7 DAYS WINES OF BORDEAUX - CHATEAUX & VINEYARDS, TRADITION & INNOVATION

Tutored tastings and visits to eight châteaux from St Estèphe to Sauternes. Stay in a five-star hotel in Bordeaux. Accompanied throughout by a Master of Wine, expert in Bordeaux wines. Free time to visit the new museum of wine, la Cité du Vin.

Bordeaux stands proud on the banks of the Garonne, with its glorious eighteenth-century architecture testament to the golden age of trade with far-flung destinations, at one time only rivalled in Europe by its northern former-ruler, London. But Bordeaux is firmly situated in the south, its long hours of sunshine conducive to sitting at open-air cafés in grand squares, and drinking wine.

Food and Wine Itinerary

Day 1 Bordeaux

Arrival at Bordeaux. Transfer to the hotel. All six nights are spent in central Bordeaux.

Day 2 — Bordeaux

A morning introductory lecture and tutored tasting in Bordeaux of representative white and red wines. After lunch visit the contemporary Château les Carmes Haut-Brion designed by Philippe Starck and the architect Luc Arsène-Henry on the outskirts of the city.

Day 3 — Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes

Today’s journey south is to Pessac-Léognan to appreciate its white wines. The appellation was created in the 1980s largely by the revered André Lurton of Château la Louvière where we taste wines from the estate and elsewhere. The influence of the river Ciron, near the diminutive village of Sauternes is key to the development of noble rot. Château d’Yquem opens its doors to us for a tour of its spectacular cellars which culminates in a tasting. In order to enjoy more personal visits, the group is required by Château d’Yquem to divide in two today, and travels by minibus.

Day 4 — St Émilion, Pomerol

A Merlot day.Drive east to the charming, mediaeval town of St Émilion and visit the traditional Premier Grand Cru Clos Fourtet, acclaimed for its terroir. After some free time for an independent lunch and exploration in the town, it is a short journey to the smaller, but celebrated appellation of Pomerol and its opulent and velvety wines. The compact, modern Château Petit-Village is located at the highest point of the gravel plateau, neighbouring le Pin and Pétrus.

Day 5 — St Estèphe, Pauillac

Drive north through the expanse and beauty of the Haut-Médoc to reach St Estèphe and specifically the privately-owned Cos d’Estournel. The extensive and exotic 19th-century exterior is mirrored in the ultra-modern interior where we taste deep-coloured, long-lived wines. Returning south through Pauillac, Château Pichon Baron Longueville plays host in the 19th-century fairytale turrets, but makes its superb Cabernet-dominated wines in modern, neo-Egyptian cellars.

Day 6 - Bordeaux, Margaux

Free morning for independent exploration of Bordeaux. In the afternoon return north to Château Rauzan-Ségla for a visit and tasting.

Day 7 - End of Tour

Drive to Bordeaux Airport in time for the flight to London Gatwick (easyJet, currently departing 11.50am).