Gironde estuary and is home to some very famous wines. Names such as Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Mouton Rothschild.

The flavour of a Médoc wine can vary depending on the specific winery and vintage, but commonly you’ll find blackcurrant, often referred to as cassis. 

Also, Médoc wines are aged in oak barrels, which imparts flavours of cedar and tobacco. Some may have a hint of vanilla, as well as notes of spices like cinnamon, clove, and black pepper.

Blaye and Bourg

If you enjoy a nice Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon or Muscadelle, then this region is perfect for you. It’s actually two regions rather than one, Blaye and Bourg. 

Located on the northern banks of the Gironde the vines grow on sand, gravel and clay-limestone soils. Classed as Bordeaux Grands Ordinaires they are less expensive than the wines in other regions. 

The Côtes de Blaye are dry white wines whilst Côtes de Bourg are red.

Graves and Pessac Leognan

One of the oldest wine regions in Bordeaux, dating back to the Roman era, it also has some beautiful pine forests. 

The region is divided into two main areas: Graves to the south and Pessac-Léognan to the north.

Graves is known for its gravelly soils, while Pessac-Léognan has a mix of gravel, sand, and clay. Both areas produce high-quality red and white wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

It’s home to some of the oldest and most well-established chateaux. Chateau Haut-Brion produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a family-owned estate that has been producing wine since the 14th century.

And Chateau Carbonnieux, is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, dating back to the 13th century.

Sauternes and Barsac

If it’s sweet wine you’re after then look no further. Sauternes is the jewel in Bordeaux’s sweet wine crown. It attracts tourists from far and wide. 

The climate is responsible for the richness of the Sauternes wine with its combination of morning mists and warm, sunny afternoons.

Apparently, these conditions encourage the growth of a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. Also known as noble rot, it dehydrates the grapes and concentrates their sugars, acids, and flavours.

The result is a complex, honeyed wine with flavours of apricot, peach, and honey, balanced by refreshing acidity.

Sauternes and Barsac have produced many famous sweet white wines, including Château Rieussec, Château Suduiraut, and Château Climens. 

They’re typically made from a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, with Semillon being the dominant grape.

Entre Deux Mers

Situated between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, “Entre Deux Mers” means “between two seas”. It refers to the location of the region between the two rivers.

The wines are generally known for their lightness and crispness, with a range of fruity and floral flavours. White wines from the region are often described as crisp and aromatic, with notes of citrus.

The red wines tend to be medium-bodied with a range of fruity and herbaceous flavours. 

The red varieties produced here are called Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior. I have to say I’m not really a fan as I find them too bland. I favour heavier reds such as Malbec.

Some of the best-known châteaux in Entre Deux Mers include Château de Reignac, well-known for its red wines, Château Haut-Sarpe, known for producing both red and white wines, and Château Roquefort, known for its sweet wines made from the Muscadelle grape.

What to take with you on a Bordeaux Wine Tour

Having done my fair share of wine tours, I know what to look out for and those ‘ must have ’ items

Sun hat  – it can get pretty warm out in the vineyards. Keeping the sun off your head, shoulders, and neck will make it much more enjoyable.

Sunscreen  – the last thing you want is to get burnt. So remember to take sunscreen with you, especially on an all-day tour.

A large bottle of water  – although some tours provide water, you can never have too much. Between the sun and the wine, it’s easy to become dehydrated and end up with a headache.

Sensible shoes  – I know it sounds boring, but in the vines, you’re likely to be walking in the dirt. 

Appropriate clothing  – the full-day tours are long so wear comfy shoes and clothing. You don’t want your feet to ache or feel too hot because you’re clothes aren’t appropriate.

Cash  – I know that sounds funny in this digital age but in France, a little bit of cash goes a long way. Especially if you want to tip your guide.

The Bordeaux City Pass

One thing you should do, if you’re coming to Bordeaux, is to buy one of the City Passes . You can choose between a 48 or 72-hour pass.

They give you access to so much, including unlimited access to Bordeaux’s public transport network. More importantly, you’ll get a 15% discount on the wine tours offered by Bordeaux Tourism.

If you’re looking for things to do in Bordeaux the City Pass will give you plenty of options included in the price.

FAQs About the Best Bordeaux Wine Tour

Can you do food tours in bordeaux as well as wine tours.

Yes, you can do food tours in Bordeaux . There are several really good ones to enjoy to really appreciate the wine and food Bordeaux has. to offer.

What is the best time to visit Bordeaux for a wine tour?

The best times to visit Bordeaux for a wine tour are from April to June and from September to October. During these periods, the weather is usually pleasant and you get to experience the vineyards during the growing season or harvest time .

Can I visit Bordeaux vineyards without a tour?

Yes, you can. However, it’s always a good idea to check in advance as some vineyards require appointments for tastings and visits.

Can I buy wine directly from the vineyards?

Absolutely! In fact, buying directly from the vineyards often gives you access to their best selections and sometimes, exclusive wines not available elsewhere.

Can you stay at a wine chateau?

Absolutely, you can stay at a wine chateau . There are many to choose from in and around Bordeaux.

Can you do wine tasting at the vineyards in France?

Yes, you can do wine tasting at the vineyard in France . You will be shown how to taste wine properly and enjoy understanding the different types of wine. It’s a great way to try before you buy.

What is the famous wine village near Bordeaux?

Saint Emilion is the famous wine village near Bordeaux. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a beautiful, cobblestoned village.

Final Thoughts: Wine Tours in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is quickly getting the reputation for being the new Paris as it’s safer and easier to walk around with magnificent buildings and of course, great wine.

I love spending time in Bordeaux and although I’ve now been several times, I still haven’t discovered all the hidden gems the city has to share. So if you’re looking to visit Bordeaux this article on the best hotels to book will help.

Known as the wine capital of France if you love your wine then taking a wine tour in Bordeaux should be top of your list. From one day to seven, Bordeaux is a fantastic city .

MY TOP PICK

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Top 10 Best Chateau Hotels Near Bordeaux [2023]

Is Bordeaux safe? The Essential Safety Travel Guide 2023

Discover the best Bordeaux market | Get our top picks

Where to Picnic in Bordeaux | The Hidden Gems

Bordeaux Chocolate | Discover the Best Chocolate Shops in Bordeaux

The 10 Best Museums in Bordeaux for 2023

TRAVELLING TO FRANCE?

Here are my favourite resources I use each time I travel!

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🚌 🍷  My favourite platform  to find Day Trips and Wine Tours in France at the best price and with great reviews 

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I personally use these sites myself and if you use them, they will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing cost of maintaining my blog and writing about France. Thank you!

Kylie Lang is the founder of Life in Rural France. She moved to France in 2016 and lives in the beautiful Charente region in the Nouvelle Aquitaine. Through the blog, she showcases the best places to visit in France, especially in the South West. From chateaux and winery tours to hotels and restaurants, she has first-hand experience of life in France.

13+ Impeccable Bordeaux Wine Tours to Take in 2024

Bordeaux wine tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone, not just wine enthusiasts. But, finding the right wine estate and knowing which tour is right for you can be difficult!

When I first started dabbling in the world of wine, I realized I had absolutely zero clue why I liked certain wines more than others and the differences between wines from different French regions, which is precisely why I’ve created this list of the best wine tours from Bordeaux so you can have an expert wine connoisseur help you during your trip.

Because, whether you’re new to drinking wine or you’re a wine enthusiast, there’s always something you can learn from these local aficionados.

Located in southwestern France, the Bordeaux wine region is home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the world. So, nobody wants to risk visiting a winery that doesn’t suit their flavor interests, right?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? No problem!

The #1 Bordeaux wine tour on this list is undoubtedly the Saint- Emilion wine tour & day trip from Bordeaux! Offering numerous wine tastings, a professional English-speaking guide, and roundtrip transportation, this is the ultimate Bordeaux wine tour!

With these tours, you can learn about the history and production of local metiers and even get a chance to explore the wine-making process!

Plus, there are plenty of charming villages and towns to explore in this picturesque corner of France. Cheap wine tastings may exist in Bordeaux, but I promise you… the experience won’t be cheap!

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience, be sure to add the Bordeaux wine region to your travel itinerary!

Best Bordeaux Wine Tours in 2024

🍷1. saint emilion day trip with sightseeing tour & wine tastings from bordeaux.

What’s Included? ⤵️

• Bottled water
• Free access to WiFi onboard
• Professional English-speaking guide and driver
• Short walking tour of Saint Emilion
• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation via minibus from Bordeaux
• Three special wine tasting sessions

🍷 With nearly 500 5-star reviews, this full day Saint Emilion day trip is easily one of the best Bordeaux wine tours you can take. Enjoy 8 full hours of learning about wine production, seeing where some of the best wine in France is produced, and of course, tasting wine. You’ll travel in comfort in an air-conditioned minibus from Bordeaux, and you’ll even get the opportunity to explore Saint Emilion for a little while! This tour eliminates the need to rent a car, so you can save some money and do everything you want to do on your day tour of Bordeaux!

🍷2. Luxurious Full Day Bordeaux Wine Tour in a Tesla

• Private transportation in a Tesla
• Professional guide and driver

🍷Looking for the ultimate luxury Bordeaux wine tours? Look no further! Over the course of 8-9 hours, you and your small group will be chauffeured in a pristine Tesla across France’s most popular wine region. Visit high-end wine estates across multiple wine regions including Saint Emilion, Pauillac, and Sauternes and indulge in luxurious group wine tastings throughout the day. Be sure to pick up some amazing cheese and fruit along the way for the perfect day exploring Bordeaux! Not only does this luxury tour top most others , you can also feel good about limiting your carbon footprint while you do it.

🍷3. Full Day Wine Tour in Saint-Emilion (Premium Sedan)

• Private transportation in a luxurious sedan
• Professional local driver and guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (if chosen)

🍷 Considering a luxury Bordeaux wine tour on your next trip to France? Sounds great! Be sure to check out this 9-hour day trip to Bordeaux’s wine region where you’ll get the chance to explore numerous wine estates across Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. You’ll also have the opportunity to dine at La Terrasse Rouge which is surrounded by some of the most prestigious wine estates in the region. You’ll also be able to sample, Chateau Canon, which if you aren’t aware is a Premier Grand Cru Classé! This is easily one of the most luxurious Bordeaux wine tours available, so be sure to book in advance if you want to secure your spot in the premium sedan. It can only hold 3 people, so keep this in mind if you have a larger group.

🍷4. Full Day Bordeaux Wines Workshop and Tour

• Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle
• 90-minute wine tasting workshop
• 6 different wine tastings
• Guided visit and wine tastings at two different chateaus

🍷 Over the course of 7 hours, you’ll find yourself developing from a wine novice to a wine connoisseur! Test your skills in smelling the different aromas that define a good wine, and see how the taste of your wine changes when you sample different foods with your wine. With a 1.5-hour workshop accompanied by a wine specialist and visits to two estates , you’ll have the chance to increase your wine knowledge and get to indulge in some of the best wines in the country.

Half Day Bordeaux Wine Tours

🍷5. saint emilion half-day trip with wine tasting & winery visit from bordeaux.

• Red wine tastings in a Château
• Private transportation via air-conditioned minivan

🍷 If you’re looking for a quick wine tasting in Bordeaux that gives you a chance to see the iconic Saint-Émilion village and provides the chance to sample some amazing French wines, this tour is for you! This tour has a small group size with a maximum of 8 people, so you’ll get nearly undivided attention from your guide who is there to answer your questions and assist you with anything you need along the way. With over 400 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why this tour has received the Badge of Excellence from Viator !

🍷6. Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings from Bordeaux

• All wine tastings included
• Roundtrip transportation from Bordeaux
• Small-group Medoc wine tour
• Scenic drive through Bordeaux’s wine region

🍷With several visits to both Classified Growth and Crus Bourgeois appellations, there’s no wonder why this spectacular half day Bordeaux wine tour has received Viator’s Badge of Excellence and dozens of 5-star reviews! It doesn’t matter if you’re short on time, this half day excursion includes Bordeaux wine tasting tours at several estates and allows you the opportunity to drive past some of the region’s most famous chateaux including Palmer and Chateaux Margaux.

🍷7. Make your Own Cuvée of Bordeaux Wine

• Alcoholic beverages and snacks
• Full wine class right in the center of Bordeaux
• The bottle of wine you create
• The chance to seal your bottle and attach your very own label

🍷 Not everyone has a full day to take one of these spectacular Bordeaux tours, so if you have to make do with just a few hours, this wine workshop has received the Badge of Excellence from Viator ! In just one afternoon, you’ll get the opportunity to work with wine connoisseurs to create a wine that tastes great. You’ll also have the chance to practice sealing a bottle of wine, including your own, and you can even create your very own wine label for your bottle to bring home! If you are considering several half day tours Bordeaux has to offer, this one is one of the best-rated in the city.

Private Bordeaux Wine Tours

🍷8. bordeaux private half day wine tour – st emilion or medoc.

• Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Bordeaux
• Professional English-speaking guide and driver (other languages may be available upon request)
• Visits to 2 wineries in the Graves or Medoc wine regions
• Visit 1 winery in Saint Emilion

🍷 Want to make the most out of your half day Bordeaux wine trip? Well, in just 4 hours, this tour will bring you to 3 different wine estates that you get to select yourself ! This allows you to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a short amount of time, so you won’t feel like you missed out on the wine regions if you only have limited time in Bordeaux. Since you’ll be short on time, be sure to sample at least one of the Grand Cru wines… Haut-Brion is simply exquisite.

🍷9. Bordeaux Private Full Day Wine Tour

• Fully private wine tour
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• You get to pre-select the wineries you visit

🍷When it comes to private Bordeaux wine tours, this one surely shouldn’t be missed! Complete with your very own guide and driver, you and your group will be able to pre-select the wine estates in Bordeaux that you visit prior to pickup. This saves you time and allows you the chance to see more of the French countryside between visits. They allow you to visit up to three estates and recommend pre-booking your wine tastings in advance.

🍷10. Bordeaux Médoc Region Private Wine Lovers Tour with Château Visits & Tastings

• Walking tour of the village of Saint Emilion
• English-speaking tour guide and private driver
• Transportation via air-conditioned minibus with free onboard WiFi access
• Three wine tastings in Bordeaux

🍷Among some of the best wine tours in Bordeaux, this 8-hour wine lovers tour is perfect for the classic wine enthusiast. With visits to several different wine estates and chateaus as well as the village of world-famous St. Emilion, this is one wine tour you won’t want to miss! Plus, with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned transportation, you’ll have everything you need for a luxurious visit to France’s best wine region.

Bordeaux Bike Tours

🍷11. bordeaux: essentials 3-hour bike ride.

• Half day bike rental
• Beautiful 3-hour bike ride through Bordeaux’s old town with a guide

🍷 Not really a wine drinker? That’s okay, I love beer and spirits too. While the rest of your group runs off to take a Bordeaux vineyard tour, consider taking a 3-hour bike ride around the city of Bordeaux with a guide ! You’ll learn about the history of this famous French city and get the opportunity to see a large portion of the region in a short amount of time. Plus, you’ll get some great opportunities for photos, so make sure your battery is charged!

🍷12. Bordeaux: St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour with Wine & Lunch

• English and French-speaking tour guide
• Full-day St. Emilion electric bike rental for touring
• Lunch accompanied by local wines
• Visits to a Great Classified Growth estate as well as to two stunning chateaux
• Roundtrip transportation from Bordeaux by van

🍷 In the mood for something a little out of the ordinary on your Bordeaux wine tour? Consider booking this incredible e-bike tour that includes a 15-kilometer ride through stunning vineyards in France’s iconic Saint Emilion wine region ! You’ll get spectacular views of the region’s most scenic areas during this beautiful bike ride, then you’ll be rewarded with a group wine tasting in Bordeaux at multiple chateaux and classified growth estates! While you will be riding an e-bike, an average level of physical fitness is required for this tour, but it’s easily one of the best Bordeaux wine tours by bike.

Bordeaux Wine Tour from Paris

🍷13. full-day tour to saint-emilion and medoc, from bordeaux.

• English-speaking guide
• Small group tour with private transportation between Paris and Bordeaux
• Three wine tastings all from different classified growth vineyards within the St. Emilion and Medoc wine regions (with a Grand Cru tasting)
• Walking tour of Saint Emilion
• Picnic in a Chateau
• Photo stop at Château Margaux

🍷 Planning a trip to Paris and want to visit France’s most spectacular wine region without the hassle of planning all of the complex details? This day trip to Bordeaux from Paris is for you! Simply hop in your semi-private vehicle from Paris to Saint Emilion where you’ll have the opportunity to sample Grand Cru wines (some of the best white wine tasting in Bordeaux), take a walking tour of the charming town, and enjoy a lovely picnic in a charming chateau.

Bordeaux Wine Map

Now that you have all of the information you need for a spectacular trip to Bordeaux’s wine region, you can use this map to find the vineyards that you believe will suit you best and mark them for your personal itinerary.

The Best Wines to Try in Bordeaux

Chateau Pey La Tour 2018

Recognized for its ruby red color, this bright wine has notes of raspberries, licorice, and some light spices.

Chateau Tour Chapoux

Pairing well with red meat and poultry, this well-balanced simple wine is a great starting point for those looking to broaden their wine palette.

Chateau Pey La Tour 2019

Wood-aged and recognized for its big tannins, this bold red boasts a spiciness that is perfect around the holidays.

Château Pey La Tour Bordeaux 2018

Rich with notes of licorice and blackcurrant, this wine can stand up to most red meats and is good for sipping.

