From Bordeaux: 2 Wineries MEDOC Tour with Tastings

If you’re considering a wine tour in Bordeaux’s renowned Medoc region, this From Bordeaux: 2 Wineries MEDOC Tour with Tastings offers a solid way to explore some of the most acclaimed vineyards without spending your entire day on the road. It’s a well-rounded experience for wine lovers who want to see the sights, learn about Bordeaux wines, and sample some high-quality bottles, all in just under five hours.

What appeals most about this tour? First, the chance to visit a prestigious 1855 Great Classified Growth château—a true highlight for anyone wanting to see the top-tier wine estates. Second, the small group size (limited to 8 participants) makes it easier to ask questions and get a more personal experience, which many reviews praise highly.

However, a key point to keep in mind is that the tour is somewhat limited in scope. It focuses on just a couple of wineries, which means if you’re after an extensive, in-depth visit to many châteaus, this might feel a bit brief. Also, it doesn’t include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to and from the meeting point.

This tour suits travelers who are keen on quality over quantity, want to learn about Bordeaux wine with knowledgeable guides, and enjoy a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s especially good for those who appreciate a curated, comfortable experience without the hassle of organizing multiple visits on their own.

Key Points

• Prestige and Quality: Visit a top-tier, classified château with 3/4 wines tasted during the tour.
• Educational Focus: Enjoy an insightful wine tasting class that explains Bordeaux wine-making.
• Local Flavors: Pair your tastings with a selection of French delicacies like cheese and charcuterie.
• Scenic Stops: Snap photos outside Château Margaux and explore a charming medieval village.
• Flexible Experience: From April 2025, an extra tasting will be added, increasing the wine options.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Price & Value: At $111, it offers a good balance of access, education, and taste.
• Transportation: Includes minivan transport, making it comfortable to move between sites.
• Exclusions: No hotel transfers, so plan your logistics accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting Point and Duration

This tour kicks off at Monument aux Girondins, right in central Bordeaux, making it convenient to meet up without extra fuss. The full experience lasts about 4.5 hours, which sounds tight but actually hits a sweet spot for a half-day trip. It’s long enough to get a feel for the region, yet not so exhausting that you miss out on other activities later.

The Route and Highlights

Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Chateaux Route, giving you a taste of Bordeaux’s signature landscape—rolling vineyards, historic estate facades, and open skies. The highlight here is the visit to a renowned 1855 Great Classified Growth estate. You’ll step inside a château with centuries of history, learn how they produce their acclaimed wines, and enjoy tasting several of their offerings (usually 3 to 4 wines).

Multiple reviews mention how the guides explain the wine-making process clearly, making even the complex parts accessible. For instance, one reviewer said, “The chosen Chateaus were excellent in their delivery of information, including tastings,” which confirms the educational quality.

Château Margaux and Photo Stop

A quick stop in front of Château Margaux provides a perfect photo opportunity. While you don’t go inside, the chance to see one of Bordeaux’s most famous estates from outside creates that iconic moment perfect for memories and social media posts. Many travelers appreciate this snapshot, especially since it’s a brief but meaningful glimpse of a world-renowned winery.

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Visiting a Family-Run Estate

The tour then moves on to a more intimate, family-run estate. Here, you’ll taste wine paired with a selection of traditional French snacks like cheese, baguette, sausage, and chocolate. This pairing elevates the tasting experience, allowing you to appreciate the wines alongside local flavors. Several reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and how they enhance this part of the experience with personal stories and helpful tips.

Additional Tasting and the New Feature

Starting April 2025, the tour will include one more tasting (adding 2 wines) at a different estate. This upgrade means even more variety and a broader look at Bordeaux’s wine styles, which many visitors will find appealing.

The Guides and Group Size

Across reviews, guides like Fabien, Remy, and Pascal consistently earn praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and patience. Many note that guides go out of their way to answer questions, take photos, and make the experience enjoyable. The small group size (up to 8) creates a friendly, less rushed atmosphere, allowing for more interaction and a relaxed pace.

Transportation and Logistics

All transport is by minivan, providing comfort and convenience. The tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so plan accordingly—either meet directly at the monument or arrange your own transportation.

Pricing and Value

At $111 per person, the price is reasonable considering the inclusion of visits to prestigious chateaus, tastings of up to 5 wines, and a tasting class. The reviews suggest that many find the experience well worth the cost, especially given the quality of the wineries and the personal attention from guides.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviews mention that the tastings could be more generous, with one reviewer noting, “Needed more wine for the price.” Also, not visiting more wineries might feel limiting for those hoping for a more extensive tour, but it’s a trade-off for a more relaxed, in-depth experience at select estates.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts who want a taste of Bordeaux’s best without committing to an entire day. It’s ideal for those who value quality, educational insights, and a small-group vibe. If you’re a history buff or someone keen on iconic estates and local flavors, you’ll appreciate the stops and storytelling.

It’s less suited if you’re looking for a faster-paced tour with multiple wineries or if you prefer hotel transfers included. Also, travelers with mobility issues should note the tour isn’t accessible for those with mobility impairments.

Final Thoughts

This From Bordeaux: 2 Wineries MEDOC Tour with Tastings offers a thoughtfully curated experience that strikes a good balance between sightseeing, learning, and tasting. You’ll visit a top-rated château, learn from friendly guides, and enjoy delicious local delicacies—all within a manageable four-and-a-half-hour window.

You’ll love the intimacy of the small group, the chance to see iconic Bordeaux sights, and the quality of wines tasted. It’s a great pick if you’re after a relaxed, educational, and memorable way to explore Bordeaux’s famous wine region. While it might not satisfy those wanting a marathon of estates or hotel pickup, for most travelers, it hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour? No, the tour starts at a specified meeting point in front of the Girondins Column in Quinconces Square. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long does the tour last? The tour runs approximately 4.5 hours, making it perfect for a half-day outing without feeling rushed.

Are children allowed on this tour? The tour is not accessible for children under 4 years old, and it requires a ticket for everyone, including infants.

What wines will I taste? The tour includes 3 to 4 wines from a prestigious château and 2 additional wines starting April 2025, plus tastings from a family-run estate.

Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers? Yes, guides speak both English and French, so language support is available.

What is the group size? Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you want to take photos outside Château Margaux.

Are tips included? No, tips are not included, so you can tip your guide if you feel they’ve provided excellent service.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is there an option to book and pay later? Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, which helps keep your plans flexible.

This tour offers a nice blend of heritage, taste, and education in Bordeaux’s celebrated Medoc region. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a comfortable, engaging introduction to Bordeaux wines—perfect for a relaxed afternoon that leaves a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: