After pick-up in the city of Bordeaux, a short drive in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan brings you out of the city to the picturesque countryside plains and rolling hills of the left bank wine producing area. This is the heart of Bordeaux’s famous wine region, where many vineyards carry the Graves and Pessac Léognan AOC designation. Each of these local wineries produce vintages with distinct soil features backed by a long winemaking heritage.
Located South of Bordeaux, this wine region is known to be the original wine producing region of Bordeaux. This is the area where the Romans first planted grapes just about 2,000 years ago. The name of the region originates from the soil that can be found here, deep layers of grave and stone!
Your first major stop on this personalized Graves and Sauternes tour will be in one of the local estates for a visit and wine tasting at a Grand Cru Chateau. You will be greeted at the Chateau and will get to tour and taste different vintages in this carefully selected domain. Due to its recognition of producing high quality red and white wines, the area was rewarded with a communal appellation in 1987. The red wines of Pessac Léognan are based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. The white wines produced there are generally made of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes.The soil is quite similar to the one that can be found in the Graves region which is mainly gravel, stone and sand. One of the most prestigious wineries of the appellation is Chateau Haut-Brion that was granted the 1er Grand Cru Classé level of 1855, sole chateau to be located outside the Medoc & Sauternes wine producing regions.
Upon arrival in the wine region, you'll stop at a second carefully selected winery among Chateau Haut Bailly, Château La Louvière, Chateau Olivier, Chateau Carbonnieux, and more. Then, you will have the opportunity to taste the different wines of the estate including white and red wines.
After free time for lunch in Martillac or surroundings you'll head to the Sauternes wine region of Bordeaux.
Your guide will take you to one of the most prestigious wineries of the Sauternes area, known for its sweet white wines. The most famous winery of the region is Chateau d’Yquem that was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines. Upon arrival, you will visit the installations but the most important will be to understand the wine making process as it differs completely with that of other wines. Follow the Chateau guide making of Sauternes wines from the vineyard to the bottle. During a commented wine tasting, you'll learn which food pairs the best with this category of wine. After the visit and tasting, it will be time to head back to Bordeaux, where you'll be dropped off at your accomodation.
Wine tasting fees (90€/person for 3 wineries)
