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The Ultimate Bordeaux Wine Experience
06th May - 11th May 2019
On this journey, embark on an inspiring world of wines and gastronomy into the heart of Bordeaux where we take you on a connoisseur's journey of exclusivity, intimate local experiences possible only through close relationships. Visit to many First Growth wineries to understand the finest of Bordeaux and why they are regarded as the best in the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
Uncover Bordeaux's finest wine regions
Stay in boutique and exclusive accommodations
Sample some of the finest cuisines
Be guided by a Sommelier guide
ITINERARY
06th May DAY 1 (MON): ARRIVE BORDEAUX / SAINT ESTEPHE
On arrival at Bordeaux, be met and transfer to The Chartreuse at Cos d'Estournel in the Saint Estephe appellation where you have time to settle down, relax before this evening, we transfer to the Chateau Cordeillan Bages to enjoy an inviting Welcome Michelin star dinner.
Overnight: La Chartreuse Cos d'Estournel
Meals: Dinner
07th May DAY 2 (TUE): SAINT ESTEPHE & PAUILLAC
After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a cellar visit and tasting at Chateau Cos d'Estournel for its Grand Cru Classe, Saint Estephe Appellation and thereafter, embark on our excursion and drive first to the Chateau Phelan Segur where a private cellar visit ensues and followed by a private lunch. With its unique architecture and its stunning view over the Gironde, the nobility of its terroir, Château Phélan Ségur is a great classic benchmark. From the vineyard to the cellar, the visit allows you to discover the spirit of a family, the terroir of Saint-Estèphe and the secrets of the vinification of Phélan Ségur. The tasting, led by a member of staff, comprises a vertical of 3 vintages. Afterward, you are invited to lunch in the private dining room in the Château, the family home. The Chef invites you to discover our lunch menu “The Gourmet Vintage” which revisits the great classics of French gastronomy in the presence of the property’s management.
In the afternoon, we drive to Chateau Mouton Rothschild where once again, we enjoy a private cellar visit and tasting for its First Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac Appellation. Enjoy a full private visit including the VAT room, cellars, Art Wine Museum and the label room which contains the originals of the artworks created by contemporary artists to illustrate the labels of bottles of Mouton Rothschild since 1945. followed by a private wine tasting of Château d’Armailhac, Château Clerc Milon et Château Mouton Rothschild.
Finally, we return to Cos d'Estournel where this evening, we enjoy a remarkable private chef dinner experience at the Chartreuse Cos d'Estournel.
Overnight: La Chartreuse Cos d'Estournel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
08th May DAY 3 (WED): SAINT ESTEPHE / SAINT JULIEN / MARGAUX / MARTILLAC
Enjoy a leisure morning and later, we check out of the Chartreuse Cos d'Estournel as we head to Saint Julien arriving at the gastronomic Restaurant Saint Julien where you have the chance to be warmly-greeted by the Chef. Thereafter, we then begin a private cellar visit and tasting at Chateau Leoville-Poyferre, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien Appellation. Enjoy a private visit of technical facilities: vat house and barrel cellars, technical approach and pleasure of tasting: everything is there to enable you to understand the development of an excellent wine and appreciate the expertise of the team. Private wine tasting of the best Vintage 2016, 2012 and 2005.
Later, we continue to Chateau Giscours where have a cellar visit and tasting - Grand Cru Classe, Margaux Appellation. Located on a beautiful 300-hectare estate, the 83 hectare Giscours vineyard is located in the famous Margaux appellation. You are invited to discover this property for a private visit and wine tasting.
Finally, we transfer to the stunning Les Sources de Caudalie where we will check in, enjoy a welcome drink and an orientation of the property grounds. This evening, we will enjoy a dinner experience at the 2 Michelin star La Grand Vigne Restaurant at Les Sources des Caudalie.
Overnight: Les Sources de Caudalie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
09th May DAY 4 (THU): MARTILLAC (EXCURSION TO ARCACHON & CAP FERRET)
We take a half-way break from visits to the wineries with an excursion to the beautiful Arcachon and Cap Ferret region today where the morning, we drive to Arcachon and a private visit of a sturgeon farm with caviar tasting. Accompanied by your guide, learn all about the breeding of the sturgeon and the caviar production. Later, we will enjoy lunch at a restaurant located on the sides of the Dune du Pilat. This panoramic restaurant invites you to enjoy delicious regional dishes, between sky and sea, while admiring the beautiful landscape. After lunch, we embark on a traditional private boat sailing out on the Bassin d'Arcachon where we discover the wonder of the Bassin d’Arcachon: the “cabanes tchanquées” (cabins on stilts), the birds’ island and the Cap Ferret peninsula. Make the most of a stop at a fisherman village to taste local oysters with a glass of white wine. The Oyster tasting can also be done on board of the private boat.
Return to Les Sources de Caudalie and then this evening, we transfer to the 2 Michelin star Le Pressoir d'Argent by Gordon Ramsey for an amazing dinner experience!
Overnight: Les Sources de Caudalie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10th May DAY 5 (FRI): MARTILLAC (EXCURSION TO SAINT EMILION)
We begin the day with a cellar visit and tasting at Chateau Pavie where have a special visit regarding the wine evolution at Chateau Pavie and private wine tasting of 3 Vintages 2002, 2007, 2012. Château Pavie is the largest St Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé, with over 35 hectares of vineyards located exclusively on the St-Emilion Côtes. Pavie is situated south-east of the village of St-Emilion and its vineyards lie on a south-facing slope of the famous limestone plateau. For many years the property was owned and run by Jean-Paul Valette. In 1998 Gérard Perse, who also owns Pavie-Decesse and Monbousquet, purchased it. Pavie produces elegant, harmonious and stylish St-Emilions that typically display a fine bouquet with good depth of fruit on the palate. Under the Perse regime Pavie has become richer, more intense and more concentrated.
Thereafter, we will continue to the Chateau Cheval Blanc - one of the Big 4 property - along with Château Pavie and Château Angélus, that was listed as a 1st Grand Cru in Saint-Emilion ranking in 2012. In 1998, the property was purchased by the Belgian Albert Frère and the French Bernard Arnault, and has been placed under the direction of Mr Pierre Lurton (also in charge of Château Yquem).
Then, we have time for a short walking tour of old Saint Emilion Village with a guide – Possibility to visit the Saint Emilion secret underground with a private guide before a visit to the cellars and tasting at Chateau Clinet. This evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner hosted by the owners' parents of Chateau Haut Lafitte where we will enjoy a sensational tasting for the Robert Parker wines like Smith Haut Lafitte 2009 or older vintages or perhaps a vertical wine tasting of Petrus, Margaux or Mouton.
Overnight: Les Sources de Caudalie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11th May DAY 6 (SAT): DEPARTURE MARTILLAC
Sadly, the epic wine journey comes to an end where you will be transferred to either Bordeaux or Toulouse for departure.
Consider an extension to the stunning Dordogne & the Lot Valley OR Provence.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
A luxurious family retreat nestled among the vines of Cos d'Estournel, the Chartreuse is the private residence of Michel Reybier and his family. With six bedrooms and two suites, it offers all the warmth and discreet elegance of a family retreat. Staying at the Chartreuse means an exclusive opportunity to experience life on the estate from the inside. To ensure utmost enjoyment for our guests, the Chartreuse is only available to rent in its entirety.
Les Sources de Caudalie is located among the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haute Lafitte, a Graves great growth established in 1999 and features the world's first Vinotherapy Spa, making use of a natural spring 540m underground as well as vine and grape extracts. Enjoy a spectacular gastronomy journey at its 2 Michelin Star La Grand'Vigne Restaurant headed by Chef Nicolas Masse.
