The wine appellations of Monbazillac and Saussignac are two of France’s most picturesque and unspoiled wine regions. Located in the country’s Southwest, they make an easy day trip from Bordeaux or Bergerac, and for dessert wine fanatics, a visit there is a must. The undulating vineyard-covered hills are spotted with dreamy farmhouses and occasional châteaux, and the wines are as uplifting as the landscapes.
The grapes grown here include Sémillon, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc (like the Sauternes blend), Chenin Blanc, and Ondec. Monbazillac’s vineyards are ancient, originally dating back over 900 years on the hill of Mount Bazailhac. The delicious sweet wines are attained by Noble Rot, as in Sauternes. The honeycomb and acacia wines can last decades and are the perfect foil for local Dordogne gastronomic specialties like silky Foie Gras and Confit de Canard.
On this private chauffeured wine tour of the region, you will visit three contrasting estates, ranging from an imposing castle to a historic manor to an organic family-run estate. Lunch is a major highlight and will be prepared by one of southern France’s best female chefs and served on a terrace overlooking a spectacular vineyard-blanketed valley. Apart from the flagship dessert wines, you will also taste excellent examples of dry red and white wines and learn about the region’s passionate organic wine movement. This is a fantastic day excursion for wine lovers in the Southwest of France, so contact us today, and let’s start planning your tailored excursion to this beautiful French wine region.
Signature journey
Highlights include Luxury Transportation, VIP tour and tastings, and Gourmet Experience.
Day 1Monbazillac - Saussignac
Châteaux de Monbazillac
This morning, your chauffeur and accompanying wine guide will collect you at your hotel or villa in Bordeaux, Bergerac, Sarlat. Travel through pretty vine-lined narrow lanes to the beautiful 16th-century Châteaux de Monbazillac. Pop into their wine museum, which features not only wine history but also the story of Protestantism in the region and an exhibition on the thousand castles of the Perigord. Taste an array of honeyed Monbazillac wines; it’s not a bad way to start the day!
Carry on to your next estate, dating back to the Hundred-year War and built by the British. Tour the vineyard with the winery owner and finish with a tasting of their wide range of wines, from sweet Monbazillacs to dry whites and reds. You will taste the most highly awarded wine in the region, winner of 94 Parker points, and a Gold medal in the London wine challenge.
You will likely be ready for lunch next, and we have a special meal planned for you on a scenic hill overlooking the vineyards. Begin with a delightful Mise en Bouche and a carefully curated tasting menu. This will feature dishes such as roast scallops with confit lemon and sesame oil, duck confit with figs, a succulent steak prepared to perfection, red mullet in a tomato confit, and a decadent cheese selection to finish. Expertly paired with top examples of local wines, your meal is sure to be magnifique!
Spend the rest of the day at our favorite regional organic winery, Haut Garrigue. Run by South Africans descended from the mythical Irish wine geese, this is a stellar visit to Saussignac. The friendly owners will guide you on a tour of the vineyard, where you will learn about biodynamic viticulture and their unique vineyard share program, heavily influenced by their South African heritage. Next, sit down to a relaxed and informal tasting of their best wines paired with local cheese.
Your driver will drop you back at your hotel or villa in the early evening.
Cellar Tours private itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, winery appointments, restaurant planning, and practical support before and during your journey.
Depending on the destination and proposal, your tour may also include private guides, tastings, special experiences, cultural visits, regional transfers, and dining reservations.
Your custom proposal will clearly show what is included, what is optional, and what is not included.
Our custom itineraries include chauffeur-led transportation, carefully selected hotels, private winery appointments & tastings, restaurant planning, and support before and during your travel.
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 itineraries are private and pre-arranged for your party.
Yes, 100%. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transport, restaurants, and visits wherever possible.
