loading Ophorus Please wait
USE PROMO CODE SPRINGVIBES26 AND RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT ON A SELECTION OF TOURS
logo Ophorus Tours Your order is being processed, please wait loading Ophorus
Close
Reviews
Filters
  • Best rates
  • Most Recent
Close

Message sent successfully

Thank you ! We have received your message, and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Close

Contact Us

Use this form to send us all information concerning your travel to France, our team will get back to you rapidly and send you a personalized quote
Close

Message sent successfully

Thank you ! We have received your message, and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Close

Professionnals / Contact Us

use this form to send us all information concerning your business to obtain exclusive travel trade rates
Ophorus Tours - Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux

add to my favorites
  • private tours

  • Food & Wine

  • 04 hours

  • Small Groups ( 2~6 )

  • Quiet

  • English

  • Highlights
  • Program
  • Gallery
  • Know before
  • Meeting point
  • Inc. / Exc.
  • FAQ
Close
Save Time
€ 10.00
€ 10.00 Total price - Taxes inc.
No date available
Contact Us
Close

Contact-us

From
330.00
per person
Contact Us Contact Us
Explore the legendary Château d’Yquem on a private tour from Bordeaux. You'll delve into the estate's rich history and indulge in a VIP guided experience that highlights the artistry of Sauternes winemaking. As you stroll through historic vineyards and cellars, savor two rare Yquem vintages in a captivating

Highlights

  • Learn wine-making secrets from expert guides
  • Stroll through historic vineyards and cellars
  • Taste two rare Yquem vintages side-by-side
  • Enjoy a VIP guided tour of the estate
  • Explore the legendary Château d’Yquem
What is Included / Excluded for this tour

Program & Itinerary

Château d'Yquem is the only estate ever awarded the title of Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification — a distinction held by no other property that reflects four centuries of uncompromising winemaking on this hilltop estate in the Sauternes appellation. The Correspondances Experience is built around a compelling idea: the dialogue between two vintages of Yquem, tasted side by side ...

Château d'Yquem is the only estate ever awarded the title of Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification — a distinction held by no other property that reflects four centuries of uncompromising winemaking on this hilltop estate in the Sauternes appellation. The Correspondances Experience is built around a compelling idea: the dialogue between two vintages of Yquem, tasted side by side to reveal how the same estate, terroir, grape varieties, and winemaking philosophy express themselves differently across contrasting years.

Sauternes and Noble Rot Winemaking

Sauternes wines are shaped by one of winemaking's most extraordinary phenomena: Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot — a beneficial fungus that, under precisely the right conditions, concentrates sugars, acids, and aromatic compounds within each berry to a remarkable degree. The microclimate of Sauternes is uniquely suited to this process: morning mists rising from the Ciron River encourage the fungus to develop on grape skins, while warm, dry afternoons slow its progression and allow controlled desiccation of the fruit.

The result is wine of deep golden color and extraordinary complexity — honeysuckle, dried apricot, acacia blossom, candied citrus, saffron, and honey — built to evolve over decades, even centuries, in bottle. Château d'Yquem produces its wine primarily from Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and smaller quantities of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris. The estate's selection standards are among the most exacting in Bordeaux — in demanding vintages, a single vine yields no more than one glass of wine, reflecting the relentless pursuit of perfection that has defined Yquem for over four hundred years.

Private Estate Tour and Comparative Vintage Tasting

Your experience begins with pickup from your Bordeaux accommodation and a scenic drive south through the Graves appellation into the rolling Sauternes vineyards. Upon arrival at Château d'Yquem, a member of the estate team welcomes you for a private guided tour of the property. Walk through the hilltop vineyards to understand how the specific terroir — the gravelly soils, slopes, and unique microclimate of this exceptional site — shapes Yquem's singular style and legendary consistency across generations.

The tour continues into the winemaking facilities and historic cellars, where you discover the demanding berry-by-berry selection process — pickers sometimes pass through the same vines up to eleven times during harvest, selecting only perfectly botrytized grapes at optimal ripeness. Learn about the pressing techniques and long oak aging in French barrels that underpin the estate's enduring reputation as the ultimate benchmark for sweet wine worldwide.

