Full-Day gourmet tour & Medoc visit & tasting

Discover Bordeaux’s Charm and the Medoc Vineyards in One Day

The Full-Day Gourmet Tour & Medoc Visit & Tasting offers an engaging way to explore Bordeaux’s vibrant city streets alongside its renowned wine estates. Priced at $221 per person, this 8-hour journey combines cultural discovery and wine tasting, perfect for those who appreciate authentic French “Art de vivre”. The tour is tailored for small groups—limited to 8 participants—ensuring an intimate experience guided by knowledgeable professionals.

What makes this tour stand out is its seamless blend of city walks, local food stops, and prestigious vineyard visits. The tour’s highlights include a guided walk through UNESCO-listed Bordeaux, tastings at three local producers, and visits to two renowned châteaux with tasting sessions. The entire experience is designed to give a genuine taste of Bordeaux’s history, architecture, gastronomy, and wine culture. It is particularly suited for those seeking an all-in-one day trip that balances cultural sights with the pleasures of wine and food.

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Key Points

• Includes city walking tour of Bordeaux’s historic center and UNESCO classification
• Tastings at three local producers: cannelé, cheese, and charcuterie shop
• Visits to two wineries, including a prestigious 1855 Growth Château with a dedicated tasting
• Lunch is free, with guide recommendations for local eateries
• Approximately five to six wines sampled throughout the day
• Small group size for a more personalized experience
• Transportation in a comfortable minivan ensures smooth travel between stops

Starting at Bordeaux’s Heart: Pl. des Quinconces

The tour begins at the iconic 2792 Pl. des Quinconces, right in the center of Bordeaux. From here, the guide leads you through the city’s 18th-century streets, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007. The walk lasts around two hours, offering insights into Bordeaux’s architecture, history, and key landmarks.

On certain days—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—participants sample the famous Bordeaux cannelé, a sweet pastry with a caramelized crust and tender interior. This is a delightful way to start the day, setting the tone for the local culinary experience. The guide shares stories about Bordeaux’s history, making the city’s streets come alive during this lively walk.

Exploring Bordeaux’s Cheese and Charcuterie Scene

Next, the tour stops at 52 Rue des Remparts, a renowned cheese shop. Here, cheeses like Comté, Roquefort, and Brie are presented and sampled, giving an authentic taste of regional dairy craftsmanship. The guide explains the cheese’s origins and how they pair with Bordeaux wines.

Followed by a visit to 8 Rue Michel Montaigne, a local pork butcher shop, where cured meats and charcuterie are showcased. Guests enjoy a platter of local charcuterie paired with a glass of Bordeaux wine, highlighting the region’s rich tradition of cured meats and wine pairings. These stops are compact but offer a genuine taste of local flavors, adding depth to the city exploration.

Enjoy a Relaxed Lunch Break in Bordeaux

After the morning’s activities, the tour offers free time for lunch, with the guide providing recommendations of nearby restaurants. This flexibility allows guests to choose their preferred spot—whether a cozy bistro or a casual café—while still staying within the heart of Bordeaux. The lunch break typically lasts about an hour, giving ample time to relax and soak in the city’s atmosphere before heading to the vineyards.

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Journey from Bordeaux to the Medoc Region

At 2:00 PM, the group departs Bordeaux by minivan for the Medoc wine region. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes along the scenic “chateaux route”, which showcases the area’s famous vineyard landscape. During the ride, the guide shares insights about Bordeaux’s wine history and the unique qualities of Medoc wines.

This route leads to the prestigious 1855 Growth Classified Château, such as Château Marquis de Terme or Château Dauzac. The visit lasts over an hour, offering a tour of the vineyards, vat room, and cellars. The highlight is a tasting session paired with an aperitif platter featuring cheese, dark chocolate, bread, and dry sausage, exposing guests to the classic textures and aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux grape varieties.

Visiting Château Margaux for Photos

A quick photo stop at Château Margaux offers a chance to admire one of Bordeaux’s most famous wineries. Although no tasting takes place here, the iconic vineyard estate provides a beautiful backdrop for photos and a glimpse into Bordeaux’s wine prestige.

Tasting at a Family-Run Estate

The day concludes with a visit to a family-run estate winery in Medoc, where a final wine tasting takes place. Guests sample several wines, generally five to six, gaining insight into the craftsmanship and regional character of Bordeaux wines. This intimate tasting in a local estate adds a personal touch to the experience, emphasizing Bordeaux’s family traditions.

Returning to Bordeaux’s City Center

By 6:30 PM, the group is transported back to Pl. des Quinconces, ending the tour on a relaxed note. The convenient return point makes it easy to explore further or head to accommodation after the full day of exploration.

Logistics and What’s Included

The tour includes a city historical walk, tastings at three local producers, lunch with guide recommendations, visits and tastings at two wineries, and transportation in a minivan. The guide is friendly and professional, and tours are conducted in English and French.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes for walking and be aware that pets are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old or those with mobility impairments. The small group size ensures personalized attention, but the tour may be canceled if only one participant books, due to minimum requirements.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This full-day experience offers a well-balanced mix of urban exploration and vineyard visits, making it ideal for those wanting an authentic taste of Bordeaux’s culture, food, and wine. The inclusion of local delicacies and visits to prestigious châteaux distinguishes it from more straightforward wine tours.

The small-group format fosters a warm, engaging atmosphere, and the expert guides enhance the learning and tasting experience. The free time for lunch allows flexibility, and the timing ensures a leisurely pace without feeling rushed.

Considerations and Limitations

While the tour offers a comprehensive experience, some may find that vehicles lack a speaker system, making it harder to hear all commentary during the drive, especially in the afternoon. Also, accessibility is limited, as the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or very young children.

The price of $221 reflects the inclusion of multiple tastings, expert guiding, and transportation, offering good value for a full-day curated experience. However, it does not include hotel pick-up or lunch, leaving those arrangements up to participants.

Final Thoughts on the Full-Day Gourmet & Medoc Tour

This tour provides a rich combination of history, gastronomy, and regional wine. It appeals to those who want a structured yet relaxed day immersed in Bordeaux’s culinary and vinicultural traditions. The expert guides and prestigious vineyard visits make it a compelling choice for wine lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

While not tailored for those with mobility issues or very young children, most you will find the pacing comfortable and the experience well worth the $221 investment. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to deepen their understanding of Bordeaux’s wine heritage while enjoying its food scene and city sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a historical city walking tour, tastings at three local producers, free-time lunch with recommendations, visits and tastings at two châteaux, five to six wine samples, a French appetizer platter, and transportation in a minivan.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts 8 hours, starting in the morning and ending in the early evening.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking. The tour does not permit pets, and children under 4 years old are not accepted.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 2792 Pl. des Quinconces, on the stairs of the big column with the fountain.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, guests should have a ticket to access the vans, including children. The tour requires a minimum of two participants to run and can be canceled if only one person books.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?
No, it is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to walking and touring activities.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is the tour conducted in?
Tours run in English and French.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are recommendations for nearby restaurants.

Will I see Château Margaux?
Yes, there is a photo stop in front of Château Margaux, an iconic Bordeaux estate, but no tasting occurs there.

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