Bordeaux: Vineyard off the Beaten Track With Wine Tasting

Discover the lesser-known side of Bordeaux’s renowned wine region on this exclusive small-group tour. Venture off the beaten path to explore family-owned, certified organic vineyards where sustainable farming practices and exceptional winemaking come to life. Savor a guided tasting of at least five distinct vintages, delving into the unique terroir and techniques that define this acclaimed appellation. From the vat rooms to the barrel cellars, expert guides provide insider knowledge, offering a deeply engaging and educational journey through Bordeaux’s vibrant wine culture. What secrets await those willing to venture beyond the region’s well-trodden paths?

Key Points

• Small group tour (8 participants) with a live guide who speaks French and English, providing a personalized and interactive winemaking experience.
• Exploration of certified organic and sustainable Bordeaux wineries, including a Pessac-Léognan estate and a winery in the Entre-deux-Mers region.
• Immersive experiences in the vineyards, vat rooms, and barrel cellars, with insights into the region’s winemaking techniques and traditions.
• Tasting of a minimum of 5 different wines, with guidance from experts on the unique terroir and characteristics of each varietal.
• Comfortable transportation in a 9-seater van, allowing for an intimate exploration of the backroads and off-the-beaten-track wineries of the Bordeaux region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts 255 minutes and is limited to a small group of 8 participants. This ensures a more intimate and personalized experience for travelers.

With a live tour guide who speaks both French and English, guests can expect to receive detailed information and insights into the winemaking process.

The small group size allows for a more interactive and engaging tour, where participants can ask questions and receive more attention from the guide. The compact group also makes it easier to navigate the wineries and enjoy the wine tastings in a comfortable and relaxed setting.

Starting Location and Transportation

The tour starts at 134 Quai de Bacalan, conveniently located in Bordeaux.

Guests will be transported from this starting point in a 9-seater van, which ensures a comfortable and efficient journey to the wineries.

This mode of transportation allows the group to travel together, fostering a shared experience and camaraderie among the participants.

The van’s small size also enables the tour to navigate the picturesque backroads and offer a more intimate exploration of the region.

Plus, the van’s compact design allows for easy parking and access to the wineries, making the overall logistics of the tour seamless and enjoyable.

Certified Organic Winery Visit

After departing the starting point, the tour makes its way to a certified organic Pessac-Léognan winery, where guests embark on a guided exploration of the estate’s viticulture practices and winemaking facilities.

The group will learn about the winery’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly growing methods, which produce high-quality grapes for their renowned wines. Visitors will venture through the vineyards, observing the meticulous attention to detail that goes into cultivating the vines.

Inside the winery, the tour continues with a behind-the-scenes look at the state-of-the-art equipment and techniques used to transform the grapes into the final product. This stop offers a unique opportunity to witness the dedication and expertise that goes into crafting certified organic Bordeaux wines.

Entre-deux-Mers Region Winery Visit

From the certified organic Pessac-Léognan winery, the tour then proceeds to a winery located in the Entre-deux-Mers region, offering guests an opportunity to explore a distinct terroir and winemaking approach.

This acclaimed subregion of Bordeaux is known for its unique microclimate and diverse soil compositions, which contribute to the development of complex, well-balanced wines.

The winery visit includes:

• A guided tour of the production facilities, providing insights into the traditional methods and modern innovations employed
• A tasting of the winery’s signature offerings, showcasing the versatility and quality of Entre-deux-Mers wines
• An exploration of the barrel cellar, where the wine’s maturation process is meticulously managed
• Discussions with the winemaker, who shares the story and philosophy behind the estate’s winemaking practices

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Guided Winery Tours

Guided winery tours offer visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to gain firsthand insights into the intricate process of winemaking.

During these tours, a knowledgeable guide will lead participants through the various stages of wine production, from the vineyards to the cellars. Visitors can expect to explore the vat room and barrel cellar, learning about the techniques and traditions that shape the region’s renowned vintages.

The highlight of the tour is the wine tasting, where guests can savor a selection of the winery’s finest offerings, gaining a deeper appreciation for the nuances of each varietal.

These guided experiences provide a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history and passion that define Bordeaux’s winemaking legacy.

Wine Tasting Experience

At the heart of this winery tour lies the wine tasting experience, where visitors can savor and appreciate the unique flavors and aromas that define Bordeaux’s renowned vintages.

During the tastings, guests are guided by knowledgeable experts who provide insights into the winemaking process and the distinct characteristics of each varietal.

The experience offers:

• Sampling of a minimum of 5 different wines from the region
• Opportunities to explore the bouquet, texture, and finish of each wine
• Explanations of the unique terroir and techniques that shape the final product
• A chance to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of Bordeaux’s rich winemaking heritage.

Vat Room and Barrel Cellar

Visitors delve deeper into the winemaking process as they explore the vat room and barrel cellar during the winery tour.

The vat room is where the magic happens – here, the grape juice is fermented and transformed into wine. Towering stainless steel tanks line the walls, each one containing a different varietal or blend. The group learns how temperature, yeast, and time all play a crucial role in coaxing out the desired flavors and aromas.

Next, they venture into the barrel cellar, where row after row of oak barrels quietly age the wine, imparting subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and oak.

This insider’s look at the technical side of winemaking offers a newfound appreciation for the art of viticulture.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation from Bordeaux, visits to two wineries, and two wine tastings, along with a bottle of water.

However, it excludes lunch, souvenirs, personal purchases, and tips.

The key inclusions and exclusions are:

• Included: Transportation, winery visits, wine tastings, bottled water
• Excluded:
• Lunch
• Souvenirs and personal purchases
• Tips for the guide or driver

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience in the Bordeaux wine region, allowing participants to explore off-the-beaten-track vineyards and savor the region’s renowned wines. While the inclusions cover the core activities, the exclusions give guests the flexibility to customize their experience to their preferences and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Appropriate for Children?

The tour is not suitable for children. With its focus on wine tastings and visits to wineries, the tour is designed for adult participants. Children would not be able to fully participate in or enjoy the activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. Lunch is not included in the tour, but bottled water is provided. Participants must adhere to the tour’s inclusions and exclusions.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the picturesque vineyards. The tour provides transportation, guided visits, and wine tastings.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to some degree. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour guide, who may be able to accommodate special requests within the tour’s structure and schedule. However, major changes to the itinerary may not be possible.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in French and English. While the default languages are French and English, the tour provider may accommodate other language requests depending on availability and advance notice from the customer.

Recap

This intimate, small-group tour offers an immersive exploration of Bordeaux’s rich winemaking traditions.

Venture off the beaten path to discover certified organic and family-owned wineries, where you’ll witness sustainable farming practices and the art of crafting exceptional Bordeaux wines.

With guided tastings and insider knowledge, this personalized experience provides a deeply engaging and educational journey through the region’s vibrant wine culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: