Magnificent Bordeaux
May 10-16th, 2026
Wine lovers around the world make the pilgrimage to France’s Wine Capital Bordeaux where the world’s most famous wines are created. From the northern village of Pauillac to the southern reaches of Sauternes and west to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, there is much to see and even more to taste…
Our tour starts on Sunday May 10, 2026 when we meet in Bordeaux for our luxury bus transfer to Saint-Émilion, a World UNESCO Heritage village. This is one of the most beautiful villages of France and it is the heart of the famous wine regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
We will fully immerse ourselves in wine and food! Our stay in Saint-Émilion will be at a lovely boutique hotel in the centre of the village. Excellent wine bars, wine shops, and restaurants make for lessons in self-control. A fun cooking class reminds us that wine is just another food group, meant to enhance the meal and the pure conviviality of every dining experience. Another evening will be a night “off” so you can explore the wine bars and restaurants on your own.
To get a better sense of the ‘terroir’ we will spend a day bicycling through the rolling hills, learning to appreciate the subtle changes in altitude and aspect. For those who prefer a less strenuous mode of transportation, we will arrange van transfers. There will be booked visits at famous Chateaux, with tours and tastings with winemakers and owners.
Wednesday we move to the “left Bank” of Bordeaux. Here we will spend 3 days visiting the villages of the Medoc that have long been immortalized - Margaux, Pauillac, St. Julian, St. Estephe. We will visit at least one estate in each village including one of the most famous ‘First Growth’ wineries, Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Walking through the vineyards, chatting with winemakers, and tasting the wines on their own and then with the delicious meals offered at the estates. One day will be dedicated to the wines of Sauternes and the Graves regions.
Staying in Bordeaux will allow us to enjoy this amazing city, often described as “little Paris”. A walking tour is a must to get a sense of the history and experience the sheer beauty of the old town. Plan a walk along the river and a visit to the weekend market to savour the sights and flavours Bordeaux is famous for. We encourage people to arrive early or stay a few days after the tour to enjoy a weekend in Bordeaux. The city has much to offer!
Our Boutique, Hotel First Name Bordeaux, offers very comfortable accommodations with corner rooms that are larger than usual and with park and city views. The roof top “speak easy” is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail at the end of the day.
Bordeaux is a well-connected hub to many other city centres and regions with an International Airport and a train station offering high speed direct trains to Paris.
The distances between wineries and the town of Bordeaux will be up to an hour some days. Our comfortable tour bus will make travel enjoyable. And the surprise quizzes help to pass the time! This will be a 7-day, 6-night experience. Ground transportation, all meals (except 1 supper so you can explore Bordeaux), accommodations, special tours, Bicycle rental, cooking class, and wine tours and tastings will be covered.
