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This morning your private driver will collect you at your hotel or château in or around Bordeaux. Board the plush Mercedes, sit back and relax. Destination: Médoc. This flat region was once a salt marsh and it wasn’t until Dutch engineers arrived in the 1600’s and began to drain the marshes that the region was considered for viticulture. Little by little, aristocrats and tycoons of the day moved in and established large estates with enormous châteaux and vineyards. Thomas Jefferson was key in bringing the wines of the region to the world with his enthusiasm and insistence that the fine wines be bottled so he could take them home. Learn all about the history of the region today while tasting fabulous wines!
10AM Arrive to your first estate of the day such as Château Giscours. Built in the 19th century in honor of Empress Eugenie de Montijo, the winery owns 82 hectares in the prestigious Margaux appellation. 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 1550’s and a century later it was being served on France’s sun king Louis XIV’s tables. Your dashing Dutch host 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, taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Then continue with your host on a private tour at the nearby Château du Tertre whose owner is the same, which happens to be one of our personal favorites. Tertre has a beautiful small château with perfectly manicured vineyards and delightful architecture. The cellar team is friendly and international and after a tour of the property, finish with a superlative vertical tasting of the wines of Giscours and Tertre. An excellent way to end your morning.
12:30PM At this stage you will be ready to settle into a terrific meal, and we have a very special treat planned- a chef’s taster menu with paired wines at the Two Michelin starred Thierry Marx restaurant at the Cordeillan Bages. Considered to be a cross between the nutty professor and gastronomic Einstein, Marx is at the very least an exceptionally talented chef. Enjoy his food art!
2:30PM After a very memorable lunch, you have another interesting activity to look forward to: an “Assemblage” private tutorial at the cru classé Château Lagrange winery in the pretty wine country of St Julien. Learn how the winemakers here select the percentage of vinified single varietal wines for their blends, and have fun making your own blend. Finish with a tasting of your blend and of course bottled Lagrange. This is an entertaining way to finish your wine tour of the Médoc.
5:30PM Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or château in Bordeaux/ St Emilion, etc.
“A stellar food and wine tasting day excursion in the Médoc! ”
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