Taste the Best of Bordeaux: Private Saint-Émilion & Médoc Wine Tour

FAQ

• What to do in Saint Emilion?

  The village of Saint Emilion located near Bordeaux in France is a most charming village classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many things to see & do in Saint Emilion village including:
  
  1. Tasting local Saint Emilion Wines
  2. Visit the unique Underground Monolithic Church
  3. Taste the local delicacy, the Macarons of Saint Emilion
  4. Climb the Bell Tower for an exceptional panoramic view over the St Emilion vineyards
  5. Taste the local cuisine in one of the numerous top restaurants located within the village.

• What is Saint Emilion Wine?

  Saint Emilion wine is a Bordeaux red wine that is produced in the area of appellation called Saint Emilion; like most Bordeaux wines, Saint Emilion red wines are blended wines which means that to obtain the premium wine, wine makers will mix different grape varieties. Traditionally, the most common grape varieties used for St Emilion wines are Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Where is Saint Emilion France?

  Saint Emilion is a village located to the East of Bordeaux in the South West region of Nouvelle Aquitaine in France. At approximately 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Bordeaux, our Wine Tours from Bordeaux are the easiest way to reach the village and experience a great Bordeaux wine tour.

• What is Medoc?

  Medoc is a region of France located North East of Bordeaux in the South Western part of France. Nestled between the Gironde River Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, the region is famous for being a top wine growing area that produces world renowned Bordeaux red wines. Famous appellations of the Medoc include Margaux, Saint Julien Pauillac or Saint Estephe. Famous wineries of the Medoc include Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

• What is Medoc Wine?

  Medoc wines are red wines produced in the Medoc wine region of Bordeaux. They are usually blended wines which means that several grape varieties are mixed together to obtain a final blend. Common grape varieties used in the blend include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot but can also include Petit Verdot, Malbec or Carmenere. Some of the most famous red wines of Bordeaux are produced in the Médoc such as Chateau Margaux or Chateau Latour.

• What is a Margaux Wine?

  Margaux wine refers to one of the most famous wines produced in the Bordeaux wine region called the Medoc. At its best, Margaux wine is the most seductive and perfumed of all Bordeaux wines. The grape varieties often found in Margaux wines are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and to a lesser extent Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot occasionally makes it into the blend but this being a very delicate grape to grow, the climate of the vintage has its importance.
  
  Margaux wines have a complex bouquet with fruity aromas of raspberry, cherry, and red currant, but also floral, spicy, and roasted aromas. The wines on the palate are powerful and the ageing of the wines can last from 5 to 30 years.
  
  We usually include a visit & wine tasting in a Chateau of the Margaux appellation on this Medoc & Saint Emilion wine tour.

• Do you organize pick up and return at accommodation for Bordeaux private tours?

  Yes, absolutely. We will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Bordeaux or within a 30kms (20 miles) radius at no extra cost. If you are not staying in Bordeaux, we will arrange for a convenient meeting point.

• What type of vehicles are used during a Bordeaux private wine tour?

  Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.

• Who conducts your private wine tours from Bordeaux?

  We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of museums, guided walking tours in cities, visit of historical monuments and so on.
  
  In some regions, where wine tours prevail (Bordeaux, Alsace) the tours are conducted by professional local guides or sommeliers that are experts in Wines.

• Can we choose which wineries we will visit during your Bordeaux private wine tours?

  Yes, we will be happy to organize and pre-book your winery visits. Please note that most wineries open their doors to visitors but some high end wineries such as Chateau Latour, Petrus and a few others do not welcome any visitors. Also, it is important to mention that we only make the required Chateau reservations once you have booked your private wine tour with Ophorus.

• Are the winery Tours private on your Bordeaux Private tours?

  Yes, we pre-book winery visits and tasting session just for you and your party. This means that you will enjoy a private visit of the installations followed by a private commented wine tasting session.

• How many Bordeaux wines will I taste during this tour?

  Unlike other wine tasting sessions that you might have followed around the world, the tastings in Bordeaux are not as generous in terms of pours . The amount of wine tasted is not what many would expect but here it is all about elegance, fruit, quality, aromas and flavors rather than quantity.
  
  Each Chateau will have you taste their premium wine and what we call the 'second' wine of the estate. Sometimes, Chateau owners also add a tasting of some other wine if they happen to be the owners of another Chateau in Bordeaux. So basically, at each winery visited it will be 2 to maximum 4 wines tasted.
  
  If you wish to taste more wine, lunch in Saint Emilion is a perfect location to sample other appellations - it is easy to order wines by the glass. To further enhance your wine experience, it is always possible to buy some bottles at the wineries visited. Bordeaux has also a very large number of wine bars where you can enjoy a further tasting experience. Ask your guide for great recommendations.

• Is lunch included on this private wine tour from Bordeaux?

  No, we never include lunch on our private tours. However, if you would like to include lunch don't hesitate to reach out to us and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you. It is also possible to ask your guide for suggestions. On this full day tour, free time for lunch will be given in Saint Emilion where there are different possible options.