A taste of Medoc Half Day Private Wine Tour from Bordeaux Port

Bordeaux , France

A taste of Medoc Half Day Private Wine Tour from Bordeaux Port

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the legendary Médoc wine region on this exclusive half-day shore excursion from Bordeaux. Famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon–based blends, the Médoc is home to prestigious châteaux, historic vineyards, and centuries-old winemaking traditions. Enjoy convenient pickup from Bordeaux city or Bassens Cruise Port, ideal for cruise passengers, and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking certified Bordeaux wine expert.

Travel along the iconic Route des Châteaux and visit two renowned wine estates. Explore the wineries, learn about winemaking techniques, and enjoy guided tastings of elegant Médoc wines. Discover the terroirs of Margaux, known for its finesse, and Haut-Médoc, celebrated for its diversity.

Time permitting, enjoy a photo stop at Château Margaux. This well-timed shore excursion offers world-class wines, expert commentary, and beautiful vineyard landscapes—perfect for cruise travelers.

Available options

A taste of Medoc Half Day Private Wine Tour from Bordeaux Port

What's included

Pre-booking in 2 Selected wineries

Wine tasting fees

Travel in fully equipped A/C minivans

English speaking driver wine/guide

Pick up and drop off at Cruise Ship

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon blends, the Médoc boasts exceptional vineyards, charming châteaux, and a winemaking tradition that dates back centuries. This tour promises a perfect blend of discovery, indulgence, and expert guidance, making it a must-do experience for wine enthusiasts visiting Bordeaux.

What's not included

Meals and drinks (lunch)

Personal travel insurance & expenses

Gratuities for the guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

You must notify us in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund.

In France, snacks are usually not provided during wine tastings to preserve the purity of the wine's flavor. We recommend having a good breakfast or lunch beforehand.

In regards to the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide plastic bottles of water during our tours. You are kindly advised to bring your own. Water and refills are available at the wineries, museums and attractions visited.

If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.

Bordeaux shore excursions and meeting points are based in the city of Bordeaux, not Le Verdon-sur-Mer. To avoid missed tours and non-refundable costs, please double-check your arrival port before booking. If you have any questions, contact us for assistance.

Meeting point

Pick up at Cruise Ship – Bordeaux or Bassens Ports of Call.
Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France, renowned for its wine production and 18th-century architecture. The city's elegant boulevards, grand squares, and historic buildings, along with its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to famous vineyards, make it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Place de la Bourse

A stunning 18th-century square surrounded by elegant buildings, including the famous Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror).

Historical/Architectural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

La Cité du Vin

An interactive wine museum that explores the history, culture, and production of wine in Bordeaux and beyond.

Museum 2 to 3 hours €21 to €29

Saint-André Cathedral

A beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Bordeaux's rich history.

Religious/Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Pessac Vineyards

A collection of prestigious vineyards and wineries in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, known for producing some of the world's finest wines.

Nature/Wine Half-day to full-day tour Varies by winery, typically €10 to €50 for tastings and tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Entrecôte à la Bordelaise

A classic Bordelaise dish featuring ribeye steak cooked in a red wine sauce with shallots, bone marrow, and butter. It is typically served with pommes de terre à la sarladaise (potatoes cooked with duck fat, garlic, and parsley).

Main Course Contains beef, butter, and dairy

Canard à la Rouennaise

A traditional duck dish from the Rouen region, featuring duck breasts cooked in a red wine sauce with apples, onions, and prunes. The dish is often served with potatoes or other root vegetables.

Main Course Contains duck and may contain alcohol

Bourride à la Bordelaise

A traditional fish stew from Bordeaux, made with white fish, potatoes, and a creamy sauce flavored with aioli (garlic mayonnaise). The dish is typically served with crusty bread for dipping.

Main Course Contains fish, dairy, and garlic

Popular Activities

Hiking and exploring the nearby vineyards and countryside Surfing, sailing, and other water sports in Arcachon Sandboarding and other adventure sports at the Dune du Pilat Wine tasting and enjoying the local cuisine Relaxing at the beach in Arcachon Strolling through the beautiful streets and parks of Bordeaux Exploring the city's museums, galleries, and historic sites Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Bordeaux, with warm weather and numerous festivals and events. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, wine tours, and the city's vibrant nightlife.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Bordeaux is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and avoid unlicensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Bordeaux Saint-Jean

By bus

Bordeaux City Center Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system in Bordeaux is efficient, modern, and easy to use. It consists of four lines (A, B, C, and D) that connect major attractions, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Saint-Pierre Bastide Chartrons

Day trips

Saint-Émilion

35 km from Bordeaux • Half-day to full-day trip

A charming medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and world-famous vineyards.

Arcachon

55 km from Bordeaux • Full-day trip

A beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and outdoor activities, such as surfing, sailing, and hiking.

Dune du Pilat

65 km from Bordeaux • Half-day to full-day trip

The tallest sand dune in Europe, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and a unique natural experience.

Festivals

Bordeaux Wine Festival • Late June Bordeaux Fête le Vin • Late August Bordeaux Jazz Festival • Early July

Pro tips

Visit the Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) at the Place de la Bourse for a unique and refreshing experience, especially on hot days
Explore the city's many markets, such as the Marché des Capucins and the Marché des Chartrons, for a taste of local culture and cuisine
Take a wine tour or visit a local vineyard to learn about the region's famous wines and enjoy a tasting
Stroll through the beautiful streets and parks of Bordeaux, such as the Jardin Public and the Parc Bordelais, for a relaxing and scenic experience
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Bordeaux Wine Festival or the Bordeaux Jazz Festival, for a unique and memorable experience