For wine enthusiasts, the "Bordeaux Great Classified Growths: Private Wine Tasting" offers an exclusive opportunity to explore the renowned wines of this prestigious French region. Led by an expert sommelier, guests embark on a 1.5-hour journey through five distinguished vintages, uncovering the nuances of Bordeaux’s terroirs, climates, and grape varieties. With food pairings and options for bottle purchases and vineyard tours, this experience promises to deepen one’s appreciation for the rich wine heritage of this celebrated appellation. What secrets might these classified growths reveal?
Key Points
- A private 1.5-hour wine tasting experience that explores Bordeaux’s Left and Right Bank Grand Cru Classé wines, priced at $162.04 per person.
- Guided tasting of five classified growth wines, including a dry white, three reds, and a sweet white, led by a wine expert.
- Comprehensive educational component covering Bordeaux’s terroirs, climates, classifications, and grape varieties to enhance wine appreciation.
- Opportunities to purchase select bottles, arrange for direct shipping, and explore vineyard tours in a classic 2CV French car.
- Suitable for adults of legal drinking age, with comfortable shoes and water recommended, and advance booking required.
Experience Overview
The private wine tasting lasts 1.5 hours and is priced from $162.04 per person.
The private wine tasting is a 1.5-hour experience priced from $162.04 per person.
Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available.
This experience allows visitors to discover the terroirs of Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks.
During the guided tasting session, a wine expert will lead guests through five great classified growths from Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Margaux, and Sauternes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bordeaux.
Tasting Details
During the private wine tasting, guests can discover the terroirs of the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux.
They’ll taste five great classified growths:
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A Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Pessac Léognan (Left bank, dry white wine)
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A Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé (Right bank, red wine)
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A Grand vin de Pomerol (Right bank, red wine)
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A Margaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 (Left bank, red wine)
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A Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 1855 (Left bank, sweet white wine)
The tasting is guided by a wine expert, who provides insights into Bordeaux’s climates, classifications, and grape varieties.
Educational Component
As part of the wine tasting experience, guests receive an introductory guide to Bordeaux wines, where they’ll learn about the region’s terroirs, climates, classifications, and grape varieties. This educational component provides a deeper understanding of the complexities behind these renowned wines. The table below outlines the key information covered during the tasting:
| Aspect | Overview |
| — | — |
| Terroirs | Left Bank, Right Bank, Graves, Médoc |
| Climates | Maritime, continental, microclimate |
| Classifications | 1855 Grand Cru Classé, Appellation, Grand Cru |
| Grape Varieties | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon |
| Tasting Techniques | Sight, smell, taste, evaluate |
The expert-led tasting session and informative guide equip guests with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of Bordeaux wines.
Food Pairing and Shipping
Although the tasting focuses on exploring the complexities of Bordeaux wines, it also includes a wine and food pairing experience.
This allows guests to discover how the selected wines complement the flavors of the provided cheeses and charcuterie.
The experience also offers an optional opportunity to:
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Purchase select bottles from the tasting.
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Arrange for direct shipping of the wines to your home.
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Explore meticulously chosen vintages from grand cru estates.
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Enhance the tasting with an optional vineyard tour in a classic 2CV French car.
Important Information
What is the suitable age for this Bordeaux wine tasting experience? The event is suitable only for adults of legal drinking age, and is not recommended for children under 10 or those with mobility impairments. Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended, while smoking and flash photography are not allowed.
| Suitable for | Not Suitable for | Required |
|————-|—————–|———-|
| Adults | Children under 10 | Comfortable shoes |
| Legal Drinking Age | Mobility Impaired | Camera |
| – | – | Water |
Advance booking is required, and tasting sessions may vary based on wine availability. The meeting point is the grey door, where visitors should ring Garnier I love.
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Discovering Bordeaux’s Terroirs
This private wine tasting offers guests the opportunity to discover the distinct terroirs of Bordeaux’s Left and Right Bank regions.
During the guided tasting, guests will:
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Explore the characteristics of the Left Bank’s Graves appellation and its Grand Cru Classé dry white wine.
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Savor the complexity of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé red wine from the Right Bank.
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Appreciate the rich, velvety texture of a Grand vin de Pomerol from the Right Bank.
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Contrast the bold, structured profile of a Margaux Grand Cru Classé 1855 from the Left Bank.
The tasting culminates with a Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 1855, showcasing the region’s renowned sweet white wines.
Appreciating the Classifications
The Bordeaux wine classification system, established in 1855, provides a reliable guide for understanding the quality hierarchy of these renowned wines.
The five prestigious growths tasted during this experience – Grand Cru Classé de Graves, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, Grand vin de Pomerol, Margaux Grand Cru Classé 1855, and Sauternes Grand Cru Classé 1855 – represent the pinnacle of Bordeaux’s viticultural excellence.
This classification, based on reputation and quality, allows wine enthusiasts to appreciate the nuances and complexities that distinguish each appellation’s distinctive terroirs and winemaking traditions.
Understanding these classifications enriches the tasting experience and deepens one’s appreciation of Bordeaux’s world-class wines.
Exploring Grape Varieties
Bordeaux’s distinct terroirs and winemaking traditions are reflected in the diverse grape varieties showcased during this tasting.
The five wines represent the Left and Right Bank regions, each with its own signature grapes:
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Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for the dry white wine from Pessac-Léognan.
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Merlot and Cabernet Franc for the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé red.
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Merlot-dominant blend for the Pomerol grand vin.
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Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc for the Margaux Grand Cru Classé.
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Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc for the Sauternes sweet white.
This tasting offers a comprehensive exploration of Bordeaux’s iconic grape varieties and their unique expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?
No, guests cannot bring their own wine to the private tasting. The experience is designed to showcase the host’s carefully selected Bordeaux wines, providing an educational and guided tasting session with a wine expert.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tasting Session?
Photography is allowed during the tasting session, but flash photography is not permitted. The guidelines state that guests should avoid using flash to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all participants.
What Is the Average Age of Participants in the Tasting?
The average age of participants is not specified, but the event is suitable for adults of legal drinking age. Children under 10 and those with mobility impairments are not recommended to attend.
Can I Customize the Wine Selection for the Tasting?
Yes, the wine selection can be customized for the tasting. Participants can work with the wine expert to tailor the wines based on their preferences and interests, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
Do You Offer Any Discounts for Group Bookings?
Yes, they offer discounts for group bookings. Groups of 4 or more receive a 10% discount per person on the tasting experience.
The Wrap Up
This exclusive wine tasting offers a rare opportunity to explore Bordeaux’s renowned wine heritage. Guests will savor five exceptional wines, including Grand Cru Classé and Sauternes, while learning from a knowledgeable expert about the region’s terroirs, climates, and grape varieties. With options for bottle purchases and vineyard tours, this experience promises to deepen one’s appreciation for the complexity and sophistication of Bordeaux’s acclaimed wine culture.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Bordeaux
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