The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tours in Bordeaux

There’s something magical about sipping a glass of wine right where the grapes were grown. If you’re dreaming of vineyard-lined roads, elegant châteaux, and sipping world-class Bordeaux with views over rolling hills, then you’re in the right place. Welcome to Bordeaux. One of the most legendary wine regions on Earth.

Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or someone who can’t tell a Merlot from a Malbec (yet!), Bordeaux offers something unforgettable. From private tastings in centuries-old cellars to relaxed bike tours through scenic countryside, there’s a wine tour for every kind of traveler.

This guide is your go-to resource for planning the perfect wine tour in Bordeaux. From types of tours and top-rated companies to can’t-miss châteaux and practical tips, we’ve got it all covered.

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Quick Overview of the Bordeaux Wine Region

Bordeaux isn’t just a city. It’s a sprawling wine-producing region with over 120,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 6,000 wine estates. Located in southwest France, Bordeaux sits at the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, which form the Gironde estuary, a geographical feature that plays a vital role in the region’s viticulture.

The region is divided into several sub-regions, including:

• Left Bank: Médoc and Graves (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant)
• Right Bank: Saint-Émilion and Pomerol (Merlot dominant)
• Entre-Deux-Mers: Known for its crisp whites
• Sauternes & Barsac: Famous for luscious, sweet wines

Bordeaux wines are often blends, with common grapes including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon.

Fun fact: Bordeaux has 65 appellations (AOCs), more than any other wine region in France!

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Types of Wine Tours in Bordeaux

Not all wine tours are created equal, and that’s a good thing! Whether you want to explore at your own pace or enjoy VIP treatment, here’s a look at the different kinds of wine tours available in Bordeaux.

Group Tours

Group tours are a fantastic way to experience Bordeaux on a budget without sacrificing quality. These tours often include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to 2–3 châteaux in a day. This Médoc group tour is a great example. Taste wines from top châteaux and meet fellow wine lovers from around the world.

Pros:

• Affordable (starting from around €90 per person)
• Great for solo travelers or extroverts
• Often includes tastings and transportation

Cons:

• Less flexibility
• Can feel rushed or crowded

Private Tours

If you’re after a more exclusive experience, A private Bordeaux wine tour is the way to go. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of friends, private tours let you tailor your itinerary.

Pros:

• Fully customizable
• Access to high-end or off-the-beaten-path châteaux
• Flexible pacing

Cons:

• Pricier (typically €250–€600+ per day)

Self-Guided Tours

Prefer to wander on your own schedule? A self-guided wine tour gives you complete control. Rent a car, use public transport, or even rent an e-bike and cycle from village to village.

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility
• Can be cost-effective
• Discover hidden gems

Cons:

• Requires planning (appointments often necessary)
• Risk of getting lost or missing out

Tip from personal experience: If you’re driving, keep in mind that French law has a strict BAC limit (0.05%), so you’ll want a designated driver or very moderate tastings.

Luxury Wine Tours – Chauffeured, Gourmet, and Indulgent

Want to splurge? Bordeaux offers high-end wine tours complete with private chefs, luxury hotels, and helicopter transfers.

Pros:

• White-glove service
• Includes rare wines and estate access
• Often combines spa treatments, gourmet dining, and more

Cons:

• Very expensive (can range from €700 to €3,000+ for a package)

Bike or E-Bike Tours – Active and Scenic

If you’re active and want to soak in the natural beauty of Bordeaux, consider a cycling tour, especially in areas like Saint-Émilion. This e-bike wine tour in Saint-Émilion blends adventure, history, and some unforgettable sips.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly and healthy
• Immersive and scenic
• Slower pace to take it all in

Cons:

• Weather-dependent
• Requires a decent fitness level (unless using an e-bike)

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Best Wine Tour Companies in Bordeaux

Navigating Bordeaux’s wine scene can feel overwhelming. That’s why choosing the right tour company makes all the difference. Here are some of the top-rated options:

1. Ophorus

Tour Highlight: Saint-Émilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux

If you want a polished, professional tour that combines cultural heritage with wine tasting, Ophorus is an excellent choice. Their Saint-Émilion half-day trip is one of the most popular and for good reason: you’ll explore a UNESCO-listed medieval village, visit a Grand Cru wine estate, and enjoy a guided walk through charming cobblestone streets lined with artist galleries and historic landmarks.

What’s Included:

• Guided visit to Saint-Émilion village
• Wine tasting at a Grand Cru estate
• Air-conditioned minivan transport
• Free time to explore

Why We Love It:
It’s a great balance of structured activities and free exploration. Perfect if you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on experience.

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2. À la Française Bordeaux

Tour Highlight: Médoc or Saint-Émilion Wine Tasting and Château Experience

À la Française specializes in intimate, small-group tours with a hands-on, friendly approach. Choose between a half-day trip to the Médoc or Saint-Émilion, where you’ll taste wines at both a prestigious château and a family-run winery. The tour also includes a French appetizer platter (yes, cheese and charcuterie!) and a mini wine-tasting workshop to help you sip like a pro.

What’s Included:

• Visits to two wineries (one prestigious, one family-owned)
• Guided tastings with cheese and charcuterie
• Wine-tasting tips from a local expert
• Small-group size (max 8 people)

Why We Love It:
The blend of learning, tasting, and a relaxed social atmosphere makes this a top pick for couples or friends looking for something educational but fun.

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3. OT Bordeaux (Bordeaux Tourist Office)

Tour Highlight: Half-Day Wine Tour Across Bordeaux’s Vineyards

If you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option, the Office de Tourisme de Bordeaux offers well-organized half-day wine tours to regions like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, or even Sauternes. Travel by coach and explore the inner workings of historic wineries, including guided cellar tours and tastings.

What’s Included:

• Air-conditioned coach transport
• Visits to one or two wineries
• Guided tastings and cellar tours
• Professional tour guide

Why We Love It:
A great option for spontaneous travelers or those on a budget. You’ll still get the essentials — beautiful scenery, classic Bordeaux wines, and expert-led tastings.

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4. BWT SAS – Bordeaux Wine Trails

Tour Highlight: Saint-Émilion Afternoon Tour – 2 Wineries, Tastings & Delicacies

If you’re someone who prefers a personal touch, Bordeaux Wine Trails excels in intimate, immersive wine experiences. Their Saint-Émilion afternoon tour hits all the right notes: you’ll visit two wineries (including a Grand Cru estate), walk the historic village streets, and enjoy tastings paired with regional cheeses and delicacies. Their small-group format (often no more than 8 people) ensures lots of one-on-one interaction.

What’s Included:

• Tours and tastings at two wineries
• Walking tour of Saint-Émilion
• Local snacks (cheese, bread, delicacies)
• Round-trip transport from Bordeaux

Why We Love It:
This is the kind of tour where you really get to connect with the winemakers, the land, and your fellow travelers. Authenticity is their signature.

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5. Olala Bordeaux

Tour Highlight: Introduction to Bordeaux Wines with Cheese & Charcuterie Pairing

Looking for a more laid-back, urban wine experience? Olala Bordeaux offers a fantastic introduction to local wines. Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. Hosted at a cozy Bordeaux wine bar, this intimate session lets you taste three different wines while learning the fundamentals of winemaking from a passionate local instructor. The wines are perfectly paired with a charcuterie board, and the whole experience feels more like a fun hangout than a structured tour.

What’s Included:

• Three wine tastings
• Expert-led wine introduction
• Charcuterie platter
• Private and small group options

Why We Love It:
It’s the ideal warm-up before diving into vineyard tours or a great standalone experience if you’re staying in the city.

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Top Wine Châteaux to Visit (with Highlights)

There are thousands of châteaux in Bordeaux, and while you can’t see them all, here are some top picks organized by sub-region.

1. Médoc

• Château Margaux – Legendary First Growth, stunning neoclassical architecture
• Château Pichon Baron – Photogenic and known for structured Cabernet blends
• Château Palmer – Biodynamic wines with finesse and aging potential

2. Saint-Émilion

• Château La Dominique – Bold wines and a rooftop restaurant with views
• Château Troplong Mondot – Premier Grand Cru Classé with a luxe onsite hotel
• Château Coutet – Family-run, certified organic, and full of charm

3. Graves & Pessac-Léognan

• Château Haut-Brion – One of the oldest estates in France and a First Growth
• Château Pape Clément – Beautiful gardens and historical significance
• Domaine de Chevalier – Known for both red and exceptional white Bordeaux

4. Sauternes

• Château d’Yquem – The crown jewel of sweet wines (by appointment only)
• Château Guiraud – Organic and elegant, with charming grounds
• Château La Tour Blanche – Offers educational tours and tastings

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Planning Your Wine Tour: Practical Tips

• Book ahead: Many châteaux require appointments, especially the prestigious ones. Platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide make it easy to book in advance.
• Dress smart-casual: Comfort is key, but dressy enough to blend in at high-end estates.
• Stay hydrated: Bring water and snacks.
• Don’t overbook: 2–3 châteaux per day is ideal.
• Learn a few French phrases: A “Bonjour” goes a long way!

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Sample Wine Tour Itineraries

One-Day Tour: Saint-Émilion & Two Châteaux

• Morning: Depart from Bordeaux
• Mid-morning: Visit Château La Gaffelière (Premier Grand Cru)
• Lunch: Picnic or eat in the village
• Afternoon: Château Coutet (organic and intimate)
• Late afternoon: Explore medieval Saint-Émilion on foot

Weekend Wine Itinerary

Day 1: Médoc

• Château Pichon Baron
• Lunch at Café Lavinal in Bages
• Château Margaux or Château Palmer

Day 2: Saint-Émilion

• Château Troplong Mondot (morning tour + lunch)
• Walk through Saint-Émilion’s underground monolithic church
• Château La Dominique (afternoon tasting)

Luxury 3-Day Tour

Day 1: Chauffeured visit to Left Bank First Growths
Evening: Michelin-starred dinner in Bordeaux

Day 2: Saint-Émilion Grand Crus + Spa at Les Sources de Caudalie

Day 3: Sauternes tasting at Château d’Yquem, with helicopter return

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Where to Stay in Wine Country

• Budget: Hotel de Tourny (Bordeaux), Ibis Styles
• Mid-range: Les Logis de la Tour (Saint-Émilion), Château Grattequina
• Luxury: Les Sources de Caudalie, Château Troplong Mondot, Le Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux

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Wine Shopping & Shipping Tips

• Tax refund: Non-EU visitors can get VAT refunds on large purchases.
• Shipping: Many châteaux offer international shipping. Consolidate at wine shops like L’Intendant or La Vinothèque in Bordeaux.
• Know import laws: Check your home country’s customs limits.

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Final Thoughts

Bordeaux is more than just a wine lover’s paradise. It’s a journey through history, terroir, and timeless elegance. Whether you go big with a luxury tour or simply wander through Saint-Émilion with a glass in hand, your experience will be rich, flavorful, and unforgettable.

I hope you found this guide helpful in planning your wine tasting adventure. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments below.

Ready to sip, swirl, and explore? Start your adventure by booking a Bordeaux wine tour here.