Private Wine Tours from Bordeaux

Your elegant and friendly driver, in a sleek Mercedes, will warmly greet you at the airport and transport you to Bordeaux’s historic center. You’ll find the fabulous luxury Le Grand Hotel, conveniently located just across from the theater. Check in, get settled, relax, and indulge in a Spa Guerlain circuit. Your guide will collect you in the afternoon at a pre-arranged time to take you on a fun and fascinating private tour of this lovely city.

Begin with a stroll through the Place de la Comédie, which sits atop the ancient Roman forum. Next, admire the beautiful Grand Théatre, built in the late 1700s and now a venue for opera and events. Take in all the sights over the next few hours, including the striking Place de la Bourse, the impressive Grosse Cloche, and the ethereal 11th-century Cathédrale Saint-André. Listen to anecdotes and local legends as you trace the footsteps of historical personalities such as Thomas Jefferson, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Eleanor d’Aquitaine, and Napoleon.

Wrap up the afternoon with a delightful visit to a charming wine bar to enjoy a glass of wine. Before your evening dinner, you’ll have the chance to freshen up and don your finest attire in preparation for the special dining experience that awaits.

Dinner is an elegant affair this evening in the Michelin-starred restaurant of L’Observatoire du Gabriel in the gorgeous Place de la Bourse. You will be treated to the tasting menu paired with Bordeaux wines. The menu is seasonal, but you can expect such delicacies as Razor Clams with young Leeks and Truffles; braised langoustine with Kumquat and Citrus Sabayon; Lobster cooked in a Cauliflower Cream with Perlita Caviar; scallops in gravlax, Jerusalem artichoke, and grilled buckwheat; and chocolate tart in various textures with coconut sorbet and Sichuan pepper crème anglaise—a superb welcome to Bordeaux.

The beautiful area of Leognan awaits today, with visits to two top Graves estates. Start your day with a visit to Carbonnieux, one of Bordeaux’s oldest winemaking estates. Culturing vines at the Carbonnieux estate dates back to the 12th century when Benedictine monks from the Sainte Croix abbey in Bordeaux founded it. The estate’s wines gained international fame in the 18th century when the monks capitalized on the remarkable purity of their white wines, branding them as ‘Carbonnieux Mineral Water.’ The monks even exported the wines to Constantinople, where they found favor with the Grand Turk. The estate’s symbol still pays homage to its origins, featuring a cross emblazoned with the letter ‘S.’ While the red wines produced here are excellent, it’s the white wines that truly stand out on a global scale. You’ll partake in a vertical tasting of their finest whites to kick off your day.

Following your visit, indulge in lunch at the Caudalie wine spa estate’s Table du Lavoir restaurant. This warm, rustic space features a grand open fire and exudes a remarkably cozy ambiance. The cuisine is country fare, and you might try duck magret roast with figs or a chargrilled steak with béarnaise sauce and homemade frites.

After lunch, you will visit the prestigious Smith Haut Lafitte winery on the same gorgeous property. Your host is excellent, and after a tour of the historic chais (cellars), finish the visit in their tasting room overlooking the vineyards.

Tonight, you are staying in a gorgeous privately owned nearby Château Haut-Bailly, and you will feel like the Lord of the Manor, with your private chef and all! So check in and chill out. You can stroll through the vines on their picturesque estate, indulge in a bath with the luxury bath salts in your welcome pack, or savor the sunset while enjoying an aperitif. Dinner will be prepared just for you in their intimate dining room. Your chef, Maxime Pommier, is exceptionally hospitable and fun. Each dish the chef prepares will be paired perfectly with one of the chateaux’s wines, a real treat you will undoubtedly enjoy!

Today, you will visit the chic area of Cap Ferret, the “Hamptons” of Bordeaux, where the well-heeled have their villas, from movie stars to football players. Your driver will pick you up in the Graves wine country, and you will travel west towards the Atlantic and board a private boat near the Dunes of Pyla, the largest natural dunes in Europe. You have a special and unique day planned!

Meet your captain and guide, and on a traditional Pinasse private boat, explore the Archachon basin. Essentially a land-locked sea, the impressive Bay of Arcachon is full of wonder and wildlife. You will see Birds’ Island with its unique cabins hoisted on wooden piles, the d’arguin oyster beds, and the fabulous scenery. You can stop in the oyster shacks and enjoy a tasting with champagne.

Next, for lunch, you will sail to Cap Ferret, a woodsy beach town on the peninsula, and sit at your waterfront table at Café Pinasse. This shabby chic locale attracts all the local celebs, high society, and seafood lovers. You will have a seafood extravaganza for lunch- Aquitaine Caviar, langoustines, mussels in garlic, white wine sauce, and naturally, all paired with local wines.

After lunch, your driver will take you back to your Château, where you can relax, enjoy some free time, and have a light dinner tonight.

Explore the winery on the grounds this morning after a hearty breakfast of homemade crèpes and strawberries with just-whipped cream, Jambon ham, local cheese, and buttery croissants. You will be privy to a private tour and vertical wine tasting here at Haut Bailly, a Franco-American-owned historic estate. The cellar master is a real personality, and you will hear expert commentary and plenty of jokes during the tasting. After a pleasant morning of wine swirling, you will move further north to the Médoc wine region’s famed left bank, where you will find Pauillac, Margaux, St Estèphe, and St Julien wine appellations.

