A photo of The Best Wine Tasting Tours in the Medoc

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Best wine tours in Medoc

Why Visit Medoc?

Known in viticulture circles as the Left Bank (on account of being on the left bank of the mighty Gironde River), the Medoc is one of the world’s most revered wine producing regions, making it an excellent destination for a wine tasting holiday. Located just one hour from the city of Bordeaux, the Medoc is an arrow shaped wedge of land ribbed in vineyards and dotted in honey-glazed château. It is home to such legendary names as Mouton-Rothschild and Lafite-Rothschild. However, despite the worldwide fame and undoubted wealth that wine has brought to the Medoc, this is still a region that retains a slow, rural vibe that makes it a real pleasure to explore on a wine tasting holiday.

WINE TASTING TOURS IN THE MEDOC
The Medoc region encompasses the communes of Margaux, Pauillac and St-Estephe: names synonymous with the finest red wines in the world. As with most Bordeaux region vineyards and château, exploring the Medoc takes a little pre-planning. Many châteaux are open to guided visits and offer wine tastings, but advance booking is essential. The Winerist team can take the stress out of organising a wine tasting holiday in Medoc. Choose from a handpicked selection of private and small group wine tasting tours to explore this prestigious region with an expert guide and discover what makes the wines of the Medoc so special. 

FOOD TASTING EXPERIENCES IN THE MEDOC
Every day at noon, throughout the Medoc region, shops and businesses down shutters and small village restaurants fill up with locals tucking into simple, but delicious home cooking. All washed down, of course, by a glass of the local wine. You would be well advised to do the same! Some of the château in the Medoc are home to high quality restaurants where every plate is matched perfectly with a local wine. Ask the Winerist team for their personal recommendations.

MORE REASONS TO VISIT THE MEDOC
Of course, it’s the wine, learning about its production, and tasting the finished product, that’s the real draw of the Medoc. But it’s hard not to fall for the gentle charms of the Medoc countryside. It’s a landscape in which rows of neatly attired vineyards lead the eye to stately manor houses and small golden-yellow villages. Rather than racing from one château to the next, build time into your Medoc schedule to simply enjoy walking around the countryside and wandering about the villages. Throughout the area there are beautifully maintained cycling paths and walking tracks.

INTERESTING MEDOC FACT!
In 2010 three bottles of wine from Medoc’s Lafite-Rothschild Château sold for a record breaking US$232,692 per bottle at an auction in Hong Kong!

Plan Your Visit

Best Known Grapes

The Medoc is red wine country (although a few dry whites are produced in the area). The most popular grape varieties grown in the Medoc region – like so much of the greater Bordeaux wine area – are Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Medoc wines are typically deep-coloured, full-bodied, flatteringly oaky wines.
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Best time to visit

Whatever the time of year the Medoc rewards. Summers are long and hot, the sky a hazed blue and the vine leaves a rich green. In spring, the air is fresh and clear, the days are warm, and wildflowers grow in abundance along the road verges. But it’s autumn when the Medoc – and southwest France in general – is at its best. The light is radiant, the leaves on the vines and trees turn a flamed orange, and the grapes, which hang purple and heavy on the vines, are harvested. It’s a wonderful time of year for long walks and bicycle rides down quiet country roads leading from château to château.
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How long to stay

Many people spend just a single day exploring the Medoc region on a wine tasting tour from Bordeaux. However, if you have more time, our recommendation is to spend at least two, if not three, days exploring the Medoc and, instead of using Bordeaux as an overnight base, spend the night either in the sumptuous surrounds of one of the château hotels or get cosy in a hotel in one of the attractive villages. If you wish to compare Medoc wines with wines from other Bordeaux appellations, we suggest basing yourself in Bordeaux and booking wine tasting tours to nearby St Emillion and Sauternes for a full immersion into the wines of the region. The Winerist team can tailormake a Bordeaux wine tasting holiday for you.
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How to get there

The Medoc region starts immediately to the north of the city of Bordeaux. There’s a busy international airport in Bordeaux (Bordeaux-Merignac airport) with frequent flights from many European destinations and connections further afield via Paris. The Medoc region itself is very rural and public transport is limited. The best way of getting around is on an organised wine tour from Bordeaux. Winerist can recommend a small group or private tour to meet your preferences. The other option is to hire a car in Bordeaux and make your own way around the Medoc region. This gives far greater flexibility and allows you the pleasure of staying out in the countryside, but château visits and tastings must always be organised in advance.
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