Bordeaux Wine Tasting & Gourmet Walking Tour Itinerary - 6 Days/5 Nights
Wine Tasting, Savoring Sumptuous Bordelaise Cuisine and Walking in Bordeaux Wine Country!
(with daily options for both walkers and non-walkers alike)
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Bordeaux
Summary • Bordeaux
Dates & Prices • Bordeaux
Tour FAQ 
Reserve a Bordeaux Tour BEFORE March 2, 2012 and SAVE $500 per person
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Off the Beaten Path Bordeaux Wine Tasting and Culinary Walking Tours Feature:
- Professional Off the Beaten Path, LLC Guide(s) Bordeaux wine insider, culinary and walking guide(s)
- A personalized photo album of your Bordeaux-Saint Emilion Wine Country Tour.
- 5 Nights, luxury hotel accommodations at Les Sources de Caudalie Hotel and Spa --Featured on both Conde Nast's and CNN Traveler's top 10, 2011 luxury, hotel list of places to stay while in Bordeaux wine country, is rated No. 1 on Trip Advisor and No. 2 on National Geographic's BEST Vineyard Stays list! (NO Hotel Hopping)
- 11 Meals: 5 Buffet Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Gourmet Dinners (a mix of Michelin-star restaurants, cooking class dinner plus 1 private gourmet picker's lunch at a wine producer's estate, 1 private lunch in a wine producer's castle amidst the vineyards, 1 French picnic)
- Classified and Grand Cru wines and cocktails included at all group meals.
- Private Winery Tours and VIP Wine Tasting daily at Classified Chateaux - Wine Producers, such as, in Pessac-Léognan-(Graves)- 1855 classified Chateau Haut Brion, plus Grand Cru producers: Chateau Carbonnieux, Haut Bailly & Smith Haut LaFitte, in Saint Emilion- Chateau Figeac, Franc Mayne, Troplong-Mondot and/or Fonplegade, in Sauternes- 1855 classified Grand Cru producers: Chateau d’Yquem, Rieussec and/or Chateau La Tour Blanche
- Visit a cooperage (wine barrel maker)
- Explore historical Saint Emilion wine producing village
- 1 Hands-on culinary class with friend and celebrity Chef Antoine at his family home in the Sauternes wine producing appellation
- 3 WALKS - (1 in the Graves-Pessac-Leognan Appellation, 1 of the Saint Emilion Jurisdiction, 1 in the Sauternes --details at bottom of page --support van provided for walks)
- Due to the exclusivity of the harvest period and our local relationships, our September and October harvest tours are limited to 12 guests per tour date.
- EMAIL US or CALL 1-877-846-2831 to speak with a tour specialist.
2012 - Day-by-Day Itinerary for Off the Beaten Path, LLC's Bordeaux Tour
DAY 1: 3:00 PM Group Meets, First Winery Tour & Wine Tasting in Pessac at Chateau Haut Brion, Hotel Check-in following our winery tour and tasting, Welcome Dinner Together - D
Arrival in BORDEAUX. Meet and greet by your tour guide at the scheduled group pick-up time at 3:00 PM at Bordeaux St. Jean Rail Station from where you will transfer to your small luxury hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie Resort and Spa located in the heart of the vineyards.
Tour and Tasting in Pessac prior to arrival at the hotel. Travelers enjoy a first taste and introduction to the classified producers of Bordeaux with a wine tour and wine tasting in Pessac with our friends at one of the original chateaux to be classified in 1855 under Napolean III. This producer, Chateau Haut Brion, is also the only chateau of the original five situated in Graves rather than Médoc, and therefore the only Chateau on the list that is allowed to sell a dry white wine under the same name and appellation as its' red wine.
Winery Tour and Tasting. Enjoy a fun and unpretentious tour with an introduction to the history of chateau's wine production and the evolution of the chateau across the centuries followed by an exclusive visit of the VAT rooms, "chais" (wine cellars). Travelers' first of many authentic behind the scenes experiences during this exclusive 6-day tour. Following the winery tour, guests are invited for a private wine tasting. Afterwards, check-in at the hotel. Enjoy time to get settled into your room, explore the surrounding area, enjoy a drink or a swim at the pool.
Dinner: Welcome dinner, a first taste of local Bordelaise gourmet cuisine together.
DAY 2: Walk #1: Walking the Saint Emilion Wine Jurisdiction, Two Classified Winery Tours and VIP Wine Tasting, Private Gourmet Picker's Lunch at a Classified Wine Chateau (wine producer's estate), Afternoon : Leisure Time to Explore Saint Emilion Village, Dinner Independently - B, L
Buffet breakfast.
Morning: Departure to Saint Emilion village, rated one of the most beautiful, historical villages in France. Walk #1: Saint Emilion Jurisdiction: Embark on a guided walk through the 1st (first) growth vineyards of the Saint Emilion Jurisdiction, the most renowned "Merlot" producing region of Bordeaux. Each winery tour includes an introduction to the producer's history, harvest practices and unique vinification, barreling and bottling practices, followed by an insider visit of the VAT rooms and "chais" (wine cellars), an authentic behind the scenes experience followed by wine tasting of several vintages at each producer.
Lunch: Group meets at wine producer's estate for our "gourmet picker's lunch". Lunch is a private, gourmet picker's lunch at a classified "Grand Cru" wine chateau (wine producer). After lunch: Enjoy time to explore and discover Saint Emilion's history, as well as visit local artisan and wine boutiques. Most of the wine merchants offer wine tasting prior to purchase and all ship internationally should you wish to add to or begin a personal collection of local wines.
Late afternoon return to the hotel. Dinner: Independently at either the hotel's gourmet restaurant or its casual dining bistrot, or spend the evening in Bordeaux.
DAY 3: Morning Visit at the School of Oenology in Sauternes, Walk #2 - Sauternes Walk, Gourmet French Picnic Lunch at Chateau d'Yquem, Sipping Sauternes and Our Favorite "Grand Cru" Red Wines at Lunch, Winery Tours and VIP Wine Tasting during Our Walk including Chateau d'Yquem, Dinner Independently - B, L
Buffet breakfast.
Morning: Private winery tour and wine tasting (two vintages) at the famous French Oenology school, first growth, Grand Cru Chateau, La Tour Blanche, in Sauternes, classified growth wine producer and teaching school for up and coming cellar masters.
Walk #2: The Sauternes Walk through the prestigious sweet grape appellation, home to the semillon, muscadelle and sauvignon blanc grape varieties - "cepages" as they're called in French.
Lunch: A gourmet French picnic amidts the vineyards at Chateau d'Yquem.
Today two authentic behind the scenes experiences await travelers, as we again tour inaccessible areas at each producer and enjoy exceptional VIP wine tasting at the conclusion of each visit.
Dinner: Independently at either the hotel's gourmet restaurant or its casual dining bistrot, or spend the evening in Bordeaux.
DAY 4: Option No. 1 - Leisure Day in Historical Downtown Bordeaux or Option No. 2 - Reserve Spa Services at the Caudalie Spa, Evening Cooking Class with friend and Master Chef Antoine at his Home in the Sauternes Learning to Prepare Bordelaise Recipes, Cocktail Hour with our Chef and Gourmet Cooking Class Dinner - B, D
Buffet breakfast. Morning: Option No. 1 - Departure for a leisure day in historical downtown Bordeaux. Home to beautiful historic monuments and museums, excellent shopping, wine boutiques and exceptional scenery walking along the Gironde River, there are endless ways to spend the day here. Exploring Bordeaux is a true step back in French history, and has something to offer and interest every traveler.
Option No. 2 - Any guests interested in the Caudalie Spa, please contact us in advance and we can help you organize a reservation for a spa treatment or a half-day spa session. Today offers a perfect opportunity to pursue independent interests, try the caudalie spa, a massage or other spa service for anyone not heading to Bordeaux for the day. Bicycles are also available to borrow to enjoy a ride around the local vineyard filled countryside or simply enjoy a walk of the hotel property.
Lunch: Independently in Bordeaux or at the hotel for those not venturing into the city today. Mid-afternoon return to the hotel.
Early Evening and Dinner: Hands-on cooking class with our friend and Master Chef Antoine at his home in Sauternes. We will prepare a three course meal of Bordelais recipes. Afterwards, cocktails with Antoine and a gourmet dinner of the recipes we prepared during class, accompanied by Antoine's professional selection of classified wines. Photo left: Chef Antoine.
DAY 5: Walk #3 - Walking in Pessac-Léognan Countryside (Graves Appellation), Three Winery Tours & Wine Tasting including Chateau Carbonnieux, Chateau Haut Bailly and Smith Haut Lafitte, Private Gourmet Lunch in a Wine Producing Castle, Visit at SHL Cooperage (Barrel Maker), Farewell Dinner Together - B, L, D
Buffet breakfast.
Morning: WALK #3: "Graves: Pessac-Léognan: Gods of the Vineyard". The third walk of our Bordeaux Harvest takes travelers through not only the most prestigious of the Graves appellation vineyards, but also exposes travelers to some of the largest classified estates of the Graves appellation, and a chance to witness extremely different harvesting and vinification processes from what has been witnessed in Saint Emilion, Sauternes, the Medoc and at Chateau Haut Brion in Pessac.
Winery Tours and Wine Tasting throughout the walk. As with each of our walks during this tour, we are walking through prestigious vineyards from winery to winery (producer to producer) where travelers are welcomed for exclusive tours and wine tasting. Each winery tour includes an introduction to each producer's estate and its history, harvest practices and unique vinification, barreling and bottling practices and an exclsuive visit of the VAT rooms and "chais" (wine cellars) followed by VIP wine tasting.
Lunch: Group meets at local classified "Grand Cru" producer's castle for private gourmet lunch together. Lunch is a private, gourmet lunch of regional specialties accompanied by the property's classified wines - Private tour and wine tasting prior to our lunch.
