Bordeaux Grape Harvest Season Tour
7-Day | From $6,895 pp
Experience the magic of Bordeaux during its most dynamic time of year with our 7-day Grape Harvest Season Tour. This immersive journey takes you through Bordeaux’s iconic wine regions, including Médoc, Graves, St-Émilion, Pomerol, and Sauternes. As the vineyards turn golden and the grape harvest (la vendange) gets underway, you’ll visit world-famous châteaux to witness firsthand how this year’s vintage is brought to life. From the careful hand-picking of grapes to the fascinating use of traditional methods like horse-drawn equipment, you’ll gain an insider’s view of Bordeaux’s winemaking artistry.
This tour isn’t just about observation—it’s about savoring every moment. Enjoy exclusive tastings of freshly harvested grapes and wines, indulge in seasonal delicacies like mushrooms and truffles, and soak in the beauty of vineyards alive with activity. Whether you’re marveling at historic estates in St-Émilion or discovering the sweetness of Sauternes, each day offers a blend of unforgettable experiences and breathtaking scenery. The Bordeaux Grape Harvest Season Tour is the ultimate adventure for wine lovers looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage.
Tour Details
Length: 7 days, 7 nights
Dates: End of September, Beginning of October
Service: Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Guided Tour
Regions: Bordeaux, Médoc, Graves, St-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, etc.
Gourmet Tastings: Michelin-Star meals paired with delicious Bordeaux wines ranging from heavy reds to sweet whites and everything in between.
Private Guide & Transportation: From the moment you arrive to when you get dropped off at the airport you’ll be riding in style in your own chauffered 9-Seater Mercedes-Benz Van.
Seven-Day Bordeaux Harvest Season Itinerary
See The Bordeaux Harvest Like A Local With Your Personal, Friendly Wine Guide and Host!
Day 1
Arrival:
Bordeaux Sightseeing & River Cruise
Welcome to Bordeaux! Upon arrival, enjoy seamless transportation from the airport or train station to your hotel in the heart of Bordeaux. Take some time to settle in and soak up the city’s ambiance.
Enjoy your first evening with a relaxing River Cruise and wine tasting at 6:00 pm, perfectly paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie—a unique and delicious introduction to the flavors of Bordeaux.
Day 2
Open-Air Market & Walking Sightseeing Tour
Start your day strolling through the Chartrons Open Air Market. Enjoy fresh seafood and white wine on the Garonne Riverfront.
After lunch, take a stroll on a private walking tour of the historic town center of Bordeaux, showing you monuments dating back centuries and explaining the incredible transformation of this city over the centuries.
After your tour of beautiful Bordeaux, visit the famous Cité du Vin, wine museum to get a feel for the many wines and regions that you’re about to discover.
Day 3
Left Bank North:
Médoc & Margaux
Spend the day exploring the elegance of Margaux and the balanced reds of Saint-Julien. Start with a château visit and tasting in Margaux at 10:00 am, followed by a gourmet lunch at 12:15 pm.
In the afternoon, head to Saint-Julien for a château tour and horizontal tasting to compare wines of the same vintage. End the day on a sweet note with a visit to a local chocolatier before returning to Bordeaux at 5:30 pm.
Day 4
White Wine Focus:
Sauternes & Pessac
Discover the region where Bordeaux winemaking began, celebrated for its robust reds and crisp whites. Start your day at 10:00 am with a Grand Cru tour and tasting in the Pessac region.
Enjoy a fine-dining gourmet lunch at 1:15 pm, then head to Sauternes for an exceptional tasting at a Premier Cru Supérieur. Return to Bordeaux at 6:00 pm, enriched by the flavors and history of this iconic wine region.
Day 5
Bordeaux
& Arcachon Bay
Relax, take the morning off to enjoy Bordeaux.
Meet after lunch for a ride to the coast to enjoy an afternoon by the sea. Stroll the boardwalk and snack on local treats that the area’s known for, paired with sweet or smooth white wines.
Climb the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe (Optional and highly recommended)
Dine in a Michelin-Star experience with a view of the ocean, before heading back to Bordeaux.
Day 6
Village of St-Émilion
Step into the enchanting UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, a blend of wine, history, and medieval charm. Begin at 10:00 am with a private walking tour through its cobblestone streets, followed by an underground tour of the medieval church and Hermit’s Grotto at 11:00 am.
Enjoy a Michelin-Star lunch at 12:00 pm, then explore a historic wine producer with a vertical tasting at 2:00 pm.
At 3:30 pm, experience a horizontal tasting at a local wine merchant, comparing the village’s celebrated vintages. End your visit with breathtaking views from a historic château at 5:00 pm before returning to Bordeaux at 6:00 pm.
