Day 1: Saturday 24th June
Arrival, Pessac-Leognan, Sauternes, and Fete du Vin
Meet at Bordeaux airport at 11.55 (to coincide with the British Airways flight from London – see Travel Information. Transfer by coach to Pessac Leognan, group lunch at the gastronomic restaurant of a Chateau. Tasting of the dry white and red wines of this appellation. Visit a producer in Sauternes or Barsac to learn about and taste the luscious dessert wines. Continue to Bordeaux, early evening check-in to the 4-star Hotel de Seze (4 nights) Free evening to visit the Fete du Vin where there will be dozens of wine producers and negociants from all over the region, and hundreds of wines to taste.
Day 2: Sunday 25th June
Bordeaux City – Cité du Vin, and more Fête du Vin
This morning visit two of the City’s unique attractions – the extraordinary digital art show in the old submarine base, Bassins des Lumieres. Then the Cité du Vin, France’s pre-eminent wine museum. Possible river cruise with lunch on board or group lunch at a restaurant. The rest of the day is free to explore the city and/or enjoy the Fete du Vin.
Day 3: Monday 26th June
Medoc Part 1 – Margaux and St Julien
This morning drive north to the Medoc, for our first day in this region. We’ll concentrate on the communes of Margaux and St Julien and visit one chateau in the morning and one in the afternoon. Lunch today at a gastronomic restaurant in one of the villages. Late afternoon return to our hotel. Free evening.
Day 4 Tuesday 27th June
The Right Bank and St Emilion
This morning we head to the ‘Right Bank’ to visit the appellations of St Emilion and Pomerol. The wines of these communes are based predominantly on Merlot, so a different style to the Left Bank. Lunch today is at a Michelin starred restaurant in St Emilion and there will be time afterwards to wander the cobbled streets of this beautiful town. Late afternoon return to hotel. Free evening.
Day 5 Wednesday 28th June
Medoc Part 2 – Pauillac and Ste Estephe
After breakfast, check-out and drive back to the Medoc. Today we will concentrate on the communes of Pauillac and Ste Estephe. But first we’ll visit a cooper to see the fascinating process of making oak barrels. Final lunch at a gastronomic restaurant or at a chateau.
Around 6pm depart and drive to Bordeaux airport to arrive by 7.15pm in time for the British Airways flight to London Gatwick
END OF TOUR