Chateau Peybonhomme Les Tours 2018

Known for its use of fresh black fruits and smoky aftertaste, this delicious red is affordable and will pleasantly accompany any steak dinner.

Bordeaux Wine Tour Packages

Some wineries in Bordeaux offer luxurious wine tour packages inclusive of tastings, meals, and even your accommodation.

Château Cordeillan-Bages and Château Meyre are just two that offer such packages, and make for a great choice if you’re looking for something extra special!

FAQ: Bordeaux Wine Tours

In this next section, I’m going to be diving into answering several essential questions for your wine trip to Bordeaux

What is the Best Wine Tour in Bordeaux?

The best wine tour in Bordeaux is probably the Saint- Emilion wine tour & day trip! This tour takes you on a scenic drive through the stunning countryside of Bordeaux, stopping at renowned chateaux in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Not only do you get to taste the region’s best wines, but you’ll also learn about the history and production process from experienced local guides. This tour also includes a 45-minute walking tour of Saint Emilion with an expert, local guide, so you really do get the best bang for your buck with this tour!

Is Bordeaux France Worth Visiting?

Bordeaux, France is absolutely worth visiting! This glorious city is not just a wine lover’s paradise, but it also boasts a rich historical heritage, stunning architecture, and a vibrant food scene.

Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, take in the majestic sight of Place de la Bourse along the Garonne River, or simply unwind in the lush green spaces that dot the cityscape.

And, let’s not forget the main attraction – the vineyards! In Bordeaux, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through some of the world’s most renowned vineyards, savor exquisite wines, and meet the winemakers behind these exceptional blends.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or simply a traveler seeking a unique French experience, Bordeaux is a destination that’s worth every bit of the hype.

How Much Does it Cost to Go Wine Tasting in Bordeaux?

Bordeaux wine tours range greatly in cost, but overall many of them are not very expensive.

The most expensive tours will include tastings of a variety of high-end wines as well as food and occasionally even the chance to try your hand at making wine. But, for the most part, most wine tours in France cost around $100-$160 per person for a full 8-10 hour day.

Of course, this will vary depending on what is included, if it’s a private wine tour, and so forth.

When Should I Visit Bordeaux Wineries?

The best time to visit Bordeaux wineries is between August and October, with September being peak season.

Mid to late August is perfect for seeing vineyards overflowing with grapes and have warm to hot weather, while September is when the grapes are at their best and harvesting season begins.

By mid-October, much of the grapes are harvested for use during the off-season, but you’ll experience far milder temperatures which is perfect for those who don’t love the summer heat.

So, if you want those iconic photos of the vineyards overflowing with grapes, then visit in late August to early September. But, if you want to avoid the summer sun and are looking to score some good deals on accommodations, then October is a great season to visit.

October is also great for foliage viewing over the vineyards in Bordeaux, so if this is something that you would like to see, then you should consider visiting in October.

Can you Do Wine Tours in Bordeaux?

Yes, you can visit the wineries in Bordeaux. Many of them offer wine tasting tours with advance notice while some allow you to simply arrive and ask for a tour.

Depending on your interests, you can opt for a specialized wine tasting of specific brands and types, a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facilities, or a combination of both.

If you are looking for a truly immersive experience, there are several Bordeaux wine tours available that will take you to some of the most famous wineries in France! No matter how you decide to do it, visiting wineries in Bordeaux is quite simple.

How Do you Get Around Bordeaux Wineries?

The wineries in and around Bordeaux are located within a 50-mile radius of the city. The closest vineyards are located just outside the city center, while others can be found further away if you’re looking for a truly local experience.

Many tour companies offer transportation to these vineyards so you don’t have to worry about driving yourself or taking public transportation (especially helpful since public transport is limited).

With pre-arranged tours, you can also easily choose an accommodation that is central to the city center or in a nearby village to maximize your time spent tasting wines and visiting wineries without having to worry about long travel times.

How Many Days in Bordeaux is Enough?

You should plan on spending between 4-7 days in Bordeaux , however, there is no definitive answer to this question, as it will depend on your interests and how much time you have available.

If you are simply looking for a short visit to do some wine tasting at a few wineries, a couple of days should be sufficient.

However, if you want to explore the vineyards or take an immersive wine-tasting tour, you may want to stay in Bordeaux for a week or longer. Some travelers even choose to live in Bordeaux for several months or years, soaking up the local culture and delving deeper into the winemaking process and industry.

Though this often comes after their week-long visit when they discover how beautiful life in the Bordeaux wine region of France is!

Ultimately, it all depends on what you are looking for and how much time you have available. However, no matter how long you stay in Bordeaux, there are plenty of amazing wineries and gorgeous vineyards to explore!

How Do You Get to Wineries in Bordeaux France?

The best way to get to wineries in Bordeaux France is by car , as most of the wineries are located outside of the major cities and are not accessible via public transportation. This makes sense since vineyards need lots of open space and plenty of sunlight, and are not typically found nearby highly-trafficked areas.

If you do not have access to a vehicle during your visit, you may want to look for local tour companies that offer wine tasting tours or hire a taxi driver to take you to the wineries of your choice.

Some high-end hotels also offer free pick-up and drop-off in the nearby city or airport. making it very convenient for you to access their vineyards.

However, this isn’t the case for all wineries in Bordeaux, France and these hotels will come with a shocking price tag for most.

Another option is to rent a bicycle or e-bike and explore on your own, though this can be challenging if you want to visit several different wineries in a single day.

Bordeaux Wine Trail on Horseback

If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore the beautiful vineyards of Bordeaux, then why not take a horseback ride along the wine trails?

Horseback riding is one of the most unique and thrilling ways to experience the stunning views of this famous French wine region. Not only will you get to admire some breathtaking scenery, but you’ll also have an opportunity to meet local winemakers and learn about their craft while enjoying some delicious wines!

Bordeaux Far and Ride is a great company that offers horseback riding wine tours for experienced riders.

What is the Famous Wine Town in Bordeaux?

Saint-Émilion is easily the most famous wine town in Bordeaux! This lovely, medieval village is not only a UNESCO world heritage site but is also home to some of the world’s most famous vineyards and wineries.

The cobblestone streets, monolithic church, and stunning vistas make Saint-Émilion an absolute must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Not to mention, the town is brimming with wine shops where you can sip on and purchase the region’s finest Grand Cru wines.

Best Place to Stay in Bordeaux for Wine Tastings

The best area to stay in Bordeaux for wine tastings is around the city center, near Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion .

This location is close to the popular wineries as well as smaller, family-run wineries such as Château de Pressac, and guests can spend their days exploring the city before heading out to visit the vineyards.

There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels in this area so you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

The iconic Médoc region also provides a great alternative to the Bordeaux city center, with its beautiful rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. The area boasts some of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux, so if you’re looking for an unforgettable wine experience, this is a great place to stay!

How Do You Spend Two Days in Bordeaux?

If you only have two days in Bordeaux, you should spend it exploring the main city where you’ll find beautiful French souvenirs and include a full day between the Bordeaux wine museum and a guided tour discovering your favorite French wines.

Be sure to book a centrally-located accommodation so you can easily get to all the major sites and won’t spend too much time getting to the vineyards.

If you want to primarily spend your time doing wine tastings, then you should consider booking a hotel northeast of Bordeaux in Saint Emilion where you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous vineyards.

What Should I Pack for Bordeaux Wine Tours?

If you’re heading out on one of the aforementioned wine tours of Bordeaux, then you should pack these items:

• A day bag or backpack
• A hat to block the sun
• Water (between the sun and the wine, getting dehydrated is practically a guarantee)
• Snacks (this is more for people with dietary restrictions since almost every winery you visit will have food available for purchase or included in your Bordeaux wine tasting)
• Comfortable, stylish clothing (the people hosting these wineries typically dress business casual)
• Close-toed shoes (heels will sink in the dirt if you’re going for a walk in the vineyards – wear pumps or wedges at a minimum if you want a little extra height)
• Cash – while you can book your wine tasting tour online in advance, it’s a good idea to have some euros on you for gratuity and small purchases

Which Experiences are Best for Wine Tours & Tastings in Bordeaux?

If you want to make the most of your wine tours and tastings in Bordeaux, then I recommend heading to a few different types of wineries.

First, explore one of the many sprawling vineyards that are located just outside of the city ( Château Ambe Tour Pourret is a popular favorite), where you’ll get to see firsthand how grapes are grown, harvested, and turned into some of the world’s most delicious wines.

You should also make time to visit one of the wineries in Bordeaux city center ( Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is lovely), where you’ll get a more intimate experience learning about the history and culture of wine-making in France.

And finally, be sure to check out some of the smaller, family-run wineries ( The Naked Vigneron is a hidden gem) that are hidden in the hills outside of the city, where you’ll not only get to experience some truly unique wines, but will also get a chance to meet the wine-makers themselves and learn more about their craft.

What Wine Tastings in Bordeaux are Good for Avoiding Crowds?

Most Bordeaux wine tasting tours have maximum group sizes of 8-10 people, so you can usually avoid any large-scale crowds.

However, if you’re looking for something a little more intimate then why not try a private tasting? These are available at many wineries and allow you to enjoy the experience without the presence of other tourists – simply book a private tour in advance and you’ll be set for a unique and personal experience.

It’s also worth noting that some of the smaller, independent wineries tend to have fewer visitors than those in the larger estates. So don’t forget to explore these hidden gems along your travels too!

What are the Best Wine Tastings in Bordeaux?

Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Martillac and Chateau Beauregard in Pomerol on the right bank are some of the best places for wine tours and tastings in Bordeaux.

They both offer a special wine tasting experience as well as a wonderful small group wine tour, with Château Smith Haut Lafitte even offering private meals for larger groups prepared by their award-winning chefs.

If you’re looking to take a full day wine tour equipped with several wine tastings while looking out over stunning vineyards in one of the most famous wine regions in the world, then these two wine estates are sure to impress.

Skip to the bottom of the article? No problem!

The #1 Bordeaux wine tour on this list is undoubtedly the Saint-Emilion wine tour & day trip from Bordeaux! Offering numerous wine tastings, a professional English-speaking guide, and roundtrip transportation, this is the ultimate Bordeaux wine tour !

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Bordeaux is a wine lover’s paradise, and with so many different types of wineries to explore, there’s something for everyone. If you really love wine, be sure to visit France for the annual Bordeaux wine festival! Typically occuring in June, it’s the best time to sample most of the region’s most famous wines.

Whether you’re looking to book one of these full day Bordeaux wine tours complete with tastings or just want to wander the vineyards on your own, or perhaps you’re in town for a Bordeaux wine tasting weekend, this city has something special to offer everyone who visits.

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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7 great bordeaux wine tours: find the best tastings and vineyards.

As a wine lover, the Bordeaux wine region is an absolute must-visit destination. Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the world. And the best way to really get an overview of the region, try lots of wine, and learn as much as possible is to go on one of the top Bordeaux wine tours.

When we went for the first time, we were worried we wouldn’t be able to get into the top wineries and we’d have a hard time navigating the language barrier. In many ways, we were right. It wasn’t easy booking tours on our own without help. But then we found Rue des Vignerons , a website that helps you easily locate and book winery visits and more.

Not only can you book your own tours through them, you can also book a full or half day group tour in either the Right Bank or Left Bank, making it even more easy to find the best wineries and have a nice time on your trip, without having to worry about details.

We’ve been on many tours in Bordeaux and have found each of these to be very rewarding, fun, and educational. I hope you’ll find one that you love just as much as we did.

Planning a trip to Bordeaux ?

• Easiest way to book wine tasting appointments: Rue des Vignerons (instant booking!)
• Book a private wine tour with driver with B for Bordeaux (personalize your tour)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they find all the best deals)

Where to Stay in Bordeaux See all hotel options

• Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel, an IHG Hotel  (5-star hotel in Bordeaux Centre)
• Château Fombrauge – Bernard Magrez Luxury Wine Experience  (Saint Emilion)

Best Tours and Experiences in Bordeaux:

• Bordeaux Walking Tour (Private)
• Medoc Full Day Wine Tour – 150€/pp – a full-day tour to discover 3 carefully selected châteaux.
• Saint Emilion Full Day Wine Tour – 155€ – Visit & tasting at 3 Châteaux.

Table of Contents

Best Bordeaux Wine Tours

Saint emilion full day wine tour from bordeaux.

This full-day Saint Emilion wine tour is one of the best Bordeaux wine tours you can take. This is our top recommended tour for a reason. It’s with a company we know and trust. They meet at the Bordeaux Tourist Office, so it’s convenient for everyone. The tour includes 8 full hours of learning about wine production, seeing where some of the best wine in France is produced, and of course, tasting wine.

You’ll travel in comfort in a top-of-the-range, air-conditioned van from Bordeaux with an English-speaking Bordeaux wine expert, who will make sure you’re having a great time and learning a lot.

The tour includes a visit & tasting at 3 Châteaux and an opportunity to explore Saint Emilion for a little while on your own. This little town is so cute. You’re going to love it. This is a small group tour, but with 8 people or less. Two people are required to run the tour.

• 09:20 am : Meet your guide in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office
• 09:30 am: Departure for the Bordeaux vineyard tour in Saint Emilion
• 10:30 am: Visit and tasting at the 1ᵉʳ Saint Emilion wine estate
• 12:00 am: Visit and wine tasting at the 2ᵉ Saint Emilion wine estate
• 1:00 pm: Free time for personal discovery and lunch in the village of St Emilion. (at your own expense)
• 3:30 pm: Wine tasting at the 3ᵉ Saint Emilion wine estate
• 4:30 pm: Departure from Saint Emilion for Bordeaux
• 5:30 pm: Drop-off at Bordeaux Tourist Office

Saint-Emilion Full Day Wine Bike Tour from Bordeaux

If you’re looking for something unique, we recommend this wine bike tour. There’s no more fun way to see this awesome town and the vineyards than on an electric bike.

Your guide will take you safely through the spectacular winding landscapes of the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol vineyards. You’ll discover the grape varieties that make Bordeaux so prestigious. Taste the wines right at the châteaux where they are made, before losing yourself in the charm and beauty of the medieval village of Saint-Emilion.

Between vineyard visits, enjoy a fresh lunch in the heart of the vineyards, letting time stand still as you bask in the sunshine and fresh air. This tour is an effortless adventure for all levels thanks to the electric power of our new bikes.

• 09:00 am: Meet your guide in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office at 12 cours du 30 Juillet. Depart for Saint-Emilion by minibus.
• 10:00 am: Climb aboard! Pick up your E-bike and clothes before a safety briefing with your guide.
• 11:15 am: Visit a château in Saint-Emilion and enjoy a red wine tasting followed by a private sit-down picnic lunch prepared by our local caterer overlooking the vineyards!
• 2:00 pm: Guided tour of the village of Saint-Emilion and its picturesque cobbled streets
• 3:30 pm: Discover a family estate located on one of Saint-Emilion’s finest terroirs! Enjoy an additional tasting and some nibbles to complete the experience!
• 5:30 pm: Return to Bordeaux!

Medoc Full Day Wine Tour from Bordeaux

If you want to develop from a wine novice to a wine connoisseur, this full-day Bordeaux Wines Workshop and Tour is perfect for you. Over the course of 7 hours, you’ll have the chance to increase your wine knowledge and indulge in some of the best wines in the country.

The tour includes a 1.5-hour workshop accompanied by a wine specialist and visits to two estates. Test your skills in smelling the different aromas that define a good wine, and see how the taste of your wine changes when you sample different foods with your wine.

This tour also includes transportation via air-conditioned vehicle, 6 different wine tastings, and a snack. It’s the perfect way to spend a day exploring Bordeaux’s wine culture.

Overall, these three Bordeaux wine tours offer a great way to explore the region’s wine culture. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious day trip or an educational wine workshop, you’re sure to find a tour that fits your needs. So book your tour today and get ready to experience the best of Bordeaux’s wine culture!

• 09.20 am: Meet your guide in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office
• 09: 30 am: Departure for the Bordeaux wine tour in the Médoc
• 10.45 am: Arrival at the first winery for a visit and wine tasting
• 12:00 am: Free time for lunch (own expense) in Pauillac
• 2.00 pm: Visit and wine tasting at the second winery
• 3:30 pm: Visit and wine tasting at the 3ᵉ domaine viticole
• 5:30 pm: Drop-off at Bordeaux tourist office

St-Emilion & Médoc Combined Day Tour from Bordeaux

If you don’t have a lot of time but want to see both St. Emilion and Medoc, you can take this combined day trip that will show you the contrast between the two.

You’ll start out with a tour and tasting in St. Emilion, then head to local winery for a wine tasting and picnic lunch, then it’s on to a family run estate in Medoc and a tasting session at a second winery in the Margaux region.

This tour has a small group size with a maximum of 8 people, so you’ll get nearly undivided attention from your guide who is there to answer your questions and assist you with anything you need along the way.

The tour includes a short walking tour of Saint Emilion, red wine tastings in a Château, private transportation via air-conditioned minivan, and a professional English-speaking guide and driver. All tasting fees and the picnic are included. This tour has received the Badge of Excellence from Viator !

Half-day private tour in Saint-Emilion in a sidecar

This tour is the one to book if you’re short on time or just want a quick tour, but don’t want to join a group. As an added bonus, it’s also conducted in a retro sidecar.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel in Bordeaux and taken out to Saint-Emilion, where your tour of the vineyards and countryside begins. You’ll have a few wine tastings, plus some time to walk around the town on your own.

This tour is approximately 4 1/2 hours and everything you need is included in the price.

