Professional – Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting with a walking tour

Imagine wandering through Bordeaux’s scenic streets, feeling the cobblestones beneath your feet, and soaking in the city’s historic charm—imagine doing all that with a knowledgeable guide, learning about its famous wine trade, and then sitting down for a generous wine and cheese tasting. That’s exactly what you get with this 2-hour professional walking tour starting in the charismatic Chartrons neighborhood. Priced at just under $68 per person, it offers a hearty blend of history, culture, and oenology, making it a standout choice for anyone wanting an authentic taste of Bordeaux.

What makes this tour special? First, the expert guides like Clemence, who passionately share stories about Bordeaux’s influence on global wine trade and its unique landmarks. Second, the combination of a scenic stroll with a curated tasting—a perfect balance between education and indulgence. We also appreciate that the tour includes visits to some of Bordeaux’s most iconic sights, like the UNESCO-listed Chartrons district and the Cité du Vin, without the hassle of organizing separate visits.

One consideration to keep in mind: the tour’s length is just about 2 hours. While that’s a great quick immersion, serious wine enthusiasts may wish for more time at the tasting or additional visits. Also, as with many guided city walks, the experience is subject to group size and weather conditions, so packing some comfortable shoes and an umbrella might be wise.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, wine lovers, and curious travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting. It’s especially suited for those who value expert-guided insights and authentic local flavors, as reflected in the glowing reviews from past participants.

Key Points

• Authentic Bordeaux Experience: Combines city walking with a curated wine and cheese tasting.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Clemence are praised for their knowledge and passion.
• UNESCO Heritage: Walk through Bordeaux’s UNESCO-listed Chartrons district and see iconic landmarks.
• Educational & Delicious: Learn wine tips, regional history, and enjoy generous tastings.
• Flexible & Accessible: Near public transportation, with free cancellation options.
• Limited Group Size: Tour maxes out at 15 travelers, offering a personalized experience.

In this review, we’ll walk you through what to expect at each stop, why it matters, and how the experience stacks up for different types of travelers.

Starting Point: 64 Quai des Chartrons

The tour kicks off in Chartrons, an area once known as the Old Wine Merchant street. This neighborhood, listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage site, is the heart of Bordeaux’s historic wine trade. As you stand on the quays, you’ll get a glimpse of the Port de la Lune, a nickname referencing the moon-shaped river bend. Past visitors like Doug praise the guide Clemence for her knowledge and passion, especially her stories about Bordeaux’s connections with England and its influence on the city’s wine history.

Expect an easy, 15-minute walk through this historic area, soaking in the architecture and atmosphere that has made Chartrons a favorite among travelers. The area’s vintage warehouses and charming cafes make it perfect for a leisurely stroll—and the photos here are postcard-worthy.

Quais de Bordeaux and Pont de Pierre

Next, you’ll enjoy a short walk along the Quais de Bordeaux, where you’ll admire views of the Garonne River and learn about Bordeaux’s crucial port and wine trade history. This part of the tour offers a visual context for how Bordeaux became a major trading hub. A quick visit to the Pont de Pierre, built for Napoleon in the early 19th century, provides a sense of the city’s architectural grandeur and its links to European royalty and politics.

Though you won’t visit these landmarks up close, the guide’s commentary makes these stops informative. As Wendy W notes, the scenic riverside and historical tales add a layer of appreciation for Bordeaux’s long-standing relationship with wine.

Bridges and Architectural Marvels

From the river, you’ll glimpse the Pont Jacques Chaban Delmas, a modern architectural feat. While not a close-up visit, learning about the cutting-edge technology used in its construction parallels the modern innovations in winemaking—something the guide will highlight during the tour.

This contrast between historic bridges and modern engineering underscores Bordeaux’s blend of old and new. Reviews frequently mention that guides explain the technologies behind Bordeaux’s wine production, making the connection between city infrastructure and viticulture tangible.

The Iconic Église St Louis des Chartrons

A highlight is a stop at the Église St Louis des Chartrons, one of Bordeaux’s most striking churches. Here, you’ll learn about its architectural beauty and the role it played in the community’s history. This adds a cultural dimension often appreciated by travelers who enjoy combining architecture, local stories, and religious heritage.

The World-Famous Cité du Vin

While you don’t enter the Cité du Vin on this tour, spotting it from a distance sparks curiosity about Bordeaux’s place on the global wine map. This modern structure, the largest wine exposition museum worldwide, symbolizes Bordeaux’s commitment to wine education and innovation. Guides will share insights about Bordeaux’s diverse grape varieties and regional wine styles, enriching your understanding before you even taste.

Houses Jumelles and the Foreign Influence

Next, you’ll see the Maisons Jumelles, twin houses that once belonged to foreign wine merchants. This detail exemplifies the international nature of Bordeaux’s wine trade—something several reviewers, like Anthony J, found particularly fascinating. It also illustrates the city’s openness to foreign influence, shaping its reputation as a global wine hub.

The Highlight: Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Tasting

The final segment takes place in a cozy local wine bar, where you’ll partake in a blind wine tasting paired with cheeses. As Wendy W describes, this part of the tour is “a wonderful leisurely stroll through downtown Bordeaux” followed by an hour of tastings led by a knowledgeable guide.

You’ll be guided through sniffing, sipping, and pairing Bordeaux wines with cheeses, bread, and possibly meats—an experience that reviews suggest is generous and well-curated. Several guests, like Abbie Q and Laura W, rave about the quality of the wines and the expertise of the guides, who often highlight local wines made by women vintners, adding a distinctive touch.

Group Size and Comfort

This tour caps at 15 travelers, making it intimate enough for personalized attention. Several reviewers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the guides’ ability to answer questions freely. The walking pace is gentle, suitable for most fitness levels, and the tour’s duration fits neatly into an afternoon.

Practical Considerations

The tour begins at 1:30 pm in the heart of Bordeaux and lasts about 2 hours. It’s a walking tour supplemented by tastings, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable. The tour is near public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers.

The price of $67.78 reflects the value of the guided expertise, multiple stops, and the generous tasting. Past travelers have commented that the cost is well worth it, especially considering the quality of the wines and insights gained.

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural sightseeing and wine education. The guides, especially Clemence and Ani, are highly praised for their passion and knowledge, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable. If you’re someone who loves to learn about local history while tasting regional wines, this tour will hit the mark.

It’s also a great option if you’re traveling solo or in a small group—reviews highlight the friendly, inclusive atmosphere. And for those with limited time in Bordeaux but wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s wine scene, this tour offers great value.

This Bordeaux walking tour with wine and cheese tasting offers a delightful, informative, and tasty way to experience the city. It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to understand Bordeaux’s legacy as a wine capital while walking through its beautiful, UNESCO-listed streets. The expert guides and generous tastings ensure that you’ll leave both enlightened and satisfied.

For those seeking a relaxed introduction to Bordeaux’s history and wine culture, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially appealing for food and wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge without the hassle of planning multiple visits or paying premium prices. If you enjoy guided walks, local flavors, and personalized attention, this experience is hard to beat.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including the walking route and wine and cheese tasting session.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 64 Quai des Chartrons, in the Chartrons district of Bordeaux.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the walking pace is gentle, and most people can participate comfortably. Just wear comfortable shoes.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Refunds are issued if canceled in advance.

What’s included in the tasting?
You’ll enjoy a generous selection of Bordeaux wines paired with cheeses, bread, and possibly meats, guided by an expert.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers of all ages can enjoy it, but keep in mind the tasting is geared toward adults. The walking part is suitable for children.

Are guides knowledgeable about Bordeaux’s history and wine?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews praise guides like Clemence and Ani for their passion and expertise.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is close to public transit options, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city.

To sum it up, this Bordeaux tour offers a rich mix of history, scenic views, and regional flavors. It’s a smart choice for those wanting an authentic, relaxed experience that combines local storytelling with a delicious tasting. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of Bordeaux’s vinous heritage and some tasty souvenirs to take home — if your luggage allows.