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Bordeaux
Luxury Pauillac Wine Experience at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral from Bordeaux
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private tours
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Food & Wine
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07 hours
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Small Groups ( 2~8 )
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Relaxed
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English
- Highlights
- Program
- Gallery
- Know before
- Meeting point
- Inc. / Exc.
- FAQ
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Highlights
- Private Grand Cru Classé experience at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral in Pauillac.
- Expert‑guided tasting of 8 vintages of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.
- Authentic fire‑cooked meal “à la braise” over vine shoots in the vineyards or by the château fireplace.
- Private round‑trip transfer from Bordeaux with English‑speaking wine expert driver/guide.
Program & Itinerary
This is a private day experience at Château Haut-Bages Libéral, a 5ème Grand Cru Classé estate in the Pauillac appellation, designed exclusively for Ophorus guests and not available through any other tour operator. It combines a tasting of eight vintages of the château's wine with something found nowhere else in Bordeaux: a meal cooked à la braise — over burning vine shoots — either in the heart of the vineyards in summer, or by the château fireplace in cooler seasons. And throughout the experience, you are accompanied by Claire Villars Lurton, awarded Winemaker of the Year 2024, who guides every aspect of the day.
Pauillac and the Power of the Left Bank
Pauillac is the most prestigious commune in the Médoc — home to three of the five Premiers Crus Classés of 1855 (Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Mouton Rothschild) and eighteen classified estates in total. Its deep gravel soils over limestone subsoil produce wines of exceptional structure, concentration, and longevity, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with a characteristic aromatic profile of blackcurrant, cedar, and graphite. Château Haut-Bages Libéral sits in the heart of this appellation, and its wines are among the finest expressions of Pauillac's distinctive terroir.
A Tasting of Eight Vintages, Guided by the Winemaker
The experience begins with a guided visit of the estate and its vineyards, before moving into an exclusive tasting of eight vintages of Château Haut-Bages Libéral — a vertical exploration spanning multiple decades, hosted and commented by Claire Villars Lurton herself. Glass by glass, she shares her vision and philosophy, explaining how each vintage reflects the conditions of that year and the evolution of the estate's winemaking approach over time. It is an intimate and deeply personal introduction to one of Pauillac's great terroirs from the person who knows it best.
Fire-Cooked Lunch Over Vine Shoots
The meal is unlike anything else in the Bordeaux wine tour world. A professional cook prepares a repas à la braise — food cooked directly over burning vine shoots, the pruned wood of the Cabernet Sauvignon vines themselves. In summer, the meal is served outdoors in the vineyards; in cooler months, the same fire and the same cooking take place beside the château's fireplace, in a setting that is warm, convivial, and entirely authentic. Claire Villars Lurton remains present throughout, pairing each course with wines from the estate and continuing the conversation that began in the tasting room.
Your English-speaking driver-guide collects you from your accommodation in Bordeaux and returns you at the end of the day. The experience is fully private, for your group only, for groups of 2 to 8 guests. Subject to availability, the presence of Claire Villars Lurton is confirmed at the time of booking.
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Pick up in Bordeaux
Your English‑speaking wine expert driver/guide meets you at your hotel or a central meeting point in Bordeaux.After a short introduction to the day, you settle into a comfortable premium vehicle and set off towards the Médoc and Pauillac.Your English‑speaking wine expert driver/guide meets you at your hotel or a central meeting point in Bordeaux.
After a short introduction to the day, you settle into a comfortable premium vehicle and set off towards the Médoc and Pauillac.Read moreRead less -
Drive through the Médoc to Pauillac
You follow the scenic left‑bank wine route, passing prestigious châteaux and endless rows of vines.Along the way, your guide explains the Pauillac appellation, the Grand Cru Classé classification and the history of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.You follow the scenic left‑bank wine route, passing prestigious châteaux and endless rows of vines.
Along the way, your guide explains the Pauillac appellation, the Grand Cru Classé classification and the history of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.Read moreRead less -
Arrival at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral
On arrival at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral, you are welcomed as private guests of the estate.You are introduced to the team and to Claire Villars Lurton’s vision for this Grand Cru Classé property.On arrival at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral, you are welcomed as private guests of the estate.
You are introduced to the team and to Claire Villars Lurton’s vision for this Grand Cru Classé property.Read moreRead less -
Estate and vineyard visit
You begin with a guided tour of the estate and its vineyards, discovering the specific terroirs that shape the character of Haut‑Bages Libéral.Your host explains the philosophy of the château, from vineyard practices to cellar work, with a strong focus on terroir expression and sustainability.You begin with a guided tour of the estate and its vineyards, discovering the specific terroirs that shape the character of Haut‑Bages Libéral.
Your host explains the philosophy of the château, from vineyard practices to cellar work, with a strong focus on terroir expression and sustainability.Read moreRead less -
Tasting of 8 vintages of Haut‑Bages Libéral
You move to a private tasting space for an expert‑led tasting of 8 different vintages of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.Guided commentary helps you understand how vintage conditions, ageing and winemaking decisions influence structure, aromas and ageing potential.You move to a private tasting space for an expert‑led tasting of 8 different vintages of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.
Guided commentary helps you understand how vintage conditions, ageing and winemaking decisions influence structure, aromas and ageing potential.Read moreRead less -
Fire‑cooked “à la braise” meal
Your experience continues with a fire‑cooked meal “à la braise”, prepared over vine shoots.In summer, you enjoy this unique lunch in the heart of the vineyards; in cooler months, it is served by the château fireplace for a warm, intimate atmosphere.Your experience continues with a fire‑cooked meal “à la braise”, prepared over vine shoots.