Bordeaux Private Full Day Wine Tour

If you have a group, this private full-day tour is definitely the way to go. The price is higher, but it’s for a group of up to 8 people, so the more you have the less it costs per person.

This 8-hour tour is also great because it’s a custom-made tasting experience. You can choose to explore the Medoc, Saint Emilion, Graves, or Sauternes, and you get to choose up to three château visits and expert-led wine tastings. Or you can have your guide choose for you based on your preferences.

The tour includes professional English-speaking guide and driver, fully private wine tour, bottled water, private transportation via air-conditioned minivan, hotel pick-up and drop-off. The only thing not included is the tasting fees at the Chateaux.

Médoc Luxury Wine Trip from Bordeaux in a Citroën DS Limousine Convertible

On this tour, you will travel in style in a 1973 Citroën DS Limousine Convertible with a private chauffeur, and enjoy a fully customized tasting tour. You can choose to do a half or full day tour and up to 4 can ride in the car.

Admire the views along the ‘Route des Chateaux’, choose to visit Premier Cru vineyards, and stop to indulge in guided wine tastings or lunch at a gourmet restaurant.

The tour price includes transportation and bottled water. The other activities are at your own expense.

Our Best Bordeaux Tips

There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning your trip to Bordeaux. Here are a few things we wish we’d known before we went.

• It’s not easy to book wine appointments directly through wineries. It’s way easier to book through Rue des Vignerons. You can also easily cancel your booking if something comes up.
• English is not spoken everywhere, so be prepared with some key French phrases.
• It’s best to stay in the town of Bordeaux if you don’t have a car. It’s walking distance to everything and all of these tours can depart from there.
• If you do have a car, you might want to stay in St. Emilion. It’s so cute and easy to get around.
• We like St. Emilion more than Medoc for the experience because it’s cuter, more laidback, and easier to visit.
• Look for wineries that offer dinner. We had better dining experiences out in the vineyards than in town.
• If you want to try more wines, head to one of the wine bars in Bordeaux to sample more than you could ever try at the wineries.

Bordeaux Wine Tour Questions

How much does it cost to go wine tasting in bordeaux.

Bordeaux wine tours vary in cost, but many of them are not very expensive. The most expensive tours include tastings of a variety of high-end wines as well as food and occasionally even the chance to try your hand at making wine. But, for the most part, most wine tours in France cost around $100-$160 per person for a full 8-10 hour day. Of course, this will vary depending on what is included, if it’s a private wine tour, and so forth. For private wine tours, you can expect around $200-$300 per person.

When Should I Visit Bordeaux Wineries?

The best time to visit Bordeaux wineries is between August and October, with September being peak season. Mid to late August is perfect for seeing vineyards overflowing with grapes and have warm to hot weather, while September is when the grapes are at their best and harvesting season begins. By mid-October, much of the grapes are harvested for use during the off-season, but you’ll experience far milder temperatures which is perfect for those who don’t love the summer heat.

How Do you Get Around Bordeaux Wineries?

The wineries are located within a 50-mile radius of the city. The closest vineyards are located just outside the city center and are very easy to reach. Many tour companies offer transportation to these vineyards so you don’t have to worry about driving yourself or taking public transportation (especially helpful since public transport is limited). With pre-arranged tours, you can also easily choose an accommodation that is central to the city center or in a nearby village to maximize your time spent tasting wines and visiting wineries without having to worry about long travel times.

How Many Days is Enough for Bordeaux?

You should plan on spending between 4-7 days in Bordeaux, however, there is no definitive answer to this question, as it will depend on your interests and how much time you have available. If you are simply looking for a short visit to do some wine tasting at a few wineries, a couple of days should be sufficient. However, if you want to explore the vineyards or take an immersive wine-tasting tour, you may want to stay in Bordeaux for a week or longer.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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Bordeaux wine tours and châteaux visits

Best wine tours in Bordeaux

Discover 2 beautiful châteaux in the Medoc region of Bordeaux: a Great Classified Growth estate and a charming family-run estate, steeped in history. This afternoon tour offers great value f... See More

Our best-selling Bordeaux tour! Ride your e-bike through the vineyards of St.Emilion on your way to visit 2 chateaux: a family-run estate & a Grand Cru Classe estate. Enjoy guided tours and ... See More

Climb the highest sand dune in Europe, taste oysters and visit 2 châteaux in the Medoc, a family-run estate and a Classified Growth estate. Drive along the mythical “Route des Chateaux” and ... See More

Combine two famous Bordeaux wine regions in a day! Visit 2 chateaux in Medoc for tours and tastings in the morning. Then after lunch in a chateau, explore Saint Emilion, visiting a wonderful... See More

Join this private full-day tour in Bordeaux to visit the birthplace of Bordeaux wines and the world famous sweet wines of Sauternes, accompanied by an expert wine guide.  You will be picked... See More

Visit three châteaux and the fascinating medieval village of Saint-Émilion, accompanied by an expert wine guide. Taste the wines of a Grand Cru Classé château and enjoy lunch at a château. ... See More

Why Visit Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a mecca for wine lovers and it's no surprise given the number of wineries, vineyards and châteaux there are to visit. If you're looking for a wine tour, then quite simply, Bordeaux is one of the most iconic wine regions in the world to visit! Wine-tasting tours and châteaux visits in Bordeaux are an absolute must for any wine lover or food fanatic. The Bordeaux way of life is a daily celebration of wine, heritage and culture thanks to the region's philosophy of “l’art de vivre”, which places great gastronomy, beautiful places, and bonhomie at the heart of everyday living - very similar to our ethos at Winerist! To really uncover the essence of Bordeaux you need to experience a  châteaux visit  and taste the wine, guided by locals and Bordeaux winemakers themselves! Bordeaux is one of our top wine regions and one that at Winerist we have visited many times so you can be assured that we offer the very best tours that the region has to offer. Find your ideal wine tour of Bordeaux here . WINE TASTING TOURS IN BORDEAUX At Winerist we have the best selection of private and group tours of the Bordeaux wine region. Leaving from Bordeaux city centre or from your hotel, we offer a wide selection of wine tours and vineyard visits that will introduce you to the unique sub-regions of Bordeaux including Medoc, Saint.Emilion, Pauillac and many more. We believe the best wine tours are guided by the people that live and work there, that's why we carefully select our tours based on the local knowledge and unique perspectives of the local guides. And, we use our unique relationships with chateaux and winery owners in the region to bring you access to experiences not available elsewhere when you book private and tailor-made Bordeaux experiences with us.

Bordeaux wine travel is made easy with only short journey times from Bordeaux city to it's world-famous winemaking regions. Whether you go mad for Margaux or prefer a Sauternes, this is an incredible place to explore wine country. It helps, of course, that each Bordeaux appellation is dotted with beautiful châteaux to visit, tiny historic towns, and mile upon mile of undulating vineyards to tour.

The appellations here are described as Left Bank or Right Bank, depending on which side of the river they inhabit. From the legendary region of Medoc in the north, to the sweet wine producing Sauternes in the south; and the renowned estates of Saint Emilion and Pomerol in the east, some of the most sought-after wines in the world are produced here. How could this region not make for the best wine tasting tour ? FOOD TASTING EXPERIENCES IN BORDEAUX Whilst enjoying the region's wines we also recommend taking a food tasting tour to explore Bordeaux's incredible cuisine. Bordeaux is a gastronomic paradise, with fantastic restaurants representing every cuisine imaginable. Many of the best Bordeaux restaurants are, of course, focused on the rich culinary heritage of both France and Bordeaux, with fresh, seasonal local produce taking centre stage. If you're a fan of oysters, don't leave without visiting the Cap Ferret Peninsula, which is dotted with simple oyster farming villages where on a Winerist Arachon Bay tour you can taste the freshest oysters imaginable. Bordeaux is one of the best destinations for taking a mouth-watering gourmet food tour. MORE REASONS TO VISIT BORDEAUX Not only is Bordeaux a Mecca for wine and food lovers; the city is alive with fascinating history and a vibrant cultural scene. Formerly an important centre for shipping and trade, Bordeaux is now a cosmopolitan destination where history sits shoulder-to-shoulder with modernity. Get lost in the ancient streets of Saint Emilion; stroll through trendy Saint-Pierre and visit the cutting-edge wine museum Cite du Vin; stop for lunch in gastronomic Saint-Michel and end your day with a glass of the region's finest in one of the many wine bars of Chartrons. Winerist’s vast array of private wine and city tours and  small group tours will help you explore this amazing city.

WINERIST INSIDER TIP Our favourite way of exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux is by bicycle. It's fun, eco-friendly & can be enjoyed at your own pace. Choose an e-bike wine tasting tour from Bordeaux  for minimal effort!  

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Best wine tours in Bordeaux region: wineries and vineyards

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Château Fleur De Lisse

From 25,00 €

Château de Bonhoste

From 10,00 €

Château de Rayne Vigneau, Grand Cru Classé

From 17,50 €

Château Suduiraut 1er Cru Classé de Sauternes

From 20,00 €

Château Pape Clément, Grand Cru Classé

Château La Croizille, Grand Cru Classé

From 18,00 €

Château Yon-Figeac

From 13,00 €

Vignobles Chatonnet - Château Haut Chaigneau

Vignobles Bardet

From 15,00 €

Château De La Rivière

Château de Sales

From 8,00 €

Château Haut Breton Larigaudière

From 12,00 €

Château Lanessan

Château Destieux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

From 30,00 €

Château Hourtin-Ducasse

Clos Des Abbesses

From 22,00 €

Château Pillebois

From 5,00 €

Château Rol Valentin

Château Bouscaut

Château Ferrand

Château Monconseil-gazin

From 7,00 €

Château Prieuré Marquet

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, 1er Grand Cru Classé

Château Dauzac, Grand Cru Classé

Château Loudenne

Château La Tour Blanche, Grand Cru Classé

Château d'Agassac

Château Larrivet Haut-brion

Château Haut Bailly

From 50,00 €

Château De Chelivette

From 14,00 €

Château Croix Beauséjour

Château de Camarsac

Vignobles Jean-louis Trocard

Domaine Du Grand Ormeau

A La Française Bordeaux

From 64,00 €

Vignobles Bedrenne

Château Luchey-halde

From 9,00 €

Chateau Fontesteau

Château Jouvente

Château Peyrabon

From 6,00 €

Château Grangey

Château Bastor-lamontagne

Vignobles Moncets & Chambrun

Château Chauvin

Château Giscours, Grand Cru Classé

Château Sainte Barbe

From 3,00 €

Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac

From 19,00 €

Château Tournefeuille

Olala Bordeaux

From 29,00 €

Château De Malherbes

Château Balestard La Tonnelle, Grand Cru Classé

La Maison Cardinale

Château Toulouse-Lautrec

From 23,00 €

Chateau Tour Saint Fort

Château Chêne Liège

Domaines Fabre

Château Paloumey

Château Siran

Château La Garde

Château Thieuley

Cité Du Vin de Bordeaux

Vignobles Mouty

Musée du Vin et du Négoce de Bordeaux

Château du Payre

Château Réaut

Max Bordeaux

Château Faugères

Château Léognan

Château De Seguin

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TOP 10 Best things to do in Bordeaux city, France

Best 3-4 days itinerary to discover Bordeaux

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While there are thousands of options for wine tours and tastings in Bordeaux, France, Winalist chooses the best wineries and wine tastings available that can provide unparalleled experiences. You can choose a wine tasting experience in Bordeaux based on its price point, suitability for non-French speakers, and its overall experience factor (how much fun they are).

Learn more below about Bordeaux, France wine tours, wine tastings, and more!

About Bordeaux wine tours & wine tasting in France

Bordeaux is a wine region located in Southwestern France and is best known for its production of red wines, though it also produces some white wines. Bordeaux is arguably the most famous and visited wine region of France, containing renaissance-era castles and rolling countrysides sprinkled with lush vineyards.

This region encompasses over 280,000 acres of vineyards dedicated to wine production. With its temperate climate, Bordeaux is a significant contributor to world wine markets; in 2020, Bordeaux produced over 440 million liters of wine, the equivalent of 587 million bottles of wine.

Bordeaux is one of the most iconic wine regions of France  and contains various subregions - 38 separate subregions, to be exact, with 57 appellations spread out across each subregion.

Bordeaux Wine Region highlights

• Famous red wine region with a wide variety of wine tasting experiences to choose from.
• Experiences for beginners, experts, and families.
• Sometimes expensive, but quality and experience won’t disappoint.

Bordeaux Wine Tasting Itinerary

The city of Bordeaux is the central capital of the Bordeaux wine region. Therefore, this city is an excellent jumping-off point for exploring various parts of this beautiful region by car, train, or tour. Bordeaux is also a port town, so you can take cruises along the River Garonne with barges that transport you through beautiful landscapes while you sip wine or enjoy lunch at one of many bateaux-mouches (boat-eating) restaurants that line its bank.

There are various particular sub-regions to choose to explore within the Bordeaux region, each with subsequent routes that offer varying experiences.

The Castle route, for example, is a popular route for tourists and weaves through the Medoc subregion of Bordeaux. It includes various medieval and renaissance-era castles, most of which you can explore and experience on your own time or through a scheduled tour. You should read our Medoc wine route itinerary: top estate and village to visit .

There are a variety of routes you can take during your time exploring the Bordeaux wine region, most of which are centered around sub-regions of Bordeaux. Some of the most common include:

• Entre-Deux-Mers. This popular subregion is southwest of the city of Bordeaux.
• Cotes de Bourg and Cotes de Blaye. This subregion is located on the right bank of the Bordeaux region and directly northeast of the city of Bordeaux
• Medoc. Medoc is located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, northwest of the proper city of Bordeaux.
• Pessac-Leognan and Graves. This subregion is located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, south of Bordeaux city.
• Sauternes and Barsac. This subregion is located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, southwest of the city of Bordeaux.
• Cotes de Bourg and Cotes de Blaye. This region is located on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, northeast of the city of Bordeaux.

Where to Stay in the Bordeaux, France Wine Region

There are a variety of hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfast options available for someone who would like to stay in the Bordeaux wine region - and everything in between.

First, for those looking for a central location in the Bordeaux region, the city of Bordeaux is an excellent choice because it's the mecca of this region. It has easy, convenient access to everything you'll want to do during your time in this part of France: tasting at some of the world's most prestigious vineyards, enjoying local cuisine and culture, exploring castles and museums—you name it!

If you're looking for a location closer to some great vineyards while staying within a reasonable distance from downtown Bordeaux (or even just slightly outside), you still have plenty of options. Another option would be finding lodging near St Émilion or Pauillac which both have their own charm but also offer quick access into the larger city center.

How to get to Bordeaux, France

You can access Bordeaux, France, in multiple ways.

• By plane: Bordeaux is accessible by plane, with three airports located within an hour of the city. The most convenient option for travelers is Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (code: BOD). If you're coming from Paris or other cities in France, this airport often has flights available at a lower cost than others.
• By car: If you rent a car in the nearby cities of Tours or Nantes, you can drive to Bordeaux, though it will take a few hours.
• By train: You may also take the train from Tours or Nantes to Bordeaux station.

History of winemaking in Bordeaux, France

The history of winemaking in Bordeaux, France dates back to the first century AD and Roman times when viticulture was brought over from Spain by the Romans. The Romans brought viticulture into Bordeaux and planted their vines alongside those already planted there by the Gauls, who had been making wines since before they were conquered by Julius Caesar between 50 bce and 58 bce.

Appellations in Bordeaux

What to know before visiting Best Bordeaux wineries

On the castle route of Bordeaux, be sure to visit the village of Margaux in the Médoc , home to the famous Château Margaux. Obviously, the village of Saint-Emilion is an almost compulsory pilgrimage for any wine lover. It’s a medieval city steeped in history, with a breathtaking view of the Bordeaux vineyards.

Blaye and Verrou Vauban overlook the Gironde estuary with impressive military buildings. Sainte-Foy-La-Grande is also one of the region's favorite villages.

It is always a good time to visit Bordeaux. It averages 13 degrees celsius (a little over 55 degrees fahrenheit) all year round in Bordeaux. The most pleasant months to visit Bordeaux are June, July and September. In August, the heat can be overwhelming. In May, the spring climate is very pleasant.

Bordeaux’s "Vintage" season takes place from September to November each year. Wine tours and tastings are a great way to explore this beautiful part of France, whether you're a wine connoisseur or novice!

Over 90% of Bordeaux wines are red wines. Bordeaux wine is primarily made from the three grapes that are grown in the Bordeaux region: cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. The blend and usage of these grapes varies between each winery, which creates unique flavors in each type of wine. 

It’s also important to note that many of the wines produced in Bordeaux are luxury Bordeaux wines , meaning that some varieties be fairly pricy. However, Bordeaux wines are always worth the splurge!

The different Bordeaux appellations contain different standards for minimum alcohol content, grape growing, aging, and more. For example, Bordeaux-Superieur AOP wines contain a minimum of 10.5% ABV and must age for a minimum of 12 months before release. The difference, although technically small, is a symbol of quality for many wines with the Bordeaux-Superieur AOP label. Many producers, who classify their wines as Bordeaux-Superieur, age their wines much longer than the minimum.

In order to take full advantage of the Bordeaux vineyards and the castles of Bordeaux, we advise you to choose several oenological experiences. The Bordeaux wine estates are numerous and vast. The Bordeaux region has wine tourism activities all year round. The vineyards of Bordeaux can be visited on foot and even by cruise from the Garonne. All this, with a good tasting of local wine. Saint-Émilion, Sauternes , Haut-Médoc , Pomerol , Margaux, etc. What will be your choice ?

• - Saint-Estèphe
• - Saint-Julien
• - Château Fleur De Lisse
• - Château de Bonhoste
• - Château de Rayne Vigneau, Grand Cru Classé

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30 Best Bordeaux Wineries & Famous Vineyards 2024

Discover The Best Bordeaux Wineries in 2024, Tours & Wine Tasting Experiences

The Bordeaux wine region is perhaps the most legendary wine-producing area in all of Europe. It’s best known for its medium to full-bodied red wines, luscious botrytis-affected dessert wines , gorgeous scenery, and famous chateaux. But Bordeaux is a vast destination to travel to. With over 38 sub-regions and a vibrant cultural scene in the city of Bordeaux itself, a wine lover could easily spend a month or more and not be done exploring.

At its most basic level, the region of Bordeaux is cut in half by the Garonne River, and wineries on either side are permitted to produce red wine blends consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon , Cabernet Franc , Merlot , Malbec , Carmenere , and Petit Verdot .

On the white wine front, both dry and sweet wines are produced with Sauvignon Blanc , Sauvignon Gris , Semillon and Muscadelle . Colombard and Ugni Blanc can also be found in small quantities at various boutique wineries.

In this travel guide, we’re going to list 30 of our favorite Bordeaux wineries throughout the entirety of the region that are worth visiting. We realize that each Winetraveler has a preference when it comes to wine styles and winery experiences, so we’ll do our best to split this list of wineries into a variety of categories.

In This Guide: Best Bordeaux Wineries, Wine Tours & Tasting Experiences

• Travel Logistics: Getting to and Around Bordeaux

Where To Stay in Bordeaux’s City Center

Tours & things to do in the city of bordeaux, the best private bordeaux wine tour, best bordeaux wineries to visit.

• Bordeaux Winery/Hotel Combinations
• Famous Bordeaux Vineyards

Bordeaux Wineries with Beautiful Grounds and Scenery

• Boutique/Family Bordeaux Wineries & Intimate Tours and Tastings
• Frequently Asked Questions about Bordeaux Wineries
• Pin This Article for Later on Pinterest

Fun Bordeaux Fact

The wine association within Bordeaux is currently experimenting with growing grape varieties foreign to the region, such as Tempranillo , Garnacha and Touriga Nacional , among others, in an effort to prepare for climate change in the future.

RELATED: 10 Sweet Wine Growing Appellations To Know About in Bordeaux

Travel Logistics Getting To and Around Bordeaux

As we’ve mentioned, Bordeaux is a big place, so travel logistics are important. The region resides in the southwestern portion of France, north of Spain’s Basque region. While the city itself has its own fairly large airport, it’s often difficult to find direct flights if you’re coming from the United States.

If you’re already in Europe, direct flights can be found from most major European cities. Otherwise, if you’re coming from the US, consider flying into Paris or Madrid and connecting to Bordeaux. You can search for current flight deals and get notified as they arise right here.

Once you’re in the city, we highly recommend spending at least a couple of nights exploring its cobblestone streets, Place de la Bourse, delicious restaurants, wine bars and of course, La Cité du Vin (a new and impressive “wine city” and museum, skip the line with this ticket ).

Stay at the opulent 5-star Intercontinental Bordeaux for luxury digs, a rooftop bar, and a perfect location near the opera house. Or, stay at Hôtel des Quinconces for an equally luxurious experience in the city center but with a more boutique vibe.

Before we dive into the wineries, there are a few more must-do activities while visiting Bordeaux.

Stop at exceptional wine bars like Le Bar à Vin, Tchin Tchin Wine Bar, Julo and Voilà ! Bar à vins du monde .

Experience Bordeaux like never before on this 2-hour electric scooter tour ! With an easy-to-ride and eco-friendly electric scooter, you can cover double the distance in half the time, while exploring the picturesque Garonne riverside and iconic landmarks like Bordeaux Cathedral and Pont de Pierre. Get insider tips from your local guide and capture unforgettable moments at Place des Quinconces and more. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour departure and make the most out of your Bordeaux adventure.

Indulge in the culinary delights of Bordeaux with a 3-hour gourmet food walking tour . Led by a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll visit three beloved local shops to sample the staples of French cuisine, including canelés (a Bordeaux pastry), cheese, and charcuterie, accompanied by a glass of wine. Learn about the wine industry and its fascinating history in Bordeaux, and at the end of the tour, head back to a central apartment to enjoy all the delicious specialties you’ve gathered, paired with another glass of wine.

Discover a unique and exciting way to explore Bordeaux with a private motorcycle tour . Hop on the sidecar and take in the breathtaking views while your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating anecdotes about the top landmarks and hidden gems along the way, from Place de la Bourse to Palais Gallien. With hotel pickup included, enjoy a stress-free and personalized experience tailored to your interests. Avoid the hassle of navigating and discover Bordeaux from a perspective rare to visitors.

Alternatively, you can customize a personal and private guided walking tour around the city to all of its major sights and landmarks with our local friend Sophia.

RECOMMENDED: Book These Highly-Rated Bordeaux Wine Tours

Once you’ve spent a few romantic days wandering the city streets and indulging in epic cuisine at restaurants like Restaurant Son’  and Le Petit Atelier des Faures,  rent a car and prepare to explore the countryside. National, Europecar and Hertz all have downtown Bordeaux rental offices. So check rates well ahead of time here and lock up a rental for the duration of your trip.

If you’d prefer not to drive and would like to explore Bordeaux’s wine country in a private, guided fashion, we highly recommend scheduling a day trip with Atlas Bordeaux . You’ll visit some of the most noteworthy wine regions like Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan. Group tours to regions like Saint-Emilion are also available. One other fun way to explore the countryside is by bike .

Did You Know?

Bordeaux, acclaimed for its viticultural prestige, also shines as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable urban harmony and architectural unity. The city’s enlisting under this prestigious designation is credited to its expansive quays along the Garonne River, the imposing Place de la Bourse, and the grandeur of the Port of the Moon—an elegant urban and architectural ensemble that dates back to the Enlightenment period. For wine enthusiasts venturing into this region, there’s an intriguing slice of lesser-known history; the city’s wine trade expansion in the 18th century directly influenced its urban plan and development. Exploring Bordeaux reveals hidden gems like the historic wine merchants’ district, Chartrons, where cobbled streets whisper tales of wine barrels rolled out for international shipment. Bordeaux’s contribution to the world of oenology is also reflected in its innovative La Cité d u Vin , a cultural facility that offers a multisensory journey through the world of wine across various cultures and civilizations. This contemporary museum, shaped like a swirling glass of wine, not only symbolizes the city’s rich wine heritage but also offers an avant-garde edge to the classic wine country tour.

As we just mentioned, some Winetravelers may prefer to visit the Bordeaux wine region in a guided fashion. If that’s what you’re looking to do, we highly recommend scheduling a full-day private trip with Atlas Bordeaux . Below, you’ll get a taste of what some of your travel options are in the region, so you’ll be better prepared to craft the perfect trip. Atlas will help you do that and more.

Decide on the region (or multiple regions) you’d like to visit most. Typically, most of our readers are interested in visiting Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan. You can even request some of the wineries we mention in this list that you’d like to visit. They will then design a custom, all-inclusive itinerary for you. Typically, your full-day experience is complete with transportation, lunch, and private wine tastings. You can opt for family-operated establishments, or arrange for a Michelin-star restaurant on your itinerary. It’s completely up to you.

Where to start? We recommend you take a few moments to think about the kind of experience you want to get out of your visit to Bordeaux. Are you looking to visit some of the most famous chateaus? Do you prefer more boutique wineries? Are you looking to travel at a leisurely pace and get lost in the region? Are you looking for wineries with views or lodging? Luckily, we’ve covered a bit of everything in this list. The first wineries we mention here include accommodation if you’re looking to stay on a vineyard. 

Winery/Hotel Combinations

Château pape clément.

Location: Pessac Leognan

Why Guests Like It: Luxury, Castle/Chateau Experience, History, Great Service, Beautiful Grounds, Restaurant, Elegant

A visit to Chateau Pape Clement is worthwhile simply for the wine alone, however, it’s also one of the most memorable hotel experiences you’ll likely have in France. During one of our recent 2-night stays, we had the opportunity to dine in the incredibly well-maintained gardens, with over 60 acres of vines planted in the distance. The rooms feel historic and ornate, exhibiting a vibe of elegance we have yet to experience at any other winery hotel in France.

Without going into too much detail (we’ll let the staff at the chateau do that for you), wine production dates back to the 1200s. The property was also once owned by a pope, hence its name. If you’re looking to stay on a vineyard at one famous winery in Bordeaux, this is your opportunity. Book a stay for your preferred dates right here.

La Maison d’Estournel

Location: Saint-Estèphe

Why Guests Like It: Location, Great For Couples, Exceptional Food (Custom Even), Great Service, Fabulous Grounds, Luxurious Rooms

For a truly “French” experience, consider staying and dining at the sumptuous La Maison d’Estournel . Here, the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. One day for lunch, they were kind enough to set our table up outside in the gardens on request. With a sommelier on hand to answer any of your Bordeaux wine questions, combined with a menu that changes daily and a chef willing to tailor a meal to your preferences, you really can’t go wrong. 

Location-wise, La Maison d’Estournel is just minutes away from many of the famous Bordeaux wineries we discuss a little later on in this guide, including Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

RELATED: What To Do, Where To Eat, Stay and Drink in Paris for 2 Days

Hôtel & Restaurant LALIQUE – Château Lafaurie Peyraguey

Location: Sauternes (Bommes)

Why Guests Like It: Modern, Luxurious, Exceptional Restaurant, Service, Location

An often-overlooked travel experience in Bordeaux is a stop in Sauternes. This is where some of the most delicious and meticulously crafted sweet white wines are made, better than anywhere else in the world. Château Lafaurie Peyraguey’s new opulent Hôtel & Restaurant LALIQUE exudes luxury. It’s the perfect stop for couples looking for upscale amenities, cuisine and modern, chic luxurious rooms. Better still, you’re in close proximity to a number of our favorite wineries in the Sauternes region. From the restaurant’s floor-to-cieling glass windows, you can gaze out at the vineyards of Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud. In the other direction, you can see Chateau d’Yquem in the distance. Stay here .

Château Sigalas-Rabaud

Why Guests Like It: Luxurious, Exceptional Service, Great Wine Produced on the Property, Beautiful Views and Grounds

Literally right next door to LALIQUE, consider staying at Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud for a true French vineyard resort experience. This is a family-run operation and Laure and her team are guaranteed to make you feel welcome. We had the pleasure of walking with her through the vineyards while she discussed the production process of their famous botrytis sweet wines. Then, we continued on through the vines on foot to visit both Chateau Rayne-Vigneau and Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. You’re also in close proximity to wineries like Clos Haut-Peyraguey and Chateau d’Yquem, which are must-visits. If you book a trip , tell her we sent you. 

RELATED: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary For Exploring The Champagne Wine Region

Domaine du Papillon

Location: Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Peaceful, Removed, Family-Operated, Swimming Pool, Great Breakfast

If you’re looking to stay in a slightly more affordable hotel in the Medoc region, Domaine du Papillon provides a great base and welcoming hosts. Christoph and Sabine go out of their way to make sure all their guests are content with their stay. There’s even a chance they’ll have breakfast with you and give you advice on the best places to taste wine while you’re in the area. While not a winery itself, this hotel has spacious grounds that are perfect for lounging and taking your visit to Bordeaux at a slower pace. You’re also only a short distance from a number of wineries in the Medoc.

Château Borgeat de Lagrange

Why Guests Like It: Castle-like Setting, Great Service, Beautiful Grounds

Location: Blaye

Up until now, all of the winery/hotel combinations we’ve mentioned have been on the left bank of the Garonne. Château Borgeat de Lagrange will take you a little further south in Bordeaux and place you not far from the right bank of the river. That means more of the wines over here will be Merlot dominant. Consider a stay at Château Borgeat de Lagrange for peaceful and beautiful surroundings, a swimming pool, a historic building and a great jump-off point to visit a number of Right Bank wineries. Here, you’ll feel like you’re taking a step back in time.

Le Pain De Lune

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Excellent Service, Beautiful Grounds, Location

Location: Bourg

For a more relaxed, boutique accommodation, consider staying at Le Pain De Lune . This is a smaller villa, yet gorgeous and well-maintained both externally and internally. It’s also right on the right bank of the Dordogne River, where the Garonne splits. What we tend to hear from our readers most about this place is the service. If you’re looking for advice about the best things to do in Bordeaux, don’t be shy to speak with your host, Philippe.

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Famous Bordeaux Vineyards & Château To Visit

Château haut-brion.

Location: Pessac

Why Guests Like It: Location, Historic, Great Wine

Chateau Haut-Brion is not only one of the most famous and oldest wineries in Bordeaux, it’s also conveniently located near the city of Bordeaux. That being said, it makes for an ideal stop if you’re staying in the city. In terms of what you can expect when you visit the winery, the staff are incredibly friendly, the grounds are stunning, and most guests are incredibly pleased with the tours they offer. While this is a first-growth winery, we found that the staff didn’t make it seem so and were incredibly humble. If you’re lucky, you may get to taste some of the legendary ’09 or ’10 vintages.

Visits to Haut-Brion are difficult to attain, but you can request a potential experience if you complete their requested form. It helps if you work in the wine industry and it helps more if you request the visit well in advance.

Château Giscours

Location: Margaux

Why Guests Like It: Impressive Vineyards & Facilities, Affordable & Informative Tours, Delicious Wine

This winery maintains one of the largest vineyard areas in the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux. Their wines are world-famous, and there’s a good chance whether you’re a novice wine drinker or an expert that you’ve seen various vintages on wine shop shelves. This is a beautiful property to visit. An opportunity to taste the essence of Margaux within a castle, along with an informative tour. We only paid 12 euros and had a very nice experience. Email or call them at +33 (0)5 57 97 09 09 and [email protected] to schedule a visit.

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Château Margaux

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Delicious Wine, Impressive Castle/Vineyards, Great Service, Luxurious

There’s a reason why Chateau Margaux remains one of the most famous wineries in the world. A visit to their property will quickly tell you that they must have been doing something right all of these years. Our readers frequently claim that some of the vintages sampled at Margaux are “the best glasses of wine we’ve ever had.” That’s assuming you’re into big-bodied and luscious Cabernet-dominant reds, of course. This winery simply cannot be missed. And while it’s clearly a large, somewhat corporate operation, the grounds and facilities are nothing short of breathtaking. The guides who take you through the facilities are also clearly passionate about the work they do here, and you’ll have a great time. Visits to Chateau Margaux are strictly by appointment only and can be difficult to schedule. It’s best to call them directly and see what your options are: +33 (0) 5 57 88 83 83.

Château Latour

Location: Pauillac

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Grounds, Hospitable, Great Wines, Service, Restaurant

For such a famous producer, we didn’t feel like we were visiting some sort of corporate operation. Clearly, the winery has been successful, but the staff couldn’t have been more friendly and accommodating. The wines are also top-notch. If you’re able to sneak in for a visit to the property, it’s open Monday through Friday. Unfortunately, due to COVID they’ve been a bit more restrictive as to who may be able to visit. It’s open for tours and tastings geared towards professionals within the wine industry currently, but you may be able to schedule a visit by calling them at +33 5 56 73 19 80.

Château Mouton Rothschild

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Fantastic Wine, Opulent Property, Great Service, Museum

Another one of the most famous Château on Bordeaux’s left bank, Mouton Rothschild is another first-growth that has been crafting delectable juice since 1853 (though it was only elevated to first growth in 1973). As you might expect, the grounds and facilities here are impressive, as is the quality of service. However, it’s worth noting that this winery has only recently started providing tours again due to COVID. You may be able to schedule a visit by appointment only, call +33 (0)5 56 73 21 29 to inquire.

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Château Lafite Rothschild

Why Guests Like It: Castle Vibes, Beautiful Grounds and Vineyards, Exceptional Red Wines

Everything from the vast circular barrel room, the tasting areas, to the gardens, vineyards and castle itself is impressive at Château Lafite Rothschild. Located just north of Mouton, it’s worth a stop here if you’re planning on touring Pauillac. Unfortunately, this is another producer that has been pretty restrictive with visits due to the current COVID situation. Tastings and tours are by appointment only, +33 (0) 1 53 89 78 00.

Château Cheval Blanc

Location: Saint Emilion

Why Guests Like It: Exceptional Wine, Historic, Rooftop Wine Tastings, Beautiful Grounds

We aren’t going to get your hopes up for visiting Cheval Blanc. It’s entirely possible, but wine tourism is something they currently are not promoting to the public. Cheval Blanc is now currently owned by LVMH (Moet Hennessy), and its primary focus is production and distribution. If you’re an industry professional, you can expect a guided tour through their vineyards, facilities and cellar, topped off with a tasting experience on the rooftop of the chateau that overlooks Pomerol and Saint Emilion. 

Chateau d’Yquem

Location: Sauternes

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Beautiful Grounds, Incredible Sweet Wine

Arguably one of the most famous Chateau in all of Bordeaux, d’Yquem produces some of the most sought-after sweet white wines in the world (unfortified). The property is vast, and somewhat removed from other producers in the area. You can actually see the towering estate from miles away. We remember briefly stopping in Saint-Croix-du-Mont (another sweet sub-region) to explore the terroir there, and in the distance, we could see d’Yquem standing high above the landscape. If you step into the main lobby of the winery, it makes all of the other nearby producers seem tiny.

Luckily for Winetravelers, Chateau d’Yquem is open to the public for visitation. However, appointments are required and visits are private. Be sure to book your visit well in advance .

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Château Petrus

Location: Pomerol

Why Guests Like It: Legendary Wines

Some of the most sought-after red wines in the world reside under the label of Chateau Petrus. We’re only mentioning it here because they are so famous, but it’s unlikely you’ll ever get to experience a visit to the facility in Pomerol. These days, Petrus focuses exclusively on production, not visitation. Visitors are only allowed on the property if they receive an exclusive invitation, and it’s almost always for those within the wine or hospitality industries.

Are there more famous Bordeaux wineries worth mentioning? Absolutely. Unfortunately, the way it currently works in Bordeaux (and especially with the ongoing COVID situation), the more famous the winery, the more difficult it is to get a visit. Should more legendary first-growths open up their doors to visitors, we’ll add them to this list. In the meantime, we’ll continue on with more exceptional Bordeaux wineries that are currently open to the public.

When it comes to the scenery in Bordeaux, you’re pretty much going to find it everywhere. That being said, this is a tough list to narrow down, so we’ve included Bordeaux wineries that have exceeded our personal expectations both in terms of views and the service provided.

Château Marquis

Why Guests Like It: Rent a Bike, Boutique, Great Service, Great Wines, Affordable, Beautiful Scenery

Located in Margaux, and not far from the famed Chateau Margaux, this more humble property is geared towards the wine tourist more than most in Bordeaux. Not only is the wine great and the surrounding vineyards beautiful, it’s one of the few wineries in Bordeaux that you can also rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside. Definitely worth a stop, and the staff are happy to give you recommendations for additional things to do in the region.

Château Lamothe Bergeron

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Property, Newly Restored Tasting Room, Immersive Tourism Experience

The vibe and setting outdoors at Château Lamothe Bergeron makes you feel as though you’re at some 18th-century outdoor French gala. When you make your way inside, you’ll feel almost exactly the opposite. This chateau went above and beyond to provide a high-tech wine tourism experience to its guests. The building has been almost completely restored recently, the tasting room is beautiful, and the tour and tasting options allow for an immersive experience. You’ll have the opportunity to taste the wines in their various developmental stages. This is also an ideal winery if you’re not looking to spend much money, as their most basic tasting starts at just 8 euros.

This is one of the few wineries in Bordeaux that (at least currently), doesn’t require reservations. You can visit from April to October: 7 days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm – from November to March: Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 am to 5.30 pm.

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Marquis de Vauban Castle

Why Guests Like It: Caters To Tourists, Horse-Drawn Carriage, Beautiful Property, Great Service, Lunch, Camping, Beautiful Views, Family Friendly

Unlike many Bordeaux producers who shy away from wine tourism and prefer to focus on wine production, Marquis de Vauban Castle provides an ample range of tasting and tour options to guests. You can choose to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the property, take a little train ride if you have kids in tow, take an underground passage tour beneath the citadel of Blaye, or have a romantic lunch with your significant other overlooking the grounds. This property also supports motorhomes if you’re cruising around Bordeaux and provides electrical hook-up.

Château Prieuré Lichine

Why Guests Like It: Informative Tours, Beautiful Property, Great Service

For those looking for a detailed and personal tour of a lovely estate in the Margaux region, Château Prieuré Lichine is worth a stop. You’ll take a walk through the lovely courtyard, visit the wine cellar and production facilities, and learn about some unique and modern production techniques being implemented. Our tour guide Sarah also gave us background on the Margaux region itself, diving deep into the regulations and wine-making techniques of the area. The tasting room is also remarkably beautiful, and you’ll likely spend an hour or two relaxing or walking the grounds.

Château Castera

Location: Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil

Why Guests Like It: Great Value, Great Wines, Beautiful Property, History, Great Service

One of the few luxurious wineries perhaps in all of Bordeaux where you can get an informative tour and tasting for as little as 6 euros. As you’re guided through the property and production facilities, you’ll hear the passion in the guide’s voice. This is another castle-like setting, and the operation is run by a relatively young and enthusiastic team. Our favorite part about the visit is the escape game they offer from the top of the castle tower. Certainly a unique experience and an indication that guests having a memorable experience is important at Château Castera .

Château Dauzac

Location: Labarde

Why Guests Like It: Great Service, Beautiful Grounds, Welcoming Staff, Great Wines

This is a great winery to visit that’s a bit removed from many of the more popular wineries in the area. The property is sprawling, offering opportunities to buy a bottle and post up to have a little picnic of your own. If you choose to do a tour at Dauzac , they tend to be small and personalized. It begins in the vineyards, then you’ll be walked through the production facilities, the wine cellar and finally get to relax in the tasting room.

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Chateau Rayne-Vigneau

Why Guests Like It: Stunning Property, Great Wines, Warm Staff, Sensory Experiences

Boutique/Family Wineries & Intimate Tours and Tastings

Château moutte blanc.

Location: Macau

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Family Operated, Warm Staff, Great Quality Wines, Petit Verdot

Moutte Blanc focuses on the Petit Verdot variety. A grape that is typically used in smaller quantities in Bordeaux blends, so sampling wines from this producer will undoubtedly provide a unique experience. A small, yet pretty castle-like setting, Château Moutte Blanc is one of those family-run wineries that will likely to give you a warm welcome should you knock on their door. To be safe, we don’t recommend that and suggest you make an appointment: +05 57 88 40 39.

Vignobles Noailles

Location: Côtes de Bourg

Why Guests Like It: Family Operated, Warm Staff, Great Wines

This boutique, family-run estate will leave you humbled. Escape the typical large estates of Bordeaux and visit this quaint house and vineyard located in Teuillac, Côtes de Bourg. What’s encouraging about Vignobles Noailles is that many of our friends who are tour operators in the region bring their guests to this winery because they know just how good the wine is and how special the experience is. Both individual and group visitation experiences are offered, and typically include walks through the vineyard, a cellar visit, and a tasting afterword. To schedule a visit, call +33 (0) 6 16 06 08 48 or email [email protected] .

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Château Arnauld

Location: Haut-Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Warm Staff, Great Wines, Location

This “boutique castle” is ideal for those looking to taste exceptional wine in a relaxed setting at an affordable price. Due to COVID, walk-ins are no longer offered, however visitation can be reserved ahead of time . They currently have two tasting and tour options, the first is a 1-hour visit that includes a vineyard walk and explanation, in addition to a visit to the production facilities and barrel room. Finally, you’ll have a delightful tasting in their recently renovated tasting room showcasing two of their best wines. The second option includes everything previously mentioned, except a third wine is included along with a chocolate pairing.

Château d’Arcins

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Personal Attention, Great Wines

It’s well worth a stop at Chateau d’Arcins for their wines and history alone, but it makes even more sense to stop here since it’s practically across the street from Chateau Arnauld. For us, the coolest thing about Chateau d’Arcins is that they’ve been producing wine since the 14th century. It’s argued that they’re the oldest estate in Haut-Medoc. What’s even more interesting, supposedly wines were crafted here at the command of the notorious Knights Templar. Call them to reserve a visit at +05 56 58 91 29.

Château Hourtin-Ducasse

Why Guests Like It: Friendly Staff, Great Tours, Beautiful Grounds, Boutique, Great Wines

We love visiting Château Hourtin-Ducasse thanks to the amicable hospitality of owners Michel and Maria. Taste wines alongside the winemaker himself, and straight from the barrel. They’ll take the time to get to know you here, just as much as you’ll be eager to get to know them. This is one winery where while we always recommend scheduling an appointment ahead of time, if you knock on the door they’ll likely let you in and give you all of their attention. Truly passionate about their work, Château Hourtin-Ducasse is one winery we hear again and again from our readers that they will be returning to.

Château Nodot

Why Guests Like It: Museum, Biodynamic, Great Wines, Affordable, Friendly Staff

The staff at Chateau Nodot go above and beyond to welcome their guests to their winery. What’s more, this is one winery that prides itself on being biodynamic . If you’re looking for a somewhat removed, authentic, boutique and focused wine tourism experience in Bordeaux, stop by Nodot. This is an area that’s not very sought out as a tourist destination, so you can expect more personal attention and we believe you’ll be impressed with the quality of wine production in the area as well. Contact them ahead of time at: +05 57 42 50 38

Château des Tourtes

Why Guests Like It: Family Friendly, Warm Staff, Beautiful Setting, Boutique, Great Wines, Bike Rentals

There are few things not to like about visiting Château des Tourtes . For starters, their most basic tour and tasting (of 5 wines might we add), is free. You can upgrade your tour to include small bites for just 6 euros. If you’re hungry, schedule a lunch or dinner (35 euros) while watching a movie that discusses the history of Bordeaux. Lastly, they also offer a guided tour with a the winemaker or one of their sommeliers, which includes a workshop on blending wine (40 euros).

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Unique Experiences, Festivals & Museums

Depending on the season, Bordeaux offers a number of special experiences travelers can partake in. These range from harvest festivals, grape stomping, cave tours and beyond. Below, we’ll list a few of our favorites and when they typically take place, and how you can take part.

Visit La Cite du Vin for a completely immersive museum experience into everything wine. The architecture of the facility is remarkable, but there are also a plethora of interactive, family-friendly experiences designed to utilize all of your senses to really get to know wine and wine production. There is a restaurant on-site also, but it closes by 4 so plan to have lunch if you’re looking to spend the day here.  Book your entry ticket here .

La Fête du Vin , or the annual Bordeaux wine festival offers a number of special events, experiences and shows over a 4 day period in June.

Embark on a running and drinking marathon (literally) during Marathon du Médoc. During this unique event, you’ll literally be running winery to winery tasting some of the finest wines on a pre-determined route. Check if you can register for the next marathon or get on the waiting list here .

The Bordeaux River Festival, or the Fête du Fleuve is one of our favorites. Also typically occurring in June every other year, local gastronomic-focused businesses showcase their craft to locals and tourists alike. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Bordeaux food culture right on the banks of the Garonne River.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bordeaux Wineries & Bordeaux Wine Tours

Can i do a bordeaux wine tour.

Absolutely! Bordeaux is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions and offers a wide variety of wine tours for all tastes and budgets. These tours can range from half-day to multiple-day excursions, offering you the chance to visit prestigious wine chateaux, learn about the winemaking process, and taste some of the world’s finest wines. Currently, our most popular, private and customizable tour of Bordeaux is offered by Atlas Bordeaux . Another popular and fun way to experience Bordeaux’s Saint-Émilion subregion is to do it on an e-Bike tour , allowing you to get outdoors, stop at vineyards along beautiful paths, with lunch included. Most tours will take you through the iconic vineyards of Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, or Sauternes, among others, where you can explore the picturesque landscapes and historic vineyards that have made Bordeaux wines famous. Some tours also offer gourmet meals, cheese and wine pairings, or combine wine tasting with other local attractions. Remember to book in advance, particularly during the high season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Also, be sure to check whether your tour includes transportation, as drinking and driving is not only dangerous but also strictly regulated in France.

When should I visit Bordeaux wineries?

If you’re interested in the winemaking process, consider visiting during the harvest season, which typically occurs from mid-September to early October . During this time, you can witness the vineyards in full activity. However, for the best weather and to enjoy the beauty of the vineyards, late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are generally the most pleasant times to visit. The weather is usually mild and the vineyards are picturesque. Summer is the most popular, and it’s also beautiful. You can’t really go wrong with a visit to Bordeaux during any season. Even during winter, you might get a more personalized visitation experience due to fewer crowds and a chance to meet the winemaker. Bordeaux wineries are generally open for this year-round. However, it’s always a good idea to check in advance, as some smaller vineyards may have limited visiting hours during the off-season or may require an appointment.

What’s the best way to get around Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is well-equipped with various transportation modes for convenience. The city’s public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and river shuttles, is efficient and connects key parts of the city, making it easy for tourists to navigate. For those who prefer a more active means of transport, Bordeaux is one of France’s most bike-friendly cities, featuring an extensive network of bike lanes. You can rent a bike through the city’s bike-sharing program, VCub. If you plan to explore the wider Bordeaux region, including the vineyards, you may find renting a car to be the most practical option. Be mindful of the local driving rules and parking regulations. Lastly, for shorter distances within the city center, walking is often a great choice, as Bordeaux boasts a compact and pedestrian-friendly city center.

What are the must try wines and wine styles in Bordeaux?

To start, you must try the Bordeaux Reds, primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Left Bank wines, hailing from regions like Médoc and Graves, are Cabernet-dominant, delivering robust, tannic wines that age gracefully. They are well-structured, exuding deep fruit flavors with hints of spice and earth. On the Right Bank, regions like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol offer Merlot-dominant wines. These are generally softer and more plush, with a generous fruit character and subtle notes of herbs and spices. The contrast between Left and Right Bank wines showcases the versatility and complexity of Bordeaux’s reds. For white wine lovers, Bordeaux doesn’t disappoint. Don’t miss out on the dry white wines, primarily produced from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon in regions like Graves and Pessac-Léognan. These wines balance refreshing acidity with a broad, rich texture, often layered with flavors of citrus, tropical fruits, and a delicate minerality. Lastly, a visit to Bordeaux isn’t complete without tasting the world-renowned sweet wines of Sauternes. Made predominantly from Sémillon grapes affected by noble rot, these wines are intensely flavorful and lusciously sweet, yet perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity. Winetraveler Tip: Noble rot wines are some of the most unique and exceptional wines on the planet with amazing age-ability. If you can find a sushi restaurant that serves Sauternes or other sweet Bordeaux regional wines, try a sushi and wine pairing with them, we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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Great list. Which, if any, of these are the most wheelchair accessible?

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Bordeaux is known worldwide for being France’s wine capital. It is a true mecca for wine lovers who will have a blast visiting wine châteaux and doing tastings.

Touring the Bordeaux wine region is one of the best things to do in Bordeaux ! There are many wine tours from Bordeaux, but if you have a car, you can also organize self-guided wine trips in the region.

The Bordeaux wine region is vast, and you will find excellent vineyards on both the Garonne River banks, where castle-like estates produce superb wine in fairy-tale settings. To help you decide which type of wine tour works best for you, we put together this comprehensive guide to the best Bordeaux wine tours.  

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Top Experiences and Tours in Bordeaux

• Bordeaux Guided Bike Tour
• Cité du Vin Entry Ticket
• Garonne River Cruise with a Glass of Wine
• Day Trip to Saint-Emilion Wine Region
• Day Trip to the Médoc Wine Region

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Top Bordeaux Accommodation and Lodging

• InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel (historical 5-star hotel in the Old Town)
• Le Palais Gallien Hotel & Spa (lovely and central boutique hotel with seasonal pool)
• Meininger Hotel Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean (budget hotel ideal for long stays)
• Check the full list of our favorite hotels in Bordeaux

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Bordeaux Wine Tour vs Self-Guided Wine Trip

Joining guided Bordeaux wine tours has many advantages, like that it is more educational, as you are with an expert guide, and there is no planning to do on your part since the tour is fully organized.

Among the disadvantages of guided wine tours is that the schedule is not flexible since everything is already organized. Guided Bordeaux wine-tasting tours are usually more expensive than self-guided wine trips.

On the other hand, self-guided wine trips allow you to craft your own itinerary by selecting the wineries in Bordeaux where you want to stop and for how long, all for less money than a guided wine tour.

However, the biggest cons of self-guided wine trips is that you will have to do a great deal of research beforehand and then book everything by yourself. 

Bordeaux Left Bank vs Bordeaux Right Bank – Where to Go?

The  Bordeaux Wine Region  is not only one of the most famous French wine regions but is also one of the largest. Where to go for a Bordeaux wine tour? The Bordeaux wine area has three main wine production areas:

Rive Gauche (Garonne and Gironde Rivers’ left bank). Here, Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape variety. North of Bordeaux is the area of the famous red wines of Médoc and Haut-Médoc (Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, and more). South of Bordeaux, the AOC Péssac-Léognan and AOC Graves produce good and lighter reds and whites, while the AOC Sauternes produces botrytized sweet wines.

Entre-deux-Mers is the wine production area located between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. This area produces good reds and whites. The AOC Entre-deux-Mers , however, only concerns the white dry wines while the rest of the production in this area is sold as AOC Bordeaux or AOC Bordeaux Supérieur.

Rive Droite (Dordogne River’s Right Bank). Merlot is the main grape variety here. This is the area where the famous red wines of AOC Saint-Emilion and AOC Pomerol are produced.

Guided Bordeaux wine tours explore the region’s most famous wine areas and include transportation and an expert guide. I have taken several Bordeaux wine tasting tours and I could never know in advance what châteaux we would visit during the tours. However, I was always satisfied with the places we visited.

Following is a handy table with the best wine tours from Bordeaux in the Bordeaux.

Best Wineries in Bordeaux for Self-Guided Wine Trips

When opting for a self-guided wine tour, you must remember that most wine tastings and visits to the wineries are available by appointment only. You won’t be able to show up to a château you like and count on someone being available to welcome you to the property and give you access to the tastings.

In addition to reserving your wine-tasting spots, you will need a car to get to the wineries. We suggest you check out DiscoverCars.com , a comparison site that will find the best car rental deals.

Following is a well-rounded list of the best wineries in the Bordeaux wine region. The Châteaux du Médoc are the most popular, but there are also beautiful wine estates in Saint-Emilion and the Right Bank in general. At the time of writing this article, all the wineries below offer tours in French and English with tastings, and you can book through the links below.

Bordeaux Left Bank

• Château Talbot – Grand Cru Classé (Saint-Julien /Haut-Médoc)
• Château La Haye (Saint-Estèphe /Haut Médoc)
• Château Saint-Hiliare-Domaine Uijjtewaal (Médoc)
• Château Ferrière – Grand Cru Classé (Margaux /Haut-Médoc)
• Château Kirwan – Grand Cru Classé (Margaux /Haut-Médoc)
• Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Grand Cru Classé (Pauillac /Haut Médoc)
• Château Malartic-Lagravière – Grand Cru Classé (Pessac Leognan)
• Château de Cérons (Graves)
• Château Gravas (Sauternes)

Bordeaux Entre-deux-Mers

• Château Le Grand Verdus (Bordeaux Supérieur)
• Château de Camarsac (Entre-deux-Mers)

Bordeaux Right Bank

• Château Cadet Bon – Grand Cru Classé (Saint-Emilion)
• Couvent des Jacobins – Grand Cru Classé (Saint-Emilion)
• Château Mazeyres (Pomerol)
• Château Taillefer (Pomerol)

Stay in a Château-Hotel for the Ultimate Bordeaux Wine Experience

To take your wine experience in Bordeaux to the next level, you should stay overnight in one of the stunning châteaux-hotels you will find in the countryside. 

Imagine waking up in a picture-perfect château surrounded by lush vineyards, breathing fresh air.

The best perk of staying in châteaux-hotels is that you will likely have private access to cellars, and you can do extensive wine tastings accompanied by seriously delicious food prepared in the on-site restaurant.

There are châteaux-hotels for every taste, from cottage-like accommodations to luxury options. Here is the list of the best châteaux-hotels to stay in Bordeaux.

• Château Meyre (Médoc)
• Le Château Réal (Haut-Médoc)
• La Maison d’Estournel (Haut-Médoc)
• Château Cordeillan Bages (Médoc)
• Château Hotel Grand Barril (Saint-Emilion)
• Clos 1906 (Saint-Emilion)

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Bordeaux is an excellent starting point for your exploration of the region’s vineyards and châteaux, wine-growing village and picturesque landscapes. We offer day trips or half-day trips to the main Bordeaux appellations. Be it the Médoc or Sauternes, Saint-Émilion or Graves, the vineyards along the estuary or the Entre-deux-Mers region- literally ‘between two rivers’-, you have plenty of options, each with its various different themes. Book your wine tour now!

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Bordeaux wine tour: Travel secrets of the local experts

• Bordeaux supplement 2021

Of the 57 appellations in the Bordeaux region, our guides ( see ‘Meet the experts’ below ) picked out Sauternes and Fronsac as must-visit appellations for their low-key charm, bucolic landscapes, family-owned properties and growing roster of wine tourism experiences.

A perfect day in Sauternes, according to Janice Brooks, offers so much more than the usual cellar visit followed by a sip and swirl. Her favourites include Château Sigalas Rabaud , a small, family-owned property where your guide could be the marquis himself. ‘There are children’s games, and delicious gourmet tapas or meals on the terrace overlooking the vines, plus beautiful guest rooms,’ Brooks says. Also family-owned, Château Coutet , introduces its sweet white wines through jellies made from the different grape varieties: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

At Château de Rayne Vigneau , for a bird’s-eye appreciation of the appellation, try a fanciful tasting in the property’s treehouse, perched atop a centuries-old cedar tree. For a more intimate view of the region’s golden wines, Sarah Seguret recommends booking a visit at Château de Myrat , ‘an elegant 18th-century property owned by descendants of one of the oldest families in Bordeaux winemaking, where peacocks strut on the lawn and a family member usually greets visitors’. Finally, all of our guides and experts recommend Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey , a sumptuous property owned by the CEO of Lalique, the French glassmaker. In addition to the winery, the estate boasts a luxury hotel in the restored château and a one-star Michelin restaurant overlooking the vineyards.

Meanwhile, Decanter ’s Bordeaux correspondent Jane Anson called Fronsac, along with neighbouring Canon-Fronsac, the ‘Tuscany of the Gironde’ ( Decanter, March 2015 ) for the way the land ‘unfurls in great waves along the river’s edge, its valley, copses and knots of truffle oaks providing shelter to the lush rows of Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines’. With its small, charming wineries and vineyard-swathed slopes along the Dordogne river, this appellation ‘is still undeservedly in the shadow of neighbouring St-Emilion’, according to Wendy Narby, who recommends visiting the new winery owned by ‘fellow Brit’ Sally Evans at Château George 7 . Château de la Rivière  also offers a wine tourism experience, complete with rooms.

Château Coutet

An estate for everyone

Bordeaux’s wineries have traditionally focused primarily on making legendary wines, and so hospitality – including receiving the general public – is more of a recent phenomenon. The good news is that an increasing number of properties have developed their tourism infrastructure over the past years. However, ‘the vast majority of vineyard tours and wine tastings in Bordeaux are by appointment only and are private’, says Martin Hurst. Overleaf, our experts recommend the best properties to visit based on your specific needs or interests.

Bordeaux for beginners

Wendy Narby recommends that beginners head to the Entre-deux-Mers region, where her favourite estates, Château Lestrille  and Château Thieuley , are among the properties of the regional red appellations (Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur) that comprise nearly half of Bordeaux’s wine production. ‘Entre-deux-Mers properties usually produce red, white, rosé, clairet and often sparkling crémant de Bordeaux,’ she says, ‘so they provide a great chance to taste the whole range.’ Sarah Seguret takes her beginners to Château de la Dauphin  in Fronsac, where ‘a lot of thought has gone into the visits, and the guides are knowledgeable and personable’. If St-Emilion is getting busy, Seguret says, this biodynamic vineyard, with its historic house and lovely garden, is the place to turn.

Bordeaux for wine connoisseurs

The legendary finesse of Bordeaux wines stems from the assemblage, or blending, of various varieties in both white and red wines. For the wine aficionado, a blending class is an opportunity to make like a mad scientist while learning more about this technique. Our experts send their clients to the blending and expert tasting experiences offered by Château La Tour de Bessan  on the Left Bank and, on the Right Bank, Château de Ferrand .

Bordeaux for families

A number of châteaux can provide private entertainment for children to enjoy while their adults sip the estate wines. Château Saint Ahon , Château Marquis de Terme  and Château d’Agassac , for example, allow junior connoisseurs to sample different grape juices while their adults taste – Château d’Agassac even provides an iPad ‘treasure hunt’. Reserve in advance, and Château Marquis de Terme will mind your children in a playroom, lead them on a tour of the property’s ‘garden of the senses’ and provide specially designed workshops, says Narby.

Château de Ferrand, owned by Pauline Bich of the Bic pen family and her husband, Philippe Chandon-Moët, of the Champagne-producing dynasty, understandably features the best colouring kit for children, according to Martin Hurst, who also notes that this beautiful property has more of a casual, ‘Napa-like vibe’, stemming from a recent renovation that ‘respected the grounds and heritage but added unique design elements like the spectacular revolving tasting bar’. Also in St-Emilion, young ones delight in the ‘little experts tour’ at Château La Dominique , says Caroline Matthews.

Bordeaux for history buffs

The spectacular Château La Tour Carnet , with its stone bridges spanning the medieval castle moat, is living history at its best. Inside the 13th-century castle, a jaw-dropping assortment of antique treasures accumulated by owner Bernard Magrez – from coats of armour to historic harpsichords – fill the stately panelled rooms.

The two-hour wine tour and tasting covers seven centuries of local history, culminating with a taste of three of the property’s wines. Nicolle Croft recommends soaking in history at Château Angludet  in Margaux, owned by the Sichel family, who have been in the Bordeaux wine trade and viticulture for six generations; daughter Daisy Sichel leads the wine education programme. Another Margaux property, Château Prieuré-Lichine   offers a special historical overview tour covering the Médoc that culminates in a tasting.

Château George 7 offers wine tours with lunch

Top Bordeaux dining experiences

The Michelin Guide announced its 2021 awards at the beginning of January, and two restaurants in Bordeaux received a star for the first time: L’Observatoire du Gabriel  , owned by the Boüard family of Château Angélus that anchors Bordeaux city’s gorgeous 18th-century Place de la Bourse, and an innovative vegan restaurant, ONA , in Arès, a waterfront town on Arcachon Bay, an hour’s drive west of Bordeaux. There are now four two-star restaurants and 16 one-star restaurants in and around Bordeaux.

Country casual

Even in a region brimming with sun-dappled terraces, magnificent wine lists and soul-satisfying country cuisine, St-Emilion’s Logis de la Cadène , an unassuming manse built in 1848 in the heart of the village and now run by the owners of Château Angélus, stands out, according to several of our experts.

Other favourites include La Table de Catusseau  in Pomerol, and on the Left Bank, Restaurant le Bontemps  country kitchen in Cussac-Fort Médoc, which Mary Dardenne says is ‘relatively undiscovered by tourists’.

Back on the Right Bank, Nicolle Croft takes her clients to La Réserve du Presbytère  in Montagne St-Emilion, where she notes ‘the great chef Jean-François Robert serves harmonious gastronomic cuisine at reasonable prices’, while Wendy Narby recommends Le Caffe Cuisine  in Branne, just across the river Dordogne from St-Emilion, for the ‘welcoming shabby-chic atmosphere and innovative cuisine that is both affordable and local’.

Over by the Garonne river, L’Entrée Jardin in Cadillac, with its medieval castle, is one of Sarah Seguret’s favourites for its ‘great-value local cuisine and well-priced wine list’. And, in the restored Bages village on the Left Bank, Château Lynch-Bages’ Café Lavinal remains a popular stop for those visiting Pauillac.

Estate based

Bordeaux châteaux also provide a range of dining options, from picnic charcuterie boards to private meals with wine pairings inside exclusive dining rooms. Our guides recommend picking up a picnic from the well-stocked gourmet shop inside the elegant 17th-century charterhouse at Château de Cérons , at the heart of 30ha of Graves vineyards overlooking the river Garonne opposite Cadillac. Owners Xavier and Caroline Perromat are always around for a friendly ‘bonjour’ before settling guests under their magnolia tree for a leisurely lunch.

On the Left Bank, reserve an open-air lunch or evening meal prepared by the private chef at Château Lamothe-Bergeron . This Haut-Médoc property, fully restored in 2015, produces affordable, easy-drinking Bordeaux Supérieur wines. L’Atelier de Candale  – a casual, light-drenched restaurant in an intimate château outside St-Emilion – also gets top marks for its spacious outdoor patio, perfect for lazy al fresco lunches overlooking the vineyards and the Dordogne river valley.

Other perennial country charmers with terraces include regional restaurant empresario Nicholas Lascombes’ La Chapelle , with its terrace overlooking Château Guiraud’s kitchen garden, and Les Sources de Caudalie’s Rouge  at Château Smith Haut Lafitte.

For the finest pairing of wines and seasonal cuisine in an intimate 19th-century setting, Martin Hurst recommends booking ‘La Table Privée’ at Château Haut-Bailly , where he says chef Jean-Charles Poinsot creates each course to complement the wines and to bring new layers of complexity to the tasting.

Adventure time

From strolling to cycling, there’s no better way to work off a wine-soaked lunch than to explore the outdoors. Our experts agree that Margaux’s flat Left Bank terrain makes for a pleasant day between the châteaux, with plenty of bucolic spots to picnic (or nap) along by the Garonne.

For example, Wendy Narby likes the guided cycling tour offered at Château Marquis de Terme; there’s also a scooter tour. For serious bikers, Caroline Matthews recommends the Entre-deux-Mers region’s Roger Lapébie cycle path , named after the famed French cyclist. Cycling the 57km path running between Bordeaux and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne reveals a land of spectacular fortified villages, medieval castles and ancient churches. A particularly pleasant stretch ‘takes you within striking distance of Château Reynier and Château de Carmasac, both owned by different members of the Lurton family’, Matthews says.

Fronsac and the area around St-Emilion get high reviews for active adventuring. Pick up a walking or cycling map at the tourism office in St-Emilion. But unless you’re training for the Tour de France, Nicolle Croft recommends renting an electric bike at Lovelec33  before heading out of town to tackle the rolling Right Bank terrain.

Château Latour Ségur, which offers B&B accommodation

Room with a view: the best Bordeaux chateâu stays

‘More and more wine properties are opening up their château bedrooms to guests,’ says Martin Hurst, who often sends his clients to Château Beauregard  in Pomerol, where the historic charterhouse has been restored with five private rooms, and Château Le Pape , which has also refurbished its elegant property to receive guests in an intimate setting just outside the Bordeaux city limits.

On the Right Bank, Château Troplong Mondot gets top marks from all of our experts. With the postcard-perfect view of the village of St-Emilion (a 20-minute stroll through the vines) and impeccable wine-country art de vivre, you can’t go wrong choosing one of the charmingly decorated rooms in the main property or the private two-bedroom cottage in the midst of the vineyard.

Our experts also recommend Château Biac in  Langoiran, just southeast of Bordeaux, for its three guesthouses brimming with rustic charm. According to Janice Brooks: ‘They have the most gorgeous view of any estate in the region and the owners are so warm and hospitable, you’ll feel like family in no time.’

Families can relax at Château Latour Ségur in Lussac St-Emilion, where proprietors Corinne Dray and André Nizet offer three gorgeous B&B suites in their renovated main building, a classified historic monument. Nicolle Croft says children can explore the vast park and pay a visit to the chickens, donkeys and dogs while adults head to the spa in the former limestone quarry.

For posh luxury and serene surroundings, alight at the Hotel & Restaurant Lalique , a Relais & Châteaux property aglow from Silvio Denz’s crystalline embellishments and the golden Sauternes wine produced by the surrounding vineyards of his Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey.

Learn as you go: where to get educated

The Bordeaux Wine Council  gets top marks in wine education from all of our experts – many of whom teach there – for its wide array of English-language wine education, ranging from half-day introductory classes to week-long in-depth explorations. Its website is also a treasure trove of information about the region and its wines. Also in Bordeaux, L’Atelier de Dégustation offers private English-language wine tasting and education classes in the heart of the historic Chartrons district, where the wine merchants traditionally housed their barrels in stone warehouses. For Right Bank aficionados, the Maison du Vin de St-Emilion offers both beginners’ and in-depth classes.

Meet our panel of Bordeaux experts

• Martin Hurst & Tim Olson of The Bordeaux Concierge left New York careers to run private, tailor-made tours and experiences for wine lovers, as well as road trip itineraries.
• Janice Brooks of Bordeaux with a Smile is an Alabama native and a trained actor who also instructs masters students in wine and spirits. She focuses on wine-country history.
• Mary Dardenne of Decanter Tours (no relation) works with independent travellers and wine club groups. Originally from Texas, she’s a certified travel advisor with The Travel Institute.
• Sarah Seguret , who works with My Bordeaux Tours , is an Irish native and accredited tour guide who specialises in biodynamic wines, as well as the latest trends in wine viticulture and gourmet dining.
• Caroline Matthews of Uncorked Wine Tours used to work for Moët Hennessy, until her job brought her to the area in 2008 and she stayed. She specialises in bespoke private tours.
• Wendy Narb y, who runs Insider Tasting , is English but has lived in France for more than 30 years. Her trips feature everything from yoga in the vineyards to design- oriented visits that mix architecture with private tastings.
• Nicolle Croft of Wine Guide Bordeaux arrived from England in 1989. A WSET- certified teacher, she has developed a deep knowledge of the small independent producers of Bordeaux, which she shares in her tours and her book Bordeaux Sip by Sip .

Best château accommodation in Bordeaux

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The Best Bordeaux Chateaux to Visit for Unique Wine Tasting Experiences

By Jennifer Dombrowski 21 Comments

Bordeaux isn’t just one of the most highly coveted wine blends in the world; it’s a massive wine region by the same encompassing more than 60 different appellations. In layman’s terms, that’s more than 7100 different wineries just in Bordeaux alone. Most visitors look for Bordeaux wine tours to whisk them away to the wineries, but the best wine tours in Bordeaux aren’t really “tours” at all. For the truly best Bordeaux wine tours, seek out the unique curated experiences exclusively offered by the châteaux themselves.

Many châteaux (wineries) offer classic visits with a wine tasting in Bordeaux. You see the vineyard and learn about the terroir; visit the winery, barrel room and possibly tour part of the château itself if it is open to the public. The approximately 45-minute tour is followed by a tasting of 1-2 vintages and usually a second wine produced by the estate. In all honesty, there’s not a lot in these classic visits that distinguish one château from the next. And it’s these classic visits that are offered as part of most small group Bordeaux vineyard tours.

That’s why we’ve sought out the most unique wine tasting experiences in Bordeaux. These are the ones that will make your trip to Bordeaux memorable and leave your friends back home jealous while you’re wine tasting in a 200 year old tree top or blending your own bottle of Bordeaux. Ready for the coolest wine tastings around? Then don’t miss these best chateaux in Bordeaux to visit for unique wine tasting experiences.

Best Bordeaux Chateaux on the Left Bank | Best Bordeaux Chateaux in Saint-Émilion and the Right Bank | Best Chateaux in Sauternes

Bordeaux Wine Tours on the Left Bank

Bordeaux’s Left Bank is home to some of the most famous vineyards in all of the Bordeaux wine region. It’s on the Left Bank that you’ll find all of the 1855 classified Bordeaux wines of the Médoc, including world-famous names like Château Margaux, Château Lafite and Château Mouton Rothschild. Some of our own personal favorites when it comes to appellations, like Pauillac, are located on the Left Bank.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape found in Bordeaux blends from the Left Bank. A small amount of Petit Verdot and even Malbec can be found in the blends, particularly from very hot years like 2016 when these grape varietals do particularly well. The best Bordeaux vintages include 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2006 and 2005 from the last decade or so. Bordeaux wine from the Left Bank is generally more powerful and made for aging.

