If you love wine, or are even just vaguely familiar with it you will have heard of Bordeaux. The name is synonymous with quality wine as the region is home to over 8000 wine producers . Bordeaux wines have traveled the world but it is also possible to travel & taste them in their home. The best Bordeaux wine tours include visits to producers, incredible gastronomy and of course a guide to explain all about those wonderful wines.
Bordeaux is the largest wine growing region in France. Wine has been produced in this area for almost one thousand years so there is some extraordinary heritage to explore. The reason for the quality of these wines is the geology of the area which has soils which are perfect for cultivating grapes.
Producers on the banks of the Gironde river produce the most expensive, best quality wines in the region. The Medoc area is also extremely popular, that is situated in the left bank area. For a first trip it is probably a good idea to choose a tour which incorporates several areas to get an idea of the differences. For those familiar with the area travel companies can help arrange visits to specific wineries.
For both the novice and the keen amateur there are interesting courses in the local wine school. They have introductory classes which cover the basics of tasting and the local regional wine culture. There are also technical classes which explore the local terrain and its affect on the wine and blending classes.
A typical tour of a vineyard will include tasting as well as visits to the cellars, vat rooms, barrel rooms and of course, the vines. They normally last around ninety minutes and so it is quite easy to visit a few in one day. Smaller growers will do the tasting with their visitors and love to talk about their passion with interested parties. Larger wineries have hospitality staff.
Before planning a trip be sure to check with an agent about when to visit. There are a few times of year when wineries are closed. In January they are usually occupied with blending and do not take visitors. The first week of April is also off-limits to non professionals. This is when the experts are in town and tasting the latest offerings. Every other year there is also Vinexpo which takes up all producers time.
The city itself is also a top tourist attraction and a World Heritage Site and there is plenty to do so you may want to stay an extra few days. There is incredible architecture, top museums and, this being Franc, extraordinary food. A wine tour package will usually include a guide, transport (you do not want to have to spit out all that wine), accommodation and some meals. Some also include a class at wine school. Many companies also offer bespoke packages so if you have particular wineries you want to visit this would be a great option.
There are many companies which offer specialist wine tours and excellent packages in the Bordeaux region. A typical tour will include visits to wineries, tasting, delicious lunches, a guide to teach you all about wine and even trips to local heritage villages. What a lovely way to spend a few days.
Bordeaux is the largest wine growing region in France. Wine has been produced in this area for almost one thousand years so there is some extraordinary heritage to explore. The reason for the quality of these wines is the geology of the area which has soils which are perfect for cultivating grapes.
Producers on the banks of the Gironde river produce the most expensive, best quality wines in the region. The Medoc area is also extremely popular, that is situated in the left bank area. For a first trip it is probably a good idea to choose a tour which incorporates several areas to get an idea of the differences. For those familiar with the area travel companies can help arrange visits to specific wineries.
For both the novice and the keen amateur there are interesting courses in the local wine school. They have introductory classes which cover the basics of tasting and the local regional wine culture. There are also technical classes which explore the local terrain and its affect on the wine and blending classes.
A typical tour of a vineyard will include tasting as well as visits to the cellars, vat rooms, barrel rooms and of course, the vines. They normally last around ninety minutes and so it is quite easy to visit a few in one day. Smaller growers will do the tasting with their visitors and love to talk about their passion with interested parties. Larger wineries have hospitality staff.
Before planning a trip be sure to check with an agent about when to visit. There are a few times of year when wineries are closed. In January they are usually occupied with blending and do not take visitors. The first week of April is also off-limits to non professionals. This is when the experts are in town and tasting the latest offerings. Every other year there is also Vinexpo which takes up all producers time.
The city itself is also a top tourist attraction and a World Heritage Site and there is plenty to do so you may want to stay an extra few days. There is incredible architecture, top museums and, this being Franc, extraordinary food. A wine tour package will usually include a guide, transport (you do not want to have to spit out all that wine), accommodation and some meals. Some also include a class at wine school. Many companies also offer bespoke packages so if you have particular wineries you want to visit this would be a great option.
There are many companies which offer specialist wine tours and excellent packages in the Bordeaux region. A typical tour will include visits to wineries, tasting, delicious lunches, a guide to teach you all about wine and even trips to local heritage villages. What a lovely way to spend a few days.
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