Top Bordeaux Experiences

Bordeaux is the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts. Iconic chateaux, ancient cellars, world-class museums, historic monuments… there is always something new to discover in this storied wine region.

This past fall, I escorted a group on a river cruise and 3-night post-cruise land tour in Bordeaux. We have so many incredible memories! Here is Part One of our top 10 experiences:

1. Private tour and tasting at Château Margaux (bucket list!). As one of the five First Growths, Château Margaux is renowned for its elegant and aromatic Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. The history of the estate dates back to the 12th century!

We tasted the 2011 Château Margaux and the 2015 Pavillon Rouge. Although 2011 was not the greatest vintage in Bordeaux, the Margaux was exquisite. Beautiful floral aromatics with silky tannins make this an elegant wine with great finesse (chef’s kiss!). The 2015 Pavillon, the estate’s second label, was also a treat - ripe and juicy with firm tannins.

Did you know that Château Margaux makes their own barrels? During our tour, we were lucky to observe the cooper carefully crafting customized barrels for the estate.

2. Custom side-by-side tasting of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol in a 15th-century cellar. This was an experience you just cannot replicate elsewhere. I requested a comparison tasting between these two regions on the Right Bank and my friend Benoit did not disappoint! He guided us through nearly 20 different wines as we learned to decipher the differences in taste and structure. This educational tasting alone would be incredible anywhere, but the setting in a historic cellar paired with a gourmet lunch really put this over the top. Just wow.

3. Noble rot in the vineyards of Sauternes. Noble rot, or botrytis, is a fungus that consumes the grapes, causing them to shrivel and dehydrate. This concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grape, resulting in sweeter and more complex flavors. The Sauternes appellation produces the most celebrated botrytized wine in the world. I got a bit teary-eyed when I walked through the vineyard to see the famous noble rot in person for the first time. 🤓

4. Rosé on the sun deck as we sailed past the immense Blaye Fortress. No doubt, one of the highlights of a river cruise is sipping a cocktail on the top deck while watching the scenery go by. While Bordeaux does not boast the awe-inspiring, steeply terraced vineyards of the Moselle or Douro Rivers, the UNESCO-designated Blaye Fortress is quite the sight to see. This fortress, also known as the Citadel of Blaye, is a historic military fortification designed in the 17th century by the famous military architect Vauban. A must-visit for history fans!

5. Discovering the Cathédrale Saint-André. St. Andrew Cathedral in the city of Bordeaux has a storied history that stretches back over eight centuries. Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century and underwent numerous renovations and expansions. The cathedral played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Bordeaux, serving as a place of worship, pilgrimage, and royal ceremonies. Despite enduring periods of political upheaval and conflict, St. Andrew Cathedral persevered, emerging as a symbol of resilience and continuity. You could spend hours exploring this stunning cathedral - don’t miss it!

You can read more on why we think Bordeaux is the ultimate wine destination here.

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