5 Senses Tour at Château Pape Clement

We often don’t realize how all of our senses work together to help us explore the world around us. Even though it would seem we mostly use taste and smell when drinking wine, it’s amazing how sight and even sound influence how we think and feel about wine.

The 5 Senses tour at Château Pape Clement, in Bordeaux’s Pessac-Léognan appellation, engages all the senses. Wine tasting isn’t just reserved for the end of the tour, either. Tastings take place all throughout the tour.

There’s a tasting of barrel samples in Château Pape Clement’s barrel room, which is interesting as the grape varieties in a Bordeaux blend ferment and age separately before the final blending. The blind tasting in one of the rooms of the château tests your palette. You might even be surprised at just how difficult it can be to distinguish a white wine from a red when the color of the wine is masked by black glasses. Finally, sounds are used to see how you feel drinking wine in yet another room of the château.

After the Château Pape Clement 5 Senses tour, you’ll definitely believe that recent study by neuroscientists in which they say that wine tasting engages your brain more than math . And this tour is far more fun than any math class, which is why we recommend Château Pape Clement as one of the best wineries to visit in Bordeaux.

The 5 Senses Tour is available by reservation and is €49 per person. Plan 2 hours for this tasting experience. Château Pape Clement is also easily accessible by public transportation using Bus Line 4 from Gambetta to the Le Monteil (Cité Le Corbusier) stop. It is then about a 10 minute walk for 700 meters to the château. Plan your journey .

Vintage Tour at Château Kirwan

Bordeaux is renowned for its old vintages, especially when it comes to Bordeaux wines from the Left Bank. While some vintages are so exceptional that they can be drunk in just a few years time, it’s generally best to wait at least 10 years.

When you taste vintages on a classic Bordeaux château tour and tasting, you’ll almost always try wines that are fairly young. The aging is still taking place in the bottle and the wines haven’t quite reached their best yet.

At Château Kirwan , in Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation famous for Grand Cru Classé châteaux, you can taste Bordeaux vintages as old as a vintage from 1967 on the Vintage Tour. This unique experience allows you to choose from a list of vintages for your special tasting. You might select your birth year, the year of your anniversary or some other year special to you. Wines this powerful are best enjoyed with food, so fine cheeses accompany the vintage tasting. It also takes place in Château Kirwan’s cellar among some of their greatest vintages.

The Vintage Tour is available by reservation and is €85 per person. Plan 1.5 – 2 hours for this tasting experience. Château Kirwan can be reached from Bordeaux on public transportation. Take the  Oui SNCF train from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to Gare de Margaux. The château is located 4 kilometers from the village of Margaux, so we recommend taking a vcub shared bike with you and bicycling to the château. vcub costs €1 for a 24 hour membership and €2 per hour for the rental.

1855 Grand Cru Classé Workshop at Château Marquis de Terme

One thing you won’t be able to do is taste the wine of other Bordeaux châteaux while visiting a vineyard, with the few exceptions of multiple châteaux across different appellations that are owned by the same family. That’s what makes the 1855 Grand Cru Classé Workshop at Château Marquis de Terme so unique. It’s the one Bordeaux château where you will taste the wine of six other Bordeaux châteaux, which are all classified growths in the official 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines.

This workshop is for wine connoisseurs who particularly love Bordeaux’s Left Bank wines. Coupled with a visit to the organic vineyards, vat room and barrel room at Château Marquis de Terme , guests sit down with one of the château’s top guides to learn more about the 1855 Classification and each of the seven appellations that were included in it.

The tasting includes a wine from an 1855 Classified château from each of the Haut-Médoc, Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac, Saint Estephe, Sauternes and Barsac appellations. The same vintage is chosen for the tasting so that guests can really appreciate the differences created from the changing terroir as you travel from south to north along Bordeaux’s Left Bank.

The 1855 Grand Cru Classé Workshop is available by reservation and is €100 per person. Plan 3 hours for this tasting experience. Château Marquis de Terme can be reached from Bordeaux on public transportation. Take the Oui SNCF train from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to Gare de Margaux. The château is 900 meters from the station and is an easy 10-15 minute walk.

The Éclairée Tour and Tasting: Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Château Léoville-Poyferré

Attention chocolate lovers: Château Léoville-Poyferré and Hasnaâ Chocolats Grands Crus have come together to put together the best chocolate and wine pairing in all of Bordeaux. Trust us, we have tried a lot of chocolate pairing tours around the Bordeaux wine region.

What truly makes Château Léoville-Poyferré’s Éclairée tour and tasting stand out from the rest is the passion. Anne Cuvelier and Hasnaâ Ferreira married their love of wine and chocolate together as the perfect couple. Together, they’ve not only chosen the most complimentary Château Léoville-Poyferré vintages and Hasnaâ origin chocolates for the tasting, but also crafted chocolates exclusively for the château.

The tasting is a vertical tasting of 3 Château Léoville-Poyferré, including a barrel sample of the latest vintage paired with different Hasnaâ origin chocolates. The tasting follows a tour of the educational vineyard, vat and barrel rooms.

The Éclairée Tour and Tasting is available by reservation only and is €30 per person. Plan 1.25 hours for this tasting experience. Château Léoville-Poyferré is best accessed by car.

Bordeaux Wine Tours in Saint-Emilion and the Right Bank

The Right Bank is home to the well-known appellations of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, along with many lesser-known satellite appellations. While wine-making didn’t really take center stage on the Left Bank until the 18th century, the Right Bank’s history of wine-making dates back to Roman times.

There’s far fewer “heavy-hitters” on the Right Bank when it comes to famous names known the world over. But the Right Bank is extremely popular to visit with far more châteaux open to the public and the ability to combine a winery visit with a stroll through the incredibly charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion.

Merlot is the dominant grape on the Right Bank and wines from Pomerol, Saint-Émilion and the satellite appellations have a reputation for being smooth drink-me-soon wines. Exceptional vintages include 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 and 1995.

Vitishow at Château de Seguin

Just across the Garonne River on the Right Bank is a little-known Bordeaux appellation: the Entre-Deux-Mers. With vineyards that slope down the hillsides, it’s a naturally beautiful area only 20 minutes drive from the center of Bordeaux.

Château de Seguin makes that drive over worth it with the interactive Vitishow. It’s a unique wine tasting experience that marries together going to the a vintage movie theater with wine tasting tours in Bordeaux’s most diverse appellation. Vitishow is an animated and interactive series of short movies along with exhibits that transports visitors back to the year 1920 in Château de Seguin’s vineyard. The movies help visitors understand what happens in the vineyard across all four seasons, the harvest and how the grapes become a fine Bordeaux wine.

The self-guided interactive tour inside Château de Seguin’s historic winery ends with a tasting of their wines inside the boutique, which also overlooks the vineyards from a balcony. The Entre-Deux-Mers is one of few Bordeaux appellations where you can taste both white and red Bordeaux.

Vitishow at Château de Seguin is open Tuesday through Saturday. Show times are at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm May 1 – October 31 and at 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm November 1 – April 30. Advance booking is recommended and tickets can be booked online , but walk-ins are also welcome. Plan 1 hour for this tasting experience. Château de Seguin is best accessed by car.

The Scent Garden at Château de Reignac

Wine tasting is an art form and being able to identify individual aromas in wine takes a finely tuned palette. Château de Reignac , a Bordeaux Supérieur estate located halfway between Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, is the perfect place to learn about aromas.

Not only is the 16th century château stunning, the estate is also home to a greenhouse built by Gustav Eiffel (the same man to build Paris’ famous Eiffel Tower) , a cleverly converted dovecote that now serves as the tasting room and the unique scent garden where all your senses are awakened. Before tasting the wines of Château de Reignac, you sniff, touch and taste various flowers, herbs and berries whose aromas can be found in wine.

The scent tour at Château de Reignac ends with a tasting of all four of the château’s wines.

The Scent Garden tour is available by reservation only. Plan 2 hours from this workshop and tasting experience. Château de Reignac is best accessed with a car.

B Winemaker at Château Fombrauge

There may be over 7100 individual châteaux in Bordeaux, but the wine of every single one is different despite all using the same primary grapes found in the Bordeaux wine region. Wine making and the blends that result is a deeply personal thing with the style of the wine maker shining through.

At Château Fombrauge , a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, you can get a taste for what it’s like to be a wine maker as you blend your very own bottle of wine. It’s like a fun science experiment as you measure out your percentages of Merlot and Cabernet to come up with own personalized blend. After finding just the right blend for your tastes, you even bottle, cap and label your own unique bottle of wine. It’s an excellent souvenir to take home and drink while reminiscing about your trip to Bordeaux.

The B Winemaker workshop ends with a classic tour and tasting of Château Fombrauge.

The B Winemaker workshop is available by reservation only. Plan 2 hours from this workshop and tasting experience. Château Fombrauge is best accessed with a car.

Sunday Brunch at Château Ambe Tour Pourret

It’s fairly rare to find a château open a Sunday in Bordeaux. But Château Ambe Tour Pourret , in Saint-Émilion, brings together Sunday brunch and wine tasting. Set in the garden under the château’s iconic tower and in the shade of their 100-year old chestnut tree, this is one of our favorite places to be on a Sunday in spring and summer in Bordeaux.

From April through October, Château Ambe Tour Pourret hosts a delicious Sunday brunch on the first Sunday of each month. The brunch theme changes each month and the buffet of dishes reflects that theme. There’s also a hot dish selection cooked to order. And no brunch would be complete without a glass of bubbly! Enjoy a glass of Château Ambe Tour Pourret’s crémant, which comes in white or rosé.

Brunch guests can also tour the winery and the tour is offered before brunch. There’s two seatings for brunch, and you can select either the 11am or 1pm seating.

The Sunday brunch is available on the first Sunday of each month from April – October at either 11am or 1pm. Plan 1.5 – 2 hours for brunch and the tour. Château Ambe Tour Pourret can be reached by taking the train from Gare de Bordeaux-Saint-Jean to Gare Saint-Émilion. It is a 1.5 kilometer walk from the village of Saint-Émilion to the château.

Rooftop Dining at Château La Dominique

Château La Dominique is among Bordeaux’s most architecturally beautiful châteaux and is famous for its ombre red winery jutting out in to the vineyards from the historic château. The rooftop of the winery is home to La Terrasse Rouge , a gorgeous restaurant with views of the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol vines.

Château La Dominique is another of just a few châteaux that open their doors on Sundays (from April to October). Book a discovery tour and tasting of the château either before or after a lunch or before dinner at La Terrasse Rouge.

There’s only around a dozen château restaurants set in the Bordeaux vineyards, and the rooftop is the perfect spot to linger over a lunch or dinner. Choose from either a la carte or the 3-course gourmet menu.

La Terrasse Rouge is open daily from 12pm – 3pm for lunch and 7pm – 10:30pm for dinner. Reservations highly recommended. The château is open daily from April to October from 10am – 7pm. Plan for 3 hours for the discovery tour and lunch or dinner.

Bordeaux Wine Tours in Sauternes

Sauternes is something entirely different. It’s the sweet Bordeaux wine appellation in which the micro-climate of the converging rivers creates just the right conditions for botrytis cinerea. This fungus, also known as noble rot, causes the grapes to turn intensely sweet.

Sauternes and Barsac are located on the Left Bank about 20 kilometers south of the city. Bordeaux’s only Superior First Growth, world-famous Château d’Yquem, is located in Sauternes. It’s undisputedly one of the best vineyards in Bordeaux.

The dominant grape is Semilion, a white wine grape. Great vintages from Sauternes include 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2001 and 1997 from the last 20 years.

Sauternes has become one of our personal favorite appellations to visit with a number of the châteaux doing fun and interesting workshops and visits. It’s an appellation we definitely think you should make time to visit at least one châteaux when you visit Bordeaux.

Discover Sauternes and Barsac Varietals at Château Coutet Barsac

One of the most complex wines in the Bordeaux region is Sauternes. If you don’t know Sauternes, it’s the sweet wine made with white grape varietals that contract a fungus called botrytis which highly concentrates the sugars in the grapes. Sauternes is special because this noble rot only occurs in the micro-climate in the Sauternes and Barsac appellations.

Château Coutet Barsac helps visitors understand exactly how botrytis affects the grapes and changes them with their Discover Saunternes and Barsac Varietals workshop. What’s particularly interesting about this workshop is that we don’t typically get to actually taste the grapes themselves unless you happen to be visiting Bordeaux in September or October during the harvest. So Château Coutet Barsac makes some of their grapes into jellies, allowing visitors to taste each individual grape varietal year round.

You’ll be shocked just how different a Sémillon grapes tastes from a Sémillon grape with botrytis. It’s in this special workshop that you can really appreciate how the blending of the grapes makes up the complex Sauternes blend.

Château Coutet Barsac is open by reservation only from Monday – Friday from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 5pm. Plan 1.5 – 2 hours for the Discover Sauternes and Barsac Varietals workshop. Château Coutet Barsac is best accessed with a car.

Sauternes and Cheese Pairing at Château Guiraud

Sauternes is a wine that has traditionally been drunk during the holidays in the Southwest of France and is classically paired with foie gras. But the younger generations are discovering Sauternes isn’t just for Christmas and with a crusty baguette smeared with foie gras. No, this wine actually has many pairing opportunities, and Château Guiraud is keen to show visitors just what a match made in heaven Sauternes and cheese are.

Much of the estate tour at Château Guiraud is focused outdoors. Not only is Château Guiraud an 1855 Premier Grand Cru Classé, but they are certified organic. It’s not an easy or simple certification to maintain, and they are extremely proud of their organic certification. Their estate is like its own ecosystem with a vegetable garden that supplies the on-site La Chapelle restaurant, insects and birds that all work together to keep the vines pest free, and other interesting bits like the trees and hedges that contribute to the success of being an organic vineyard.

After visiting the winery and barrel room, the visit concludes with a private table set in one of the gorgeous rooms of the château just for you. It’s here that cheese pairings are carefully selected for three Château Guiraud 1855 Premier Cru Classé vintages that you’ll taste.

Château Guiraud is open daily with the exception of December 25 and January 1. Advance booking is required. Plan 1.5 – 2 hours for this tasting experience. Château Guiraud is best accessed by car.

Tree Top Tasting at Château de Rayne Vigneau

There’s this misconception about wine tasting, especially here in Bordeaux. Long gone are the days of a stuffy affair of swirl, sniff and sip that was only for wine connoisseurs. Châteaux are shaking things up, and one of the most adventurous and fun-loving châteaux in the Bordeaux wine region is Château de Rayne Vigneau.

The château actually appears twice on this list, first with the most adventurous wine tasting tour in Bordeaux: a tree top tasting in Château de Rayne Vigneau’s 200-year old tree. This particular wine tasting experience definitely isn’t for everyone. You work for your wine tasting using the very type of climbing equipment arborists use, which is a static rope with a pulley system to hoist yourself up.

But the reward of a birds-eye view over the château, which the family still lives in and is otherwise mostly hidden by the tall trees surrounding the winery, is totally worth the effort.

This tree top tasting of Château de Rayne Vigneau’s 1855 Premier Grand Cru Classé is the finale of the classic tour around the estate. It’s best done early in the morning before the day gets too hot and when weather conditions are most stable.

Tasting in a Treetop is available by reservation only and must be booked at least 10 days in advance. Plan 2.5 hours for this tasting experience. Wear pants and closed-toe shoes like tennis shoes for this tasting. Château de Rayne Vigneau is best accessed by car.

Escape Room at Château de Rayne Vigneau

Escape room games have become all the rage. We’ve tried them all in Bordeaux. From the popular Escape Hunt, which is can be found in cities around the world, to the Escape Road mobile escape game that has frequented the Bordeaux Food Truck Festival, we love solving a good mystery. We love it even more when we can combine a fun time racing against the clock with wine tasting.

Château de Rayne Vigneau does just that with their Sweet Escape game. The year is 1940 and château owner Viscount Gabriel de Roton has declared a deposit of semi-precious stones has been found on the estate. As you’ll learn on the classic part of the tour before putting your detective skills to work, Château de Rayne Vigneau really does have semi-precious gemstones mixed in with their soil and it’s part of what makes this 1855 Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes unique. In the game, you’ve got to discover all 10 types of semi-precious gems present in order to unlock the bottle of Château de Rayne Vigneau for your tasting.

Though we solved it, we suspect even those who don’t are still rewarded for their efforts in this Bordeaux wine tasting tour meant to be enjoyed by a group of friends.

A Sweet Escpae is available by reservation only. You need a minimum of 3 people, though 4 is recommended for the escape game, and a maximum of 8. Plan 1.5 hours for this tasting experience. Château de Rayne Vigneau is best accessed by car.

Gourmet Picnic at Château Sigalas Raubaud

We easily think Sauternes is one of the most beautiful appellations to visit. Particularly Bommes, where there’s a concentration of gorgeous castles surrounded by vines, is stunning. Château Sigalas Raubaud , an 1855 Premier Grand Cru Classé, has a bevvy of beautiful neighbors that their terrace looks out upon including Château Rayne de Vigneau and Château Lafaurie Peyraguey.

After a classic visit that takes you through the family-run estate, a gourmet Sauternes pairing picnic awaits. It’s truly all about la joie de vivre as you sit down with the owner and enjoy a variety of Laure’s own recipes.

Five wines of the château are paired with seasonal dishes. You’ll be shocked at the versatility of Sauternes when you break away from the classic pairings and stop thinking of it as a dessert-only wine. Not to mention that there’s not many châteaux where the owner themselves will sit down to lunch with you. It’s an experience where every guest is made to feel like a VIP.

The Gourmet Bites pairing picnic is available from Monday – Friday at 11:30am. It includes the visit and lasts about 2.5 hours. Reservations are obligatory and must be made no later than 1 day in advance. Château Sigalas Raubaud is best accessed by car.

A Michelin-Star Wine Pairing Meal at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

Some of France’s most luxurious things come together with the marriage of wine and glass at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey . Owned by Lalique wine aficionado owner Silvio Denz, there’s unsurprisingly touches of Lalique woven in to nearly every detail of the château, including the iconic muse with grapes that adorns every bottle of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey.

What’s especially exquisite at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is the Restaurant Lalique, who impressively secured their first Michelin star in less than a year after opening. The food is truly art and every course is expertly paired with wines from across Silvio Denz’s properties, including Château Faugères in Saint-Émilion and the wines of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey.

Restaurant Lalique is truly something special and easily one of the top restaurants in the Bordeaux wine region.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey visits are by appointment only from Monday – Sunday from 10am – 6pm. Restaurant Lalique is open for the lunch sitting from 12:30pm – 1:30pm and the dinner sitting from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reservations required. The château is best accessed by car.

This article contains affiliate links. When you book on Rue des Vignerons through our affiliate site, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Allison Wallace says

March 30, 2019 at 3:26 PM

We visited Bordeaux for the first time last year and realized quickly…so many chateaux so little time! These are all great recommendations which simply tells us we need to get back ASAP!

Jennifer Dombrowski says

April 2, 2019 at 1:59 PM

Yes, there are so many you could visit! Only a fraction of the over 7000 are open to the public, but it would still take you years to see and visit all of those.

Robin Bell Renken says

March 30, 2019 at 7:18 PM

All of these experiences sound wonderful! I’m really drawn to the 5 Senses Tour at Château Pape Clement and Vitishow sounds like so much fun! (You know I love Entre-Deux-Mers.) And Sunday Brunch at Château Ambe Tour Pourret…oh and the Treetop Tasting! It all sounds amazing.

April 2, 2019 at 2:00 PM

The Sunday brunch is nice! We go a few times each season. It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday outside of the city.

March 30, 2019 at 8:10 PM

Wow what fantastic chateau and beautiful wineries, I would love to visit and sample all of those excellent wines. This would be one of my dream destinations to go visit some day

Carol Colborn says

March 31, 2019 at 1:39 AM

It’s about 5 hours from Paris which is always our base. It may be doable to visit one or two. You have described such great wine tours here. My husband always loves them. Hard to choose though.

April 2, 2019 at 2:01 PM

Actually, Bordeaux is just under 2 hours by the fast train that was installed in 2017. There are regularly tickets for less than 20 euro each way, so you could easily make a day trip out of it.

March 31, 2019 at 11:55 AM

I love visiting my neighbours over the water (I am from Britain) checking out the castles there, however I never done a wine tasting in one and this does appeal to me. Hoping to be in the Bordeaux region soon (one part I never explored in the country) and cant to explore the region.

March 31, 2019 at 1:18 PM

Wow! These sound like some amazing experiences! The 5 senses tasting and the Sauternes and cheese tasting both really caught my eye. These are a stark contrast to the quick bus tour I did when visiting Bordeaux many years ago, during a post college whirlwind tour of Europe.

April 2, 2019 at 2:03 PM

The coach tours really just don’t a visit to Bordeaux justice. We don’t recommend them. It’s too large of a group and you go to the same handful of chateaux that everyone sees for shortened visits.

Kathleen says

March 31, 2019 at 10:38 PM

I don’t drink at all, but these are beautiful pictures and I think it would be fantastic just to visit for the beauty and also that brunch at Château Ambe Tour Pourret or the cheese at Château Guiraud. The French certainly know their pastries and cheese. Probably wine too, but I don’t know for sure.

April 2, 2019 at 2:04 PM

My mom doesn’t drink, either. She still enjoys visiting the chateaux when she comes to visit. Sometimes grape juice will be offered to non-drinkers. And if you’re properly tasting, you’re actually spitting after swishing the wine around your mouth anyway.

sherianne says

April 1, 2019 at 1:44 PM

7100 is an insane amount of wineries! They all seem fabulous but the Sauternes and Cheese Pairing at Château Guiraud got my attention. Not so sure about the tree top tasting at Château de Rayne Vigneau but gosh its pretty from up there

Hannah says

April 1, 2019 at 8:33 PM

I only live 2 hours from Bordeaux and all this beautiful wine, but don\\\’t get there often enough. The tree top tasting at the Château de Rayne Vigneau sounds out of this world! I\\\’ve been wanting to visit Château Ambe Tour Pourret for a while, and would love a brunch tasting there!

Trisha says

April 2, 2019 at 4:33 AM

I’m such a huge Bordeaux wine fan!! These Chateau’s are such perfect places to have these wines and good book and just chill! I wanna try this experience in the future!!

April 2, 2019 at 2:07 PM

Well, they aren’t places you could just go with a book and park yourself. You could do that at some wine bars in the city of Bordeaux, but chateaux are places of business that stop all of their wine making activities to welcome visitors for the tour and tasting. There’s a few exceptions with the handful of chateaux that also operate as a bed & breakfast, and guests would certainly be welcome to relax in guest areas with a book or what not.

Vasu Devan says

April 2, 2019 at 7:11 AM

Lovely pictures of Chateaux and vineyards. 10 days waiting for just wine tasting at Treetop… Wow! Have not been to Boredaux yet. 🙁

Mansoureh says

April 2, 2019 at 10:00 PM

I haven\’t been to any wine tour yet and I keep reading about the experience. It seems Bordeaux has a lot to offer, great chateau and beautiful wineries. maybe I should start my first wine tour by going to France where is so known for good wine. I have added your article to my list 🙂

Agness says

April 9, 2019 at 5:46 AM

Thank you, Jennifer! Wine directly bought from wineries are the best. There’s something about the experience that makes the wine taste 10 times better.

June 12, 2019 at 1:44 PM

Hello, These Chateau’s are such perfect places to have these wines and a good book and just chill! I wanna try this experience in the future!!

January 30, 2020 at 4:25 PM

Visiting Bordeaux in June of 2020….doing my research to get the most out of my trip. Seems I will have to rent a car which is something I was hoping not to do but it seems the most logical. Uber in Bordeaux seems great but not for going to St.Emilion or Medoc. Does WAZE work in this region? If so, then renting a car won’t seem so daunting!

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The Good Life France

Everything You Want to Know About France and More...

Day and half day tours of Bordeaux and Aquitaine

• Janine Marsh
• Editors Choice

The name Bordeaux conjures up so many different images. Historic port on the river Garonne. Cultural capital of the Aquitaine region. Beautiful buildings and elegant squares. And of course those world-famous AOC wines produced in vineyards all around the city.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a happy returner, a guided tour with an expert can give you a real insider view on this UNESCO-listed gem, not just to the well-known sites but also the lesser-known elements that visitors can easily miss. And not just in the city. Book a half- or full-day programme with specialist operator Ophorus Tours and you can take in the surrounding coastline, vineyards and heritage villages as well.

Take a tour of Bordeaux city

For Bordeaux novices, a tour of the city centre is a must-do and Ophorus has a superb 2-hour Bordeaux UNESCO Walking Tour for small groups. The city is renowned for having one of the largest collections of 18 th century buildings in Europe. Amongst them, the Grand Theatre with its classical facade, the opulent private mansions and luxury shops of the Golden Triangle district, and the quayside buildings of Place de la Bourse with its extraordinary Water Mirror.

Once you’ve got a feel for this buzzing Art & History City, maybe head out of town to discover those famous vineyards and enjoy a comparative tasting of prestigious vintages.  East of the city, the stone buildings of historic Saint-Emilion tumble down a steep hillside criss-crossed with narrow streets in a town that lives and breathes the wine trade.

Visit Saint Emilion

The Ophorus Saint Emilion Odyssey full-day tour features Grand Cru chateaux and guided winery visits, all set in a stunning landscape of rolling vineyards, and of course a visit to Saint-Emilion itself. Starting after breakfast in front of Bordeaux Tourism Office, your small group tour will visit two Saint Emilion wineries before two-and-a-half hours of free time to explore those historic streets and relax over lunch at a restaurant of your choice. And in the afternoon, a third winery visit before the one-hour drive back to Bordeaux. By the time you get back to the city, you will have a first-hand understanding of the rich Merlot-based wines of this stunning area. If the Saint-Emilion day trip has fired you up to learn more about the wines of Aquitaine, you won’t want to miss Explore Cognac’s Secrets , a full-day private distillery tour and tasting for a tour of some leading Cognac houses. Designed for groups of up to eight people, the excursion includes a visit and tasting at two distilleries, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

A tasting tour of Cognac

This is the chance to compare and contrast a prestigious international brand such as Hennessy or Remy Martin, with a lesser-known, family-run operation. Learn all about the distillation process and compare the differences in both production methods and taste. There will also be time to explore the historic town of Cognac and relax over lunch and, to enhance your experience still further, Ophorus can reserve a special lunch for your group in one of the famous cognac houses (extra charges apply).

Arcachon Dune tour from Bordeaux

But day trips from Bordeaux are not just about wine. Many people are surprised to learn that Europe’s highest sand dune is situated close to Bordeaux. Enjoy an unforgettable day on the private small-group day tour to Arcachon Bay and the Pilat Dune . Just 55km south-west of Bordeaux between the Landes pine forest and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dune du Pilat will provide you with a unique memory of Aquitaine.

The coastline here boasts fine sandy beaches, a mild climate, and the pretty Belle Epoque seaside resort of Arcachon that lies on the south side of a shallow bay. Entered through a narrow inlet with Cap Ferret on one side, the Pilat Dune on the other, Arcachon Bay is famous for its oysters so of course this fascinating tour starts with a tour of the oyster sheds and a tasting, accompanied by scrumptious fresh baguette and a glass of local white wine.

After a tour of Arcachon town, established only in 1857 when sea bathing became fashionable for medical reasons, you will enjoy free time before a choice of activities. Head to Pilat to climb the 170-step wooden staircase to the top of the dune for sweeping views over the coast and forest. Or take a cruise on a traditional wooden boat or ‘Pinasse’ climbing the sand dune, perhaps with an optional picnic.

All these Ophorus tours are private excursions tailor-made for small groups. So if there is any activity you particularly want to do, discuss your wish list and budget when booking with the experienced team. Transport is always by comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with the tour led by expert English-speaking guides.

Bordeaux wine and cheese tasting tour

Ophorus also offer a Bordeaux Wine & Cheese Tasting tour where clients are welcomed at the Baud & Millet cheese cellar that stocks more than 100 cheeses in an underground cellar. Here your host will guide you through a tasting of three platters each holding three AOC cheeses from across France – with appropriate types of bread – and will pair them with three award-winning wines from Bordeaux. This 90-minute experience begins at either 11.30 am or 5.30 pm – the perfect start to a gastronomic lunch or dinner out.

Ophorus are specialists in day trips and half-day tours in all the popular regions of France from Aquitaine to Languedoc, Burgundy to Provence. Clients can discover magnificent chateaux and heritage cities, historic battlefields and world-famous wines in the hands of qualified guides who offer a personalised service and insider view of this diverse country. Tempted? Then discuss your dream day out in a live chat with an Ophorus agent via their website.

See all of the visits offered and book your tour at: ophorus.com

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How to do a Bordeaux wine tour by public transport: Visit vineyards with no need for a designated driver

T he day took a bit of a wobble at Margaux. Not, you understand, because I’d been sampling some of Bordeaux ’s top-quality tipples after an excellent lunch accompanied by more wine . It was because Margaux village's station was deserted out of season, with train information displayed on screens, and no clue which of the two platforms was which. Trains making the 45-minute journey to Bordeaux city seemed to run at different times from both platforms.

I had to chance it; I doubted I’d have time to cross the open tracks once the train arrived. Luckily, I guessed correctly and chugged on with my discovery of Bordeaux by public transport .

Most people don’t realise the extent of France ’s wine producing region. It would take you two and a half hours to drive the 99 miles from its northernmost to southernmost extremities. No wonder those taking a vineyard tour generally drive or go on group trips. There is, however, another way – to visit the vineyards by trains, bus and tram. And aside from the slight hiccup I experienced at Margaux, I found it surprisingly easy.

One vineyard, Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, is even within the sprawling city’s limits and can be reached by Bordeaux’s extensive tram network. What’s more, it’s designed by Philippe Starck, resembling the bow of a boat from the outside, while within the concrete wine vats are painted in different designs. (Tour with tasting costs €55).

It’s in complete contrast to the historic Chateau Pape Clement, a 25-minute bus journey away, or a 40-minute bus and train trip from the city centre. Vines were originally planted here in the 13th century by Bertrand de Got, who became Pope Clement V. Now, the grand cru classe wines lie maturing in an enormous barrel-filled room lit by chandeliers.

Read more on taking a wine road trip through Italy’s Piedmont region

You can make your own version in the 19th-century chateau in a process reminiscent of a school chemistry lesson, as you experiment with different ratios of merlot to cab sav. Once I had my winning formula, I bottled it, added a cork and foil and embellished the label: Chateau Jane. (Tour with tasting costs €20, a winemaker course costs €99).

Another day, another vineyard or three, this time in the Medoc with its famous Margaux appellation. The village of Margaux isn’t the most appealing, but you’re there for the vino, and that doesn’t disappoint. I started with the biodynamic wine at Chateau Ferriere, made to beyond-organic principles and according to the cycle of the moon; they also make biodynamic tea. (Tour and tasting costs €25).

It’s just a short walk from here to Marquis de Terme, which has an elegantly modern restaurant where I polished off a superb lunch accompanied by their delicious grand cru classe. The tour here is particularly interesting because they have an eye on the future as well as the past and are constantly innovating.

The expansive cellar not only holds rows of barrels in which to age the wine, but also other containers to achieve different finishes – pearl-shaped barrels, egg-shaped concrete vats, pottery amphora and a large wooden barrel connected by wifi to record changes in temperature, pressure and oxygen. I can confirm that the finished product is particularly delicious; I finished off my tasting with rum made in Martinique from the chateau’s barrels. (Tour and three tastings costs €35).

It was at this point that my little incident at the station nearly jeopardised the 20-minute train ride followed by a 20-minute walk to Chateau Saint-Ahon. Reminiscent of buildings in Paris’s Place de Vosges, this small property is extremely family friendly, with walks through the vines interspersed by informative panels. Its wines are a decent price, with the eponymous brand coming in at €14, which you can drink accompanied by a picnic of produce bought in the shop. (Tour and tasting costs €12). Better still, because it’s in Bordeaux metropolis, once back at the station, you can take a tram back to the sprawling city.

Where you stay here depends on whether you want to be near the station in the south (where I picked) or a tram ride from it near the beautiful Place de la Bourse in the centre, with its many restaurants.

Read more on how to do a sustainable wine tour of Chile

Wherever you choose, you shouldn’t go to Bordeaux without seeing the medieval hilltop village of Saint-Emilion, and enjoying some of its vintages. Happily, it’s just a 34-minute train journey away, followed by a 20-minute walk along a vine-fringed road (or an hour-long bus ride without the walk in season). The eponymous eighth-century saint lived in a cave here, which you can still visit along with the catacombs and spectacular monolithic church; Emilion’s presence drew religious communities who were adept at wine making.

They included the monks at the Couvent des Jacobins, whose atmospheric cellars are reached through a small wooden Harry-Potter style door beneath the stairs. Private visits give you time to chill out in the pretty gardens, while tastings of their organic wines are accompanied by cheese, chocolate or St-Emilion’s famous macaroons. (Tour and tasting costs €22).

It's much more touristy up the road at Cloitre de Cordeliers, where you can enjoy a restaurant picnic in the ruins of the cloister and take a mad tuk-tuk tour around the town and through some of the miles of underground tunnels carved out under Saint-Emilion by quarrying. (Tuk-tuk and tasting costs €25.) The ones here are used to store sparkling wine rather than Bordeaux red, but just a five-minute walk away, Chateau Villemaurine uses some of its own network of tunnels to mature its superb grand cru classe. Tours by torchlight head into the silence of the cellars, where bats hang from the ceiling and vine roots work their way through the overhead rock. It would be hard to find a more evocative place to end my trip. (Tour and tasting costs €20).

Travel essentials

How to get there.

Bordeaux is just two hours from Paris by train. Returns from London St Pancras cost from £235 ( thetrainline.com ).

Where to stay

The Golden Tulip is a modern hotel just minutes from the station with B&B doubles from £90.

More information: Bordeaux-tourism.co.uk , gironde-tourisme.com

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Srn member links, a 'cabernet vintage' at bordeaux's château beychevelle.

The 2023 Bordeaux barrel tastings begin with a strong lineup of Cabernet- and Merlot-based reds from St.-Julien's Beychevelle

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Bordeaux's annual en primeur tastings have begun, when the most recent vintage is tasted for the first time. Wine Spectator's James Molesworth is in Bordeaux, tasting the 2023 wines from barrel at some of the region's top estates and sharing his tasting notes. His first visit is to Château Beychevelle in St.-Julien for a look at the newest wines in barrel, and a vertical tasting of the grand vin back to 2018.

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of a picture with this article was published in error. The image showed the French town of Cassis, not Marseille, where several Olympic events will take place this summer. It has been replaced.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .