The legendary Médoc

Unequivocally Bordeaux's most iconic wine region, the Médoc's vineyards produce some of the finest wines in the world. Covering an area of over 40,000 acres north of Bordeaux, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde Estuary, the Médoc features many revered names including Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Palmer. The Médoc is also known for the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines which Napoleon III commissioned for the Paris World’s Fair. Of the 61 classified wines, 60 are in the Médoc. This itinerary provides three full days to discover the wines of this world-renowned region.

This 4 day/3 night itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the world’s most storied wine regions and is ideal for first time visitors to the region and return visitors.

Day 1 ~ Arrival in Bordeaux

Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you will be welcomed by a member of our team at Bordeaux–Mérignac airport or Bordeaux Saint Jean train station. From there, you will be taken by private transfer to your accommodations in the heart of the Médoc via the Route des Châteaux. Take the time to settle into your accommodations before enjoying an aperitif followed by a welcome dinner for your party in the midst of the Médoc vineyards.

Day 2 ~ Margaux

Your first full day in the Médoc will focus on the appellation of Margaux, home to the likes of Château Margaux, Château Palmer, and Château Giscours. The wines of this particular area of the Médoc are renowned for their elegance, finesse and smooth tannins, often making them a little more approachable in their youth. It is no surprise that Margaux is home to 21 of the 61 Grand Cru Classé estates of the 1855 classification. In Margaux, you’ll be welcomed for a private visit, exceptional tasting and private lunch at the first estate followed by another private visit and special tasting at a second château in the afternoon. Margaux is one of our favorite appellations to organize private lunches in the châteaux, served with the finest wines of the estate.

Day 3 ~ Pauillac

Today you will head to the appellation of Pauillac, home to some of the most legendary names in the wine world including Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Pichon Baron. The rich, full-bodied wines of Pauillac are described by many as quintessentially Bordeaux. Once again, you will be welcomed for two immersive private visits and spectacular tastings hosted by key members of the estates, with a traditional Médocain lunch in between. For lovers of fine wine and fine art, we love to organize a special private visit of Château Mouton Rothschild including the family’s magnificent Museum of Wine in Art private collection of rare artefacts as well as The Labels Room which is home to the original artworks which have adorned the labels of Château Mouton Rothschild since 1945.

Day 4 ~ Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe

To round-off your time exploring the Médoc, we suggest visiting the appellations of Saint-Julien and/or Saint-Estèphe, which produce markedly different wines. The significant diversity of soils in Saint-Estèphe means that there is no singluar characteristic of the appellation, rather each estate’s wines have their own hallmark imparted by their specific terroir. Possibly the most famous name in the appellation is Cos d’Estournel where we often organize wonderful private visits, vertical tastings and private lunches and dinners. Meanwhile the more homogeneous terroir of Saint-Julien produces a more consistent result with powerful yet beautifully balanced wines with the famous names being ‘the Léovilles’ (Château Léoville Poyferré, Château Léoville Barton and Château Léoville Las Cases) along with the magnificent Château Beychevelle and Château Gruaud Larose.

After another memorable day, your driver will take you to your point of departure or onwards to your next experience in this beautiful region.