On this 6 day – 5 Night Bordeaux Wine Vacation, we will experience the best Bordeaux has to offer as we visit and taste the rich history of the most prestigious wine region in the world. See first-hand what it means to be a Bordeaux winemaker during exclusive Chateaux tours, tailored wine tastings, and Michelin Star meals. Our small group will tour wine estates in each of the three regions that make up the world-famous Bordeaux wine industry. Learn about what makes the Left Bank and Right Bank wines so unique, and see first-hand why the French classification system of 1855 is so historically important and still relevant.
Take in the world-renowned vineyards of Médoc, Pessac, Graves, Sauternes, Pomerol, as well as the picturesque medieval village of Saint Emilion, as we visit leading Chateaux estates and drink Premier Grand Cru wines. Each day trip is a new experience, just a short ride from Bordeaux, paired with gourmet lunches and local history, not to mention great company. On the free morning and free evenings, shop around the historic city center, try a few wine bars or visit the famous Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s new interactive wine museum. The beautiful city of Bordeaux boasts a perfect blend of classic French architecture and modern city amenities, making every stroll a memorable experience with something to see. In addition to your stay at the top hotel in Bordeaux, Hotel l’Intercontinental, all of your day trips include a gourmet meal, some noted by their Michelin star(s), and always served with wines adapted to the tours of the day.
Base Villages: Bordeaux, France
Hotels:
– Bordeaux, France : Intercontinental Grand Hotel de Bordeaux
Highlights – Bordeaux: For centuries it has been a destination for wine lovers, lately the world has been noticing what Bordeaux has to offer as a metropolitan city. LonelyPlanet describes it as “An intoxicating cocktail of 18th-century savoir-faire, millennial hi-tech and urban street life, France’s sixth-largest city is among Europe’s most exciting and gutsy players.” If you ask us, it’s because once you’ve caught a glimpse of the Garonne riverfront or some of the incredible architecture that spans a millennium (in one case nearly two), it’s not hard to understand why everyone loves it so much. Immerse yourself in the unique wine heritage and take in the many sights and monuments that make the city so unique.
Highlights – Médoc: Some of the most prestigious Châteaux in the world can be found here just north of Bordeaux, including the eponymous Château Margaux. The famous ‘Route des Châteaux’ (The Chateaux Road) takes you past many lavish properties, each with unique histories dating back many generations. The picturesque vineyards cover the landscapes surrounding small villages that have been producing the world’s most sought-after wines for many centuries. Although the Médoc name is world-renowned, most Châteaux prefer to use their more geographically specific and much smaller appellation names that make up the region such as Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, and Saint-Julien that carry much more prestige.
Highlights – Arcachon Bay: The Bay of Arcachon is probably most well-known for being the heart of oyster farming in the South West of France, and over the centuries the surrounding area has become a prime destination for local and international visitors alike. With sites such as the Dunes of Pyla (the tallest sand dune in Europe) and the Isle of Birds (an island sanctuary for migrating birds surrounded by oyster farms and cabanes tchanquées – fishermen huts on stilts), the picturesque coastline can’t be missed.
Highlights – Sauternes & Graves: A large area south of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne river, that contains many wine-producing appellations. The Graves region is named for its soil (gravel), left behind from the glaciers of the Ice Age. The region is home to Château Smith Haut Laffite, as well as Château d’Yquem, both of which are pioneer winemakers in their own right. At one point Graves was the only region in which Châteaux produced red and white wines, and the Sauternes region is historically famous for its sweet white wines.
Highlights – Saint Emilion: This small, fortress-like medieval village was carved out of limestone by monks over 2000 years ago and has become one of the most prestigious and renowned wine regions in the world. These days, the village is a tourist hotspot with many wine merchants, artisanal shops, and fine dining. Michelin-starred restaurants are dotted around the area, while artists, knife makers, carpenters, and macaroon bakers line the charming old streets and the cobblestone paths that connect the lower and higher parts of town. In addition to visiting prestigious chateaux, exploring underground wine cellars, and meeting merchants, Saint Emilion is a wonderful place to just take a stroll and indulge the senses.
Guide: Andrew Cummins and Shannon Harris