In summer, you enjoy this unique lunch in the heart of the vineyards; in cooler months, it is served by the château fireplace for a warm, intimate atmosphere.Read moreRead less -
Time to relax at the estate
After lunch, you have some time to relax, take photos and soak up the atmosphere of the château and its surroundings.You can discuss your favourite vintages with your host or browse any wines you may wish to purchase.After lunch, you have some time to relax, take photos and soak up the atmosphere of the château and its surroundings.
You can discuss your favourite vintages with your host or browse any wines you may wish to purchase.Read moreRead less -
Return drive to Bordeaux
You meet your driver/guide again and begin the journey back to Bordeaux.On the way, you can recap what you have learned about Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé wines and the story of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.You meet your driver/guide again and begin the journey back to Bordeaux.
On the way, you can recap what you have learned about Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé wines and the story of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.Read moreRead less -
Drop off in Bordeaux
You are dropped off at your hotel or at another agreed central location in Bordeaux.Your private Grand Cru Classé experience comes to a close, with unforgettable memories of Pauillac and Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.You are dropped off at your hotel or at another agreed central location in Bordeaux.
Your private Grand Cru Classé experience comes to a close, with unforgettable memories of Pauillac and Château Haut‑Bages Libéral.Read moreRead less
Gallery
Know before you book
- Exclusive and limited: This is a confidential, high‑end programme at a Grand Cru Classé estate; availability is limited and always on request.
- High‑end positioning: Pricing reflects the premium nature of the experience (Grand Cru Classé, 8‑vintage tasting, fire‑cooked meal, presence of a top winemaker).
- Wines poured: The tour includes a guided tasting of multiple vintages of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral; specific vintages may vary depending on availability at the estate.
- Food service: Your main food service is the fire‑cooked meal at the château; snacks are not typically served during tastings in France to preserve the purity of the wines.
- Dietary requirements: Please advise any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking so the château can adapt the menu where possible.
- Sustainability: To reduce plastic waste, we do not provide plastic water bottles; please bring a reusable bottle. Water and refills are available at the château and in the vehicle.
- Operating period: The experience is available most of the year but depends on château availability, public holidays, harvest and private events; early booking is recommended.
- Duration: Allow a full half‑day from Bordeaux, including transfers, estate visit, tasting and meal.
- Departure: Private tour with pick up and drop off in Bordeaux or surrounding area.
- Languages: Tour conducted in English; other languages may be possible on request.
- Group size: Designed for 2–8 guests travelling together (larger groups on request, subject to estate approval).
- Dress code: Smart‑casual is recommended for this high‑end Grand Cru Classé and gastronomic experience.
- Walking & accessibility: Includes some walking, stairs and standing; the tour is not fully wheelchair accessible.
Meeting point
Departure
Return
Included / excluded
Included
- Private pick up and drop off in Bordeaux
- English‑speaking driver/guide, expert in Bordeaux wines
- Private round‑trip transport in a premium vehicle to Pauillac
- Exclusive Château Haut‑Bages Libéral Signature Experience
- Private welcome at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral, Grand Cru Classé
- Guided visit of the estate and vineyards
- Expert‑led tasting of 8 vintages of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral
- Fire‑cooked “à la braise” meal prepared over vine shoots
- Meal served in the vineyards (summer) or by the château fireplace (cooler seasons)
- Presence and commentary of Claire Villars Lurton, Winemaker of the Year 2024 (subject to availability)
- Half‑day experience at the château
Excluded
- Personal expenses (extra drinks outside the programme, wine purchases, souvenirs)
- Additional food or beverages not included in the set menu
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for driver/guide and château staff
- Any services, activities or transfers not expressly mentioned in the inclusions
FAQ
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Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a fully private tour with your own English‑speaking driver/guide and a private experience at Château Haut‑Bages Libéral. -
How long does the tour last?
This is a half‑day experience from Bordeaux, including return transfers, the estate visit, the 8‑vintage tasting and the fire‑cooked meal. Typical timing for the day is around 6 to 7 hours. -
How many wines will I taste?
You enjoy an expert‑led tasting of several vintages of Château Haut‑Bages Libéral (typically 8), though specific vintages may vary depending on availability at the estate. -
Is lunch included?
Yes, a full fire‑cooked “à la braise” meal prepared over vine shoots at the château is included in the experience. -
Will Claire Villars Lurton be present?
The experience is designed to be accompanied by Claire Villars Lurton, Winemaker of the Year 2024, but her presence is always subject to her schedule and availability. -
What is the group size?
This tour is designed for 2 to 8 guests travelling together. Larger private groups may be possible on request, subject to château approval. -
Which language is the tour in?
The tour is conducted in English. Other languages may be available on request; please ask when you enquire. -
Is this tour suitable for beginners in wine?
Yes, as long as participants are interested in fine wines and learning about Pauillac and Grand Cru Classé terroirs. It is a high‑end, in‑depth experience. -
Is the tour suitable for children?
Due to the strong focus on fine wine and the nature of the experience, this tour is best suited to adults (18+). It is not recommended for young children. -
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
There may be stairs, uneven ground and periods of standing during the visit and tasting, so the tour is not fully wheelchair accessible. -
What should I wear?
Smart‑casual clothing is recommended, along with comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the estate and vineyards. -
Are snacks provided during the tasting?
No, in keeping with French tasting tradition, snacks are not served during the tasting to preserve the wine’s aromas. Your main food service is the fire‑cooked meal. -
Do you provide water?
To reduce plastic waste, we do not provide disposable plastic bottles. Please bring a reusable bottle; water and refills are available at the château and in the vehicle. -
When does this tour operate?
The tour runs most of the year, but is subject to château availability, public holidays, harvest and private events. Due to its exclusive nature, early booking is strongly recommended.
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