Bordeaux: Medoc Wine Day Trip with Chateaux Tastings

Summary

Medoc’s legendary reds, winding roads and quiet chateaux

You’ll travel from Bordeaux into the heart of Medoc’s wine country, visiting three distinct chateaux for guided tastings and stories from local winemakers. Expect earthy vineyard air, cellar quiet, and plenty of chances to ask questions—even if you don’t know much about wine yet. The day ends with you feeling like you’ve really seen another side of Bordeaux.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through the Medoc by the time I realized how different the air felt—sort of earthy, almost sweet, with that faint chill you get near the river. Our guide, Lucie, was chatting about which vineyards we’d see first (I only caught half of it; I kept staring out at those rows of vines). She had this way of pointing out tiny things—like how some chateaux keep their roses at the end of each row to spot disease early. Never would’ve guessed that was more than just for looks.

The first tasting was honestly a little intimidating. There’s this hush in those stone cellars—like everyone’s waiting for something important to happen. The winemaker poured us a glass and said “cassis” so softly I almost missed it. I tried to find that blackcurrant flavor he mentioned but mostly tasted…well, red wine. Lucie grinned and told me not to overthink it. By the third vineyard, I’d stopped pretending to swirl like an expert and just enjoyed it—the way the glass felt cool in my hand, or how the light caught dust motes in the tasting room window.

No snacks during tastings here (Lucie warned us), so by lunch I was starving and maybe a little tipsy from all that “just a sip.” We swapped stories with another couple from Lyon—somehow talking about cheese instead of wine. The drive back to Bordeaux was quieter; most people napped or stared out at the fields rolling by. I kept thinking about those old chateaux—how they seemed both grand and kind of lonely in the afternoon light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Médoc wine region tour

• Depart from Bordeaux
• Drive through Médoc region
• Visit first vineyard and castle
• Taste Médoc wines
• Visit second vineyard and castle
• Taste Médoc wines
• Visit third vineyard and castle
• Taste Médoc wines
• Admire beautiful chateaux
• Return to Bordeaux

Top questions

How long is the Medoc wine day trip from Bordeaux?

It’s a full-day tour departing from Bordeaux and returning in the evening.

Are snacks or food included during wine tastings?

No, snacks are not provided during tastings to preserve wine flavors; eat beforehand.

Is transport included in this Medoc wine tour?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan is included in your booking.

How many wineries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three different wineries or chateaux for tastings.

Is this Medoc day trip suitable for children?

No, this is an adults-only tour; children under 18 are not allowed.

Is there a local guide on this Bordeaux wine day trip?

Yes, a professional English-speaking guide leads the tour throughout.

Are pets allowed on this Medoc region tour?

No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all transport by comfortable minivan from Bordeaux, guided visits at three Medoc chateaux with tasting fees covered, and an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along every stretch of road—just remember to have breakfast before you go since no snacks are served during tastings.