It’s no great secret that I enjoy a glass or two of wine, and Bordeaux wine is some of my favourite. Living in rural France in the Charente, I’m just 90 minutes away from Bordeaux and have enjoyed several of the wine tours available.
Considered to be one of the wine capitals of the world Bordeaux has a lot to offer, and it can be confusing to know what tour to choose.
Maybe you should do a self-guided tour. Perhaps you’d enjoy wine tasting as part of a group. Or you might prefer a private tour.
Well, before we get started, one thing you should do, if you’re coming to Bordeaux, is to buy one of the City Passes.
You can choose between a 48 or 72 hour pass. They give you access to so much, including unlimited access to Bordeaux’s public transport network.
More importantly, you’ll get a 15% discount on the wine tours offered by Bordeaux Tourism.
🍷NO 1 WINE TOUR
In a hurry and don’t have time to read the whole article? No problem.
The best Bordeaux Wine Tour is, without a doubt, the Saint-Emilion day trip.
Everything is taken care of and you’ll enjoy several wine tastings, an English-speaking guide, and door-to-door transportation.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟It’s five-star all the way.
Table of Contents
Bordeaux Wine - What You Need to Know
As a red wine girl myself, I love the fact that over 85% of Bordeaux wine is red and made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes.
And even better, there are 7,000 wineries to choose from.
Bordeaux has been producing wine for over 2,000 years and is one of the oldest wine regions in the world.
It’s divided by the Gironde estuary into two distinct areas: the Left Bank and the Right Bank.
The Left Bank is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, while the Right Bank is known for its Merlot-based wines.
The Six Bordeaux wine sub-regions
The region is divided into six sub-regions, each with its unique terroir and style of wine.
Saint-Emilion
Probably the most famous of the five regions, the Saint-Emilion sub-region is located on the right bank of the Dordogne river.
It’s known for its Merlot-based wines. The limestone and clay soils of the region produce wines that are soft and fruity with notes of plum, black cherry, and spice.
With its own micro-climate, it benefits from a regulated temperature and avoids the harsh winter frosts.
This makes it perfect for cultivating vines and producing vintages that don’t suffer from unpredictable weather patterns.
The four appellations of Lussac Saint-Émilion, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru represent almost 970 registered winegrowers.
Another wine found in this region is Pomerol, also made from the Merlot grape.
However, you won’t find any classification such as Cru or Grand Cru. It’s the only major Bordeaux appellation that doesn’t.
Médoc
Next on the list is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, the Médoc. It’s my favourite as it’s where you’ll find some of the heavier reds I love so much.
It’s on the left bank of the Gironde estuary and is home to some very famous wines. Names such as Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Mouton Rothschild.
The flavour of a Médoc wine can vary depending on the specific winery and vintage, but commonly you’ll find blackcurrant, often referred to as cassis.
Also, Médoc wines are aged in oak barrels, which imparts flavours of cedar and tobacco. Some may have a hint of vanilla, as well as notes of spices like cinnamon, clove, and black pepper.
Blaye and Bourg
If you enjoy a nice Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon or Muscadelle, then this region is perfect for you. It’s actually two regions rather than one, Blaye and Bourg.
Located on the northern banks of the Gironde the vines grow on sand, gravel and clay-limestone soils. Classed as Bordeaux Grands Ordinaires they are less expensive than the wines in other regions.
The Côtes de Blaye are dry white wines whilst Côtes de Bourg are red.
Graves and Pessac Leognan
One of the oldest wine regions in Bordeaux, dating back to the Roman era, it also has some beautiful pine forests.
The region is divided into two main areas: Graves to the south and Pessac-Léognan to the north. Graves is known for its gravelly soils, while Pessac-Léognan has a mix of gravel, sand, and clay.
Both areas produce high-quality red and white wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
It’s home to some of the oldest and most well-established chateaux. Chateau Haut-Brion produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a family-owned estate that has been producing wine since the 14th century.
And Chateau Carbonnieux, one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, dating back to the 13th century.
Sauternes and Barsac
If it’s sweet wine you’re after then look no further. Sauternes is the jewel in Bordeaux’s sweet wine crown. It attracts tourists from far and wide.
The climate is responsible for the richness of the Sauternes wine with its combination of morning mists and warm, sunny afternoons.
Apparently, these conditions encourage the growth of a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. Also known as noble rot, it dehydrates the grapes and concentrates their sugars, acids, and flavours.
The result is a complex, honeyed wine with flavours of apricot, peach, and honey, balanced by refreshing acidity.
Sauternes and Barsac have produced many famous sweet white wines, including Château Rieussec, Château Suduiraut, and Château Climens.
They’re typically made from a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, with Semillon being the dominant grape.
Entre Deux Mers
Situated between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, “Entre Deux Mers” means “between two seas”. It refers to the location of the region between the two rivers.
The wines are generally known for their lightness and crispness, with a range of fruity and floral flavours.
White wines from the region are often described as crisp and aromatic, with notes of citrus. The red wines tend to be medium-bodied with a range of fruity and herbaceous flavours.
The red varieties produced here are called Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior. I have to say I’m not really a fan as I find them too bland. I favour heavier reds such as Malbec.
Some of the best-known châteaux in Entre Deux Mers include Château de Reignac, well-known for its red wines, Château Haut-Sarpe, known for producing both red and white wines, and Château Roquefort, known for its sweet wines made from the Muscadelle grape.
Wine tasting in the city of Bordeaux on foot
If you’d rather not tour the vineyards, or simply don’t have time, wine tasting in the city is the perfect option. There are lots of great wine bars and boutiques where you can enjoy a wine-tasting experience in Bordeaux itself.
La Cité du Vin
You cannot fail to be impressed by this unique wine museum. For a start, there’s the building itself. It was designed to represent the flow of wine into a glass and is nothing short of spectacular.
La Cité du Vin stands high at 55 meters and is a huge tourist attraction.
It opened in 2016 intending to educate people about winemaking and doesn’t just feature the wine region of Bordeaux.
It’s an immersive wine experience featuring wines from around the world.
You won’t spend most of your time reading as you do in many museums. But there’s a lot to see and a lot to listen to.
And don’t worry there’s an English audio option for those that need it.
The main exhibition is on the second floor and covers everything you could possibly imagine about wine history. From understanding how wine is made to the incredibly cool ‘Buffet of the Five Senses’ (Le buffet des 5 sens).
I mean wine tasting does need all five senses after all.
The wine tasting happens on the 8th floor called the Belvedere where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
It really doesn’t get any better than tasting fantastic wine and a view to match.
To really enjoy the experience you’ll want to set aside half a day. But if you’re pushed for time you can create a tour specific to your own interests.
Click here to get your ticket and skip the queues >>>
And remember, if you got your Bordeaux City Pass you’ll get a 20% discount.
Cousin and Compagnie
This is one of the oldest wine shops in Bordeaux and their Vintage Wine Tasting event is one you don’t want to miss. Especially as it’s paired with a charcuterie board of cured meats and cheese.
As well as being the oldest they were also one of the first to introduce biodynamic wines into the region. They were awarded the Eco-Défis 2022 label.
As well as enjoying four Grands crus wines selected from vintage years in the 70s, 80s and 90s, you’ll learn the history behind making them.
And they’ll tell you how to choose the right cheese for the right wine.
As it’s only an hour so you’ll still have time to explore the rest of the city. You can choose between an experience in French or English.
Le Pied à Terre
Run by two brothers, Pierre and Geoffroy, Le Pied à Terre is another great wine-tasting option.
These guys love their wine it’s that simple. There isn’t much they don’t know, and they’re happy to help you drink it too.
You’ll taste three Bordeaux wines accompanied by a selection of Basque cheese and meat.
These guys are popular and tend to sell out fast, so make sure you get your tickets in advance.
The different ways to do a wine tour in Bordeaux
As I mentioned earlier, the wine-tasting options in Bordeaux are endless. It can be hard to decide what will work best for you in your available time.
As wine tasting is one of the biggest attractions in Bordeaux there is no shortage of tour operators. Some are better than others and if you want to enjoy a hassle-free day, you need to know what to look for.
The first and most expensive option is a private tour. Usually, this involves a driver picking you up from your hotel and driving you from chateau to chateau.
The most popular option tends to be the semi-private tour with a small group of 4-6 people. You’ll usually visit three or four wineries in and around Bordeaux.
There are also the larger group options and these can have anything up to 50 people. They’re definitely more cost-effective, but you don’t get the more intimate experience.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, combining your wine tasting with food tasting is a wonderful experience.
Having a picnic in a chateau garden is another great option too. You can even cycle from one winery to another, although you don’t want to be drunk in charge of a bike!
The Best Full Day Immersive Bordeaux Wine Tours
We’ve collated our five of the best full-day tours covering a variety of price ranges and inclusions. Something to suit everyone.
Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch in St Emilion
The first in our full-day tours is the super saver. It combines a workshop with lunch along with a trip to the most famous of the Bordeaux wine regions, Saint-Emilion.
The morning is spent in Bordeaux learning and tasting, followed by lunch in the city. Next is a visit to two chateaux in St Emilion for tours of the vineyards and more wine tasting.
This value-packed tour is limited to 8 people to ensure a more personalised experience.
What’s included:
- A two hour Wine Tasting Workshop with a minimum of 11 French wines paired with cheeses
- Lunch in the city centre
- A road trip to UNESCO listed Saint-Emilion
- A visit to two châteaux for a vineyard tour and wine tasting
- Local English-speaking guide
Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings
Combine two châteaux visits with a walk around the beautiful village of St Emilion. Enjoy tasting red and white wines from Saint-Emilion from the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region.
No need to worry about driving; you’ll be driven everywhere you need to go in an air-conditioned coach.
Starting at a chateau in St-Emilion you’ll learn about the effects the soil and climate have on the grapes before enjoying a 45-minute walking tour of the village.
The second chateau is a Grand Cru Classé chateau and you’ll tour the wine cellars before tasting some for yourself.
What’s included:
- An 8-hour day trip
- Visit two châteaux
- A walking tour of St Emilion village
- English speaking guide
- Wine tasting and vineyard tours
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
From Bordeaux: Full Day to Saint-Emilion and Medoc
Enjoy the morning in Saint-Emilion and the afternoon in the Medoc combining two of the best Bordeaux wine regions.
In a small group of no more than eight people, you’ll get to explore the village of St-Emilion as well as a grand cru tasting at Château la Croizille. Back to Bordeaux for a 3-course picnic lunch with a glass of wine before heading off for the Medoc.
Here you’ll get to do tastings at Château Siran and the grand cru classé Château Marquis. And no trip would be complete without a visit to the famous Château Margaux.
What’s included:
- Explore two Bordeaux appellations: Saint-Emilion and Margaux
- Tastings at three different wineries
- Picnic lunch and a glass of wine
- Guided tour of Saint-Emilion village
- English-speaking guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Luxurious full-day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla
If you really want to do it in style then this is the luxury full-day tour that tops our list.
This private tour starts with being picked up from your hotel in a Tesla by your chauffeur, who also doubles up as your guide. He’ll then take you to explore your chosen Bordeaux appellations, Saint-Émilion, Médoc or Sauternes.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll visit three châteaux, enjoy private tours and do plenty of wine tasting without the need to drive or plan anything.
Everything is taken care of for you so you can enjoy a VIP experience.
What’s included:
- 8-9 Hour Tour
- Private Tesla
- English-speaking Chauffeur/Guide
- 3 Châteaux Tours
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
Médoc Private Wine Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings
I have to say this is my favourite full-day tour because the region has some of the best wines, including Malbec, my favourite.
It’s a personalised private tour just for you, allowing you to explore the region which brings you not only Malbec but Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot too.
You’ll see winemaking villages such as Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, and St Estephe and have time to learn about Bordeaux wines, as well as tasting some robust reds.
What’s included:
- A visit to three wine châteaux in the Medoc
- Three guided tastings
- Private chauffeur and hotel pick-up
- A personalised tour
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
The Best Half-Day Bordeaux Wine Tours
If you’re looking to do a few smaller tours rather than a full day, we’ve curated some of our favourites. You can even make your own Cuvée.
Saint Emilion Half-Day Wine Tasting Trip
With over 400 5-star reviews, this wine tour is topping our list.
It’s history and wine combined as you’ll spend time in the UNESCO-listed medieval village of St-Emilion and enjoy wine-tasting in a grand cru estate. It’s the best of both worlds.
With numbers capped at eight, you’ll enjoy a semi-private tour and hear about the 8th-century Breton monk who first started growing grapes in this area.
And of course, you’ll get to sample some wines for yourself.
What’s included:
- 4 Hour-guided tour
- Short walking tour of St Emilion
- Red wine tastings in a Château
- Air-conditioned minibus
- English-speaking guide
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings
What better way to spend four hours than by driving through the beautiful Médoc region? And stopping off at two chateaux wine estates along the way.
Not only will you learn about the history of the Médoc Region, but the wine estates visited will be either Classified Growth or Crus Bourgeois appellations.
