Bordeaux Great Classified Growths : Private Wine Tasting

Imagine stepping into a cozy, private wine cellar just outside Bordeaux with a seasoned sommelier guiding you through some of France’s most celebrated wines. For $117 per person, this 1.5-hour experience offers an intimate journey into the legendary terroirs of Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks. You’ll taste a selection of five Great Classified Growths, learn about the region’s appellations, and discover what makes Bordeaux wines so revered worldwide. It’s a perfect pick for anyone eager to understand Bordeaux beyond the bottles found on supermarket shelves.

What we really love about this experience is the personalized attention—because it’s a private tasting, you get a tailored explanation of each wine, with plenty of time to ask questions. Plus, the option to have bottles shipped home makes it easy to carry Bordeaux’s finest back with you. The second bonus? The pairing of wines with cheeses and charcuterie elevates the tasting into a mini culinary adventure. However, one thing to consider is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to figure out how to get there yourselves. This experience suits those who are genuinely curious about Bordeaux’s diverse terroirs and want a relaxed, informative session with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

Private, personalized experience with a wine expert
Tasting of five prestigious Bordeaux wines, including whites, reds, and a sweet Sauternes
Educational insights into Bordeaux’s appellations, climates, and grape varieties
Food pairings enhance the tasting, highlighting regional flavors
Opportunity to purchase and ship wines directly home
Suitable for wine enthusiasts and beginners alike — no prior wine knowledge needed

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Bordeaux Private Wine Tasting

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The Location and Setting

The tasting takes place in a private wine cellar—a quiet, intimate space that feels authentic and away from commercial wine shops. The cellar setting emphasizes the exclusivity of this experience, allowing you to focus solely on the wines and conversation. The meeting point is at a discreet door marked “Garnier,” which adds a touch of local charm—no flashy tourist traps here.

The Itinerary and Key Stops

Over 1.5 hours, you’ll sample five outstanding wines from Bordeaux’s most esteemed vineyards:

Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Pessac Léognan (a dry white wine from the Left Bank) — a fantastic introduction to Bordeaux whites, often overlooked but highly regarded.
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé (a red wine from the Right Bank) — showcasing Bordeaux’s famous Merlot-dominant reds.
Grand vin de Pomerol (another red from the Right Bank) — representing the legendary Pomerol wines known for their richness.
Margaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 (a prestigious red from the Left Bank) — a classic Bordeaux that exemplifies elegance and finesse.
Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 1855 (a sweet white wine from the Left Bank) — perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with complex aromatics.

Each wine is carefully chosen to highlight different terroirs and appellations. The guide will explain how climate, soil, and classification influence flavor, helping you distinguish subtle nuances often lost in less focused tastings.

The Guided Tasting Experience

Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, the tasting is lively and accessible, even if you’re new to wine. We loved the way the guide explained complex concepts like vineyard classification and climate effects in simple, relatable terms. One reviewer, Tiffany Ann from Canada, called it “fucking awesome”—highlighting how engaging and fun the guide made the experience.

The focus isn’t just on sipping wine; the guide offers valuable insights that help you recognize quality and make smarter purchases. You’ll learn why Bordeaux wines are often blends and what makes each appellation unique.

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Food Pairings and Additional Offerings

After the wines, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated cheese and charcuterie platter, designed to complement the wines and showcase regional flavors. This pairing helps you understand how Bordeaux wines can be enjoyed with everyday foods, making the experience more practical.

On top of that, you have the chance to buy bottles during the tasting and have them shipped directly to your home—a real benefit if you’re looking to start or expand a wine collection without worrying about logistics.

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The Optional 2CV Vineyard Tour

For those wanting a more immersive Bordeaux experience, an optional vineyard tour in a vintage 2CV is available. Imagine cruising through the vineyards in a classic French car, savoring the scenery and more wines along the way. While this is an added adventure, it’s not included in the base price.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration: 1.5 hours — perfect for an evening activity or a relaxed afternoon.
Price: $117 per person — a fair value considering the quality of wines and expert guidance.
Group size: Private, which means more personalized attention.
Languages: Conducted in English, French, or Spanish.
Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 10 or individuals with mobility issues.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, water. No smoking or flash photography allowed.
Booking: Requires advance reservation, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

What Others Say

The sole review on record calls it a “five out of five,” with Tiffany Ann noting it was “fucking awesome—learned a lot, laughed a lot.” Her enthusiasm highlights the approachable yet informative nature of the session. Guests appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the comfortable, private setting.

Who Will Appreciate This Experience?

This tasting appeals most to travelers who want a high-quality introduction to Bordeaux wines without the fuss of visiting multiple châteaux. It’s ideal for wine lovers seeking expert insights, as well as curious beginners eager to expand their understanding. If your goal is to acquire rare Bordeaux bottles, the shipping option makes this a tempting choice. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a small, private group rather than large tours.

Final Thoughts

In a region famous for its prestige and complexity, this private tasting offers a balanced and authentic glimpse into Bordeaux’s wines. You won’t just taste; you’ll learn what makes Bordeaux wines special—an invaluable experience whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just developing an appreciation for French wines.

The combination of expert guidance, diverse wines, and the personalized setting makes this a worthwhile splurge. It offers more than a simple tasting; it provides knowledge and confidence to pick wines in the future, plus the convenience of shipping bottles home when you find a new favorite.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll taste five distinguished Bordeaux wines, enjoy food pairings with cheeses and charcuterie, and receive guidance from a knowledgeable sommelier. There’s also the option to purchase and ship wines directly to your home.

How long does the tasting last?
The session runs for about 1.5 hours, making it a relaxed but comprehensive experience perfect for an afternoon or evening activity.

Is this private or group?
This is a private experience, meaning just your group and the guide. This allows for personalized attention and tailored explanations.

Can I buy wines during the tasting?
Yes, you’ll have the opportunity to select wines to purchase, with the added benefit of having them shipped directly to your address.

What wines are tasted?
The lineup includes a dry white from Graves, reds from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, a Margaux red, and a sweet Sauternes, showcasing Bordeaux’s diversity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended. No smoking or flash photography during the tasting.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the cellar. The experience is focused on the tasting itself.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or those with mobility challenges.

What languages are available?
The tasting can be conducted in English, French, or Spanish, depending on your preference.

If you’re dreaming of discovering Bordeaux’s finest wines in an intimate setting, this private tasting hits the mark. It’s especially great for those who value expert insights, enjoy regional pairings, and appreciate the convenience of shipping wines home. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or simply curious about what makes Bordeaux so famous, this experience offers a well-rounded, enjoyable, and educational visit into the world of Bordeaux wines. You’ll leave not just with a few bottles but with a deeper appreciation of the region’s terroirs and classifications that define its reputation.