Self-Guided Bordeaux Wine Tour
We are on your schedule. You name the dates, and we curate your private and custom holiday experience. Choose from our tailor-made destination day trips. We’ll take care of everything else, from the itinerary to the reservations. All you’ll need to take care of is your transportation.
As expats who fell in love with this region, we know how difficult traveling to France can be, which is why we’re here to make your trip to Bordeaux easy and stress-free.
LET US PLAN YOUR DREAM BORDEAUX VACATION!
If we’ve learned anything from living in France for over 10 years, it’s that you need to plan ahead. Reservations and confirmations are key, and even then, don’t be surprised if something is closed unexpectedly. We plan winery visits, take care of reservations, create GPS maps, and organize transportation. Then, we deliver it all in a Tour Packet. Don’t speak French? No problem! We do, and our partners speak excellent English.
Let us take care of your vacation. We’d love to show you the best of Bordeaux!
UNDERSTANDING WINE TOURS IN FRANCE
Many wineries in France are not built for tourism. Unlike in the United States, where a big income source is visits and direct sales, French wineries often haven’t adapted to doing business this way, because much of their sales come from French buyers, and most good producers are not struggling to get rid of wine. This means that the majority of wine-producing estates and châteaux are not open to the public.
We have relationships with the best locations in the area and visit not only impressive properties that are built for tourism but also family-run estates that pride themselves on quality over quantity. We’re happy to give you a list of our friends that are all worth the trip!
BORDEAUX REGION DAY TRIP EXCURSIONS
Day Trip
HISTORIC BORDEAUX
A fast-track course on how to live like a “Bordelais”. 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.
Day Trip
MÉDOC & MARGAUX
See for yourself what the world has been talking about for centuries – the Grand Cru Classification dating back to 1855, is without a doubt one of the most notorious regions of Bordeaux wines on the Left Bank of the Garonne River.
Day Trip
SAINT ÉMILION
A name synonymous with Grand Cru wines and a region that deserves a full day. Experience the medieval wine village, learn about the monk who inspired an entire community, and visit world-renowned wine estates and vineyard-covered hills.
Half Day Trip
ARCACHON BAY
Take a break from wine and visit this beautiful seaside resort town, famed for some of the best seafood in the country. See “Bird Island”, enjoy a Michelin-star meal, and learn how this quaint little town exploded after Napoleon III visited it in 1857!
Day Trip
PESSAC & GRAVES
Staying on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, discover the Graves and Pessac Leognan wine regions, two of the few regions in Bordeaux that can produce both red and white wines under the same wine appellation.
Day Trip
POMEROL & FRONSAC
In between Libourne and Saint Émilion, Fronsac and Pomerol play an almost-secret tune of undiscovered delicacies. Here, wine lovers wander Merlot vineyards, revealing wines with fabulous grace and depth.
Day Trip
SAUTERNES
Head south to Sauternes for a five-star day-trip to the sweet side of Bordeaux. Visit the world-famous Château d’Yquem, and understand why this winery stands alone at the top of the ranking of the Bordeaux chateaux.
Day Trip
CONGNAC
The rich terroir of South West France doesn’t limit itself to world-class wines but also Grape-Base Apéritifs, and Fine-Brandy Digestifs from Cognac. Explore world-famous “Maisons” like Hennessy and Remi Martin.
PERSONALIZE YOUR ITINERARY
We’ll help you create your ideal itinerary, according to your preferences, from our tried-and-tested day trip excursions. Do you go more for Merlot? Then, let’s focus on the Right Bank. Do you have an itch for Cabernet Sauvignon? Then the Left Bank it is! Do you have the time, and are really into history? Let’s see both and talk about the historical events that shaped this region! We’ll create your perfect-vacation itinerary!
PICK YOUR TRAVEL DATES
When’s the best time to visit Bordeaux? You choose! Every season in the South West has something special to see and do, so you can’t go wrong in picking your travel dates.
We offer guided tours of Bordeaux and the surrounding wine regions as early as March, culminating in our Harvest Tours in September and finishing as late as October, with the ever-popular Christmas tour in December.
- Accommodations in a 4-Star hotel, breakfasts included
- Gourmet Lunches, including wine
- Châteaux Tours / Estate Visit Entrance fees
- Unique Wine tastings
- Full support from a local concierge
- (Optional) Transfers from/to Bordeaux Airport or Train Station
What’s NOT Included;
- Transportation to and from Bordeaux
- Travel & Health Insurance
Discounts available for group reservations
Over the years, we have found a few amazing 4-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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
SELF-GUIDED GUEST REVIEWS
“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 were 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!”
-Stéphane & Patty (2024)
Bonjour Bordeaux!
For information and reservations, please contact us to chat about your ideal Bordeaux Wine Vacation…