Bordeaux Uncovered

Bordeaux Uncovered

Bordeaux is bottled history with a fascinating story to tell. Now a vibrant, sophisticated city, its history is long and intricately interwoven with its agriculture. Bordeaux is the largest fine wine district on earth. Long revered as a French wine icon, Bordeaux wine is age-worthy, much sought after, and highly prized. There is more Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in this southwest corner of France than anywhere else on earth. 10,000 producers craft these two varieties and their supporting cast into polished full-flavoured red blends.

The region is often often described as having a left and right bank, referring to which side of the Gironde and Garonnne estuary the vineyards lie. On the left, the prestigious Medoc and Graves regions produce cellar-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blends along with the acclaimed sweet whites of Sauternes made mostly from Semillon due to its thin skin and susceptibility to botrytis. And on the right side, the most sought after regions are Pomerol and Saint-Emilion known for bold, plummy red blends with a dominance of Merlot. Venturing further afield you'll find the hill vineyards of Blaye and Bourg and the wine producing area between the 2 rivers of Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers which means "between 2 tides" in French.

Why Into The Vineyard

Commitment to Service

We believe life is most enriched when time is spent meaningfully, and the people around us are well cared for. We offer tailored travel that is effortless and designed to inspire discovery, foster connections, and build community.

Private & Customizable Journeys

Travel preferences are as unique as an individual’s fingerprint. Our expertise lies in designing bespoke journeys to the wine regions of the world. Using our global networks, we craft your trip to suit your own style.

Regional Expertise

Discover the world alongside passionate locals who bring each destination to life. Garner authentic insights and connection. Our Sales and Planning teams have explored at length the destinations they specialize in. We continuously revisit regions, inspect accommodations, and experience wineries, so we can deliver the quality and service you expect.

Extraordinary Experiences

We design immersive experiences with excellence. Whatever your request - a private Mendoza vineyard lunch, truffle hunting in Piedmont, or a First Growth in Bordeaux - you will enjoy exclusive access to unparalleled encounters.

Trusted Support

Plan and travel at ease with the support of expert travel professionals. Headquartered in Canada and with staff around the world, we ensure you are supported from initial planning discussions to full on-trip coverage.

Responsible Travel

Our aim is to provide travel that inspires both the traveler and the communities we visit. We prioritize privately-operated accommodations, locally-owned restaurants and generational wineries, and encourage low-carbon private transportation where viable.
Day Description Accommodation
Day 1 Bordeaux Arrival Villas Foch
Day 2 Graves & Sauternes Discovery Villas Foch
Day 3 Arcachon Bay with Pinasse and Oyster Tasting Villas Foch
Day 4 The Great Cabernets of the Medoc Villas Foch
Day 5 Right Bank Discovery - Saint Emilion and Pomerol Logis de la Cadène
Day 6 Further Exploration of the Right Bank Logis de la Cadène
Day 7 Departure

Day 1: Bordeaux Arrival

Bordeaux Arrival
Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Airport to Hotel
  • Accommodation: Villas Foch

Welcome to Bordeaux! On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation to check in.

Relax, refresh, and enjoy the amenities of your hotel, or venture out to explore your new surroundings.

Additional Options for Day 1

Bordeaux City Walking Tour

Accompanied by your private city guide, learn the history of the city on a 2-hour walking tour, encompassing monuments including the Grand Theatre opera house, Place des Quinconces and the emblematic Place de la Bourse with the Miroir d’Eau fountain. There will be time to enjoy a tasting in town and perhaps an épicerie if it is of interest.

Explore the sophisticated “Golden Triangle†demarcated by three boulevards: Cours Georges Clemenceau, Cours de l’Intendance, perhaps the grandest street in the city, and Allées de Tourny. Here is where you will find some of the more premier boutiques and luxury brand names.

Day 2: Graves & Sauternes Discovery

Daily Summary
  • Tour: Graves & Sauternes Discovery
  • Accommodation: Villas Foch
  • Meals: B

Graves & Sauternes Discovery

You will be joined by your private driver-guide today for a full day of exploration of the wines of Graves.

You will be welcomed at a producer such as Château Carbonnieux for a visit and tasting. In 1959, when the Grands Crus of the Graves were officially classified, Château Carbonnieux was classified along with 16 Graves Crus all within the current Pessac-Léognan appellation. Thanks to the exceptional potential of its terroir, Château Carbonnieux was classified both for red and white wines (which is the case for only 6 crus classés among the 9000 wineries of the Bordeaux region). Today, the Carbonnieux estate covers 170 hectares of land at the gateway to Bordeaux, including vineyards on 92 adjoining hectares, with almost equal quantities of red and white varieties.

Next, you will be welcomed through the doors of Château Guiraud, or similar, for a visit and tasting. Throughout its history, Château Guiraud has always maintained its independence and traced its own route. The prevailing pioneer spirit led the property to create its own conservatory of grape varieties. In 1996, the team undertook a veritable cultural revolution by embarking on the study of biodiversity, and in 2011 Château Guiraud became the First Grand Cru Classé in 1855 to be awarded Organic Agriculture certification.

There will be time to enjoy lunch this afternoon with a reservation at La Table du Lavoir, the gourmet bistro restaurant of Château Smith Haut Lafitte.

Continue this afternoon to a third producer such as the walled vineyards of 1st growth Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, where Lalique crystal is used for both the ageing and bottling of the wine. Maisons Rouges (part of Lafaurie-Peyraguey) was a Roman staging post, and the oldest stones of the perimeter wall and the entrance, thought to be the most ancient structure in the commune of Bommes, date from the 13th century.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your day of exploration.

Day 3: Arcachon Bay with Pinasse and Oyster Tasting

Daily Summary
  • Tour: Arcachon Bay with Pinasse and Oyster Tasting
  • Accommodation: Villas Foch
  • Meals: B

Arcachon Bay with Pinasse and Oyster Tasting

This morning, you will be met by your private guide at your accommodations after breakfast and set out towards today’s destination: The Bay of Arcachon. The Bay of Arcachon is an interior sea with a small opening to the Atlantic, backed by a pine tree forest. A mild climate, beaches and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.

Begin at the base of the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe, surrounded by forests of pine and oak. After a challenging hike to the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surroundings woods, ocean, and the town. Take your time to explore and take in the incredible views.

Next, embark on a private tour around Bassin d'Arcachon aboard a classic pinasse boat, including a special tasting at an oyster farm.

The Bay opens up to the Atlantic Ocean and houses a small inland sea of about 155 km² at high tide where people farm oysters or go fishing, boating and swimming for fun. Stop in one of the typical oyster villages with its narrow streets and its oyster huts: perhaps taste oysters paired with a glass of local white wine!

Following our boat ride, there will be time for shopping and self discovery in Arcachon. We will also arrange for a lunch reservation at a trendy restaurant in town.

Before returning to Bordeaux, take a stroll through the winter town of Arcachon with its astonishing 19th century villas.

Day 4: The Great Cabernets of the Medoc

Daily Summary
  • Tour: The Great Cabernets of the Medoc
  • Accommodation: Villas Foch
  • Meals: B

The Great Cabernets of the Medoc

After breakfast this morning, meet your private wine guide at your accommodations and depart for an exquisite day of tastings in the Médoc.

Begin the morning at a renowned estate, Château Gruaud Larose. Another one of the 15 exclusive 2nd growth properties, this winery is based in the Saint Julien appellation. The notion of terroir binds geology and climate together. The largest concentration of Grand Cru Wines is in the Medoc, an area which benefits from a microclimate that is particularly favorable for the expression of the vine. Since its creation, in 1725, four families have succeeded one another at the head of Gruaud Larose: the Gruaud and Larose families, the Balguerie and Sarget families, the Cordier family and the Merlaut family. This family attachment has been passed on to the employees who often work at the chateau from father to son and from mother to daughter.

Next, Kirwan will welcome you for a visit of the estate and a special vertical tasting. The chateau’s white stones peep through from behind the park and contrast with the glass of the greenhouse on the edge of the garden, a few paces away from the terrace. Encountering Kirwan is initially a visual experience. Its vineyard overlooks the Margaux appellation area from the plateau of Cantenac. Run a finger over the barrels in the long towering passageway of the first-year cellar, where the fruit of a vintage and transmission between generations rests.

This afternoon, stop to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant such as Restaurant Le Saint Julien, where you can enjoy a bistronomic style lunch in a lovely setting.

End the day with a spectacular visit at Lynch Bages Grand Cru Classé. Although there are records of the Bages territory as far back as the 16th century, the history of wine production in the area really began in the 18th century. From 1749 to 1824, the vineyard was owned by Thomas Lynch, the son of an Irishman from Galway who worked as a merchant in Bordeaux. Thomas Lynch managed the land wisely and produced high quality wines under the name of ''Cru de Lynch''. As part of the prestigious 1855 Classification, for the Exposition Universelle de Paris, his wine would soon be classified as one of the fifth growths.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your charming day in the vineyards.

Day 5: Right Bank Discovery - Saint Emilion and Pomerol

Daily Summary

Right Bank Discovery - Saint Emilion and Pomerol

After breakfast this morning, you will be joined by your expert wine guide for a day in the vineyards of Saint Emilion and Pomerol.

We begin the day with a visit at Château Beauregard. Château Beauregard has made its name over the last several decades not only through the majesty of its location but also thanks to beautifully fresh and elegant wines. They clay-gravel terroir requires very special care to enable it to express itself in our wines. Their wines have gained in purity, freshness and ageing potential.

Next, we make our way to another esteemed estate: Château La Gaffelière, Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion. Wine is produced from an exceptional terroir, the "golden triangle", nestled between the hills of Pavia and Ausone. However, a great terroir is nothing without the will of passionate hands. The Malet Roquefort family has been procuring and maintaining the destiny of the estate for more than three centuries, with one goal in mind: enhancing the vineyard while producing a great wine of aging.

There will be time to stop and enjoy lunch today at a local restaurant such as L'Envers du Décor in the village of Saint Emilion. Following lunch, spend some time exploring the medieval village with your guide.

Afterwards, we make our way to a third producer in the area such as Château de Ferrand. The history of Château de Ferrand dates back to the 17th century and was forged in the grand tradition of the Bordeaux wine-growing estates, those that helped the region gain its illustrious reputation. One of the oldest and most consistent estates in Saint-Emilion, in 300 years Château de Ferrand has belonged to just two families; that of Elie de Bétoulaud, who passed the estate down to his descendant the Marquis de Mons and his heirs, and that of Baron Bich, founder of the famous Bic company. Nowadays the estate is managed by Pauline Bich Chandon-Moët, with help from her husband Philippe Chandon-Moët. Here, visit the magnificent estate, explore the superb architecture and the historic Grottes de Ferrand caves, famous since the reign of Louis XIV.

You will be returned to your accommodations at the end of your charming day.

Additional Options for Day 5

Les Belles Perdrix - Deluxe Double Room

Les Belles Perdrix - Deluxe Double Room

Nestled in the heart of the Troplong Mondot vineyard, this small home is located just a short distance from Saint Émilion and offers guests a chic country atmosphere. With just 4 stylish rooms and beautiful living area, it is the ideal place to get together, to chat and share your experiences, or to immerse yourself in one of the finds from the bookcase. Set in the vineyards, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the hillside, find accommodation within the Château of a Premier Grand Cru Classé St Émilion. At the helm of the starred restaurant Les Belles Perdrix is a highly skilled chef, who offers an artful new take on local gastronomy - food that is perfectly suited to the wines from the estate.

Day 6: Further Exploration of the Right Bank

Daily Summary

Further Exploration of the Right Bank

After breakfast this morning, you will be rejoined by your guide for another day of discovery.

This morning, you will be welcomed through the doors of Château Troplong Mondot for a private visit and tasting of their production. The Chateau has a long and colorful history in Saint Emilion that dates back to the 17th Century. ettled upon its hilltop, the Château discretely dominates an unusual ‘terroir’, quite unlike any other. On the one side, soft wave-like sweeping hills. On the other, the valley and the village of Saint-Emilion, stretching out under our feet.? And all around, vines, bushes, hedges, lanes and low stone walls.

Afterwards, Château La Dominque will host your next visit with a special 4 wine Blind Tasting. As in all beautiful stories, one look was enough for successive owners of La Dominique to be smitten with this magnificent Saint Emilion estate, and commit to making the most of it. Called "Durieu" in the early 17th century, the property was acquired by the Glenne family and named "Dominique" by Jacques and Isabeau Micheau in 1690. A subsequent owner, merchant Henri Greloud, added the definite article "La" in the mid-19th century. He is said to have done so because of his love for the Caribbean island of Dominica (or "La Dominique" in French). The Fayat family wanted to build a state-of-the-art winemaking facility that was also well-integrated into the landscape and in harmony with existing buildings. This turned out to be a unique, imaginative, avant garde structure that is functional, luminous, and spacious. It is totally in keeping with the emotion generated by the wine and is widely acknowledged as one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful modern cellars.

We suggest stopping to enjoy lunch at the estate's esteemed restaurant, La Terrasse Rouge, afterwards. Enjoy beautiful views overlooking the vineyards while enjoying refined French cuisine.

This afternoon, we set out to the village of Saint Emilion for a historical walking tour to see the underground monuments. The origins of the village Saint-Émilion go back to the 8th century when the monk Emilion turned the place into a monastic site. The town and the surrounding vineyards developed during the Middle Ages. The visit will cover several centuries of history and legend from the time of the monk Emilion to the carving out of the amazing monolithic church. You will see paintings in the Chapelle de la Trinité and learn the secrets of the catacombs.

You will be returned to your accommodation at the conclusion of the day.

Day 7: Departure

Daily Summary
  • Transfer: Hotel to Train Station
  • Meals: B

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the train station to catch your connecting train.

Villas Foch

Villas Foch

Immerse yourself in the elegance of bourgeois architecture of the 19th century in this restored mansion. Villas Foch is a prestigious residential complex in Bordeaux's Foch district, offering luxurious living spaces with a blend of traditional French architecture and contemporary design. Every aspect of the décor is in line with the city's UNESCO World Heritage standing. The interiors feature spacious layouts, high ceilings, and premium finishes, while amenities include landscaped gardens, private terraces, a wellness area with indoor heated pool and sauna. Villas Foch provides a secure and exclusive living environment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined lifestyle in Bordeaux and convenient access to nearby shops and restaurants.


Logis de la Cadène

Logis de la Cadène

Logis de la Cadène, the picturesque 18th century house with character, offers a wonderful setting, where you can now stay in a delightfully cozy atmosphere.  Logis de la Cadène is located on a small square in the very center of the medieval town, with its steep cobbled street, old golden stone façade and wisteria arbor, this haven is ideal for enjoyment. The shady terrace and the three dining rooms are where you could find yourself enjoying delicious traditional dishes with a modern twist, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and produce. The wine list is several hundred items long and represents a round-the-world-tour of the finest wine-growing regions. Four inviting, subtly elegant rooms are available. Relax, rest and even laze in delightful settings featuring a combination of materials, bathrooms with cement tiles, time-polished wood furniture, revived parquet flooring and rare Chinese artifacts. The restaurant has garnered a Michelin star and features dishes that are refined and subtle, following the seasons and chef's inspiration of the moment. 

Optional Accommodations

Les Belles Perdrix

Les Belles Perdrix

Nestled in the heart of the Troplong Mondot vineyard, this small home is located just a short distance from Saint Émilion and offers guests a chic country atmosphere. With just 4 stylish rooms and beautiful living area, it is the ideal place to get together, to chat and share your experiences, or to immerse yourself in one of the finds from the bookcase. Set in the vineyards, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the hillside, find accommodation within the Château of a Premier Grand Cru Classé St Émilion. At the helm of the starred restaurant Les Belles Perdrix is a highly skilled chef, who offers an artful new take on local gastronomy - food that is perfectly suited to the wines from the estate.

Price Includes

Bespoke organization of the trip

Bilingual guide with expert regional knowledge

Regional restaurant recommendations

Accommodation as per the daily summary

Meals as per the daily summary

All transfers on private basis as per the daily summary

All tours on private basis as per the daily summary (unless otherwise stated)

Wine tasting fees

Price Excludes

International and domestic airfares

Any entrance tickets not mentioned in the itinerary

All meals and beverages not included in the daily summary

Dinner restaurant reservations (available for a supplement)

Gratuity (at your discretion)

Travel insurance

Items of a personal nature

Rental vehicle hire (if applicable)