Top Bordeaux Wine Tasting Tours

You’re spoiled to choice when it comes to sipping wine in Bordeaux, but customer reviews rank these Bordeaux wine tours as the best around:

• Medoc or St-Emilion Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux
• Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux
• Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting
• Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

The price per head varies for wine tasting, depending on the location, group size, and what’s included in your Bordeaux wine tour. On average, you can expect to pay approximately US$30 for a tasting with cheese or charcuterie. The price will increase to over US$100 for chateaux-based wine-tasting tours, with complete transport and lunch included.

Most tours depart from a pre-arranged location in Bordeaux city. You will meet your guide at a central location like the tourist office or another easy-to-find landmark. You will travel to a wine-producing region, such as Saint Emilion or Pomerol, as a group in your air-conditioned vehicle. After the tour, you will be dropped off at the area you left from.

You can dress to be comfortable on a Bordeaux wine tour. If you’re planning to visit top wineries, you may be expected to wear smarter clothes including a jacket. Remember to wear comfortable shoes with sturdy heels as you may be climbing stairs in and out of cellars––and you may need a warm layer as it can be cool in the wine cellars.

Wines in Bordeaux are categorized by grape––and the region produces 75% red wine. The top grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Almost all Bordeaux reds are made from a blend of two or more of these grapes. When it comes to white wine, the most popular grapes are Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Bordeaux aside from wine-tasting tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Cooking Classes

• Private Drivers

• Day Trips and Excursions

• Historical and Heritage Tours

• Dining Experiences

Bordeaux wine-tasting tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum Admission Ticket with Wine Tasting

• Prestige Commented Cruise glass of wine and Canelé in Bordeaux

• Unusual wine tasting in DARWIN (Bordeaux)!

• Discover Bordeaux vineyard: special wine tasting with two cellar men brothers

• Introduction to Bordeaux wines paired with cheeses & charcuterie

Plenty of different Bordeaux wine-tasting tours are available, so take time to find one that fits your style and budget—whether a private tour, an all-day outing, or a tasting paired with sightseeing or e-biking. Some tours include transportation from Bordeaux city, while others require meeting on-site. Not all tours include meals, but many do offer snacks.

The best way to enjoy your Bordeaux wine-tasting tour is to eat before the trip or choose a package that includes food, as wine tastings often involve multiple pours. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through vineyards and historic estates, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, as guides and winemakers are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Some vineyards offer shipping to your home country if you purchase wine, so check if that service is available before you buy.

The best time to book Bordeaux wine-tasting tours is May through October, when vineyards are in full bloom and many estates are open for tastings. Visit in September to coincide your trip with the grape harvest and enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes experience. Tours run year-round, but some châteaux reduce hours or close in the off-season.