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. Trade-and-collector events distinct from the primeur week.
Address: Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, 1 cours du 30 Juillet, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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.
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, and Gironde estuary. Landing at a Pauillac chateau for cellar visit and tasting.
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.
Multi-day harvest participation programme run through the Saint-Emilion tourist office matching visitors with Grand Cru estates for 2-5 day vendange participation. Includes manual sorting, fermentation cellar access, and daily cellar-team lunch with wine.
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. Bookable as standalone day-spa visit or combined with hotel stay.
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.
