If you’re thinking of visiting the stunning and historic wine region of Bordeaux this year, one of the best ways to have an authentic experience is to book a private guided tour of Bordeaux with a local. You’ll get exclusive access to some of the best wineries and unique tasting experiences you might otherwise have missed.
France’s celebrated Bordeaux region is more than just a destination – it’s a smorgasbord of sensory delights. This iconic wine paradise has been a magnet for #Winetravelers. We’re frequently asked how best to traverse and immerse oneself in the area, and truly, there’s no more authentic way than to utilize a local-operated guided Bordeaux wine tour or tasting experience. These services provide you with local expertise, freeing you from worries about planning, logistics or driving. This means a richer exploration of the region without stress and with extra time.
RELATED: 30 Best Bordeaux Wineries You Must Visit within the Region
We’ve assembled a list of the top wine tours in Bordeaux, based on feedback and ratings from our readers. We only include tours that have received nothing but 5 star reviews. The list includes both group experiences and private wine tastings and excursions throughout the region. Whether you’re lodging within the idyllic Bordeaux countryside or planning a day trip from Paris, Lyon or Biarritz, we have your needs covered.
We’ve joined forces with Tripadvisor to offer our readers advanced secure booking and free cancellation on any Bordeaux wine tours booked through Winetraveler.com.
RECOMMENDED: Stay at These Luxury Bordeaux Châteaux While You Visit
Best Wine Tours & Wine Tasting Experiences in Bordeaux
Bordeaux Wine Tours from Bordeaux City
The city of Bordeaux makes for an ideal base for Bordeaux wine tours, thanks to its central location within the region. It offers effortless access to famed wine areas such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. An efficient transport system, including train and bus routes, guarantees smooth travel to various vineyards and wineries.
Bordeaux City boasts numerous tour operators that provide curated wine experiences catering to a wide range of preferences, from small boutique wineries to larger, globally-known estates. This, coupled with the city’s own vibrant cultural and gastronomic scenes, makes Bordeaux City the perfect launchpad for exploring Bordeaux’s wine country.
A la Francaise! Bordeaux: Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour in Medoc or St-Emilion from Bordeaux City
Engage your senses in an afternoon wine tasting journey in the beautiful French countryside of Bordeaux. This half-day tour offered by A la Francaise gives you the choice to explore either the historic St-Emilion or the exquisite Medoc, each offering their unique wine styles and picturesque châteaux.
Images courtesy A La Francaise!
This intimate experience involves not just tasting, but learning and appreciating. You will be taken to two carefully selected, charming châteaux where you’ll taste their fine wines and learn about their production. To enhance your tasting experience, Winetravelers are treated to a platter of local French specialties, including bread, cheese, and cured meat that pair perfectly with the wines.
To cap off your immersion in the world of wine, a mini-class from an expert will equip you with valuable wine tasting tips. This is an experience for both the novice and the seasoned #Winetraveler.
Highlights:
- Visit and explore two charming châteaux in your choice of either the St-Emilion or Medoc region.
- Delight in the tasting of four distinct wines, learning to appreciate their nuances.
- Savour a specially prepared French appetizer platter that complements the wine tasting.
- Benefit from an insightful mini-class offering expert wine-tasting tips.
- Enjoy a more personalized experience with this small-group tour, limited to just eight participants.
A la Francaise also offers dozens of other highly-rated tours throughout the Bordeaux region. You can browse additional tour options with them here.
Electric Bike Vineyard Tour and Wine Tastings in Saint-Émilion
Delve into the world of Bordeaux’s renowned wine appellations by embarking on a journey through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Émilion on an electric bike tour. Cover more ground with less effort on these power-assisted bikes, while soaking up the idyllic landscape that makes this region truly special.
RELATED: How to Pair Bordeaux Red Wines with all Kinds of Food
During your exploration, you will visit two distinctive chateaux wineries where the secrets of Bordeaux’s famous wines will be unraveled. Each visit is complemented by guided wine tastings that allow you to appreciate the nuances of the wines produced here.
Following your immersive wine encounters, enjoy a scenic picnic lunch among the vineyards, a perfect way to sample local delights while surrounded by nature’s beauty. Your journey concludes with a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, known for its captivating charm and historic importance.
This intimate tour experience ensures personalized attention with a small group size limited to just eight people. Round-trip transportation from Bordeaux is also included, providing a stress-free day of delightful wine exploration.
Highlights:
- Embark on an electric bike tour through the stunning vineyards of Saint-Émilion
- Enjoy guided wine tastings at two distinguished chateaux wineries in the region
- Indulge in a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by vineyards
- Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion on a walking tour
Private Médoc Luxury Wine Trip from Bordeaux in a Citroën DS Convertible
Experience the prestige of Bordeaux’s Médoc vineyards like never before with this luxury wine trip, custom-tailored to your unique tastes. Travel in style in a vintage 1973 Citroën DS Limousine Convertible, provided by Bordeaux Classic Cars, with a private chauffeur at your disposal, creating an unparalleled ambiance of charm.
Images via Bordeaux Classic Cars.
The Médoc vineyards stretch north of Bordeaux along the Gironde river, and are renowned for producing some of the region’s most distinguished wines. As you traverse the famed ‘Route des Chateaux’, admire the breathtaking views and the grandeur of the landscapes that have birthed these exquisite wines.
This fully customized tour allows you to craft your own itinerary, selecting from “Premier Cru” vineyards or boutique wineries based on your personal preferences. Enjoy guided wine tastings and savor the subtleties of the region’s varietals, and consider a stop at a gourmet restaurant for a culinary journey that complements your wine adventure (at your own expense).
Highlights:
- A luxurious journey in a vintage 1973 Citroën DS Limousine Convertible
- Personalized itinerary through Médoc’s premier wine regions
- Guided wine tastings at premier cru chateaux or boutique wineries
- Spectacular views along the ‘Route des Chateaux’
This private tour is available in half-day or full-day itineraries with pickup from Bordeaux, and prices start from $289.18. Luxuriate in the vintage elegance of the convertible limousine, with space for four, ensuring a comfortable and memorable excursion.
Private Tour in the Sauternes Wine Region – Discover Bordeaux’s Sweet Crus Classés
Step off the beaten path and dive into the sweet wines of Bordeaux with this special half-day tour in the Sauternes wine region, proudly brought to you by Bordo’Chateaux. The Sauternes region is the home of the world-renowned Château d’Yquem, a Cru Classe of 1855, where the grapes are nurtured in the mystical fog of the Ciron river and harvested late in the season while they acquire a much sought-after “noble rot.”
Images via Bordo’Chateaux.
Did you know that Sauternes holds the honor of being the second wine region in the prestigious Crus Classes of 1855? Let Bordo’Chateaux guide you through the vineyards where these acclaimed sweet wines are born. Visit small, charming family-owned estates and taste their carefully crafted, confidential wines. Discover that sweet wines are so much more than just dessert wines as you unravel the secrets of their production and unique characteristics.
Highlights:
- An intimate, half-day tour through the sweet wine region of Sauternes
- Visit to family-owned estates and tasting of exclusive, confidential wines
- Insight into the unique process of making sweet wines
- A peaceful escape to the countryside of Sauternes
Spend a tranquil afternoon in the delightful countryside of Sauternes. The selection of wineries visited on the tour is subject to change based on seasonal availability.
Prices for this intimate, private tour start from $211.33.
Bordeaux City – Private Guided Walking Tour with Your Local Guide, Sophia
Step into the heart of Bordeaux City with Sophia, your local guide, for a private, tailored walking tour that breathes life into the city’s history while offering a local’s perspective. This tour invites you to weave through the city’s most noteworthy sites as well as its hidden gems, all at your own pace.
Images via TheBordelais.
Customize the logistics of your tour to fit your preferences – adjust the start time, meeting point, and even the route to match your vacation plans. Stroll through different neighborhoods, exploring iconic monuments and absorbing the unique ambiance of each locale.
You’ll enjoy fascinating anecdotes and fun facts about the city and its rich culture. This personalized tour provides the perfect opportunity for you to ask any burning questions about Bordeaux in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
Book your personalized, private guided tour today to discover Bordeaux City like never before, from only $94.54.
Bordeaux Wine Country Private Day Tour with Winery Visits Operated by Atlas Bordeaux
Atlas Bordeaux takes the reins in this exclusive private day tour, delivering an unparalleled Bordeaux Wine Country experience. Let a certified wine professional curate an itinerary tailored to your interests, featuring visits to multiple Bordeaux wineries or even a Cognac destination. Dive into the splendors of Bordeaux’s wine heritage without the burden of planning and logistics, allowing you to fully savor this day of private, worry-free wine tastings.
Images via Atlas Bordeaux.
Sit back and relax as your transport is taken care of, liberating you to indulge in all the wine tastings you desire. Complement your tastings with an appetizing lunch at a locally owned spot, a traditional brasserie, or even a Michelin-starred restaurant, depending on your preference.
Exploring regions such as Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan, this tour is an immersive experience into the heart of Bordeaux’s wine culture, brought to life by the knowledgeable guides at Atlas Bordeaux.
Highlights of the Tour:
- An expertly curated, hassle-free wine country exploration that is customizable to your preferences
- Enjoy lunch at a choice of family-owned establishments, traditional brasseries, or Michelin-starred restaurants
- Transportation is arranged, allowing you to fully indulge in wine tasting without worry
- Visit renowned wine regions such as Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan.
Luxury Full Day Bordeaux Wine Tour in a Tesla
Experience the decadence of a private wine tour taken to new heights of luxury with Elexi Travel & Event. This special journey through Bordeaux’s renowned wine region is delivered in a Tesla, merging comfort and sustainability. Led by an experienced local wine guide who doubles as your driver, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Bordeaux wines and visit three prestigious chateaux. There’s also an option to customize your tour with a visit to a winery of your choice, subject to availability.
Images via Elexi Travel & Event.
This private tour is exclusively designed for your group of family and friends, providing an intimate and personalized experience. Starting your day with a convenient hotel pickup in the Bordeaux region, you’ll set out on an exploratory journey that covers the wine areas of Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Sauternes.
Comfort is paramount in this adventure, as you’re driven in the spacious interiors of a state-of-the-art Tesla, enhancing your wine discovery experience.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Exclusive private tour, ideal for groups of family and friends
- Convenient hotel pickup in the Bordeaux region
- Detailed insights into the wines of Saint-Émilion, Médoc, and Sauternes
- Luxurious, environmentally-friendly travel in a Tesla vehicle, chauffeured by a knowledgeable guide
Our guide Alex was a perfect guide for our full day wine tour in Bordeaux. His English is great, he’s very personable, wonderful driver and having grown up in Bordeaux Alex was able to offer his vast knowledge on not only the wine region but of Bordeaux itself. He listened to what we wanted to see on our tour and organized a great day for us in the 2 regions we wanted to explore to the best of his ability. We were aware that some of the wineries do not allow visitors and also in august a lot of the wineries close for summer holidays, so leaving the planning up to Alex definitely saved a lot of time and effort. The 4 people in the our group were comfortable in the Tesla X, Alex supplied water and even went out of his way to find a chemist and purchase some Panadol for one of our group who had a headache.
Overall we had a wonderful day and would very happily book Alex again next time we are in Bordeaux.
Dorin was my driver and he asked me what I was looking for from the wine tour. At each stop, he made sure the tour guide focused on those questions. I was so impressed by this that when another tour company canceled AGAIN last minute for day 2, I asked to book with Alex and Dorin AGAIN. They made it happen, this time in Saint Emillion, which is a beautiful quaint town. Dorin was patient with me the entire time, having to put up with the heat and walking to get to each destination. He even took me to chateaus that were not open, if only for the experience of appreciating the architecture and history. Bordeaux is so rich in culture and the books on it are never enough – local guides make it a more genuine experience. I can go on and on, but these guys saved my butt on the wine tours and I really can’t thank them enough for the true Bordeaux experience. THANK YOU!
Bordeaux Travel Logistics
Getting to Bordeaux
Major Airports in Bordeaux
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD): This is the principal airport serving Bordeaux and the surrounding areas in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Although it’s not the largest, its convenient location just 30 minutes from the city centre makes it the preferred choice for many travelers. Keep a lookout for current flight deals on Kayak for the best rates.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS): This is one of the largest airports in France with numerous international flight connections. Though it’s about a two-hour drive to Bordeaux, the extensive connections and shuttle services to Bordeaux make it a practical option.
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE): Another option for entering the region, especially for those exploring the greater Bordeaux region. It’s around a three-hour drive to Bordeaux, but the airport offers a number of domestic and international flights.
Arriving from Other Parts of France
France’s high-speed train network, the TGV, makes travelling to Bordeaux from other parts of the country both swift and convenient. The Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station is a major hub that connects the city to other French cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. This connectivity, combined with the efficiency of the TGV, means you can be sipping Bordeaux’s famous wines just a few hours after leaving Paris.