As you arrive in the left-bank wine country just in time for lunch, you are in for a real treat! Chef and owner Claude Brussard and his wife embarked on a remarkable journey over 30 years ago, transforming an old stone building into a charming and beloved restaurant. This hidden gem is nestled in the quaint village of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle and has earned its reputation as a culinary treasure. At Le Saint-Julien restaurant, you’ll experience a blend of elegant Bordelais cuisine that celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients, all within a cozy and inviting setting. The warm ambiance, characterized by soft lighting and rustic decor, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. We invite you to savor a tasting menu tailored to your tastes and dietary preferences; the restaurant sommelier will expertly match each course with exceptional wines from top Medoc wineries.

After lunch, your next appointment awaits at the mythical Château Beychevelle. Upon your arrival at the Château, you’ll be greeted by their friendly staff, who will provide you with an insightful tour of this historic estate. Explore the enchanting vineyards, admire the elegant architecture, and discover the property’s rich history. Following the tour, we’ll invite you to a memorable private wine-tasting experience, where you’ll sample a selection of their finest wines, including Château Beychevelle, Amiral de Beychevelle, Le Petit Cheval de Beychevelle (more affordable younger second wine) and Château Beychevelle Blanc.

After our captivating visit to Château Beychevelle, your chauffeur will whisk you away to your luxurious haven for the next few nights, the stunning Château La Lagune. You will be welcomed by the Château’s private butler and settle into your bedroom with romantic, period furniture. Freshen up and explore the property with its extensive vineyards and parkland.

The private VIP dinner tonight is in the prettiest and coziest French country kitchen you could imagine. You will have your own personal chef, and dishes vary by season but might include lobster bisque, wine-poached salmon with black truffles, and then finished with superb, just-made chocolate soufflé. The delicious wines of the estate will be on offer, and you can taste their premier wines and discover for yourself why wine critics and collectors worldwide have so well received them. After dinner, why not sip cognac in the drawing room? Magnifique.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the châteaux dining room or on the terrace if the weather permits. After breakfast, your chauffeur will escort you to some of the top chateaux in the appellation. The first appointment today is a private tour and tasting at Chateau Kirwan, where the super-friendly owner herself will greet you and join you on a tour of the Kirwan estate; you will learn about its exciting history and connection to Ireland (like many of the historic Chateaux) and conclude with a tasting of five of their best vintages from the 1980s and 1990s into the new millennium and a private lunch.

Here you might be treated to ‘Escalopes de foie gras poêlées et fruits de saison’ (Foie gras escalopes with seasonal fruits), Magret de canard en croûte de sel et légumes de saison (Duck breast with a salt crust and seasonal vegetables) and almost certainly finishing with Assortiment de fromages servi avec Cheese platter served with Château Kirwan 1981 and a Tarte Tatin (Apple tart).

After this delightful private tour, your chauffeur will accompany you for the short distance to the historic Château Giscours for your next engagement; the origins of the actual estate date back to the 14th century when it was a fortified dungeon. Wine has been made on the property since the 1550s, and a century later, it was served on France’s sun king Louis XIV’s tables and then, in 1855, was named Third Grand Cru Classé. Your dashing Dutch host, fluent in English, has lived in Bordeaux for twenty years and is passionate about his adopted wine region. Tour the estate and learn all about the history of Giscours while taking in the beauty of the surroundings. You will finish the tour with a private tasting of the top wines served with a gourmet platter of mature cheese and charcuterie.

In the late afternoon, you will have the freedom to unwind at your own pace. Perhaps you’d like to explore wine-shopping opportunities in charming Margaux before returning to your exclusive Château. As the day concludes, you can look forward to a truly personalized dining experience. Your private chef is ready to craft a gourmet dinner tailored to your preferences and dietary requirements paired with La Lagune wines.

After a delicious breakfast and packing up your belongings, you will begin this morning with a private tour and tasting at the outstanding Cos d’ Estournel, one of the absolute best estates in Bordeaux. Probably the most beautiful winery, too, with its dramatic Oriental-inspired Pagodas. Cos d’Estournel has just completed a massive, three-year, multi-million euro renovation of their cellar. The gorgeous new Indian baroque-style cellar room with its elephants and candles was designed by the famous interior designer Jacques Garcia. The same architect who designed the Louis Vuitton shop on Champs-Élysées created the stunning new vat room. Take in the beautiful cellar and continue tasting various vintages of Cos d’ Estournel and their unique and delicious white wine- a novelty for the region.

Next is a visit to neighboring Pauillac, with its powerful “monster” red wines adored by the likes of Robert Parker. You will visit one of the loveliest and friendliest estates, the Château Pichon Comtesse de Lalande. One of our favorites, this estate is located just across the street from the fairy tale Pichon Longueville estate, and it borders vineyards with the 1st growth Latour. We love this winery for its terrific wines, the beauty of the property, and the warm welcome. You will also visit their small, quaint glass museum with views over the vineyards and the Gironde estuary. Super!

