Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting Class Morning With Appetizer Plate

Exploring the renowned wines of France has never been easier. The Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting Class offers an immersive experience that guides participants through the complexities of French winemaking. Over the course of two hours, a professional sommelier leads a intimate group in savoring seven distinct wines from iconic regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. Complemented by a French appetizer platter, this hands-on workshop teaches essential wine-tasting techniques and the art of blending Bordeaux-style wines. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, this class promises to elevate your appreciation for the nuances of French terroir.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Workshops And Classes In Bordeaux.

Key Points

• A 2-hour small-group wine tasting and workshop in central Bordeaux, exploring 4 major French wine regions and tasting 7 distinct French wines.
• Participants can learn wine-tasting techniques and blend their own Bordeaux-style wine, accompanied by a French appetizer platter.
• The tasting showcases the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and Loire Valley.
• Attendees will learn to identify aromas and develop their palate appreciation for the art of winemaking.
• The blending workshop allows participants to experiment with grape varietals and proportions to create a custom Bordeaux-style blend.

Overview of the Experience

The 2-hour small-group wine tasting and workshop in central Bordeaux covers the main French wine regions, allowing participants to taste 7 different French wines accompanied by a French appetizer platter while learning wine-tasting techniques and blending their own wine during the workshop.

Participants will explore prominent regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley, analyzing the aromas and flavors of each wine.

Led by a professional sommelier, the experience provides a personalized, hands-on opportunity to enhance one’s wine knowledge and appreciation.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the small-group setting ensures an intimate and engaging session tailored to the participants’ interests and needs.

Key French Wine Regions

During the wine tasting, participants explore the prominent French wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley, learning about the unique characteristics and production methods that define each appellation.

The Bordeaux region is renowned for its complex, full-bodied red wines, while Burgundy is known for its delicate, terroir-driven reds and whites.

The Côtes du Rhône produces a range of bold, fruit-forward red blends, and the Loire Valley is celebrated for its crisp, aromatic white wines.

The sommelier guide provides insights into the history, climate, and grape varieties that contribute to the distinct styles of these iconic French wine regions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the diverse French wine landscape.

Tasting 7 French Wines

Participants savor a carefully curated selection of seven distinct French wines during the tasting, each showcasing the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of its respective region.

The wines hail from renowned appellations like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône, and the Loire Valley, offering a comprehensive exploration of France’s diverse viticultural landscape.

Under the guidance of a professional sommelier, attendees learn to analyze each wine’s aroma, flavor, and structure, developing their palates and appreciation for the art of winemaking.

The tasting is accompanied by a delectable French appetizer platter, including artisanal cheese, cured meats, and decadent chocolate, perfectly complementing the wines and enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Analyzing Wine Aromas

Under the sommelier’s guidance, attendees explore the nuanced art of analyzing wine aromas, uncovering the complex bouquet of each varietal.

They swirl the wine in their glass, allowing the liquid to coat the sides and release its aromatic compounds.

Participants learn to identify notes of fruit, herbs, spices, and even earth and oak, which reveal the wine’s grape variety, region, and production methods.

The sommelier explains how these aromas interact, creating a symphony of flavors that delight the senses.

Blending Your Own Wine

After honing their ability to detect the myriad aromas in each wine, attendees move on to the highlight of the workshop – blending their own personalized Bordeaux-style wine.

Under the guidance of the expert sommelier, participants learn the art of blending different grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. They experiment with various proportions, noting how each varietal contributes unique flavors and characteristics. The sommelier provides tips on achieving the perfect balance.

Attendees bottle their custom blend, naming and labeling it as a memento of their winemaking experience. This hands-on activity allows participants to truly appreciate the complexity of crafting a quality Bordeaux wine.

Personalized Small-Group Setting

The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, with a maximum of 12 attendees per session. This intimate setting allows the sommelier guide to provide individualized attention and tailor the workshop to the participants’ specific interests and knowledge levels.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beginner, the small group size creates an engaging and interactive atmosphere where you can ask questions, share your thoughts, and receive personalized guidance.

The hands-on wine blending workshop is particularly enhanced by the personalized approach, as the sommelier can offer tailored advice to help you craft your own unique wine. This personalized small-group setting is a key highlight of the Bordeaux wine tasting experience.

Included Appetizer Platter

Along With the wine tasting, the Bordeaux wine experience includes a French appetizer platter that complements the flavors of the wines. The platter features a selection of cheese, meat, and chocolate, providing a well-rounded accompaniment to the tasting.

Item	Description
Cheese	A variety of local French cheeses, including Brie and Roquefort
Meat	Cured meats like prosciutto and salami
Chocolate	Decadent dark chocolate squares
Crackers	Artisanal bread and crackers
Olives	Marinated olives

The appetizer platter not only satisfies the palate but also serves as a perfect pairing with the diverse range of wines being sampled, elevating the overall wine tasting experience.

Cancellation Policy Details

With a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can cancel their Bordeaux wine tasting experience up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, bookings cancelled less than 24 hours before the event don’t qualify for a refund.

This allows for a great deal of flexibility, ensuring guests can plan their trip with confidence. The organizers understand that plans can change, so they’ve implemented this straightforward policy to accommodate last-minute adjustments.

Whether it’s an unexpected schedule change or simply a change of plans, the 24-hour window provides ample time for guests to cancel if needed. This policy helps to provide a hassle-free booking process and a worry-free wine tasting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?

No, guests are not permitted to bring their own wine to the tasting. The experience includes 7 different French wines selected and presented by a professional sommelier guide. Outside wine is not allowed during the guided tasting.

Is Transportation to the Location Included?

No, transportation to the location is not included in the wine tasting experience. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the central Bordeaux venue where the small-group tasting and workshop will take place.

Can I Take the Wines I’ve Blended Home?

Guests can take home the wine they create during the workshop. However, the wines tasted during the main tasting portion of the experience must be consumed on-site. The focus is on the educational experience, not taking home the tasting wines.

Is It Possible to Have Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?

The wine tasting class can accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests should inform the provider of any dietary needs when booking, and the sommelier guide will ensure the appetizer platter and wines align with those requirements.

What Is the Dress Code for the Wine Tasting?

There is no formal dress code for the wine tasting. Casual, comfortable clothing is recommended as the focus is on enjoying the wines and learning about wine tasting techniques in a relaxed setting. Attire should be appropriate for a small group activity.

Recap

The Bordeaux Small-Group Wine Tasting Class provides an immersive exploration of French winemaking.

Participants will savor 7 distinct wines, learn wine-tasting techniques, and blend their own Bordeaux-style wine.

Accompanied by a French appetizer platter, this hands-on experience offers an in-depth appreciation for the nuances of French winemaking in a personalized small-group setting.

It’s a comprehensive introduction to the world of French wines.