Explore Bordeaux Your Way
Welcome to Bordeaux’s most unforgettable experiences! Whether you’re a wine aficionado, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves exploring beautiful places, our custom Bordeaux tours are designed with you in mind.
From the world-renowned vineyards of the Left and Right Banks to charming medieval villages, stunning coastal escapes, and bustling open-air markets, there’s no shortage of magic to discover. Our personalized approach ensures every tour is tailored to your preferences, creating a wine vacation you’ll cherish forever.
We believe that the best way to experience Bordeaux is your way—at your pace, with your own interests in focus. Do you prefer to dive deep into winemaking traditions? We’ll take you to the region’s most iconic estates and hidden gems. Looking to blend culture and cuisine? Let us guide you through local markets, scenic landscapes, and historic landmarks. Whatever your ideal Bordeaux adventure looks like, we’re here to make it a reality. Let’s create your perfect itinerary and bring your Bordeaux dreams to life!
Let us be your private tour guides, creating your custom tour itinerary from our must-see wine region day trips.
Bordeaux’s Best Day Trip Excursions
Choose from our tried-and-tested day trips exploring the world-famous wine regions surrounding Historic Bordeaux.
Bordeaux, Museums, & Michelin Star Dinner
Wander through the charming old town at your own pace, enjoying coffee, wine tasting, and leisurely strolls along cobblestone paths. Don’t miss the world of wine at the Cité du Vin Wine Museum or regional history and artifacts at the Musée d’Aquitaine.
We’ll always recommend experiencing French fine dining à-la-Bordelais. Enjoy a four-course Michelin-star meal in one of our favorite restaurants in the world, which happens to be in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Open Air Market & Cooking Class
Stroll the riverfront market of fresh local delicacies from all around the region accompanied by a local foodie. Enjoy fresh seafood and white wine just like a Bordelais.
After lunch, learn from a French Chef in a 3-hour workshop (that starts at 2:00 p.m.) and culminates with an apéro spread where we enjoy our prepared dishes, with paired wines, of course.
Gourmet Walking Tour with Michelin Star Lunch
Go on a gourmet tour of the renowned Chartrons District and Rue Notre Dame. Wander along the picturesque Garonne River, try pasteries from an oven that dates back to 1765, get fresh canelés, and sip delicious wines.
Enjoy a Michelin Star Lunch experience that might overwhelm your taste buds.
Left Bank Day Trips
Journey through the Left Bank’s legendary vineyards, home to prestigious châteaux, bold Cabernet wines, and timeless elegance.
Haut Médoc
Home to some of the most iconic Bordeaux wines, Pauillac and St. Estèphe boast a long legacy of winemaking excellence. Picture yourself strolling through vineyards that produce legendary names like Château Latour and Château Mouton Rothschild. Along the way, we’ll soak in the region’s maritime charm and learn how the nearby Gironde estuary shapes these incredible wines.
Margaux & Médoc
Margaux is synonymous with elegance, while St. Julien offers structured and balanced reds. Together, these appellations are a wine lover’s dream. We’ll explore prestigious estates that date back centuries and see the renowned Château Margaux, a true architectural gem. The Médoc’s gravelly soil has been perfecting wine since Roman times—proof that nature and history make a winning team.
Médoc & Chocolate
Wine and chocolate—need we say more? This day trip pairs the Médoc’s bold reds with the delicate craft of artisanal chocolate-making. We’ll visit top Médoc châteaux for chocolate-paired tastings, then indulge our sweet tooth at a local chocolaterie where Bordeaux’s flavors inspire every bite. It’s a decadent match made in heaven.
Pessac & Graves
Graves, the birthplace of Bordeaux wine, offers a mix of robust reds and crisp whites. We’ll tour family-owned estates and grand châteaux with unique cellars, sipping wines with centuries of history behind them. Pessac’s historic vineyards, nestled right on the edge of Bordeaux city, add a unique urban-meets-vineyard vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
Graves & Sauternes
This trip highlights Bordeaux’s white wines, bringing together the smooth, crisp whites of Graves with the sweet, golden wines of Sauternes. The magic of Sauternes lies in its noble rot (yes, rot!) that concentrates sugars and flavors in the grapes. Château d’Yquem, one of the most famous producers in the world, has been crafting liquid gold since 1593—a sip here is like tasting history.
Open-Air Markets & Arcachon Bay
Spend the morning wandering Bordeaux’s lively open-air markets, where fresh produce, local cheeses, and baked goods create a sensory feast. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Arcachon Bay to soak up stunning ocean views and sample the region’s famed oysters. It’s a perfect mix of city buzz and coastal relaxation.
Right Bank Day Trips
Explore the charm of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where rolling hills, medieval villages, and world-class Merlot create an unforgettable wine country experience.
Fronsac & Pomerol
Fronsac’s rolling hills and historic estates are the backdrop for this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Once favored by French royalty, Fronsac’s wines are as regal as they come. From there, we’ll head to Pomerol to savor its velvety Merlots, with stops at boutique wineries where tradition meets innovation.
Pomerol & Saint-Émilion
These two appellations are the crown jewels of the Right Bank. Pomerol’s small but mighty vineyards produce some of Bordeaux’s most sought-after wines, while St. Émilion’s medieval streets and limestone caves transport you back in time. It’s a day full of rich flavors and even richer history.
Saint-Émilion
This UNESCO-listed village is a treasure trove of wine, history, and charm. Wander through its cobblestone streets, visit underground monolithic wonders, and savor wines that have been perfected over centuries. The blend of medieval architecture and world-class Merlot makes St. Émilion a must-see for anyone visiting Bordeaux.
Blaye & Bourg
Blaye’s towering citadel, a masterpiece of military architecture by Vauban, offers panoramic views of the Gironde estuary. Bourg, with its quaint streets and cliffside charm, feels like stepping into a postcard. Together, these two hidden gems deliver a day of history, scenery, and, of course, fantastic wines.
Sauternes & Entre-Deux-Mers
Sweet meets crisp on this journey through Sauternes and Entre-Deux-Mers. Sauternes’ golden wines are famous for their luxurious sweetness, while Entre-Deux-Mers offers refreshing whites perfect for a sunny afternoon. The diverse terroirs here show just how versatile Bordeaux’s wine country can be.
More-Than-Bordeaux Day Trips
Beyond the vineyards of Bordeaux, these captivating day trips offer a mix of historic charm, iconic flavors, and breathtaking landscapes that will deepen your love for Southwest France.
Monbazillac & Rocamadour
Monbazillac’s dessert wines are like bottled sunshine, made in a picturesque setting of rolling vineyards and storybook châteaux. After a wine-filled morning, we’ll head to Rocamadour, a cliffside village and pilgrimage site that’s been inspiring awe since the Middle Ages. It’s a day of sweet sips and breathtaking sights.
Village Of Cognac
The birthplace of the world-famous spirit, Cognac invites you to explore its rich history and craftsmanship. Visit distilleries to learn the art of blending eaux-de-vie, stroll along the Charente River past famous brandy houses like Hennessy, Courvoisier, and Rémy Martin, and raise a glass to a tradition that dates back over 300 years. It’s more than a drink—it’s a legacy.
Bergerac & Sarlat
Bergerac’s wines may play second fiddle to Bordeaux, but their quality and charm are undeniable. After a tasting or two, we’ll journey to Sarlat, a medieval town famed for its architecture and culinary delights. From foie gras to truffles, this region is a foodie’s paradise with a rich cultural heritage to match.
What To Expect On A Day Trip?
Bordeaux Wine Vacation Day Trips start by picking you up from your hotel in a first-class touring van and driving through a sea of vineyards to the wine region of the day. You’ll visit 2 to 3 different wine-producing estates with tasting and tours of each property, enjoy a five-star gourmet meal that’s typically French, and pair the experience by tasting a comparative selection of fine wines from the region. At the end of the day, your guide will shuttle you back to your hotel and give recommendations or reservations for evening activities in Bordeaux.
Examples of Château we visit:
Château Pape Clément, Château Beychevelle, Château Léoville Poyferré, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château de la Riviere, Château La Mission Haut Brion, Château Haut Bailly, Château Valandraud, Château Saint-Georges, Château Guiraud, Château D’Yquem, etc.
Château tours last between 1 and 2 hours, often including a presentation of the vineyard, the history of the château, and a guided tour of the vat room and cellars ending with a vintage tasting of the wine(s) Mis En Bouteille Au Château.
Each Day Trip Includes:
Day trips are guided by your personal private Bordeaux-based, English-speaking tour guide and include a first-class shuttle to and from your hotel, all estate visit fees, a five-star French gourmet cuisine lunch, and many delicious wine tastings adapted to the region of the day. For example, if you’re visiting the Médoc, you’ll enjoy and compare several different vintages and styles of Médoc wines like Margaux, St-Éstephe, St-Julien, etc.
Build Your Dream Bordeaux Vacation
Crafting your perfect Bordeaux getaway has never been easier! With our wide range of custom day trip options, you can mix and match experiences to suit your interests, pace, and travel goals. Love wine? Spend one day savoring the bold reds of the Médoc and another exploring the charming streets and renowned Merlots of St. Émilion. Prefer a balance of history and culinary delights? Pair a visit to Cognac’s legendary distilleries with a stroll through Sarlat’s medieval marketplace.
Whether you’re looking for iconic châteaux, breathtaking scenery, or hidden gems off the beaten path, we’ll help you create an itinerary that feels uniquely yours. Let’s work together to turn your vision into an unforgettable Bordeaux adventure!
Speak With A Guide
For a quote, please contact us to chat about your ideal Bordeaux Wine Vacation. Tell us which of the “Days” from our regular tour appeal to you, and how many guests are in your group, and we will get a Custom Bordeaux Wine Vacation quote to you.
Guest Testimonials
“Our Bordeaux Wine Vacation experience ended up being the highlight of our four weeks in France. As committed Francophiles, we’ve had many wonderful visits to our favorite country and have been a part of various tours, group excursions as well as solo adventures. The week spent in Bordeaux and the experiences made possible through Bordeaux Wine Vacations exceeded any and all expectations we had. The wineries we visited all had a unique approach to their winemaking process, so the tours were always fresh. We enjoyed them all, but there were some magical moments, Chateau d’Yquem and Chateau George 7 come to mind.
We would not hesitate to book another tour with Andrew and Daniel for our next visit to Bordeaux. We highly recommend Bordeaux Wine Vacations to anyone considering a wine immersion visit to the Bordeaux region of France.”
Tom & Abbie (2023)
“We had an amazing time in Bordeaux. The entire week from start to finish exceeded all of our expectations. It was the first time we had someone plan our itinerary and both Patty and I were so happy with the result. It took out all the guess work and stress of the planning stages.
Your support and assistance during the planning process was exceptional. It was great having and knowing that you were always there to assist us. We would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone. If we are ever traveling this way again, you can be sure we will reach out. Mille fois Merci!”
Patty & Stéphane (2024)
“My wife Candace and I have done a fair bit of traveling in our four decades of marriage, and we both agree that our time with Bordeaux Wine Vacations ranks quite highly. I did not imagine in my wildest dreams that the chateaux we visited would be so stunningly beautiful, nor that we would be so incredibly spoiled and coddled by Andrew and Dan.
We have already recommended BORDEAUX WINE VACATIONS to a number of our friends, and we will continue to do so at every opportunity. Merci mille fois, Andrew & Dan!!”
Candace & Larry (2022)
“The city of Bordeaux was everything we thought it would be and more. The best part was Bordeaux Wine Vacations. We got to see and experience many sites that we would not have known about had we been on our own. Our guide, Andrew, was quite knowledgeable and fun to be with. Two thumbs up!”
Angela & Brian (2019)
“From my first contact with Daniel last year to Andrew’s smoothing our way through the airport at our departure, everything far exceeded anything we could have imagined.
It was so much fun; we learned so much and have so many fabulous memories. And your care and concern for us allowed us to truly be present and immersed in every day’s experiences. You made this one of the highlights of our lives. We feel that Andrew has become part of the family.”
Bob & Carolyn (2023)
“We had an amazing time. We learned so much and had fun exploring Bordeaux. Andrew and Daniel handled everything and were very informative. They even surprised us with a trip to a caviar farm!”
Amanda & Tim (2022)
“Our trip with Daniel and Bordeaux Wine Vacations has been nothing short of enchanting. Every moment was curated with precision and warmth. Bordeaux was made all the more memorable with their insights and surprises along the way. Recommending them would be an understatement. A heartfelt thank you to Bordeaux Wine Vacations for making our trip an unforgettable adventure!”
Michael & Isabelle (2019)
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