Flo

2012-04-22

Delphine and Lucile were excellent tour guides. They were very friendly, professional, and had good knowledge of the areas and Chateaux's we visited. I genuinely enjoyed driving around with them for the day. Lucile even speaks Korean (my girlfriend's native tongue) which was an added treat, so I recommend Koreans request Lucile as their tour guide unless they want to practice another language. The Chateaux's we visited were nice in that we learned about the winemaking process, but the best valued (not all inexpensive, but quality per dollar) wines were to be had from the wine stores we went to with our Ophorus guides. We bought numerous bottles, most of which will probably age in the cellar for 5-10+ years, but some of which we've already drunk. I did a fair bit of research, and felt Ophorus was the best valued tour company I ran across. I highly recommend them, particularly if you get Delphine or Lucile as guides! Enjoy your time in wine country! Garrett

Flo

2012-04-22

I was in the Bordeaux region last week with my husband and three additional friends, so we booked two full days of private wine touring with Ophorus. We had a great time with our guide, Delphine, who spoke good English and was very flexible. She also recommended wonderful restaurants for our lunch breaks. The first day, in the Medoc, we had visits and tastings at Chateau Rauzan-Segla, Chateau Pontet-Canet, and Chateau Prieure-Lichine. On the second day, in Graves and Sauternes, we visited Chateau Carbonnieux, Chateau La Louviere, and Clos Haut Peyraguey. Ophorus' choice of chateaux for our tours was excellent and quite varied - from high-end, rather corporate vineyards (Rauzan-Segla is owned by Chanel), to small family-based establishments (Haut Peyraguey in Sauternes consists of just 4 family members and 3 seasonal workers!), and everything in between. Some chateaux use the latest technology, others have reverted to organic - and even biodynamic - methods. We had a fascinating glimpse into the vast and complex world of Bordeaux wines. TIP: If you have at least 5 people in your group, the private tour option costs the same as or less than 5 individual places on one of Ophorus' general group tours. The private option is wonderful as you are picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. Also, at several of the chateaux we visited, my friends and I were the only people there! Halifax, NS