Bordeaux: Food & Wine Tour with Artisan Tastings & Sommelier

Summary

Wander Bordeaux’s old streets tasting cheese wine and family recipes

You’ll wander Bordeaux’s old town with a sommelier-guide, tasting family-made foie gras, charcuterie, and sweet canelés along medieval streets. Try your hand at wine & cheese pairing and swap stories with locals in cozy shops. Expect laughter, new flavors, and that feeling when you realize you’re eating like you belong here.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first bite of foie gras to feel that… gentle? We were standing in this tiny shop near Place Gambetta, and Aurélien (our guide — ex-English teacher turned sommelier) handed it over like he was sharing a secret. The air smelled kind of sweet, maybe from the bakeries nearby, or the canelés we’d see later. I remember someone behind the counter laughing at my accent when I tried to say “rillettes.” Fair enough.

Walking through Bordeaux Old Town felt like drifting between centuries — one minute you’re under the Grosse Cloche, bells echoing faintly, next you’re squeezing past families at a charcuterie counter. Aurélien kept tossing out stories about the Girondins Monument and pilgrims heading for Santiago de Compostela. Some bits stuck; some just made me hungry again. The wine & cheese pairing workshop was right after Saint André Cathedral — I thought I knew how to swirl but apparently not (he showed us, no judgment). That creamy goat cheese with local white… yeah, still thinking about it.

By the time we reached Place de la Bourse, I’d lost track of how many tastings we’d had. My hands were sticky from canelé caramel and I was carrying a list of local places scribbled by Aurélien himself. There was something comforting about moving in a small group — ten people tops — everyone sort of looking out for each other as we crossed cobbled streets. Not everything landed perfectly (I’m still not sold on fish rillettes), but honestly? It felt good to just let Bordeaux surprise me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bordeaux's historic landmarks

• Visit Monument des Girondins
• Learn history at Place Gambetta
• Tour Saint André Cathedral
• Hear stories at picturesque place
• Discover Grosse Cloche gate
• Explore medieval Porte Cailhau
• Follow pilgrims' path
• End at Place de la Bourse

Top questions

How long is the Bordeaux food & wine tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours through Bordeaux Old Town.

Is lunch included on this food tour?

Yes, generous tastings throughout are equivalent to a full meal.

Are drinks provided for minors?

Minors under 18 receive non-alcoholic options instead of wine during tastings.

How many people are in each group?

The tour is limited to 10 guests per group for an intimate experience.

Does the Bordeaux food & wine tour include cheese pairings?

Yes, there’s a dedicated wine & cheese pairing workshop led by a sommelier.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers; all fitness levels are welcome.

Where does the tour start in Bordeaux?

The tour begins at the Monument des Girondins in central Bordeaux.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of artisanal specialties like foie gras and charcuterie in authentic family-run shops across Old Town Bordeaux; a hands-on wine and cheese pairing workshop with a sommelier; sweet treats such as canelé; plus insider recommendations from your guide — all within an intimate small group setting that feels more like wandering with friends than following a crowd.