Don’t worry- lunch is next! And what a lunch, a tasting menu at Cordeillan Bages, a Relais & Chateaux renowned for its cuisine. The cuisine is daring, outrageous, and creative, quite out of this world. You will try various tasting dishes paired with wines from around France. Let your taste buds explore new dimensions!

After an unhurried lunch, it’s time for a fun, relaxed, private wine blending class in St Julien (only a few minutes down the road) at the highly esteemed Château Lagrange estate. Learn how the winemakers here do the “assemblage” and what makes a Bordeaux blend while tasting as you go.

In the evening, you will arrive at your boutique hotel, Hôtel de Pavie, in the heart of medieval Saint Emilion.

Dinner tonight is at your hotel’s 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Yannick Alléno is at the helm. Dinner is a decadent-tasting menu that will include such dishes: Scallops with Bone Marrow; Poached eggs with Aquitaine Caviar; Rack of Lamb; Roast Pigeon; Venison with Sea Urchin, and smoked with Junipier; A Selection of Aged Cheeses all delicately paired with Bordeaux best.

Yesterday was a full day, so you have the morning today to sleep late and relax. At noon, your driver will collect you, and you will travel to the Sauternes appellation on one of the prettiest country roads in the French wine country. Arrive at the Coutet estate in Barsac; our favorite is the region with its historic Château, 13th-century English tower, and incredibly charming French-American owners. Instead of yet another tour and tasting, today, you will taste their wines as they were made to be tasted- over a meal.

Enjoy a specially prepared multi-course lunch in the private family home, paired with their best wines (sweeties from Barsac-Sauternes), and with the owners. This is an intimate and friendly experience, and if the weather is nice, you can even enjoy the aperitif on their scenic terrace overlooking the vines. Lunch will be delightfully unpretentious in their cozy dining room, which features an original Chagall painting. It will include perfectly executed dishes like ‘quail piccata,’ buttered lobster, monkfish in a lemony sauce, and pressed chicken in a terrine. This is a unique and memorable tour highlight at one of the top 1st growths in Sauternes.

When you return to Saint Emilion, take some time to freshen up. At a pre-arranged time, your private guide, a knowledgeable companion, will lead you on an enchanting journey through the captivating town of Saint-Emilion. As you stroll through its charming streets, you’ll discover the awe-inspiring Megalith church, a testament to centuries of history and architecture. Dive deeper into the wine heritage of Saint-Emilion as you learn about The Jurade, a prestigious brotherhood dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of winemaking in this renowned region. This immersive experience offers a delightful blend of culture, history, and wine, making it an unforgettable exploration of Saint-Emilion.

You will probably not be hungry enough for dinner. Still, you can head into St Emilion for a nibble or two—check out your Cellar Tours keepsake itinerary of tips and suggestions; the village has several excellent bistros and wine bars. Settle in and enjoy your picturesque surroundings.

Sadly, today marks the final day of your tour. We better make it unique! How about tasting some incredible wines, visiting medieval wine caves, exploring underground churches, and finishing up with a spectacular tasting menu at St Emilion’s most famous gourmet haunt? You will start the day in the heart of the ancient hamlet of St Emilion, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Escape the hordes of tourists above ground for a private, underground tour! Trace the steps of the Crusaders and saints. Admire the fantastic monolithic cathedral from the inside and hear about local legends, ranging from the catastrophic 14th-century plague to modern-day grave robbers.

After a fascinating morning, you will be personally greeted at Château Beausejour by one of the château’s owners of this family-run estate, who will take you on a special guided tour of the property, which is not usually open to the public. The tour includes a walk through the vineyard, a presentation of the winery and underground cellar, and then a vertical tasting of 3 vintages of Château Beausejour Premier Grand Cru Classé in the small lounge of the Château. A truly unique experience!

Next, you will enjoy a fabulous wine-country lunch at Le Clos Mirande. Chef proprietor Laurent Supiot runs this lovely, chic-rustic restaurant overlooking the vineyards of Montagne Saint-Emilion. Laurent creates tantalizing Bordelais specialties presented with panache.

After lunch, we have selected Château Fonplégade for you due to its beautiful setting, impeccable wines, and excellent hosts. This is the perfect place to conclude your epic wine-tasting journey in the region. After a private tour and tasting of 2 or 3 of their spectacular wines, you will return to your hotel to relax and freshen up.

You will enjoy your farewell dinner at the extraordinary Logis de la Cadène tonight. Founded in 1848, the restaurant is the oldest in Saint-Émilion. Awarded its first Michelin star in 2017, Chef Thibaut Gamba creates elegant and inspired gastronomy, decidedly focused on vegetables and seafood. You will not be disappointed.

After a splendid dinner, walk around St Emilion, lit up and ever so magical at night.

Your driver will take you to Bordeaux airport for your outbound flight today, and this concludes your unforgettable wine-tasting tour of Bordeaux! You will leave with a lifetime of sweet memories, fantastic photos, and a few Cellar Tours gifts! We hope to see you again for your next tour!