The visit concludes with a comparative tasting of two exceptional vintagesChâteau d'Yquem 2010 and 2016 — guided by the estate's ambassador. These two years represent very different expressions of Yquem: distinct climatic conditions, contrasting stages of evolution, and different aromatic profiles. The 2010, now with over a decade of bottle age, shows developed tertiary complexity, while the 2016 displays vibrant youth and concentrated primary fruit. Tasted side by side, they offer a rare window into the depth, complexity, and remarkable aging potential that makes Sauternes one of the world's most fascinating wine regions, and Château d'Yquem its most revered address. After the tasting, your driver-guide returns you to your Bordeaux accommodation.

Show more
Show less
  • Bordeaux departure

    Meet your guide and depart for the Sauternes wine region of Bordeaux
    Meet your guide and depart for the Sauternes wine region of Bordeaux
    Read more
    Read less
  • Château d'Yquem visit & tasting

    Arrive at Château d'Yquem, visit of the winery followed by a commented tasting
    Arrive at Château d'Yquem, visit of the winery followed by a commented tasting
    Read more
    Read less
  • Return to Bordeaux

    Tour returns to original departure point
    Tour returns to original departure point
    Read more
    Read less

Gallery

Show 10 medias
Ophorus Tours - Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux
Ophorus Tours - Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux
Ophorus Tours - Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux
Ophorus Tours - Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux
Ophorus Tours - Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour from Bordeaux

Informations

Know before you book

Minimum 2 adult passengers required for tour to operate Hotel pickup and drop-off included from Bordeaux and within 30 km (18 miles) Half-day tour duration approximately 4 hours including transportation Premium spacious vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide Advance booking essential — Château d'Yquem requires confirmed reservations Tours typically depart morning or early afternoon depending on availability Wear smart casual attire; Château d'Yquem is a prestigious estate Comfortable walking shoes recommended for vineyard and cellar visits Photography permitted but estate rules apply in certain areas Château d'Yquem bottles available for purchase (premium pricing €200+)

Additional information

Drink included: Wine tasting fees for 2 vintages

Voucher info

If any hotel or predetermined meeting place changes, notify Orphorus immediately.  Otherwise be at location 10 minutes prior to pick up time.

Meeting point

Gironde

Departure

We will come and pick you up at your accommodation in Bordeaux or surrounding area.

Return

Tour returns to original departure point.

Included / excluded

Included

  • Private round-trip transport from Bordeaux hotel
  • Guided tour of Château d’Yquem estate and cellars
  • Vertical tasting of two Yquem vintages (2010 & 2016)

Excluded

  • Meals or additional wine purchases
  • Personal travel insurance, expenses
  • Gratuities for the driver/guide

FAQ

  • What types of wines will I taste during the tour?

    The tour features a comparative tasting of two exceptional vintages of Château d'Yquem, specifically the 2010 and 2016 vintages, showcasing different expressions and aging potential
  • How many participants are required for the tour to proceed?

    A minimum of 2 adult passengers is required for the tour to operate; maximum 6 participants.
  • What makes Château d’Yquem unique in the world of wine?

    Château d’Yquem is the only estate awarded the title of Premier Cru Supérieur in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, reflecting its four centuries of winemaking excellence
  • Are meals provided during the tour?

    Meals or additional wine purchases are not included; however, guests are encouraged to have a good breakfast or lunch beforehand
  • Can I take photos during the tour?

    Photography is permitted, but certain estate rules apply in specific areas; please be mindful of those rules during your visit
  • What kind of attire is appropriate for the tour?

    Smart casual attire is recommended as Château d'Yquem is a prestigious estate; comfortable walking shoes are also advised for vineyard and cellar visits
  • Is transportation provided to and from Bordeaux?

    Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Bordeaux and within 30 km (18 miles)
  • What's the cancellation policy for the tour?

    You can receive a full refund if you cancel up to 72 hours before the activity; cancellations made less than 72 hours before or no-shows will not receive a refund
  • How long does the tour last?

    The half-day tour typically lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation
  • What is included in the Château d’Yquem Correspondances Private Tour?

    The tour includes private round-trip transport from your Bordeaux hotel, a guided tour of the Château d’Yquem estate and cellars, and a vertical tasting of two Yquem vintages (2010 & 2016)
Ophorus trusted reviews

Secured payments

Ophorus trusted reviews

easy cancellation

Ophorus trusted reviews

trusted reviews