Bordeaux wine tour: 2 wineries & wine tastings (red & white)

Imagine strolling through vineyards in Pessac-Léognan and Entre-deux-Mers, two regions that showcase the variety and beauty of Bordeaux wines. For around $90 per person, this 4-hour small-group experience offers a taste of authentic, less touristy estates in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

What we love about this tour is visiting two very different wineries—one in a prestigious, organic-focused vineyard, and another in the scenic, hilly landscape of Entre-deux-Mers. You get to discover how climate, soil, and organic practices influence wine flavors, and how Bordeaux’s diversity extends beyond its most famous châteaux.

A slight consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and moving between locations, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and ready to appreciate some vineyard scenery and cellar visits. It’s perfect for curious wine lovers who want to understand Bordeaux beyond the well-known names, especially if you enjoy small-group intimacy and authentic stories behind each estate.

This experience is ideal for anyone who appreciates guided insights, wants to sample both red and white wines, and enjoys discovering hidden gems in Bordeaux’s landscape. It’s especially good if you’re in Bordeaux early in your trip, as many reviewers mention, because it sets a great foundation for understanding the region’s diversity.

Key Points

Authentic Visits: Off-the-beaten-path wineries offer a genuine experience free from large tourist crowds.
Diverse Wines: Tasting both red and white wines helps appreciate Bordeaux’s variety.
Educational Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Emmanuel and Ludmila enhance the experience with engaging stories.
Scenic Landscapes: The hilly Entre-deux-Mers is often called “Little Tuscany,” offering beautiful views.
Organic Focus: One winery’s organic practices provide insight into sustainable wine-growing.
Small Group: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized, relaxed experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Bordeaux Wine Tour in Depth

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Starting Point and Transportation

We begin our journey at 134 Quai de Bacalan, right in front of the Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s modern hub dedicated to wine culture. Meeting here ensures easy access via public transportation (streetcar line B stops nearby). It’s a smart choice for central travelers, and arriving five minutes early is recommended to settle in and get a quick briefing from your guide.

The tour uses a 9-seater van, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and comfort. The short ride (around 30 minutes) transports us from Bordeaux’s city center into the countryside, giving us a glimpse of the lush landscape ahead.

First Winery: Pessac-Léognan

Our first stop is a certified organic winery in Pessac-Léognan, a prestigious Bordeaux appellation known for producing both red and white wines. This estate is notable for its sustainable practices, which adds an extra layer of interest for eco-conscious travelers.

Here, we get to walk through the vat room and barrel cellar, observing the wine-making process firsthand. The guide explains how Bordeaux’s climate and soil shape the wines and shares insights into organic viticulture—something we found particularly enlightening, especially if you’re interested in sustainable practices.

The tasting includes at least two wines—a red and a white, allowing us to compare how different grape varieties and fermentation methods influence flavor. The few reviews mentioning this estate praised the beautiful setting and the expert guidance that helped us learn to “use our senses” to distinguish wines.

Crossing the Garonne River

After about 75 minutes, we hop back into the van to cross the Garonne River, a scenic drive that offers a chance to appreciate the contrast between Bordeaux’s urban core and its rural vineyards. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes, giving us a little breather and anticipation for the next part of our adventure.

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Second Winery: Entre-deux-Mers

Our second visit takes us to a picturesque winery in the Entre-deux-Mers region, which is colloquially called “Little Tuscany” for its rolling hills and scenic views. This area produces a wide variety of wines, many of which are lesser-known outside Bordeaux.

Here, a different style of winery welcomes us—more laid-back, with a focus on terroir and the diversity of wines. We tour the vineyards and visit the cellar, learning how the hilly landscape influences the grapes’ development.

The tasting includes at least three wines, spanning different colors and styles, giving us a broad view of what this region has to offer. Several reviews highlighted the quality and variety of wines tasted, with one reviewer noting that the wines were “totally worth it.”

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Final Moments and Return to Bordeaux

The tour wraps up around 6:30 pm, with a few minutes to reflect on the day’s discoveries before heading back to Bordeaux. The short ride allows us to digest the experience, and many travelers appreciate the personalized attention and informal atmosphere.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience is well-loved for its small-group size, ensuring you get personalized explanations and the chance to ask plenty of questions. The knowledgeable guides like Emmanuel and Ludmila receive praise for their storytelling and passion for Bordeaux wines.

The two wineries selected for this tour showcase different facets of Bordeaux wine production—the organic estate in Pessac-Léognan demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, while the Entre-deux-Mers winery highlights the diversity and landscape of lesser-known regions.

Many reviewers found it valuable to start their Bordeaux trip with this tour, as it sets a foundation for understanding Bordeaux’s different wine styles. The wines themselves are varied and of good quality, offering a taste of both tradition and innovation.

Considerations

While the tour takes about four hours and involves a fair bit of walking and moving between estates, it’s usually suitable for most travelers in decent health. The group size (limited to 8) provides an intimate setting but also means booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons.

It’s important to note that lunch isn’t included, so bringing some snacks or eating beforehand is a smart idea, especially if you plan to enjoy the tastings thoroughly.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts keen to explore less crowded, authentic Bordeaux wineries**. It suits travelers who appreciate guided insights and want to understand how region, grape varieties, and farming practices influence the final product.

It’s especially good for those early in their trip, eager to get a sense of Bordeaux’s diversity and set a foundation for future visits to bigger châteaux or other regions.

If you prefer luxury experiences or highly structured tastings, this might not satisfy. But for those wanting an authentic, educational, and scenic wine adventure, it hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 due to the tasting component and walking involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must since there’s some walking and cellar visits. Bring sunglasses, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch isn’t included. It’s a good idea to eat breakfast before the tour and bring snacks if needed.

How many wines are tasted?
You’ll taste at least five wines across both wineries—two at the first, three at the second.

Is there transportation between the wineries?
Yes, the van transports you between Bordeaux, the two estates, and back, making it easy to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

How large is the group?
Limited to 8 participants, which encourages a more personalized and relaxed experience.

Are the wines Organic?
At least one winery is certified organic, emphasizing sustainable practices that influence the wines’ taste.

What languages are available?
Guides speak both French and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexible booking options.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux wine tour offers a well-balanced glimpse into the region’s diversity, landscape, and sustainable practices. The small-group setting and local guides make it more than just a tasting—it’s an opportunity to learn and appreciate Bordeaux wine in an authentic setting.

For travelers who crave a relaxed, informative, and scenic experience that goes beyond the big-name wineries, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for those wanting a taste of Bordeaux’s lesser-known regions with knowledgeable guides to enrich the journey.

While it’s not a luxury chateau experience, the quality of the wines, the beautiful landscapes, and the personalized attention make this tour a great value for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Bordeaux’s wine world. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned wine lover, it’s an accessible way to enjoy some of Bordeaux’s best kept secrets.