Bordeaux: Wine Blending Workshop & Tasting with Appetizers

Summary

Blend Bordeaux varietals taste local cheese meet expert guides

You’ll taste seven Bordeaux wines with an expert guide, nibble on local cheeses and meats, and learn how to blend your own wine using classic varietals. Expect laughter over mispronounced French words and hands-on help as you create your personal blend. You’ll leave with new flavors on your tongue—and maybe a story or two worth retelling.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the door because I was looking for something fancier—turns out, the best wine workshops in Bordeaux happen behind plain wooden doors. Our guide, Camille, waved us in with a grin and a “Bonjour!” that made me feel less like a tourist and more like someone she’d been expecting. There were only six of us, so it felt more like a group of friends than a class. The room smelled faintly of old oak and fresh bread—honestly, that’s not a bad way to start anything.

Camille started us off with some basics about Bordeaux wine regions (I didn’t realize how much geography matters until she pointed to the map). We tasted our way through seven wines—reds mostly, but one white snuck in there. I kept confusing the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon at first; Camille just laughed and said even locals mix them up sometimes. She handed around plates of cheese, cured meats, little hunks of crusty bread, and even some chocolate that melted just enough on my fingers. At one point I tried to pronounce “Saint-Émilion” correctly—no luck. Everyone had a go at guessing aromas; someone said pencil shavings, which made us all pause and sniff again.

The blending part was trickier than I thought—I splashed a bit too much Merlot into my glass the first time and ended up with something weirdly jammy. Camille nudged me to try again (“No judgment here!”). It’s surprisingly satisfying to mess around with ratios until you find something that actually tastes good—or at least doesn’t make you wince. By then we were all comparing our blends like proud parents showing off baby photos. The sun came through the window just right for a second; I remember thinking I could get used to afternoons like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bordeaux wine tasting and blending workshop

• Attend wine presentation
• Learn wine-tasting techniques
• Identify different wine aromas
• Enjoy appetizer platter
• Create custom wine blend

Top questions

How long does the Bordeaux wine blending workshop last?

The workshop lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is food included during the wine tasting session?

Yes, an appetizer platter with cheese, cured meats, chocolate, and bread is included.

How many wines do we taste during the session?

You will sample seven different wines throughout the workshop.

Will there be guidance from a professional?

Yes, a professional sommelier leads the session and helps throughout.

Is this activity suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all levels—even if you’re new to wine tasting or blending.

Are there age restrictions for this workshop?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

Are pets allowed at the workshop?

No pets are allowed during this activity.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided tasting of seven Bordeaux wines led by an expert sommelier, hands-on blending instruction using local varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus generous platters of French cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, and chocolate—all in a relaxed small-group setting in central Bordeaux.