Bordeaux: Wine & Cheese Tasting Walking Tour Chartrons

Summary

Chartrons walk, riverside stories & Bordeaux wine tasting with cheese

You’ll wander historic Chartrons with a local sommelier, hear stories of Bordeaux’s wine trade by the Garonne river, and taste four unique Bordeaux wines paired with cheeses in a cozy bar. Alongside practical tips for reading labels or choosing bottles, you’ll get genuine moments of laughter and connection — plus memories that linger long after the last sip.

What’s the experience like?

I almost walked right past our meeting spot in Chartrons — the street names are tiny and honestly, I was distracted by the smell of fresh baguettes drifting from somewhere close. Our guide, Julien (he’s a real sommelier, which felt reassuring), greeted us with this easy grin and immediately pointed out how the cobblestones here have seen centuries of wine merchants. I didn’t expect to feel history under my feet like that. There was a bit of drizzle, but nobody seemed to care; locals just kept chatting outside cafés like it was nothing.

We wandered through these UNESCO-listed streets while Julien told us stories about Bordeaux’s wine trade — apparently some of these buildings are over 300 years old. At one point we stopped by the Garonne river and he gestured toward Pont de Pierre in the distance, saying Napoleon himself ordered it built. I tried to imagine the boats packed with barrels floating past back then. The air smelled kind of metallic near the water, mixed with something earthy. We could see La Cité du Vin museum up north too — just a glint on the horizon really, but he explained how new tech is changing winemaking even now. I liked that he didn’t rush us; someone asked about supermarket wines and suddenly we were all laughing about label confusion.

Eventually we ducked into this cozy little wine bar for what Julien called “the fun part.” Blind tasting sounded intimidating at first (I’m definitely not a pro), but he made it feel more like a game than a test. Four different Bordeaux wines showed up alongside a platter of cheeses and thick slices of baguette — honestly, I still think about that creamy blue one. Everyone tried guessing flavors; someone said “wet stone” and I just nodded along pretending I knew what that meant. It was relaxed though, not snobby at all.

I left feeling like I’d actually learned something useful — not just about Bordeaux wine but how to pick a bottle anywhere without looking clueless. And walking those old merchant streets with someone who really knows their stuff… well, it sticks with you in ways you don’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bordeaux Chartrons walking and tasting

• Start tour in Chartrons district
• View river Garonne and learn port history
• See Pont de Pierre bridge from distance
• Spot northern Bordeaux bridge and learn technology
• Visit iconic Bordeaux church and learn history
• View world wine exposition museum from distance
• See Maisons Jumelles twin house
• Enjoy blind wine and cheese tasting

Top questions

How long is the Bordeaux wine & cheese tasting walking tour?

The walking tour lasts around one hour before ending with the wine and cheese tasting session.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to be a wine expert to join?

No experience is needed; the sommelier guides everyone through tasting in an approachable way.

What wines are included in the tasting?

The tasting includes four different Bordeaux wines paired with assorted cheeses and baguette.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide directly in Chartrons.

Can children join this tour?

Infants and small children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Will we visit La Cité du Vin museum during the tour?

You will see La Cité du Vin museum from a distance but will not visit it up close as part of this tour.

What’s included

Your experience covers a guided walk through Chartrons’ historic streets led by an in-house sommelier, followed by a blind tasting of four Bordeaux wines paired with an assorted cheese platter and fresh baguette—all tastings are included before you head off on your own again.