Bordeaux: Wine tasting with a DipWSET, CMS Certified Sommelier

Discover Bordeaux Wines with a Certified Sommelier in Just 1.5 Hours

For anyone visiting Bordeaux and eager to deepen their wine knowledge, this wine tasting with Guadalupe, a DipWSET and CMS Certified Sommelier, offers a focused and engaging experience. Priced at $59.86 per person, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and features a carefully curated selection of Bordeaux wines paired with French cheeses. The session is designed to be accessible, with no prior wine knowledge needed, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

This intimate experience takes place at L’ampélo, cave à manger in Bordeaux, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention. An added option allows tasting 3 additional Premium wines, including Grand Cru Classé and Classified Bordeaux wines, bringing the total to 7 wines paired with cheeses in a 2-hour session. The guide, Guadalupe, leads the workshop in a fun and interactive style, sharing expert insights on Bordeaux’s unique wine appellations, soils, and blends.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $59.86 for 1 hour 30 minutes, with an optional extended tasting.
• Expert Guide: Led by Guadalupe, a DipWSET and CMS Certified Sommelier with local expertise.
• Wine Selection: Tastes include 1 Sparkling, 1 White, and 2 Reds, with an option for 3 Premium Bordeaux wines.
• Food Pairing: Accompanied by a platter of French cheeses, enhancing the tasting experience.
• Educational Focus: Learn about Bordeaux’s appellations, soil types, classifications, and how to read wine labels, all in an interactive setting.
• Booking and Accessibility: This tour is booked 79 days in advance on average, with a mobile ticket for convenience and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Bordeaux

The tour departs from L’ampélo, cave à manger at 3 Rue Gobineau in central Bordeaux. It begins at 5:30 pm and concludes back at the same location, making it easy to incorporate into your evening plans. Since the activity is limited to 10 participants, it offers a cozy environment where questions and personal interactions are encouraged.

The tour’s location near public transportation makes it accessible for most travelers, and the mobile ticket system simplifies check-in. Not including private transportation, guests should plan accordingly to arrive on time for the start.

Exploring Bordeaux’s Wine Region in a Compact Workshop

This tasting workshop is designed to cover Bordeaux’s wine history, appellations, and classifications. Guadalupe guides participants through the intricate details that make Bordeaux wines famous — from soil types and grape varieties to blends and aging processes. The focus remains practical, emphasizing how to read wine labels and identify wines’ characteristics, providing skills that last well beyond the tasting.

The 4 wines included are carefully selected to showcase Bordeaux’s diversity: a sparkling Cremant de Bordeaux, a crisp white wine, and two rich red wines. Each is paired with a French cheese platter to highlight the wine’s flavors and aromas. Those opting for the premium option will taste 3 additional Grand Cru Classe and Classified Bordeaux wines, making the experience both educational and luxurious.

The Guide: Guadalupe, a Local and Experienced Sommelier

The tour is led by Guadalupe, a local Bordeaux resident with DipWSET and CMS certifications. Known for her friendly and engaging style, she ensures participants understand complex concepts in a fun and approachable manner. Her expertise shines through as she shares insights into Bordeaux’s wine traditions and helps guests identify aromas and flavors that make Bordeaux wines stand out.

Guests are encouraged to ask questions freely and receive tips and advice from Guadalupe, making the experience highly interactive. Her local knowledge and professional credentials add an extra layer of credibility and enjoyment to the tasting.

The Tasting Experience: Wines and Cheese Pairings

During the 1:30-hour workshop, guests taste 4 different wines: a sparkling Cremant, a white Bordeaux, and two reds. These are served in tasting pours, allowing participants to savor each wine fully. The cheeses and charcuterie platter complements the wines, making the tasting both flavorful and educational.

For those choosing the extra premium option, the additional 3 wines include prestigious Bordeaux classifications, offering a taste of some of the region’s finest offerings. The paired cheeses enhance the aromas and textures, creating a well-rounded sensory experience.

Learning Without Prior Knowledge Needed

This workshop is designed for all levels, requiring no previous wine expertise. Guadalupe ensures every participant gains a solid understanding of Bordeaux’s wine landscape through interactive explanations and tastings. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll find value in the clear and approachable guidance.

Everyone can ask questions about wine labels, classifications, or tasting techniques, making the session both informative and enjoyable for all.

The Premium Wine Tasting Option: An Elevated Bordeaux Experience

The additional option to taste 3 Premium Bordeaux wines, including Grand Cru Classe and Classified wines, elevates the experience. It allows guests to explore some of Bordeaux’s most esteemed wines, known for their exceptional quality and aging potential.

This upgrade increases the total number of wines tasted to 7, with the session extending to 2 hours. The pairing with French cheeses remains consistent, offering a luxurious perspective on Bordeaux’s wine hierarchy.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Group Size

Advance booking is recommended, with an average of 79 days in advance. The tour’s small group size of up to 10 travelers ensures an intimate setting for personalized interaction.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility should plans change. The activity starts promptly at 5:30 pm at the meeting point, and the mobile ticket system streamlines entry.

Who Will Enjoy This Bordeaux Wine Workshop?

This tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Bordeaux’s unique wines in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s perfect for beginners who want to understand wine labels and classifications or more seasoned wine lovers seeking a refined tasting of Bordeaux’s best-known styles. The inclusion of French cheeses enhances the sensory experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate pairing food and wine.

The small group setting and knowledgeable guide make this experience both educational and personable. It’s particularly suited for visitors looking for a short, focused, and fun introduction to Bordeaux wines.

The Sum Up: A Compact and Expert-Guided Bordeaux Wine Tasting

This 1.5-hour wine tasting offers an excellent introduction to Bordeaux’s wines thanks to Guadalupe’s expert guidance and engaging teaching style. The inclusion of 4 wines paired with cheeses provides a rich sensory experience, while the optional premium upgrade introduces some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated wines.

Priced reasonably at $59.86, the tour combines educational value with enjoyment, making it a smart choice for those who want to quickly understand Bordeaux’s wine diversity without a lengthy commitment. The small group size and personalized attention ensure that each participant gains insights tailored to their interests.

If you seek a fun, informative, and delicious introduction to Bordeaux wines, this workshop is a highly recommended option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The standard tasting lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with an optional extension to 2 hours when tasting additional premium wines.

Who leads the tour?
The experience is guided by Guadalupe, a DipWSET and CMS Certified Sommelier, known for her friendly and knowledgeable approach.

What wines are included in the basic tasting?
Guests taste 1 Cremant de Bordeaux (sparkling), 1 White Bordeaux, and 2 Reds, paired with three French cheeses.

Can I upgrade to taste more wines?
Yes, an additional option allows tasting 3 premium Bordeaux wines, including Grand Cru Classe and Classified selections.

Are there any food options?
Yes, the wines are paired with a plate of French cheeses, with some options including charcuterie.

What is the location of the meeting point?
The tour starts and ends at L’ampélo, cave à manger, 3 Rue Gobineau, Bordeaux.

Is prior wine knowledge necessary?
No, the experience is designed to be fun and accessible for all levels, with Guadalupe providing clear explanations.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is typically made around 79 days in advance, but availability may vary.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, the maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.