Bordeaux: Taste 4 Wines with a Certified Sommelier

If you’re heading to Bordeaux and want to get a true sense of why this city is celebrated globally for its wines, this experience might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and details suggest it offers an engaging, educational, and delicious journey through Bordeaux’s wine world.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the opportunity to taste four distinct wines—ranging from sparkling to red—paired with French cheeses, all in a cozy, centrally located wine bar. Second, the guidance of Guadalupe, a certified CMS sommelier with a WSET diploma, who brings not just expertise but also warmth and personality. Lastly, the small group size ensures personalized attention and space for questions—a true bonus for those eager to learn.

One consideration? The tour is limited to just over an hour and a half, so it’s a quick but profound peek into Bordeaux’s wine culture. Travelers seeking an in-depth vineyard visit might need a different experience, but for tasting in comfort, this hits the mark.

This tour is best suited for those wanting a relaxed, informative introduction to Bordeaux wines without the need for prior knowledge. It’s ideal for curious travelers, foodies, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy good wine and good company in the heart of Bordeaux.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Guadalupe’s extensive knowledge makes the experience both educational and engaging.
• Variety of Wines: Tasting includes a sparkling, white, and red wines, with an optional premium wine upgrade.
• Paired with Cheese: A platter of three different French cheeses complements the wines perfectly.
• Location & Atmosphere: The wine bar’s central position makes it easy to find and enjoy in a charming setting.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to ten participants, ensuring personalized attention and interaction.
• Flexible & Practical: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: Bordeaux’s Wine Culture in a Cozy City Center

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine, a city whose identity is intertwined with vineyards, châteaux, and centuries of winemaking tradition. This experience takes you inside a charming wine bar in the heart of the city—L’Ampélo, conveniently located next to the Quinconces tram stop. This proximity makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or to start your wine journey before exploring further.

Inside, the ambiance is warm yet sophisticated—perfect for a relaxed tasting session. Guadalupe, your guide, greets you with a friendly smile, ready to make the world of Bordeaux wines accessible and fun. The intimate group setting makes it easy to ask questions and absorb her insights, which range from vineyard techniques to how to interpret a wine label.

What to Expect: A Well-Rounded Tasting in Just Over an Hour

This tour runs for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making it an ideal option for travelers with busy schedules or those who prefer a compact but immersive experience. The session begins with Guadalupe’s overview of Bordeaux’s wine regions and their distinct appellations, which helps set the stage for the tasting.

You will sample four wines—a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux, a white wine, and two reds. Each wine is served in tasting pours, enough to appreciate its characteristics without feeling overwhelmed. The wines are carefully paired with a cheese platter featuring three different French cheeses, enhancing your understanding of flavor pairings.

The Wines and How They Unfold

Sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux

Expect a lively start with a sparkling wine that showcases Bordeaux’s versatility beyond just reds. It’s a great introduction to the region’s sparkling wines, which often fly under the radar compared to Champagne but hold their own in quality.

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Bordeaux White

The white wine will give you a glimpse into Bordeaux’s white wine production, which often features grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Guadalupe explains how Bordeaux’s soils and climate influence the white wines’ crispness and aromatic profiles.

Red Wines – Two Varieties

The red wines are the star of the show. While specific varieties aren’t named, reviews mention Bordeaux’s signature blends and classifications. Guadalupe discusses the different soil types and how they impact flavor, as well as the importance of wine classification and how to read labels—skills that turn a casual sipper into a more discerning wine enthusiast.

Optional Premium Tasting

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, there’s an option to taste three premium wines, including Grand Cru Classé and classified wines. This upgrade, which extends the session to about two hours, offers a deeper dive into Bordeaux’s high-end offerings, giving you a taste of the region’s most prestigious wines.

The Cheese Pairing: Enhancing the Flavor Experience

The cheese platter features three French cheeses, chosen carefully to complement the wines. According to reviews, Guadalupe’s pairing advice is spot-on; it elevates the tasting by highlighting how different cheeses enhance specific wine notes. Expect a mix of textures and flavors, from creamy to sharp, designed to awaken your palate.

The Educational Element: Making Sense of Bordeaux’s Wines

One of the biggest wins here is Guadalupe’s ability to explain complex topics in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. She covers everything from soil types and grape varieties to wine classifications and label reading—skills that you can carry home and apply to future wine shopping.

No prior knowledge is necessary. The session is interactive, and Guadalupe encourages questions—one reviewer even mentioned how she provided additional context about Bordeaux beyond just the wines. This makes it much more than just a tasting; it’s a mini wine course wrapped in a relaxed social setting.

Authentic Experiences: Insights from Real Travelers

Multiple reviews highlight Guadalupe’s personable approach and knowledge. One guest noted that Guadalupe explained Bordeaux’s history and wine culture extensively, making the tasting not just educational but also enjoyable. Another mentioned how the experience was a privilege, emphasizing the quality of the wines and the atmosphere.

Travelers appreciated the high standards of the wines served—“the selection worked well for the time we had,” as one reviewer put it. The wines were thoughtfully chosen, and the tasting notes were clear and instructive.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Location: Do not worry about finding the spot—Guadalupe will be waiting inside the wine bar, L’Ampélo, on 3 rue Gobineau.
• Duration & Timing: The experience lasts from 1.5 to 2 hours; check availability for start times.
• Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, making it intimate and personalized.
• Languages: Offered in English and Spanish, accommodating most travelers.
• Cost & Flexibility: Book now to reserve your spot; pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.
• Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 18, but non-alcoholic options like fruit juice are available for younger guests.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to vineyard tours that often involve transport to distant wineries, this centrally located tasting offers a concentrated dose of Bordeaux wine knowledge and flavor in a comfy setting. The inclusion of four wines plus cheese makes it a satisfying experience, especially considering the expertise of Guadalupe, who brings both technical knowledge and a warm personality.

The optional upgrade to premium wines adds a touch of luxury for those wanting a taste of Bordeaux’s top-tier labels. The small group size guarantees personalized attention, which can dramatically enhance understanding and enjoyment.

This tasting is ideal for travelers who want a quick yet meaningful introduction to Bordeaux wines without committing to full-day vineyard tours. If you enjoy good food, good wine, and friendly guides with real expertise, you’ll find this experience both fun and educational. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a structured overview, as well as seasoned wine lovers looking to refine their knowledge.

It’s also a great choice if you prefer a city-based experience that doesn’t involve transportation or long hours but still delivers quality and insight. And, of course, if you’re a cheese lover, the pairing adds an extra layer of indulgence.

This Bordeaux wine tasting with Guadalupe offers a genuinely enjoyable way to understand the region’s wines without leaving the city. You’ll gain useful skills like reading wine labels and understanding appellations—all while savoring thoughtfully selected wines paired with French cheeses. The expertise Guadalupe provides ensures that even complete beginners walk away with new knowledge and a new appreciation for Bordeaux.

The intimate setting and small group size mean you get personal attention, which can turn a simple tasting into a memorable experience. Plus, the option to upgrade to premium wines means it can cater to those looking to indulge a little more.

If your goal is to get a taste of Bordeaux’s wine culture in a relaxed environment with a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers very good value. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want to learn without the formality of a traditional wine tour.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. No prior wine knowledge is required, and Guadalupe makes the learning process fun and accessible.

What wines will I taste?
You’ll enjoy a sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux, a white wine, and two red wines. There’s also an option to taste three premium wines, including Grand Cru Classé and classified wines.

Does the experience include food?
Yes, each tasting is paired with a platter of three French cheeses that work well with the wines.

Where does the tour start?
Guadalupe will meet you inside the wine bar, L’Ampélo, located at 3 rue Gobineau, Bordeaux.

How long does the tasting last?
The experience typically runs between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on whether you opt for the premium wine upgrade.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, giving you flexibility.

Is this activity accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, groups are limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

Can children join the tour?
Children under 18 are not permitted to taste wine, but fruit juice options are available for them.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the quality of guide, selection of wines, cheese pairing, and central location, it offers good value—especially for those looking for a meaningful introduction to Bordeaux wines in a relaxed setting.

Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or a wine enthusiast wanting to refine your palate, this Bordeaux tasting experience blends education with enjoyment. Guadalupe’s warm approach and the intimate setting make it a small-but-mighty highlight of any visit to this renowned wine city.

You can check availability for your dates here: