If you love wine, or are even just vaguely familiar with it you will have heard of Bordeaux. The name is synonymous with quality wine as the region is home to over 8000 wine producers . Bordeaux wines have traveled the world but it is also possible to travel & taste them in their home. The best Bordeaux wine tours include visits to producers, incredible gastronomy and of course a guide to explain all about those wonderful wines.
The Bordeaux region has become the largest wine producing region of France because it is blessed with soil which is ideal for grapes. On any trip to the area you will hear all about the soil and how it affects the taste of the different grapes. Even within Bordeaux there are a large number of separate growing areas each with their own characteristics.
Producers on the banks of the Gironde river produce the most expensive, best quality wines in the region. The Medoc area is also extremely popular, that is situated in the left bank area. For a first trip it is probably a good idea to choose a tour which incorporates several areas to get an idea of the differences. For those familiar with the area travel companies can help arrange visits to specific wineries.
For both the novice and the keen amateur there are interesting courses in the local wine school. They have introductory classes which cover the basics of tasting and the local regional wine culture. There are also technical classes which explore the local terrain and its affect on the wine and blending classes.
Winery tours tend to follow the same pattern. Tasting is of course a huge part of the visit but also the producers will show off their vines, vat rooms, barrel rooms and cellars. It usually takes an hour or two. Depending on the size of the estate you may be shown around by the owner. This is a really special experience and could probably make a wine lover out of anyone. They are usually very passionate about their product and its history and enjoy sharing this with visitors.
There are a few times of year when it is best to avoid a trip to taste wines in Bordeaux. The winter months, December and January are cold and most wineries are busy with blending. In April the professionals are in town and are classifying the wines so vineyards are busy with them and do not usually take appointments. Most are also closed on weekends so plan a midweek trip if tasting is your priority.
The city itself is also a top tourist attraction and a World Heritage Site and there is plenty to do so you may want to stay an extra few days. There is incredible architecture, top museums and, this being Franc, extraordinary food. A wine tour package will usually include a guide, transport (you do not want to have to spit out all that wine), accommodation and some meals. Some also include a class at wine school. Many companies also offer bespoke packages so if you have particular wineries you want to visit this would be a great option.
To find the best tour for you is really easy. Lots of companies offer package deals which include winery visits, guides, transport, accommodation and even some meals. They can also design packages specifically for you. The area has lots to offer in addition to wine so you could include a visit to a Medieval village or a spa or some nature, the options are endless.
The Bordeaux region has become the largest wine producing region of France because it is blessed with soil which is ideal for grapes. On any trip to the area you will hear all about the soil and how it affects the taste of the different grapes. Even within Bordeaux there are a large number of separate growing areas each with their own characteristics.
Producers on the banks of the Gironde river produce the most expensive, best quality wines in the region. The Medoc area is also extremely popular, that is situated in the left bank area. For a first trip it is probably a good idea to choose a tour which incorporates several areas to get an idea of the differences. For those familiar with the area travel companies can help arrange visits to specific wineries.
For both the novice and the keen amateur there are interesting courses in the local wine school. They have introductory classes which cover the basics of tasting and the local regional wine culture. There are also technical classes which explore the local terrain and its affect on the wine and blending classes.
Winery tours tend to follow the same pattern. Tasting is of course a huge part of the visit but also the producers will show off their vines, vat rooms, barrel rooms and cellars. It usually takes an hour or two. Depending on the size of the estate you may be shown around by the owner. This is a really special experience and could probably make a wine lover out of anyone. They are usually very passionate about their product and its history and enjoy sharing this with visitors.
There are a few times of year when it is best to avoid a trip to taste wines in Bordeaux. The winter months, December and January are cold and most wineries are busy with blending. In April the professionals are in town and are classifying the wines so vineyards are busy with them and do not usually take appointments. Most are also closed on weekends so plan a midweek trip if tasting is your priority.
The city itself is also a top tourist attraction and a World Heritage Site and there is plenty to do so you may want to stay an extra few days. There is incredible architecture, top museums and, this being Franc, extraordinary food. A wine tour package will usually include a guide, transport (you do not want to have to spit out all that wine), accommodation and some meals. Some also include a class at wine school. Many companies also offer bespoke packages so if you have particular wineries you want to visit this would be a great option.
To find the best tour for you is really easy. Lots of companies offer package deals which include winery visits, guides, transport, accommodation and even some meals. They can also design packages specifically for you. The area has lots to offer in addition to wine so you could include a visit to a Medieval village or a spa or some nature, the options are endless.
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