Helicopter Tour of the Medoc First Growths ★ 4.7
Aerial helicopter tour departing Bordeaux Merignac airport, overflying the Medoc five-commune appellation at low altitude with a commentary on the first-growth estates, gravel ridges; Gironde estuary.
A guide to wine experiences in Bordeaux.
Wine Experiences in Bordeaux
Blending Workshop at Chateau Pontet-Canet ★ 4.8
Hands-on blending workshop at Bordeaux's leading biodynamic Pauillac estate. Participants blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from separate vat samples under winemaking team guidance; bottle labelled on-site to take home.
Harvest Participation Experience - Saint-Emilion ★ 4.7
Multi-day harvest participation programme run through the Saint-Emilion tourist office matching visitors with Grand Cru estates for 2-5 day vendange participation.
Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa Treatments ★ 4.7
The world's original Vinotherapie spa, created in 1999 at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, uses grape-based treatments: the Barrel Bath (warm Merlot extract immersion), polyphenol wraps, and grape-seed body scrubs.
Candlelit Cellar Dinner at Chateau Lynch-Bages ★ 4.8
Private dinner in the underground barrel cellar of Lynch-Bages, available to guests of Chateau Cordeillan-Bages hotel and exclusive groups. Five-course Landaise menu paired with Lynch-Bages grand vin across three vintages; Cazes family team hosts.
First Growth Vertical Tasting (UGCB) ★ 4.9
The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux organises annual vertical tastings open to collectors and serious enthusiasts, featuring back vintages of the five first growths across 10-15 years of production.
Sauternes Botrytis Harvest Walk ★ 4.9
Guided seasonal walk through the d'Yquem botrytised vines during the October harvest, with the estate agronomist explaining noble rot progression, selective hand-picking (tries), and the climatic conditions that make Sauternes unique. Concludes with a barrel-tasting from the new vintage.
Wine Experiences in Bordeaux, FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux for wine?
Peak wine-travel season in Bordeaux is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
Do I need an appointment to taste at Bordeaux estates?
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
What hours do Bordeaux cellars and tasting rooms keep?
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
How does tipping work at Bordeaux tastings?
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
What is the one wine to try in Bordeaux?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Bordeaux rewards trust.