Winter Holiday Season In Bordeaux
9-Day | Luxury | From $7,495 pp
Experience the magic of Christmas in Bordeaux with this unforgettable journey through its historic streets, world-renowned wine regions, and vibrant cultural events. Begin with a guided discovery of Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed city center, where stunning 18th-century architecture and charming squares come alive with stories of the past. Enjoy day-trips to the world-famous wine region, paired with gourmet delights, as you explore legendary appellations like St-Émilion, Médoc, and Pomerol.
A highlight of the tour is a visit to Bordeaux’s enchanting Christmas Market, where holiday lights, local crafts, and seasonal treats create a festive atmosphere. However, for wine enthusiasts, the Bordeaux Tasting Wine Event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a rare opportunity to sample all of the exceptional wines from across the entire region in a cozy, intimate setting. Whether you’re marveling at the beauty of historic châteaux, indulging in gourmet meals, or savoring the warmth of Bordeaux’s holiday charm, this tour promises memories to last a lifetime.
Tour Details
Length: 9 days, 9 nights
Dates: December 7th to 16th
Service: Fully Supported, All-Inclusive Guided Tour
Appellations: Médoc, Margaux, Graves, Pessac, Sauterens, Fronsac, Pomerol, St-Émilion, and more!
Wine Tastings: This is the only tour where we can say that if you’d like, you can taste EVERY Bordeaux wine imaginable, thanks to the Bordeaux Tasting Event.
Private Guide & Transportation: Luxury Vehicles, 9-Seater Mercedes-Benz Van
Nine Day Bordeaux Holiday Season Itinerary
Bordeaux Like A Local With Your Personal, Friendly Wine Guide and Host!
Day 1: Sun, Dec 7th
Arrival:
Bordeaux Sightseeing & Wine Tasting
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.
At 4:00 pm, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Bordeaux’s historic highlights, from its elegant 18th-century architecture to its vibrant squares. Conclude your first evening with a relaxing wine tasting at 6:00 pm, perfectly paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie—a delicious introduction to the flavors of Bordeaux.
Day 2: Mon, Dec 8th
Left Bank Reds:
Médoc & Margaux
Start your day with a short drive from Bordeaux to the legendary Margaux region. At 10:00 am, enjoy an exclusive tour and tasting at a prestigious château, where you’ll savor the elegance of Margaux’s world-class reds. By lunchtime, indulge in a gourmet meal that perfectly complements the region’s wines.
In the afternoon, head to Saint-Julien for another château tour and tasting, diving deeper into the bold, structured reds the Left Bank is known for. Before returning to Bordeaux, treat yourself to a sweet finish with a visit to a local chocolatier.
Day 3: Tues, Dec 9th
Left Bank Whites:
Graves, Pessac & Sauternes
Begin your day in Graves with a château tasting at 10:00 am, where you’ll experience the region’s elegant whites. Then, head to Pessac-Léognan for a tour and tasting at a renowned Grand Cru estate, discovering the balance and complexity that define this appellation.
After a leisurely Michelin-Guide gourmet lunch, journey to Sauternes for an unforgettable visit to a Premier Cru Supérieur château. Here, taste the iconic sweet wines that have earned global acclaim. Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Bordeaux, reflecting on the incredible flavors of the Left Bank.
Day 4: Wed, Dec 10th
Free Day in Bordeaux, Museums, & Christmas Market
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.
Day 5: Thurs, Dec 11th
Right Bank:
Fronsac & Pomerol
Set off at 10:00 am for the picturesque Right Bank, starting with a Grand Cru château tour in Fronsac. At 11:00 am, enjoy an exclusive tasting of vintage wines, followed by a delightful lunch at the château, where local flavors meet world-class wines.
In the afternoon, visit a family-run estate in Lalande-de-Pomerol for a warm, welcoming tour and a variety tasting. Finish your day in Pomerol with a château visit and tasting of its renowned, velvety wines before heading back to Bordeaux at 5:30 pm.
Day 6: Fri, Dec 12th
Village of St-Émilion
Begin your day at 9:00 am with a trip to the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Émilion. At 10:00 am, enjoy a private walking tour through its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. Delve deeper at 11:00 am with a guided tour of Saint-Émilion’s fascinating underground monuments.
Savor a Michelin-Star gourmet lunch at noon before heading to a historic wine estate for a tour and tasting at 2:00 pm. Continue with a horizontal wine tasting at a local merchant, comparing wines of the same vintage from different estates. Wrap up the day with breathtaking views from a historic château before returning to Bordeaux at 6:00 pm.
Day 7: Sat, Dec 13th
‘Bordeaux Tasting’: Day-1
Bordeaux Tasting is a premier two-day event celebrating exceptional wines, champagnes, and spirits from Bordeaux (and beyond), held just before Christmas at the Palais de la Bourse. If you want to try EVERY type of Bordeaux wine, this is the event for you!
Featuring nearly 130 exhibitors, including renowned Bordeaux Grands Crus and distinguished producers from other French and international wine regions, this event offers a unique opportunity to taste and discover exquisite Bordeaux wines, and meet the owners and wine makers at the same time.
Day 8: Sun, Dec 14th
‘Bordeaux Tasting’: Day-2
The second day of Bordeaux Tasting is a continuation of the first, offering an immersive experience tailored to deepen your knowlage of exceptional Bordeaux wines and spirits.
If you’d like, you can participate in exclusive workshops led by experts from the Bordeaux Wine School and the Champagne Winemakers’ Union, learning to master food and wine pairings that are sure to elevate any holiday feast.
Or explore the vibrant ‘Food & Chill’ spaces, savoring gourmet local delicacies while discovering wines that perfectly complement their flavors.
Day 9: Mon, Dec 15th
Free Day in Bordeaux & Michelin-Star Farewell Dinner
Take a day to recover from Bordeaux Tasting. Spend a delightful last day exploring the charming city of Bordeaux! Wander along the picturesque Garonne River, snatch up any final souvenirs, and catch any missed shops or museums.
End your Winter Bordeaux Holiday Tour with an exceptional Michelin-Star Farewell Dinner at one of the best restaurants in town, paired with delicious wines, of course.
Departure: Tues, Dec 16th
Transportation to Airport or Station
After breakfast and checking out this morning, you will be met at your hotel by your guide and transferred to Bordeaux 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;
- 9 nights accommodations in a 5-Star hotel, breakfasts included
- 4 Gourmet Lunches, including wine
- 2 Michelin-Star Meals, including wine
- 10 Châteaux / Estate Tours
- Almost-Infinint Wines tasted
- Private wine guide and host
- Transportation for excursions
- Entrance fees to Estate Visits, Châteaux Tours, Museums, and Events
- Full support 24/7 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 $7495 per person
Discounts available for group reservations
We stay in very nice hotels that have been hand-selected to maximize comfort while minimizing cost.
- Yndō Hotel & Spa
- Villas Foch Bordeaux
- Le Boutique Hotel & Spa
- InterContinental Bordeaux – Grand Hotel & Spa
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.
- Hotel de Seze
- Yndō Hotel & Spa
- Villas Foch Bordeaux
- Le Boutique Hotel & Spa
- InterContinental Bordeaux – Grand Hotel & Spa
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.
Bordeaux Winter Tour Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
• Stay at a luxurious hotel in the Bordeaux city center, blending elegance with modern comfort.
• Explore Bordeaux’s historic landmarks on a guided walking tour, including the iconic Place de la Bourse and the Garonne Riverfront.
• Visit the magical French Christmas Market, filled with festive lights, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats.
• Attend the Bordeaux Tasting Wine Event, sampling exceptional wines from across the region in an exclusive setting.
• Enjoy scenic drives through world-famous wine regions, including Médoc, St-Émilion, Pomerol, Graves, and Sauternes.
• Tour prestigious châteaux and wine estates, learning the secrets of Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions.
• Indulge in gourmet meals, from Michelin-starred dining to perfectly paired wine and cheese tastings.
• Wander the medieval streets of St-Émilion and discover ancient underground wine cellars.
• Capture stunning views of vineyards, historic estates, and Bordeaux’s elegant cityscapes.
• Experience the charm of Bordeaux during the holiday season, with a perfect mix of wine, history, and festive cheer.
Bonjour Bordeaux!
For information and reservations, please contact us to chat about your ideal Bordeaux Wine Vacation…