Producing some of the most renowned reds in the region, it’s a great opportunity to sample some of the wines you may have heard of but not tried.
Your route will take you along Route des Châteaux (castle road) where you’ll see the famous châteaux, Palmer and Margaux.
What’s included:
- 4 Hour-guided tour
- Wine tasting fees
- Air-conditioned minibus
- English-speaking guide
- Scenic drive through the Médoc Region
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
Make your own cuvée of Bordeaux wine
Earlier in this article, I told you about two brothers, Pierre and Geoffroy, who own Le Pied à Terre.
They offer wine tasting in Bordeaux city and now we’re adding a little bit of personalisation to that experience. You’ll have the opportunity to make your own cuvée of Bordeaux wine.
First comes the wine tasting where you’ll sample wines from the left bank of the Garonne river, the right bank and the Graves.
Then it will be your turn. Under the experienced hands of Pierre and Geoffory, you’ll get to have a go yourself by mixing your blend using different grape varieties.
You’ll even create your own label for your newly created wine. Such a fun and memorable thing to do.
What’s included:
- 3 Hour workshop
- Wine tasting
- Cheese and charcuterie
- The bottle of wine you create
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
Wine Tasting Tours By Bike, Sidecar or at Night
If you fancy something a little bit different then this collection of fun wine tours will be perfect. From the magic of the Médoc in a sidecar to biking around Bordeaux for some tastings, these tours have it all.
The Médoc in a sidecar
Not for the fainthearted this is by far the most fun way to take a tour of the Médoc.
Limited to two people, one goes in the sidecar and one behind the driver. Helmet and gloves and provided along with a knowledgeable tour guide to tell you everything you need to know about wine in the region.
It’s a fantastic way to see the beautiful countryside of the Médoc. You’ll also visit a château to partake in some wine tasting. The perfect way to spend a day.
What’s included:
- 3.5 Hour tour
- Sidecar and driver/guide
- Insurance
- Helmet & gloves
- Wine tasting at one château
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Wine Tour Tasting & Lunch
I always think there is no better way to explore the French countryside than on a bike.
And if that bike happens to be electric, meaning less work for me, all the better. That’s exactly what you get with this all-day wine-tasting bike tour.
You’ll leave Bordeaux in air-conditioned comfort and pick up your bike in the beautiful UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion.
As you cycle leisurely through the region, you’ll pass plenty of famous châteaux on your way.
Stopping off at a vineyard for a picnic lunch, you’ll learn all about the wine in the region and sample some for yourself.
What’s included:
- 8.5 Hour tour
- Air-conditioned transport to St Emilion
- A walking tour of St Emilion village
- English speaking guide
- Electric bike hire
- Picnic lunch
- 4 Wine tasting
- Guided tour of 2 chateaux: vineyards and cellars
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
3-Hour Night Tour with Food & Wine Tasting in Bordeaux
Just like Paris in the rain, Bordeaux at night is beautiful. And this walking tour combines food, wine and history as you stroll through the city at night.
Take in sights such as Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, the beautiful old gates of Bordeaux, and Place Camille Jullian, one of the hidden gems in the city.
You’ll finish your evening in Place Général Sarrail and indulge in cheese, charcuterie and Mezze from Lebanon washed down with some wonderful Bordeaux wine.
What’s included:
- 2 Hour walking tour at night
- Dinner
- Wine
- English-speaking guide
GET RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE SAINT EMILION DAY TRIP >>>
What to take with you on a Bordeaux Wine Tour
Having done my fair share of wine tours, I know what to look out for and those ‘must have’ items.
Sun hat – it can get pretty warm out in the vineyards. Keeping the sun off your head, shoulders, and neck will make it much more enjoyable.
Sunscreen – the last thing you want is to get burnt. So remember to take sunscreen with you, especially on an all-day tour.
A large bottle of water – although some tours provide water, you can never have too much. Between the sun and the wine, it’s easy to become dehydrated and end up with a headache.
Sensible shoes – I know it sounds boring, but in the vines, you’re likely to be walking in the dirt.
Appropriate clothing – the full-day tours are long so wear comfy shoes and clothing. You don’t want your feet to ache or feel too hot because you’re clothes aren’t appropriate.
Cash – I know that sounds funny in this digital age but in France, a little bit of cash goes a long way. Especially if you want to tip your guide.
I hope you enjoy your Bordeaux Wine Tour, whichever one you choose, and I’d love to hear about your experience.
Cheers! Santé! Tchin-tchin!
Life in Rural France