Tasting of 6 Bordeaux wines and pairing charcuterie & cheese

Discover the charm of Bordeaux’s wine scene with this engaging tasting experience led by experts Mathilde and Cécilia. For just over $50 per person, you receive a 1 hour 15-minute session featuring 6 carefully selected Bordeaux wines—including whites, reds, and a soft wine—paired with cheese and charcuterie. Located in the historic Bastide district, close to the iconic Pont de Pierre, this tour offers a relaxed, intimate setting ideal for those eager to learn about Bordeaux wines in a friendly atmosphere. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and personable approach, making the experience accessible whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wine lover.

Travelers often appreciate the small group size of up to 6 participants, which fosters personalized attention. The tasting room’s picturesque private courtyard and convenient proximity to public transportation enhance the experience, making it both enjoyable and easy to access. While the tasting primarily focuses on Bordeaux wines, it also offers insights into wine classifications, terroirs, and blends. If you’re seeking a rich educational experience combined with excellent wines, this tour could become a highlight of your Bordeaux visit.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $53.32 per person, it offers excellent value for a guided wine tasting with food pairings.
• Expert Guides: Led by Mathilde and Cécilia, trained at the University of Wine, known for their friendly and knowledgeable approach.
• Variety of Wines: Tastes include 1 mystery wine, 2 dry whites, 3 reds, and 1 soft wine, with wines sourced from Grand Crus Classés and organic family estates.
• Educational Focus: Learn about Bordeaux’s history, appellations, terroirs, grape varieties, and classifications.
• Food Pairings: Each wine is paired with cheese and charcuterie, highlighting how wines complement different flavors.
• Seating & Setting: Tasting takes place in a charming Bordeaux building with stone walls and a private courtyard, adding to the ambiance.

The Bordeaux Wine Tasting in the Bastide District

The tour begins at 25 Av. Thiers, in a cozy, welcoming setting within a typical Bordeaux building. The Bastide district, undergoing a lively renewal, offers a vibrant backdrop with spots like Darwin and the Botanical Garden nearby. The location’s proximity to Pont de Pierre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds a scenic touch to the experience.

The tasting room features a small private courtyard and can host up to six guests, ensuring personalized interaction. This intimate size fosters detailed explanations from guides Mathilde and Cécilia, both of whom are trained professionals from the University of Wine. Their warm, approachable manner makes complex wine concepts easy to understand for all participants.

Exploring Bordeaux’s Wine Heritage

The guided portion of the tour dives into Bordeaux’s rich wine history and classifications. Guests learn about appellations, terroirs, grape varieties, and how Bordeaux wines are blended. The guides share stories about Grand Crus Classés and organic family estates, adding context to each wine tasted.

Participants gain insight into the art of tasting, discovering how to perceive aromas, textures, and flavors like a professional. This approach makes wine less intimidating, transforming it into something accessible and enjoyable for novices and connoisseurs alike. The tasting booklet provided encourages continued practice at home.

The Featured Wines and Food Pairings

Throughout the session, 6 wines are carefully selected for their quality and representativeness of Bordeaux’s diverse styles: red, white, and soft wines. One wine remains a mystery, sparking curiosity and engagement.

Every wine is paired with bite-sized food samples of cheese and charcuterie, demonstrating effective food and wine pairings. Reviews highlight that these pairings, while modest, are thoughtfully chosen to enhance the tasting experience. The focus remains on understanding how each wine interacts with different foods.

Tasting the Bordeaux Whites and Reds

The two dry whites come from different Bordeaux banks—left and right—showcasing regional differences. The reds include blends from both banks, illustrating Bordeaux’s renowned style variations. The soft wine provides a gentle finish to the tasting.

Guests find the wines to be generous in pour, with full glasses offered for each. The wines are sourced from reputable estates, with some from Grand Crus Classés and organic producers. The selection aims to balance tradition, quality, and organic practices.

The Experience Led by Knowledgeable Guides

Mathilde and Cécilia excel in creating a welcoming environment. Their knowledge of the Bordeaux wine industry shines through as they explain concepts clearly. Several reviews praise their hospitality, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience to different levels of wine knowledge.

Guests appreciate their storytelling style, which makes the tasting both educational and lively. The guides also share tips on successful pairings, enhancing the enjoyment of each sip and bite.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a perfect introduction or afternoon activity. The location’s proximity to public transportation and the small group size make it easy to participate, even if arriving from a cruise port or hotel.

The activity is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and the environment designed to be accessible. The tasting room offers a cozy, private atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a relaxed, informative experience.

Flexibility and Additional Options

While the standard tasting covers both red and white wines, the tour also offers specialized tastings focused on only reds or whites for those with specific preferences. Participants receive a tasting booklet to continue practicing their new skills afterward and can purchase the wines tasted.

An optional lunch picnic with local products can be booked separately, providing an even more immersive Bordeaux experience. However, note that the main focus remains on the guided tasting and food pairing.

Customer Satisfaction and Reviews

The tour maintains an impressive 5.0-star rating based on 140 reviews, with 100% recommending it to others. Reviewers consistently praise the expertise of the guides, the quality of the wines, and the convivial atmosphere.

Comments highlight the informative narration about Bordeaux’s wine region, the generous pours, and the delightful pairings. Some mention the personalized attention and the cozy environment that makes the experience memorable.

Final Thoughts on the Bordeaux Wine Tasting

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Bordeaux wines, combining education, tasting, and food pairing in an intimate setting. At just over $50, it presents excellent value, especially considering the guided instruction and quality wines.

It’s ideal for those eager to learn about Bordeaux’s wine classifications and terroirs or anyone seeking a relaxed, friendly environment to enjoy wine with knowledgeable hosts. The small group size ensures a personalized touch that many find rewarding.

While it doesn’t include a full meal or extensive sightseeing, this focused tasting is a perfect way to deepen your appreciation of Bordeaux wines and set a foundation for further exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides focus on making wine tasting accessible, explaining concepts clearly and encouraging sensory exploration.

Can I choose a preference for red or white wines?
Yes, there are specialized tastings available for only reds or whites if desired.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers 6 glasses of wine, a tasting booklet, and cheese and charcuterie pairings.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Where does the tasting take place?
In a charming Bordeaux building in the Bastide district, with options for a private courtyard, cellar, or converted room depending on the season.

Is there an option to purchase wines?
Yes, the wines tasted are available for sale after the session.

Are vegetarian options available for the food pairings?
The typical pairings include cheese and charcuterie; specific dietary needs should be communicated beforehand.

Is this tour accessible for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I book this experience?
Reservations can be made online, with the meeting point at 25 Av. Thiers, Bordeaux.

Who conducts the tasting?
The experience is guided by Mathilde and Cécilia, both trained professionals from the University of Wine.