Today three authentic behind the scenes experiences await travelers, as we again tour inaccessible areas at each producer and enjoy exceptional VIP wine tasting at the conclusion of each visit.
Dinner: Gourmet farewell dinner together this evening to celebrate a wonderful week in wine country.
DAY 6: Tour Conclusion - B
Buffet breakfast. Trip concludes today with a 10 AM arrival to St. Jean TGV Rail Station in Bordeaux, France. Earlier and later departures can be organized. Please contact us for details.
Click the following link to download and print the BORDEAUX TOUR BROCHURE (Adobe pdf)
(B) = Breakfast Included, (L) = Lunch Included, (D) = Dinner IncludedConfirmed list of classified 1st growth wine producers we visit during our 2012 harvest tours.
Bordeaux is a very exclusive and closed world during the harvest. Rarely do producers open their doors to the public during the harvest. However, as Bordeaux industry insiders, we are happy to be able to use our priveleged relationships and connections to make visits to the following estates possible during our annual harvest tours. These producers are the "creme de la creme" of the Bordeaux wine world!
- Chateau Haut Brion & La Mission Haut Brion - (1st growth grand cru 1855 classified - red and Graves grand cru 1953 classified/ratified 1959 - red)
- Chateau d'Yquem (Superior 1st growth grand cru 1855 classified - white)
- Chateau La Tour Blanche (1st growth grand cru 1855 classified - white)
- Chateau Figeac (Saint Emilion 1st growth grand cru classified B - red) - same terroir as Chateau Cheval Blanc
- Chateau Troplong-Mondot (Saint Emilion 1st growth grand cru classified B - red)
- Chateau Carbonnieux (Graves grand cru 1953 classified/ratified 1959 - red and white)
- Chateau Haut Bailly (Graves grand cru 1953 classified/ratified 1959 - red)
- Chateau Smith Haut LaFitte (Graves grand cru 1953 classified/ratified 1959 - red)
Bordeaux Tour Guest Testimonials:
"Loved all of the wine tours and tastings, the bread baking class, cooking class and the hotel! We greatly appreciate your kind consideration and expertise. Thanks for making our tour so enjoyable!" Charles and Susan Kollar, Princeton, NJ (Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Walking Tour, Loire Valley Castles and Culinary Tour and Best Adventures in Provence Tour)
"Everything was so wonderful! Our Chef, his family, our Guides and the winery tours were all amazing! Being able to experience all of the activities of this trip was unbelievable." Bill & Laurie Crimando, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI (Bordeaux Wine and Culinary Walking Tour, Loire Valley Castles and Culinary Tour and Burgundy Tour)
"Thanks for a great time discovering Bordeaux wine country! We enjoyed this trip a lot. The people in the group were very compatible. The winery tours were very good. It was nice to be able to see all of the different processes. We will see you again on another tour." Jerry and Sheila Ettinger, Raleigh, NC (Bordeaux Harvest Tour)
Information about the Walks
- Walk No.1 - For walkers: Guided "Saint Emilion Jurisdiction" walk with winery tours and VIP wine tasting plus a private picker's lunch at a wine producer's estate (optional: designed for interested guests). Walk rated easy to moderate, sturdy walking shoes recommended. For non-walkers - shuttle by comfortable minivans from winery to winery and to lunch.
- Walk No.2 - For walkers: Guided "Sauternes" walk with winery tours and VIP wine tasting plus gourmet French picnic at first growth producer Chateau d'Yquem (optional: designed for interested guests). Walk rated easy to moderate - sturdy walking shoes recommended. For non-walkers - shuttle by comfortable minivans from winery to winery and to lunch.
- Walk No.3 - For walkers: Guided "Graves" walk with winery tours and VIP wine tasting plus a private gourmet lunch at a wine producer's castle. (optional: designed for interested guests). Walk rated easy to moderate - sturdy walking shoes recommended. For non-walkers - shuttle by comfortable minivans from winery to winery and to lunch.
Bordeaux Tour Walks are rated as follows -
- The Saint Emilion walk is rated easy to moderate. Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Walking on vineyard and country trails. Walk distance is 4.5 miles - approximately 2.5 hrs. of walking. Winery tours and tastings range in duration from 1-1.5 hours each.
- The Sauternes walk is rated easy to moderate. Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Walking on vineyard and country trails. Walk distance is 5 miles - approximately 3 hrs. of walking. Winery tours and tastings range in duration from 1-1.5 hours each.
- The Graves walk is rated easy to moderate. Ideal for those who walk for a morning or afternoon on a regular basis. Walking on vineyard and country trails. Walk distance is 5 miles - approximately 3 hrs. of walking. Winery tours and tastings range in duration from 1-1.5 hours each.
- Bordeaux wine country is relatively flat with some small rolling hills in the Saint Emilion and Sauternes areas.
- For non-walkers - there is no walking rating, as travelers not participating in the scheduled walks will only be exposed to daily leisure walking in villages and towns.