Blind Tasting: 4 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience

The Blind Tasting: 4 Bordeaux Natural Wine + Cheese experience offers a focused, one-hour exploration of some of the region’s most exceptional natural wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie. For $31 per person, this tour delivers an engaging insight into Bordeaux’s wine complexity, making it an appealing choice for curious wine lovers and those wanting a concise yet informative tasting session in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The experience is designed to be accessible and fun, with live guidance from a knowledgeable sommelier who reveals the secrets behind Bordeaux wines, their regions, and how to pair them effectively with food.

While this tour is brief, it offers a deep dive into Bordeaux’s wine culture, emphasizing blind tasting techniques and teaching guests how to read French wine labels. The session concludes with a cheese and charcuterie platter, featuring local, organic products from small family chateaux, enhancing the tasting experience. It’s well-suited for those seeking a short, educational, and flavorful activity that balances wine tasting with cultural insights.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: This 1-hour experience costs $31 per person, making it accessible for a quick yet meaningful taste of Bordeaux wines.
• Expert-led learning: An experienced sommelier guides you through the tasting, sharing stories about winemakers, vintage, and Bordeaux wine regions.
• Blind tasting focus: Guests learn to discover wine flavors without bias through a blind tasting of 4 Bordeaux wines—1 white, 2 reds, and 1 sweet.
• Food pairing included: The tasting includes 3 cheeses and 2 types of dry meat, all locally sourced and organic.
• Educational tips: Learn how to read a French wine label and pair wine and food effectively, plus insights into what causes wine hangovers (spoiler: not sulphur).
• Accessible and flexible: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation if booked in advance, with pay later options for flexible planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Bordeaux Natural Wines and Cheese Experience in Detail

Starting Point: In Front of Saint Michel Church

This tour begins at the front of the Flamboyant Saint Michel Church, a lively and recognizable spot in Bordeaux. The central location makes it easy to find and convenient to access, setting the scene for an engaging and casual tasting session.

Meet Your Friendly, Knowledgeable Sommelier

One of the highlights is the approachability and expertise of the guide. The sommelier explains the stories behind each wine, including details about wine regions, grape varieties, and the 1855 classification, which is part of Bordeaux’s wine heritage. Guests appreciate how the guide makes complex topics easy to understand.

Exploring Bordeaux’s Wine Regions and Varieties

Throughout the session, you learn about different Bordeaux wine regions, discovering what makes each unique. The white wine offers a crisp introduction, the reds showcase Bordeaux’s renowned variety, and the sweet wine provides a charming contrast. The guide also teaches how to identify flavors and read labels, giving practical skills that can be used long after the tour ends.

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Discovering the Secrets of Blind Tasting

A key feature is the blind tasting segment, where you taste 4 wines without knowing their identity. The sommelier reveals the secrets of Bordeaux wine, helping participants understand how to evaluate wine flavors objectively. The approach is fun and educational, encouraging guests to trust their senses and learn more about wine characteristics.

Food and Wine Pairing: Cheese and Charcuterie Platter

The cheese platter features 3 types of cheeses, all local and organic, paired with 2 different dry meats. These accompaniments enhance the wine tasting, allowing for a practical lesson in pairing food and wine. The selection is thoughtfully curated, emphasizing small family chateaux and regional specialties.

Learning to Read French Wine Labels

An engaging part of the experience is learning how to read a French wine label. Guests gain insights into the terminology, classifications, and what to look for when selecting Bordeaux wines in stores or restaurants. This skill adds value for future wine shopping or dining experiences.

Insights into Sulfites and Hangovers

A fun fact shared during the tour is why wine can cause hangovers, clarifying that sulphur in wine is not the main culprit—fruits and vegetables contain more sulphur than wine. This information dispels common myths and helps guests feel more confident about enjoying wine responsibly.

Practical, Fun, and Educational Atmosphere

The tour maintains a relaxed and friendly environment, making it suitable for individuals, couples, or small groups. The reviews highlight a warm welcome and fun atmosphere, with some remarks about the guide’s English skills, which are generally very good. The experience is paced well, allowing enough time to savor each wine, ask questions, and enjoy the food.

Flexibility and Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and book now with pay later options provide flexibility for travel planning.

What’s Not Included?

Additional glasses of wine or extra food are not included in the price. Guests should plan accordingly if they wish to extend their tasting or add to their experience.

Overall Experience with the Bordeaux Natural Wine and Cheese Tasting

In just one hour, this experience manages to deliver a well-rounded introduction to Bordeaux wines, especially the region’s natural wines that are gaining popularity. The affordable price point and informative guidance make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in wine education or regional flavors.

Most reviews praise the knowledge of the sommelier, the quality of the wines, and the value for money. The inclusion of local cheeses and meats elevates the experience, making it more than just a tasting—it’s an opportunity to learn about Bordeaux’s wine culture and pairing techniques in a relaxed setting.

While some guests note minor language barriers or wish for more in-depth explanations, the overall impression is positive, especially for those seeking a short, enjoyable, and educational activity in Bordeaux.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, this activity is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women, as it involves wine tasting.

Can I join if I have allergies?
Yes, but it’s recommended to mention any allergies when booking**, so the provider can accommodate your needs, especially regarding the cheeses and meats.

What is included in the price?
The price includes the blind tasting of four Bordeaux wines (1 white, 2 reds, 1 sweet), 3 cheeses, 2 types of dry meats, and guidance from an experienced sommelier.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts 1 hour, making it a quick but rich experience perfect for a midday break or a short activity in Bordeaux.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired guests?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for guests with mobility needs.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby