Wine pouring at chateau in Graves vineyard in Bordeaux, France.
February 11, 2025

Wine Tours in Bordeaux: Best tours & itineraries 2026 guide

Jack Reardon
Senior Travel Designer

Bordeaux is a name that resonates with wine enthusiasts worldwide. Because, whether you’re a novice who’s eager to learn or a connoisseur seeking the finest rare vintages, wine tours in Bordeaux offer an unparalleled tasting journey. 

At SmoothRed, our passion for wine tourism runs deep – this region was where our passion for wine tourism started and our expertise has only grown in the decades since then. Over 100 years ago, previous generations of our family were importing some of the finest Bordeaux to the UK. One of our family’s old price lists from 1905 shows a Château Margaux going for a very reasonable two shillings, while a Château Citran nearly broke the bank at two shillings and sixpence! If only prices had stayed that low.

Looking to book a Bordeaux wine tour and not sure where to start? Read on for inspiration across the region, some sample itineraries and everything else you need to know!

Table of contents

Classic Left Bank tours

Medoc's Chateau Cantenac-Brown and it's esteemed vineyards, perfect for a wine tasting holiday in Bordeaux, France.

The Left Bank is where Bordeaux’s wine legacy truly shines. Renowned for its bold, structured Cabernet Sauvignon blends, this region is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wines.

The Left Bank’s Médoc and Graves regions produce some of the most concentrated, tannic wines. Graves is also known for exceptional dry white wines, particularly those made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Bordeaux’s red wines, especially those from Pauillac and Margaux, are powerful and long-aging, often requiring decades to reach their peak.

Notable appellations: Pauillac, Margaux and Saint-Estèphe.

Highlights of the Left Bank: Visit iconic châteaux including Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour. Tour their historic cellars and sample some of their finest vintages.Perfect for: Those who appreciate powerful, long-lived reds with strong tannins and complexity.

Right Bank tours

La Maison d'Estournel cellar tasting room, with wine glasses ready on the table, in Bordeaux, France.

On the Right Bank, rolling hills and medieval villages offer a more intimate, yet equally spectacular, wine experience. The Right Bank is famous for Merlot-forward blends, with key appellations such as Saint-Émilion and Pomerol producing fruit-forward wines that are elegant and refined. 

Wines from the Right Bank, like those from Saint-Émilion, are known for their softer tannins and fruit-driven profiles. The soils here are more clay-based, making it ideal for Merlot.

Notable appellations: Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Highlights of the Right Bank: Stroll through the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, visit the Monolithic Church, and enjoy tastings at renowned estates like Château Pichon Baron and Petrus.

Perfect for: Lovers of fruit-forward wines with softer tannins and a touch of elegance.

Graves and Sauternes tours

Vineyard and Chateau d'Yquem in Bordeaux's Sauternes Region, France.

For those who enjoy variety, head south to Graves and Sauternes. Here, white wines and sweet Sauternes reign supreme, offering a contrast to Bordeaux’s famous reds. Bordeaux’s dry white wines are particularly notable in the Graves region, where Sauvignon Blanc shines, often blended with Sémillon. 

Sauternes, in particular, is famous for its rich, honeyed sweetness, with noble rot playing a key role in the wine’s unique complexity. A visit to Château d’Yquem, one of the most prestigious estates in the region, is a highlight for anyone keen to experience the best of Bordeaux’s sweet whites.

Notable estates: Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud and Château Haut-Brion.

Highlights of Graves and Sauternes: A great area in particular for foodies, you can pair luxurious sweet wines with foie gras or blue cheese and enjoy the crisp, vibrant flavours of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon blends.

Perfect for: Wine lovers looking to explore diverse styles, from dry whites to luscious dessert wines.

Our most popular Bordeaux tours

Sunny morning over Saint Emilion village in Bordeaux, France.

Bordeaux Wine Experience: Saint-Émilion

Experience the gastronomical pleasures of Bordeaux. Soak up the delights of Bordeaux staying in the heart of the historic city. 

Enjoy a tasting session introducing you to the terroirs and tastes of the region, followed by a full-day wine tour in the scenic vineyards of Saint-Émilion – famous for its fruity Merlots. Explore three Grand Cru Classé Châteaux and explore the chocolate box village of Saint-Émilion.

2 nights from £689pp

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Exterior view of the orangerie and pool at Château du Tertre in Bordeaux

Bordeaux Luxury Château Experience

Stay in the tranquil vineyards and restore your mind and body with wine. This three-day wine package is the ultimate wine therapy for the mind, body and soul. Unwind and immerse yourself with a private wine tour of the tastes and terroirs of the world famous wine region of Bordeaux.

2 nights from £1,890pp

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Night-time panoramic view overlooking Bordeaux City on the riverbank, France.

Bordeaux Wine Experience: Saint-Émilion & Médoc

Spend three nights in Bordeaux city, a great base for a celebration or just a wine-filled weekend away in the world’s most famous wine region. 

Relax with a 3 night stay in a charming hotel in the heart of Bordeaux and enjoy spots including the famous Route des Châteaux, visiting two Classified growth or Cru Bourgeois estates.

3 nights from £989pp

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Evening view over the Garonne River quai in Bordeaux, France at the Fete le Vin.

Bordeaux Wine Festival

You’ll enjoy a fabulous three nights in Bordeaux city for a celebratory wine-filled weekend away. 

Travel in style with a small-group chauffeured wine tour across to the Right Bank and discover Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. Perfect for lovers of gastronomy and culture, this trip will see you enjoy the festivities alongside personalised tasting tours with 9 AOC cheeses and complementary wines.

3 nights from £850pp

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Customisable private tours

Looking for something more exclusive? SmoothRed offers customisable private tours that can be tailored to your specific interests. Whether you prefer a helicopter tour or a vineyard picnic, our expert travel designers will craft the perfect itinerary for you.

View the rest of our Bordeaux wine tours
Aerial view of Château De La Rivière in Bordeaux, France.

Insider tips for booking wine tours in Bordeaux

Booking a wine tour in Bordeaux isn’t just about choosing a region, it’s about knowing how to make the most of your experience. Here are some expert tips to help you plan the perfect trip:

Book private tastings for a VIP experience

Many top châteaux limit public access, so booking a private visit grants you exclusive tastings, behind-the-scenes access and even the chance to meet the winemakers. With over 20 years’ experience and our intimate partner connections, we can book you into the region’s top spots.

Know the difference between Grand Cru Classé & Cru Bourgeois visits

While Grand Cru Classé estates are prestigious, some Cru Bourgeois and lesser-known châteaux offer equally impressive wines with more intimate, unhurried tastings. 

Don’t skip the boutique producers

The big-name châteaux get all the attention, but Bordeaux is home to exceptional small, family-run estates where you’ll get a more personal experience and discover hidden gems that aren’t widely exported.

Ask for barrel tastings & library vintages

Some châteaux offer the rare chance to taste unfinished wines straight from the barrel or sample older vintages from their private cellars — experiences you won’t find on standard tours.

Go beyond the wine

Bordeaux is as much about culture as it is about wine. Our travel designers can arrange experiences like vineyard picnics, Michelin-starred wine-pairing lunches and even hot-air balloon rides over the vines for a truly unforgettable trip.

Getting there

Getting to Bordeaux has never been easier. We offer private chauffeurs, luxury coaches and even helicopter transfers to ensure your journey is as seamless as your wine experience.

Stay at charming châteaux hotels or boutique properties handpicked by our travel designers for a truly luxurious stay. With SmoothRed, every detail of your Bordeaux wine tour is taken care of.

Panoramic sunset over a vineyard landscape in Bordeaux, France.
Ready to visit Bordeaux?

Speak with our Travel Designers today to start planning your bespoke trip, tailored to your unique palate and expectations.

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Frequently asked questions about wine tours in Bordeaux

Which Bordeaux wine regions should I visit? 

We recommend visiting the Médoc region, known for its world-renowned wineries like Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien. Saint-Émilion is another must-visit, offering stylish châteaux and picturesque villages. Don’t miss the Pomerol region, famous for its exceptional wines and intimate atmosphere.

What is the best time of year for a wine tour in Bordeaux? 

The best time to visit Bordeaux for a wine tour is spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). The weather is mild and the vineyards are gorgeously green. Summer can be quite hot, and winter can have questionable weather, so these shoulder seasons offer the most well-rounded experience.

What are the best wine tours in Bordeaux for first-time visitors? 

SmoothRed offers tailormade wine tours in Bordeaux that are perfect for first-time visitors. Our expert travel designers craft tours that are shaped around your dream holiday. Explore prestigious hotels, local vineyards and enjoy an array of exceptional wines with bespoke itineraries.

How much does a Bordeaux wine tour cost? 

The cost of a Bordeaux wine tour varies depending on the type and length of the tour. Whether you’re looking for a three-night getaway to explore Bordeaux’s best spots or a longer adventure exploring the length and breadth of the region, our bespoke trips can be shaped around your preferences. 

Have more questions?

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