What to Expect from a Bordeaux Wine Tour

The Travel Pages explains what to expect from a Bordeaux wine tour and individual vineyard tours at famous Bordeaux wine names like Margaux and Saint-Émilion.

When you’re used to seeing names like Cognac and Saint-Émilion on bottles, it can be a delightful surprise to see them on road signs and to realise that yes, they do really exist.

Where to Book a Bordeaux Wine Tour

One of the easiest ways to see them is on a wine tour from Bordeaux itself, which can be easily booked through the Tourist Information Office. Indeed, some of the châteaux will only open up for a pre-booked group visit, so while there’s a lot to be said for having the independence of your own car, there are advantages to joining a tour.

Most tours take all day and include three or four vineyard visits, with lunch at one of the stops. Most tours cater for both French and English speakers, and sometimes other languages too, but check before booking, just in case.

How to Drink Wine!

If you’re not used to drinking wine at 10.30 in the morning, remember that professionals spit out most if not all of the wine that they taste, and drink water or nibble bread in-between glasses. This both helps cleanse the palate and soak up the alcohol. No-one will raise an eyebrow if you do drain your glass, though be aware that you might do two tastings before lunch, with several glasses at each one, and some of the measures can be generous, so they will have an effect.

Bordeaux Vineyard Tours

You will learn a lot about wine on a vineyard tour. You not only see how it’s made but will start to appreciate the different methods used, and the dedication of the wine-makers. If you’re not sure what you’re meant to be doing, ask your guide for a quick lesson in tasting etiquette, and learn how to look at and sniff the wine, how to swirl it round the glass to release the bouquet, and how best to drink it to get the most out of it.

What to Expect from a Bordeaux Wine Tour

Tours are generally well-designed and take you to contrasting châteaux, so you might visit one large one, then a smaller family affair, a new château and an old château. Tours that visit some of the really prestigious châteaux, such as in the Margaux and Saint-Émilion regions, do full up quickly so book ahead. Wine-lovers know it is a rare chance to taste some exceptional wines. And you don’t have to spit out every single glass!

Wine tours are organised by, and can be booked at, the Tourist Information Office throughout the year, daily in summer but less frequently in winter. Schedules and topics vary so call in to get the current list of options and prices, and to book your ticket as places are limited.

Where to Book Your Bordeaux Wine Tour

Bordeaux Tourist Information Office
12 cours du XXX Juillet
33080 Bordeaux
Tel: 05 56 00 66 00
https://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/

There’s also a branch of the Tourist Office at the Saint-Jean Railway Station.

Bordeaux Tourist Information Office
Map (c) Google Maps