Bordeaux wine tasting is an experience that is highly sought-after by all wine enthusiasts. While France is undoubtedly one of the most renowned wine-producing countries in the world, Bordeaux is its most recognised region.
With its peerless beauty, historical heritage and wine-making traditions that date back centuries, Bordeaux is exceptionally well developed for wine tourism. Wine tasting in Bordeaux is accommodated by the stunning chateaux and wineries that line the countryside – while tourists can also marvel at the magnificent 18th century architecture of the city.
Although Bordeaux was originally revered for its sweet white wines from the sub-region of Sauternes, over 90% of Bordeaux wines are now red – the red Bordeaux blend is one of the most imitated around the world and includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (with small amounts of Carménère).
Bordeaux wine tasting offers enthusiasts an opportunity to try varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which have inspired today’s most popular wines, in their place of birth to gift wine lovers with a truly unique experience. Whether it is beginners or connoisseurs, Bordeaux is one of the most popular destinations for wine tasting. But, with almost 7,500 producers and close to 10,000 different Bordeaux wines, where to begin?
Although it is tempting to visit some of the most famous wineries in the region – where Cabernet Sauvignon blends are generally featured more heavily on the Left Bank of the Gironde river, while the opposite Right Bank tends to carry a preference for Merlot – we would advise exploring vineyards which produce wines that you already have a relationship with to earn a deeper understanding than you may have imagined possible. Wine tasting in Bordeaux usually involves a tour of the vineyards, cellars, barrel rooms, vat rooms and more – as well as, obviously, tasting the world-famous wine!
At Wine Paths, our local expert can design exclusive Bordeaux wine tasting experiences that are tailor-made to your requirements. These can include a private tour of Pomerol where you can follow the entire vinification process from the vineyard to the winery before enjoying wine tasting in Bordeaux at its finest.
You can also go on a visit to Château Troplong Mondot, which settles on a hilltop overlooking the historical village of Saint- Émilion and features its own Michelin star restaurant. The vineyard uses an original and sustainable approach – a third of the property is worked on only with horses – which in 2006 saw it promoted to the prestigious rank of First Great Classified Growth in the Saint-Émilion decennial classification.
Visiting the region, however, is not exclusively reserved for Bordeaux wine tasting. The region is also renowned throughout France for the quality of its gourmet cuisine; you can accompany the fine red wines with meat dishes such as duck-confit or Pauillac lamb, while the white varieties complement seafood from the coast and the sweet wines enhance desserts and cheeses.
For architectural enthusiasts, the city of Bordeaux and the medieval village of Saint- Émilion are both classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring remarkable buildings and cultural affluence. Further afield, the Bordeaux countryside is scattered with stunning views and historical sites while pristine Atlantic beaches and tranquil lakes can also be found.
If wine tasting in Bordeaux sounds like an attractive proposition, learn more from our destination guide to Bordeaux wine tours before planning the experience of a lifetime.
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