Getting Around Bordeaux
Public Transportation
Trains: The train system in Bordeaux is well developed, providing reliable connections not only between major cities but also to smaller towns in the region. The trains generally run on time and provide an efficient and economical way to travel.
Buses: For some of the more remote areas or smaller villages, buses are the only available form of public transport. Though not always as punctual as the trains, buses offer routes to areas trains can’t reach.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a wonderful option if you’re keen to discover the picturesque countryside and visit vineyards at your leisure. Remember that non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit along with their standard driver’s license to drive in France. Also, take note that many city centers in Bordeaux have restricted traffic zones, which are monitored by cameras. Unauthorized entry into these zones can result in fines.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are easily accessible in cities and larger towns. Uber is also available in Bordeaux, providing an additional convenient option for navigating the city.
Other Things to Know
Best Time to Visit
Bordeaux is a fantastic destination at any time of the year, but the most favorable times are generally between May and October when the weather is warm and the vineyards are in full bloom.
Language
French is the official language. However, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Currency
The Euro (€) is the official currency of France.
Safety
Bordeaux is generally safe for tourists, but as with any travel destination, always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.
Electricity
France operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type E.
Cities, Towns and Villages within Bordeaux
The region of Bordeaux, in the southwestern part of France, is famed worldwide for its premium wines and wine-making culture. However, aside from its prestigious vineyards and wine chateaux, Bordeaux is home to a diverse array of cities, towns, and villages, each one bursting with its own unique character, history, and attractions. This section delves into some of the must-visit places within the Bordeaux region, painting a vivid picture of the diverse experiences that await you in this enchanting wine capital of the world.
Bordeaux City
As the region’s capital, Bordeaux City is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and of course, wine. Its city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with Gothic cathedrals, grand mansions, and public squares lined with trendy boutiques and bistros. The city is also home to La Cité du Vin, a world-class wine museum that offers an immersive journey into the world of wine. With its central location and excellent transport links, Bordeaux City is a perfect starting point for day trips throughout the region.
Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village known for its eponymous world-class wines. The town’s monolithic church, carved from a limestone cliff, is a sight to behold, while its underground catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the town’s past. The village is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its historic vineyard landscape that has remained intact over the centuries.
Médoc
The Médoc region, stretching north of Bordeaux City, is an esteemed wine-making area dotted with prestigious wine chateaux. It’s a wonderful place to explore, with lush vineyards, pine forests, and a long sandy coastline perfect for relaxing walks. The region is also famous for the annual Marathon du Médoc, a unique event combining wine tasting and long-distance running.
Pomerol
Pomerol, although one of the smallest wine regions in Bordeaux, is a powerful name in the world of wine, producing some of the world’s most sought-after vintages. This quiet, rural area is an idyllic place to escape from the hustle and bustle, and to appreciate the simpler things in life, like a good glass of wine amidst the beauty of nature.
Graves and Sauternes
South of Bordeaux City, the regions of Graves and Sauternes are known for their diverse wines, from crisp whites to sweet dessert wines. These areas boast a rich history, with Graves being the oldest wine region in Bordeaux, and Sauternes home to the prestigious Château d’Yquem.
Arcachon Bay
Although not a wine-producing area, Arcachon Bay is worth a visit for its beautiful coastline, oyster farms, and the Great Dune of Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe. In fact, you can even book a tour by the coast in Arcachon, that includes pairing oysters with Bordeaux wines. The seaside town of Arcachon, with its charming villas and lively markets, is a delightful destination for food lovers.
These towns and cities, each with their own charm and specialties, contribute to making Bordeaux not only a top wine destination but also a rich cultural experience. From vineyards and chateaux to historic cities and sandy beaches, the region truly has something to offer every type of #Winetraveler.
Pin This Article for Later on Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions about Bordeaux Wine Tours
You are reading “The Best Wine Tours in Bordeaux & Wine Tasting Experiences to Book This Year”: Back To Top
wine tours from Bordeaux, Bordeaux wine tours, Bordeaux wine tours from Paris, wine tasting near Bordeaux, wine tasting near me: top French wine destinations to visit this year
If you enjoyed this guide, consider joining the Facebook Group to interact with other Winetravelers and for wine travel inspiration around the world. Be sure to follow us on both Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with our trending content.