France, Multi Region – Private Champagne & Bordeaux Wine Explorer

Grand Crus of The Côtes des Blancs

Experience the finest (and loveliest) wine-growing region of Champagne, the Côte des Blancs (“hillsides of the whites”), which are covered with Chardonnay grapes.

Visit and taste at two of the finest boutique producers of the Côtes des Blancs, like Champagne Gimmonet or Varnier-Fanniere.

There will be time for lunch enroute to the charming hilltop village of Hautvillers. Visit the abbey and tomb of Dom Perignon, the famous monk known for his contributions to the development of champagne as we know it today.

Continue to Epernay for a tour of the legendary Champagne house of Moët et Chandon. Here, you’ll have a private tour devoted to the cuvée Dom Perignon, which is only made in the best vintage years from 100% Grand Cru grapes. A tasting of one of the finest vintages of Dom Perignon will close your visit, in a private salon with one of Moêt’s distinguished sommeliers.

Return to your hotel for an evening on your own. We suggest dinner at your hotel’s excellent gourmet restaurant Le Parc.

Meals B, T, T, T

Overnight Champagne

Reims & Bordeaux

The morning is yours to discover Reims or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel.

Late morning or early afternoon, check out and head towards Bordeaux by train.

Check into the elegant 5-star Luxury Hotel Intercontinental Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, ideally located in the very center of the city.

Transfers to and from the train stations included.

You have the evening free tonight to enjoy this charming city and discover its great restaurants, with our suggestions.

Meals B

Overnight Bordeaux

Graves & Sauternes

After breakfast meet your English-speaking, wine expert guide/driver, and travel south to the vineyards of the Graves Region. The Romans planted some of the first vineyards in the Bordeaux area here, just outside what is now the city limits. Here you will be the guests of a Classified Grand Cru chateau, such as Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte or Chateau La Louviere, where a great tour and tasting awaits you.

Continue to Sauternes, the most famous sweet dessert wine appellation in the world. Learn how these delectable wines are made using grapes that have developed the “Noble Rot” during a fascinating tour at one of the best chateaux in the area like Chateau Guiraud, followed by a tasting.

If you prefer an alternative to the sweet wine region of Bordeaux, we will explore more estates in the Graves region.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for an evening on your own.

Meals B, T, T

Overnight Bordeaux

Saint Emilion

Known since Roman times for the quality of its wines, the village and vineyards of Saint Emilion are designated today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint Emilion produces well-structured wines with great character that comes from a
judicious blending of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes.

VIP tours and tastings at two great Grand Cru estates await you this morning, like Chateau Beausejour Becot with its ancient underground cellars, or the great Classified Growths such as Chateau Figeac or Chateau Angelus.

Following lunch on own, explore the beautiful medieval village on your own, its monuments and its many shops and galleries (including some of the region’s best wine shops).

End the day at your hotel for an evening on your own for the last night of the tour.

Meals B, T, T

Overnight Bordeaux

Saint Emilion

Known since Roman times for the quality of its wines, the village and vineyards of Saint Emilion are designated today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint Emilion produces well-structured wines with great character that comes from a
judicious blending of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes.

VIP tours and tastings at two great Grand Cru estates await you this morning, like Chateau Beausejour Becot with its ancient underground cellars, or the great Classified Growths such as Chateau Figeac or Chateau Angelus.

Following lunch on your own, enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful medieval village, its monuments and its many shops and galleries (including some of the region’s best wine shops).

End the day with at transfer to the train station or Bordeaux Merignac Airport for your onward journey.

Meals B, T, T