Bordeaux Cruise Port Shore Excursion: Full-Day Private Medoc Wine Tour

For wine enthusiasts taking a Bordeaux cruise, a private full-day tour of the renowned Médoc region offers an exceptional opportunity. The tour includes stops at prestigious Classified Growth châteaux, where guests sample signature wines and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. The itinerary covers key appellations like Margaux, Pauillac, and St. Estèphe, highlighting their distinct terroirs and flavors. During a lunch break in charming Pauillac, there’s a chance for additional wine tasting and exploring the local cuisine. With a small group size, the tour provides personalized experiences tailored to individual interests. This immersive Médoc exploration promises a deep dive into Bordeaux’s viticultural heritage.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Bordeaux.

About Your Stay

• A private, full-day wine tour in the renowned Médoc region, tailored for wine enthusiasts and collectors.
• Visits to prestigious Classified Growth châteaux with opportunities to sample signature wines.
• Personalized experiences with a knowledgeable guide, focusing on winemaking traditions and regional terroirs.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, with pickup and drop-off at the Bordeaux cruise port.
• Flexibility to customize the itinerary based on specific interests and preferences.

Tour Overview

The Médoc Wine Tour offers a full-day private experience for travelers to explore the renowned wine region of Bordeaux, France.

Rated 5.0 based on 5 reviews, this tour promises exceptional experiences as visitors sample signature wines at Classified Growth châteaux and marvel at the vineyard-covered countryside.

The tour is designed to provide a comprehensive, personalized experience, with a maximum of 8 people per minivan ensuring a comfortable and intimate journey.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a collector, this tour is tailored to satisfy your palate and immerse you in the rich winemaking traditions of the Médoc region.

Itinerary and Activities

Upon disembarking from the cruise ship, guests meet their guide at the Bordeaux port to begin their Médoc wine tour. The group travels in an air-conditioned minivan, with a maximum of 8 people, to their first stop in the Margaux or St. Julien appellation for an initial wine tasting. After a lunch break in Pauillac, they visit their second stop in the Pauillac or St. Estephe appellation for another tasting. At the end of the day, the tour concludes with a return to the cruise port.

Itinerary	Activity
First Stop	Margaux or St. Julien wine tasting
Lunch Break	Pauillac (own expense) or additional wine sampling
Second Stop	Pauillac or St. Estephe wine tasting
Return	Back to cruise port

Inclusions and Exclusions

The private Médoc wine tour includes port pickup and drop-off, one bottle of water per person, and a professional English-speaking guide.

Tasting fees at the châteaux range from €25 to €45 per person per visit, which aren’t covered. Food, drinks, personal insurance, and gratuities are also excluded.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required.

Infant seats are available upon request, but pets aren’t allowed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this full-day excursion.

Additional Details

Confirmation for the Médoc wine tour is typically received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required. It accommodates a minimum of 2 adults, with infant seats available upon request.

Pets aren’t allowed, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The tour takes place in an air-conditioned minivan with a maximum capacity of 8 people. Guests can expect an exceptional, personalized experience led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.

Customer Feedback

Positive feedback from past participants highlights the exceptional experiences offered by the Médoc wine tour.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, who provide personalized insights into the region’s renowned wineries and vintages. Customers rave about the scenic countryside drives and visits to three prestigious Classified Growth châteaux, where they sample the iconic signature wines.

The tour’s specialized focus on wine enthusiasts and collectors is widely appreciated, with many noting it as a must-do activity for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Bordeaux’s celebrated vineyards.

Appellation Exploration

On the Médoc wine tour, guests embark on a captivating exploration of the region’s acclaimed appellations.

The first stop showcases either the Margaux or St. Julien appellation, renowned for their elegant, complex red wines. After a lunch break in Pauillac, the tour continues to the Pauillac or St. Estephe appellation, known for their powerful, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons.

This comprehensive itinerary allows guests to:

1. Discover the distinct terroirs and winemaking styles that define each appellation.
2. Savor the signature flavors and aromas of the Médoc’s premier wines.
3. Gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

Lunch Break Options

During the Médoc wine tour, guests enjoy a lunch break in the charming town of Pauillac.

This picturesque commune situated along the Gironde estuary offers a variety of dining options, from cozy bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants. Visitors can savor local specialties like fresh seafood, hearty stews, and decadent pastries, all while soaking in the town’s historic ambiance.

Alternatively, the tour also provides an opportunity for additional wine sampling at nearby châteaux, allowing guests to delve deeper into the region’s renowned vintages.

Whether dining or tasting, the lunch break ensures travelers experience the full breadth of Médoc’s culinary and oenological delights.

Personalized Experiences

One of the key highlights of the Médoc wine tour is the personalized experiences it offers. The small group size of no more than 8 people allows the guide to tailor the tour to the interests and preferences of the participants.

This personalized approach includes:

1. Customizing the winery visits to focus on the specific varietals, styles, or vintages that interest the group the most.
2. Providing in-depth explanations and insights about the wine-making process, terroir, and history of the châteaux.
3. Offering recommendations for food pairings and suggesting alternative activities or dining options during the lunch break.

The combination of expert guidance and a customized itinerary ensures that each visitor enjoys a truly memorable wine tasting experience in the picturesque Médoc region.

Questions About Staying Here

Can We Request a Specific Winery to Visit?

Yes, visitors can typically request to visit specific wineries on the tour. The tour provider will accommodate preferences where possible, subject to availability and the group’s interests.

What Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide speaks English. The tour website indicates that the guide is an "English-speaking" professional, implying that English is the primary language used during the wine tour experience.

Is Transportation Provided Between the Wineries?

Transportation is provided between the wineries. The tour includes travel in an air-conditioned minivan with a maximum of 8 people, allowing guests to move comfortably between the different vineyards in the Médoc region.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to the customer’s preferences. The private nature of the tour allows flexibility in the itinerary and activities, catering to the specific interests and needs of the participants.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

While discounts aren’t mentioned, the tour company may offer package deals for larger groups or multi-day bookings. Customers should inquire about any available offers when making their reservation to get the best value.

Worth The Stay

This exclusive Médoc wine tour offers an exceptional opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore the rich winemaking heritage of Bordeaux. Visitors can savor the nuances of renowned Classified Growth estates, explore picturesque vineyards, and gain insights from a knowledgeable guide. Whether disembarking from a cruise or exploring independently, this private excursion promises a tailored and immersive wine tasting adventure in one of France’s most celebrated viticultural regions.