Professional – Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting with a walking tour

If you’re eager to explore Bordeaux’s vibrant wine scene combined with its historic streets, the Professional Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting with a walking tour offers a compelling experience. Priced at $67.78 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour is designed to introduce you to Bordeaux’s rich vinous history while walking through its UNESCO-listed neighborhoods. With an excellent 5.0 rating based on 216 reviews, it stands out as a highly recommended choice, especially for those interested in tasting local wines paired with delicious cheeses. The tour features visits to notable sites like Cité du Vin and Old Wine Merchant street, with stops that highlight the city’s influential role in wine trade.

While the tour is quite engaging and educational, it is best suited for those who appreciate walking and are comfortable with a moderate pace. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, fostering an intimate setting. The inclusion of a guided wine and cheese pairing and insights from a knowledgeable sommelier make this tour particularly attractive for wine enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Overall, it offers a well-rounded glance at Bordeaux’s wine culture paired with a scenic city walk, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $67.78, this tour offers excellent value for a guided wine and cheese experience with city sightseeing.
• Compact Duration: The 2-hour walking tour balances sightseeing with tasting, perfect for an afternoon activity.
• Expert Guidance: A sommelier-led tasting provides professional insights and pairing advice, enhancing your wine knowledge.
• Walking Through UNESCO Streets: The tour explores Bordeaux’s historic Chartrons district and iconic landmarks.
• Multiple Stops: Highlights include Old Wine Merchant street, Pont de Pierre, Cité du Vin, and a blind wine tasting in a local wine bar.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellations are available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

Starting Point at 64 Quai des Chartrons

The tour begins in Chartrons, an area famously known as Old Wine Merchant street, on the Port de la lune, a nickname for Bordeaux’s historic port area. This UNESCO-listed district teems with history, gorgeous architecture, and lively wine trade past. The meeting point at 64 Quai des Chartrons is convenient, close to public transportation, and marks the beginning of your scenic stroll.

The initial moments focus on the vibrant atmosphere of the district, setting the tone for a leisurely walk rich in stories of Bordeaux’s wine trade, especially its importance for international merchants. The tour’s emphasis on local history makes it ideal for guests curious about Bordeaux beyond its wine cellars.

Exploring Bordeaux’s Riverside Quais

Walking along the Quais De Bordeaux, the tour offers stunning views of the Garonne River. A key highlight is learning about the port’s historical role in Bordeaux’s trade and wine export. This section provides an excellent photo opportunity and helps contextualize the city’s development as a wine hub.

The guide shares insights into how Bordeaux’s river trade influenced its wine industry, and the views of the river add a scenic backdrop to your city walk. While no admission fee is required here, the setting offers a compelling visual of Bordeaux’s connection to its vinous roots.

Viewing Historic Bridges: Pont de Pierre and Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas

Guests will see the Pont de Pierre, an early 19th-century bridge built for Napoleon Bonaparte. Although the bridge isn’t visited up close, its historical significance as one of Bordeaux’s oldest bridges makes it an engaging point for storytelling.

Similarly, the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas stands out for its innovative engineering. From a distance, the bridge’s modern design impresses, and the guide explains the technological advances behind its construction, paralleling this with innovations in wine-making. These landmarks connect Bordeaux’s past and present, illustrating the city’s evolving infrastructure and trade.

Visiting Iconic Religious and Cultural Sites

The Eglise Saint Louis des Chartrons is highlighted for its architectural beauty and historical importance. The guide discusses the church’s role in the community and its distinct style, adding depth to the walk through this lively district.

Next, the Cité du Vin, a modern museum dedicated to wine, is visible from afar. While it isn’t visited closely, the guide explains its significance as the world’s largest wine exposition museum. Visitors gain insights into Bordeaux’s wine regions and grape varieties, enriching their understanding of regional diversity.

The Twin House and Foreign Influence on Bordeaux Wine Trade

The tour features a stop at the 29 Quai des Chartrons, where you see the Maisons Jumelles—a twin house once inhabited by a foreign wine merchant. This highlights the critical role of international traders in Bordeaux’s wine history, emphasizing Bordeaux’s global connections. The story behind this house reveals how foreign influence shaped local wine trading practices.

The Highlight: Chartrons and the Blind Wine Tasting

The tour’s most memorable segment takes place in Chartrons, where guests participate in a blind wine tasting paired with cheese and baguette. Led by a sommelier guide, this experience encourages opening up your senses—sniffing, sipping, and savoring Bordeaux wines in a relaxed setting.

The tasting lasts about 30 minutes and is designed to enhance appreciation for Bordeaux’s diverse wine styles. The guide explains the nuances of each wine, offering tasting tips and insights into Bordeaux’s wine-making traditions. Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and friendly demeanor, making this part a true highlight.

The Scenic End in Rue Notre Dame

The tour concludes at Rue Notre Dame, a charming street known for its lively atmosphere and local cafes. Here, guests can reflect on the experience over further tasting or simply enjoy exploring the neighborhood at their own pace. This ending point offers a pleasant stroll and a fitting wrap-up to a comprehensive Bordeaux introduction.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour starts at 1:30 pm with a mobile ticket that simplifies check-in. The group size is kept small—maximum 15 travelers—ensuring personalized attention from the guide. The tour’s physical demands are moderate, involving walking through cobbled streets and historic sites, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Guests should note that the tour is weather-dependent, with a full refund and options to reschedule if canceled due to poor weather. The experience is suitable for most travelers, including those with an interest in wine, history, and city sightseeing.

Customer Satisfaction and Guide Expertise

The high 5.0 rating reflects strong customer satisfaction, with reviews frequently praising guides like Clemence, Ani, and Pedro for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling abilities. Guests mention that guides effectively share Bordeaux’s history, cultural tidbits, and technical wine knowledge, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

The wine and cheese pairing receives particular praise, with many noting the generous pours and quality of the wines. Reviewers also appreciate the tour’s flexibility—some mention the guides’ willingness to extend tours or adapt to specific interests.

Final Thoughts on the Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tour

This 2-hour walking tour offers a balanced blend of city exploration, wine education, and tasting in Bordeaux’s most iconic neighborhoods. Its strong reviews, expert guides, and included tastings make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of Bordeaux’s wine heritage.

While the tour doesn’t include private vineyard visits or extensive museum tours, it excels in delivering local insights, scenic walks, and high-quality tastings at an accessible price. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy walking, learning about wine, and savoring cheese pairings in a relaxed, friendly setting.

This tour provides an engaging and informative introduction to Bordeaux’s vibrant wine scene, making it a smart selection for a short visit or a cultural highlight during an extended stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $67.78 per person, offering great value for a guided wine and city walk experience.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it an ideal short activity in Bordeaux.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 64 Quai des Chartrons and concludes at Rue Notre Dame in Bordeaux.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy a guided walk through Bordeaux’s historic neighborhoods, visits to key landmarks, and a tutored wine and cheese tasting led by a sommelier.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the physical activity involves walking on cobbled streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if done 24 hours before the start time, providing flexibility in case of weather or schedule changes.

Are the wine tastings local Bordeaux wines?
Yes, the tastings feature Bordeaux wines, with the guide sharing insights into regional varieties and styles.

How many people will be in the group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as the tour involves strolling through historic streets with cobblestones.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The data does not specify accessibility details; expect some walking on uneven surfaces.

Who is the guide?
Guides like Clemence, Ani, Pedro, and Sean are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling, making the experience enjoyable and informative.