Day 7
Right Bank:
Fronsac & Pomerol
Explore the regal wines of Fronsac and Pomerol, once favored by French royalty. Begin your day with a Grand Cru château tour and vintage tasting in Fronsac at 11:00 am, followed by a charming lunch at the château.
In the afternoon, visit a family-run estate in Lalande-de-Pomerol for a variety tasting at 2:00 pm, then wrap up with a château visit and wine tasting in Pomerol at 4:00 pm. Return to Bordeaux at 5:30 pm, having experienced the elegance of the Right Bank.
Departure
Transportation to Airport or Station
After breakfast and checking out this morning, you will be met at your hotel by your guide and driven back to Bordeaux, and the International Airport to catch your departing flight or the Saint-Jean Train Station to get on your train.
Bon voyage les amis!
What’s Included;
- 7 nights accommodations in a 4-Star hotel, breakfasts included
- 4 Fine-Dining Lunches, including wine
- 2 Michelin-Star Meals, including wine
- 9 Châteaux / Estate Tours
- 20+ Unique Wines tasted
- Private wine guide and host
- Transportation for excursions
- Entrance fees to Estate Visits and Châteaux Tours
- Full support from a local concierge
- Transfers from/to Bordeaux Airport or Train Station
What’s NOT Included;
- Transportation to and from Bordeaux
- Travel & Health Insurance
Starting at $6,895 per person
Discounts are available for group reservations of 5 or more guests.
We stay in very nice hotels that have been hand-selected to maximize comfort while minimizing cost.
Over the years, we have found a few amazing 4-star and 5-star properties that distinguish themselves beyond their rating.
For self-guided tour parties wishing to upgrade their accommodations, we can provide custom pricing for four- and five-star hotels, pending availability.
For groups of 4 or more, short-term rental options such as Airbnb can be accommodated.
We are your local guides! Who better to show you around breathtaking Bordeaux than local expats that have fallen in love with this region!?!
Having the local perspective enhances your experience, providing insider knowledge and opportunities that only a local resident can offer. From greeting guests when they arrive to personally handling reservations and transportation, to curating excursions, to problem-solving (e.g., unexpected cancelations and other unforeseen issues), your concierge is here to help make your trip unforgettable.
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.
What's it like to visit a Château?
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.
Which Château do we visit?
Examples of Château we visit:
Château Beychevelle, Château Léoville Poyferré, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château de la Riviere, Château La Mission Haut Brion, Château Haut Bailly, Château Pape Clément, Château Valandraud, Château Saint-Georges, Château Guiraud, Château D’Yquem, etc.
Is there a special estate that you want to visit? Let us know! We’d love to help organize your dream tour 🙂
Which hotel will we stay in?
We generally target very nice 4-star hotels and some excellent 5-star properties, which we hand-select to maximize comfort while minimizing cost.
Over the years, we have found many amazing 4-star properties that distinguish themselves beyond their rating. We have loved developing all of our hotel relationships and sharing them with our guests. For self-guided tour parties wishing to upgrade their accommodations, we can provide custom pricing for four- and five-star hotels, pending availability.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts to group reservations of 4 to 7 guests. Contact us to learn more.
Tour Highlights
• Embark on a truly French immersion of discovery in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
• Relax at a luxury hotel with 19th-century decor and a world-class restaurant.
• Learn about historic French architecture on a walking tour of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Ride along the Route des Châteaux and enjoy leisurely scenic drives through the French countryside.
• See for yourself the sea of vineyards stretching across rolling hills in the Médoc and limestone plateaus of St-Émilion.
• Tour world-famous Châteaux, wine estates, and unique wine making facilities.
• Discover the many wine appellations of the surrounding region: Médoc, Pomerol, Graves, Sauternes, Fronsac, St-Émilion, many more.
• Enjoy gourmet meals and Michelin-Star dining experiences.
• Visit the Atlantic Coast, and enjoy freshly caught seafood.
• Climb Europe’s largest sand dune, an impressive view of land and sea.
• Stroll the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion for a step back in time.
• Shop the many storefronts along Rue Saint-Catherine and the luxury boutiques of Bordeaux’s Triangle d’Or.
• Explore ancient underground wine cellars stocked with priceless collections and hidden treasures.
• Taste many different Bordeaux wines, often on location and some straight from the barrel in the cellar.
• Compare notable vintages and historic winemaking methods.
• Uncover the vibrant nightlife of the city center.
• Capture breathtaking pictures and memories that will last a lifetime!
Bonjour Bordeaux!
For information and reservations, please contact us to chat about your ideal Bordeaux Wine Vacation…