Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting Class Morning With Appetizer Plate

Bordeaux, the renowned wine capital of France, offers an immersive experience for oenophiles and novices alike. A 2-hour small-group wine tasting class provides an in-depth exploration of the region’s diverse offerings. Under the guidance of a professional sommelier, you will explore the intricacies of French winemaking, tasting seven distinct vintages and blending their own personalized creation. Accompanied by a French appetizer platter, this intimate setting allows for personalized attention and engaging discussions, leaving attendees with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of Bordeaux‘s renowned wines. The opportunity to craft one’s own blend promises a truly memorable and enlightening experience.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Bordeaux.

Key Points

• 2-hour small-group wine tasting and workshop in central Bordeaux, led by a professional sommelier.
• Participants learn about major French wine regions and taste 7 diverse French wines accompanied by a French appetizer platter.
• Focus on analyzing wine aromas and flavors using techniques taught by the sommelier.
• Highlight is the hands-on experience of blending a personalized wine by adjusting the proportions of grape varietals.
• Intimate group setting allows for personalized guidance and in-depth discussions about the art of winemaking.

Overview of the Experience

The 2-hour small-group wine tasting and workshop in central Bordeaux immerses participants in the art of French winemaking.

During this personalized experience, the group learns about the major French wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley. Guests will taste 7 different French wines accompanied by a delectable French appetizer platter featuring cheese, meat, and chocolate.

Under the guidance of a professional sommelier, they’ll analyze the wine aromas and learn essential wine-tasting techniques. The highlight of the workshop is blending their own unique wine.

With a maximum of 12 people, this intimate class ensures a tailored and enriching exploration of French wine culture.

Main French Wine Regions

During the wine tasting experience, participants explore the major French wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley, each with its distinct terroir and grape varietals.

The famous Bordeaux region is known for its structured, age-worthy red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Burgundy, on the other hand, specializes in elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Côtes du Rhône showcases the bold, spicy characteristics of Syrah and Grenache.

The Loire Valley is renowned for its crisp, refreshing white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

Tasting 7 French Wines

Over the course of the 2-hour experience, participants taste 7 distinct French wines, spanning the key regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley.

They analyze the wines’ aromas, flavors, and textures, applying the techniques they’ve learned from the professional sommelier guide. The tasting is accompanied by a French appetizer platter featuring a selection of cheeses, meats, and chocolate, which helps bring out the nuances of the wines.

As they work through the diverse lineup, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of French winemaking. The intimate group setting allows for personalized guidance and in-depth discussions about the various styles and characteristics of the wines.

Analyzing Wine Aromas

As participants work through the diverse selection of French wines, they learn from the sommelier guide how to properly analyze the aromas emanating from each glass.

Swirling the wine, they take deep inhalations to detect the complex bouquet of scents, ranging from ripe fruits and floral notes to more subtle hints of earth, spice, or oak.

The guide explains three key steps to wine aroma analysis:

1. Identify primary aromas like citrus, berries, or stone fruits.
2. Look for secondary scents such as herbs, flowers, or baking spices.
3. Detect any tertiary aromas that suggest aging, like leather, tobacco, or mushroom.

Participants enthusiastically apply these techniques, eager to unlock the hidden nuances within each wine.

Blending Your Own Wine

After honing their wine tasting skills, participants move on to the exciting workshop where they get to blend their own unique wine. Under the guidance of the expert sommelier, they carefully select from a variety of grape varietals to create their personalized blend. The sommelier explains the characteristics of each grape and how they can be combined to achieve different flavor profiles. Participants then get hands-on experience in the blending process, meticulously adjusting the proportions until they’re satisfied with their creation. It’s a fun and interactive way to deepen one’s understanding of wine composition and develop a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Grape Varietal	Percentage
Merlot	40%
Cabernet Sauvignon	30%
Cabernet Franc	20%
Petit Verdot	10%

Personalized Small-Group Setting

The small-group format of the wine tasting class provides participants with a personalized and intimate experience, allowing the sommelier to tailor the lesson to their individual needs and interests. With a maximum of 12 people, the group size ensures ample one-on-one attention and the opportunity for each attendee to actively engage in the activities and discussions.

The key benefits of the personalized setting include:

1. Customized guidance from the sommelier, who can adjust the pace, focus, and depth of the lesson based on the group’s level of knowledge and areas of interest.

2. Opportunities for participants to ask questions, share their observations, and receive immediate feedback.

3. A relaxed and collaborative atmosphere that encourages learning and camaraderie among the attendees.

Included in the Experience

The wine tasting class includes a diverse selection of French wines for participants to savor, accompanied by a delectable French appetizer platter.

Specifically, attendees will have the opportunity to taste seven distinct wines from the major French wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley.

Along with the wine tasting, the class provides a professional sommelier guide who’ll lead the group through the experience, teaching them wine-tasting techniques and guiding them in analyzing the aromas and flavors of each varietal.

To complement the wines, a French appetizer platter featuring a selection of cheese, meat, and chocolate will be served, allowing participants to fully enjoy the flavors of France.

Meeting Point and Timing

Participants will meet at 3 Rue d’Enghien, 33000 Bordeaux, France, and they should arrive 5 minutes before the 10:30 am start time.

The experience will take place in central Bordeaux, and the end point will be the same as the meeting point.

The meeting point is located at 3 Rue d’Enghien, 33000 Bordeaux, France.

Participants should arrive 5 minutes before the 10:30 am start time.

The experience will last approximately 2 hours, ending at the same location as the meeting point.

Following these guidelines will ensure a seamless start to the Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting Class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tasting?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed at wine tastings. The experience typically includes a curated selection of wines and appetizers provided by the host to enhance the tasting.

Is the Activity Suitable for Children or Minors?

The activity is not suitable for children or minors. It involves tasting and learning about various French wines, which would not be appropriate for underage participants. The experience is designed for adults to enjoy responsibly.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Attire?

No special equipment or attire is needed. Casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. The activity takes place in an indoor setting, so there’s no need for outdoor gear. Just bring yourself and an open mind to learn about wine.

Can I Purchase the Wines I Tasted During the Experience?

Absolutely, participants can purchase the wines they tasted during the wine tasting experience. The sommelier guide will provide information on how to order and ship the wines back home after the event.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Activity?

Yes, the activity can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can inquire about an extended duration option when booking or speaking with the sommelier guide during the experience. The extended time allows for more in-depth wine exploration.

Recap

This immersive wine tasting and blending experience in Bordeaux offers participants a unique opportunity to dive into the complexities of French winemaking.

Led by a professional sommelier, guests will explore diverse wine regions, analyze aromas, and create their own personalized blend, all while enjoying French appetizers in an intimate small-group setting.

It’s a must-do for wine enthusiasts seeking a deeper appreciation for the art of French viticulture.