Private Wine Tour in Cahors
This private four-day journey through the Lot Valley combines Malbec tastings with time in Cahors, Rocamadour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Cahors, the capital of the Lot department in the south-west of France, is often overlooked, finding itself somewhat in the shadow of neighboring Bordeaux. However, this gem of a region is producing some spectacular wines on par with any good Bordeaux (and at much more competitive prices). It is also the birthplace of Malbec. Famed as the grape of Argentina, and with reason, the climate and soils of the Mendoza region produce fantastic examples of what this grape is capable of; however, here in Cahors, the complex terroir results in some mighty and fine specimens indeed.
Discover this fascinating region with Cellar Tours. We will organize a fantastic experience for you, taking in some of the best producers in the area, with time to explore the delightful town of Cahors itself and gorgeous medieval villages such as Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Savor the taste of the local gastronomy in an array of settings, from fine dining in top restaurants to some real treats in local bistros and cafes, all while staying in fabulous chateaux hotels.
You will travel by luxurious, chauffeur-driven Mercedes, enabling you to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If you are looking to indulge and love fine wine and food whilst getting slightly off the typical tourist path, a tour through the magical Cahors region is perfect for you. Contact us for more information and to receive your personalized itinerary.
As featured in
Signature journey
Highlights include private Cahors winery visits and Malbec tastings, château accommodation, Rocamadour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Pech Merle, fine dining, and privately chauffeured Mercedes transport.
Day 1Cahors - Mercuès
Luxury Relais & Châteaux, Château de Mercuès
Your private chauffeur in a luxury Mercedes will collect you from your arrival point—be it Bergerac, Toulouse airport, or Cahors train station—at your chosen time. First, you will visit the delightful town of Cahors. Born in Roman times, Cahors later became an important medieval trading center. Its historic center is full of narrow lanes and beautiful townhouses, and the cathedral, with its beautiful cloister, is worthy of a visit. Then, you will have a 40-minute drive to your first winery, Clos Triguedina. You will enjoy a private tour, tasting, and a light lunch at the winery. The winery is a fantastic treat, and your VIP tasting will include seven of their best wines, including an old vintage of Probus 1997.
After this sensational welcome to Cahors wines, you will move on to your next winery, Château de Mercuès, with its striking Château and even more spectacular cellar. Not only will the setting blow you away, but you will also taste a range of their wines, each using over 70% Malbec in the blends. Another inspiring example of how the Cahors terroir expresses itself in this “black wine.” This captivating Château will also be your overnight destination, so check in, relax and soak up the bewitching atmosphere, Bienvenue à Cahors!
Day 2Mercuès-Bru-Mercuès
Château de Chambert cellars
A relaxing start this morning with a leisurely breakfast. Then, at 10:30 a.m., your chauffeur will collect you for a 30-minute drive to your first winery of the day, the mythical Château du Cèdre. Jean-Marc and Pascal, brothers and co-owners, proudly continue the family legacy their father, Charles, began in the 1970s. This dynamic pair will welcome you to try their award-winning, seductive black wine, which includes over 90% Malbec—enjoy!
Lunch is next at another sterling winery and bistro, Château de Chambert. The estate has been farmed biodynamically since 2007 and is certified organic and biodynamic. Your table will be waiting for you on their pretty terrace (weather permitting) overlooking the vines or comfy bistro in the grange. Enjoy a laid-back lunch featuring local meats and cheeses perfectly paired with their tasty wines.
After lunch, take a digestive walk around the vines and winery, followed by the mouthwatering finale: a tasting of the Chambert range. Then, you will return to your fairytale hotel. Settle in and make the most of a free evening.
Day 3Rocamadour-Saint-Cirq Lapopie-Mercuès
Cliffside Hamlet of Rocamadour
Today is dedicated to discovering the picturesque nearby villages and enjoying an excellent fine dining experience. The first stop is the stunning village of Rocamadour, literally clinging to the cliffs above the Alzou gorge. This picture-postcard medieval village is dotted with religious buildings and has been an important pilgrimage center for centuries. Some highlights include Saint Sauveur Basilica, the L’Hospitalet, where you can take in the village’s best views, and the pedestrianized boutique-lined street, where some charming houses dating back to the 13th century can be spotted.
Then on to equally as beautiful Saint-Cirq lapopie. This historical village is also best discovered on foot. You will surely work up an appetite and have ample choice for a light bite to eat at a cozy café or wine bar. (we recommend you keep it light as tonight you have a gastronomic treat in store!). Saint-Cirq Lapopie, having been in the middle of many feuds over the years, boasts extensive and imposing castles and fortresses. Stroll around and soak up the atmosphere, which has for centuries and continues to inspire artists, poets, and writers alike.
Continue to the stunning Pech Merle prehistoric cave, home to authentic ancient paintings over 20,000 years old. It is genuinely remarkable to see how these extraordinary works of art have been preserved. There is also a very informative museum, worthy of a peek while you are there.
Arrive back at your castle hotel in the early evening, relax and freshen up before dinner. Dinner will be a gourmet tasting menu at the excellent restaurant in your hotel. All perfectly paired with some of the best wines of the region. What a finale!
Day 4Your next port of call
Pont Valentre, 14th century bridge
After the last breakfast at your supremely romantic hotel, carry on to your next port of call. Bordeaux and Dordogne are in easy reach if you would like to add on a few more days to your luxury, chauffeured tour. Bon voyage!
Genevieve has spent more than 20 years creating private food and wine journeys across Spain, Portugal and France. She regularly visits the regions featured in these collections, meeting with winery, hotel, guide, and restaurant partners and exploring new experiences. She also reviews feedback from Cellar Tours guests. Her role is to help travelers choose the wine region, itinerary style, and pace that best match their interests—not simply the destination with the most famous name.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All wine visits and tastings are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants and visits wherever possible. Pech Merle’s cave route includes around 300 steps across different levels, so we can adapt the cultural program if that visit is not suitable.
