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.

Coming Soon
  • When
    Coming Soon
  • Length
    6 days / 5 nights
  • Type of Traveler
    Foodies , Art Lovers , Ultimate Indulgers

This Journey's Host

Howie Kahn is a best-selling author, award-winning journalist and podcast host heard globally. His writing has appeared in over three dozen publications worldwide, including GQ, Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Departures, Esquire and WSJ. Magazine, where he’s been a contributing editor since 2014. For WSJ. Magazine, he has covered the opening of the first Equinox Hotel and re-opening of Noma, climbed mountains in search of indigenous ingredients in Peru, and spotlighted up-and-coming, talented culinary stars. He is the winner of a James Beard Award for food feature writing and his food and culture podcast, “Prince Street,” is in its fifth year of production. Kahn appeared in Season Four of the Netflix series Chef’s Table on an episode about chef Will Goldfarb, whose story he had previously chronicled in WSJ. Magazine. In 2019, Howie Kahn co-hosted Indagare’s inaugural food-and-wine-focused Insider Journey in partnership with WSJ. Magazine to Napa Valley, and he is thrilled to expand the program to France to open doors into the world of its food and wine for our travelers.

WSJ. Magazine is an award-winning lifestyle publication dedicated to the power and passions of The Wall Street Journal’s global readership. The magazine’s unique sensibility—a combination of eye-catching photography and insightful reporting—creates an unparalleled immersive experience and offers our readers a sense of discovery into the worlds of fashion, technology, travel, design, art and entertainment. WSJ. Magazine’s authoritative storytelling connects with and inspires arbiters of luxury and style across print, digital and social media.

Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

Trip Details

In preparation for the journey, members will also receive a comprehensive departure package that includes an itinerary, packing list, accommodations overview and other important information.

  • When
    Coming Soon
  • Length
    6 days / 5 nights
  • Group Size
    Up to 20 travelers
  • Host
    Howie Kahn
  • From
    To be announced

Includes

  • Five nights' luxury accommodations at Château Cordeillan-Bages and Les Sources de Caudalie
  • All meals, beverages and wine tastings as indicated in the itinerary
  • All activities and admissions as indicated in the itinerary
  • Group itinerary transfers and airport transfers
  • Expert guide(s) as indicated in the itinerary, including your host, Howie Kahn, and the services of our Bordeaux partners
  • All gratuities

Excludes

  • Air transportation to and from Bordeaux
  • Meals not specified and alcoholic beverages other than those included
  • Personal items and expenses, including spa treatments and additional activities
  • Liability for changes in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural phenomena)
  • Travel insurance
Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

What To Read

Indagare has selected articles from our website and magazine to prepare you for your journey. Peruse inspiring slideshows, insider tips, reading lists and more.

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