One of the preeminent destinations in global food and wine culture, Bordeaux and its fabled Médoc region are home to some of the most respected vineyards—and coveted labels—in the world. For centuries, Bordeaux has been notoriously inaccessible to outsiders, but on this special journey with WSJ. Magazine contributing editor Howie Kahn, storied châteaux—including Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour—will open their doors by special invitation for our group to experience unforgettable tastings, winery tours and meals with internationally acclaimed winemakers and celebrated chefs. Along the way, savor the beauty and history of the region with guided visits to charming towns like Saint-Émilion, biking tours, beach visits and dining at classic French establishments.
What to Expect
With 54 appellations and some 8,500 producers, France’s largest wine-growing region hardly needs any introduction. Nearly 80% of the wines made here are red, and some of the world’s most fabled châteaux are assembled here: Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Lynch-Bages, Cheval Blanc, Haut-Brion, Pétrus—names pronounced like prayers by wine lovers. For centuries, Bordeaux was famously closed off to most visitors, with winemakers reserving their invitations for only a select few. Today, with the connections of WSJ. Magazine and Indagare, you can go behind closed doors and visit legendary châteaux, meet celebrated winemakers and experience behind-the-scenes tastings and tours.
This itinerary has been crafted specially for oenophiles and foodies by James Beard Award–winning writer Howie Kahn and Indagare’s expert team of travel planners. Journey participants will have the chance to experience:
- Private visits and tastings at Bordeaux’s top wine-producing estates, including Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Latour—a truly rare privilege.
- Diving into French food and wine culture with reservations at incredible bistros and restaurants, as well as such immersive experiences as a visit to a local oyster producer and lunch with an acclaimed chef and food writer.
- History- and architecture- focused touring in the quaint town of Saint-Émilion.
- Exploration in the town of Bordeaux. In the words of Indagare’s Creative Director Simone Girner, “Bordeaux still has an artisanal, homemade vibe, with cute boutiques, a fabulous café and bar scene, and some very good brasseries serving the unapologetically rich southwestern cuisine. Historic monuments seamlessly blend with contemporary additions, including a couple of very cool, up-and-coming neighborhoods.”
- Luxury accommodations at the lovely Château Cordeillan-Bages and Les Sources de Caudalie.
We have been closely monitoring global developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and adjusting the itinerary as necessary, as the health and safety of our guests is our number-one priority. We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards, while providing world-class hospitality and a seamless travel experience. We are in close contact with all of our partners to ensure that they are committed to the health and comfort of our travelers by practicing enhanced sanitization and disinfecting procedures, respecting social distancing guidelines, and remaining as contactless as possible. For more information and questions about specific protocols that have been put into place to make your trip as safe as possible, please reach out to our team at insiderjourneys@indagare.com.
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WhenComing Soon
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Length6 days / 5 nights
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Type of TravelerFoodies , Art Lovers , Ultimate Indulgers