Bordeaux wine tour: 2 wineries & wine tastings (red & white)

Discovering Bordeaux’s Hidden Vineyards: An Authentic Wine Tour Experience

If you’re dreaming of Bordeaux’s renowned wine scene but want to go beyond the crowded tourist spots, this small-group wine tour offers a refreshing and authentic experience. Organized by Vert Bordeaux, it takes you off the beaten path to explore two lesser-known, yet fascinating, wineries in the Pessac-Léognan and Entre-deux-Mers regions. Over four hours, you’ll taste a variety of wines, learn about the area’s viticulture, and enjoy some of the most beautiful vineyard landscapes around.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it combines visits to an organic vineyard with a hilly, picturesque region, giving you a sense of the diversity in Bordeaux’s wine production. Second, the knowledgeable guides and friendly hosts ensure you’re well-informed and truly engaged in the process. Lastly, the focus on local, quality wines offers a genuine taste of Bordeaux’s best, with tastings of both reds and whites.

That said, since the tour involves some walking and a quick pace at each stop, it might not be ideal if you prefer a very leisurely or in-depth visit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of education, scenic views, and wine tasting without spending an entire day on the road. Perfect for those with limited time or who enjoy discovering hidden gems.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences in lesser-visited Bordeaux vineyards
• Knowledgeable guides sharing regional wine insights
• Diverse wine tastings including both red and white wines
• Beautiful vineyard landscapes and scenic countryside
• Small group size keeps the experience personal and engaging
• Efficient 4-hour itinerary ideal for travelers with limited time

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Bordeaux Wine Tour

This four-hour tour offers a well-rounded taste of Bordeaux’s wine diversity in a nutshell. From the start in front of the Cité du Vin, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide and transported in a cozy 9-seater van. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) helps keep the experience intimate, allowing for plenty of interaction and personalized attention.

Starting in Pessac-Léognan: Organic Wine with a Story

Your first stop is a certified organic winery in Pessac-Léognan, a region famous for its high-quality wines. This part of the tour is particularly appealing to eco-conscious travelers or those simply keen to understand sustainable practices. Here, you’ll explore the vat room and barrel cellar, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how Bordeaux wines are crafted.

Participants consistently mention the passion and friendliness of the vineyard hosts, who are eager to share their expertise. As one reviewer noted, the guides are full of knowledge and approachable, making complex wine-making processes easy to understand. The tasting includes at least two wines—red and white—representing the estate’s best.

Crossing the Garonne: Scenic Drive and Vineyard Views

The journey across the Garonne River offers a chance to enjoy the landscape and get a sense of the region’s geography. The drive itself isn’t long—about 30 minutes—but it’s an opportunity to appreciate the vineyard’s diversity and the hilly landscape of Entre-deux-Mers, often called “Little Tuscany” for its rolling hills and charming scenery.

Discovering Entre-deux-Mers: A Hilly Wine Paradise

Next, your guide takes you into Entre-deux-Mers, a less-known but highly rewarding area producing a variety of wines. The second vineyard visit showcases this area’s diversity and character, with a different style of wine compared to Pessac-Léognan. Expect a guided tour and a tasting of at least three wines, including reds, whites, and possibly rosés.

Reviewers rave about the beautiful views and the chance to sample wines that are quite different from the first stop, giving you a broader understanding of Bordeaux’s vinicultural variety. The hosts here are equally passionate, and the tasting is described as generous, making it a highlight for wine lovers.

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In-Depth: What to Expect at Each Stop

Pessac-Léognan Organic Winery

The first stop is a certified organic estate, where the focus is on sustainable practices. Visitors will see the vat room—where fermentation happens—and descend into the barrel cellar, getting a feel for traditional wine aging techniques. The hosts are enthusiastic about their organic approach, and their passion shines through.

The wines tasted here include at least two, with a focus on showcasing the region’s signature reds and whites. Reviewers like Melanie praised the friendly and passionate vineyard hosts, which makes the experience more personal and engaging.

The Drive and Scenic Views

The journey between wineries offers a relaxing break to soak in the countryside. The landscape features gentle hills and sprawling vineyards, making the drive itself a memorable part of the experience.

Entre-deux-Mers Vineyard Visit

This second estate offers a contrast in landscape and style. Known for its “Little Tuscany” nickname, the region’s hilly terrain provides a stunning backdrop for the vineyard tour. The guides here are knowledgeable, sharing insights about the variety of wines produced and the region’s unique terroir.

Participants will taste at least three different wines, usually including reds, whites, and possibly a rosé, giving a well-rounded palate. Several reviews mention how the wines here differ markedly from the first stop, highlighting the diversity of Bordeaux’s terroir.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes transportation in a comfortable, small van, a local guide with expertise in Bordeaux wines, and two wine tastings—minimum of five wines across both estates. This setup offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized attention and intimate group size.

However, lunch, bottled water, and souvenirs are not included. It’s worth bringing some snacks or a light breakfast, especially since you’ll be sampling wines, and it’s advisable to stay hydrated.

Practical Details and Tips

• Check availability before booking as start times vary.
• Arrive early at the meeting point in front of Cité du Vin—it’s a popular spot easily accessible by streetcar (stop “Cité du Vin”).
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around vineyards and cellars.
• Bring sunglasses, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• The tour does not accommodate large luggage or big bags, so pack light.
• No children under 12 are allowed, making this a more adult-focused experience.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler appreciated the storytelling skills of the driver, who shared engaging tales about Bordeaux’s wine culture, adding depth to the visit. Others highlighted the generous tastings and beautiful vineyard views as the major highlights.

The guide’s passion and knowledge consistently drew praise, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable. However, some pointed out that the second visit can feel a bit quick, and tastings could be more generous, but overall, most found the experience well-balanced for a half-day tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wine enthusiast curious about Bordeaux’s lesser-known gems, this tour is ideal. It’s perfect for those who want to see authentic, family-run wineries and taste diverse wines without the crowds. The small group and knowledgeable guides make it a personal, educational experience.

Those with a limited schedule will appreciate the compact 4-hour format, and eco-conscious travelers will enjoy the organic vineyard experience. It’s also suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a meaningful way to explore Bordeaux’s wine scene.

The Sum Up

This Bordeaux wine tour offers a fantastic blend of authenticity, scenic beauty, and expert insight. The visits to two unique vineyards—one organic and one in a picturesque hilly region—deliver a well-rounded understanding of Bordeaux’s diverse wines. The small-group setting ensures a personable experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and truly connect with the hosts.

While the pace is brisk, the quality of tastings and the charm of the guides make this a valuable choice for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. It’s especially suited for those wanting a glimpse of Bordeaux’s hidden wine treasures, combined with stunning countryside views.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just starting your wine journey, this tour promises a delightful, authentic experience that highlights the region’s diversity and craftsmanship.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and the tasting sessions are designed to be accessible for all levels.

How much wine will I taste? You will sample at least five wines across the two estates, including reds and whites, making it a satisfying experience for wine lovers.

Can I buy wine during the tour? Souvenirs and personal purchases are not included, but you may be able to buy wines at the wineries—check with your guide.

Is transportation included? Yes, transportation from Bordeaux in a small, comfortable van is part of the package.

How long is the drive between wineries? The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, offering scenic views of the Bordeaux countryside.

Will I have free time during the tour? No, the itinerary is structured with guided visits and tastings, but the small group size keeps it intimate and flexible.

Are there any age restrictions? Yes, this tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sunglasses are recommended. Bring water for hydration.

Is this tour available in other languages? The tour is offered in both French and English.

How do I cancel or reschedule? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the provider’s policies for rescheduling options.

You can check availability for your dates here: