Medoc and Bay of Arcachon Full Day Wine Tour from Bordeaux

Climb the highest sand dune in Europe, taste oysters and visit 2 châteaux in the Medoc, a family-run estate and a Classified Growth estate. Drive along the mythical “Route des Chateaux” and see the most iconic winemaking estates in the world.

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Bay of Arcachon and Medoc vineyards with this full-day wine tour from Bordeaux! 

Your Medoc and Bay of Arcachon Itinerary

8.30 am: Start your day in the centre of Bordeaux where you’ll meet your friendly guide for the day. Climb aboard your luxury minivan and set off for the drive to Arcachon Bay on the Atlantic coast. Your guide will tell you all there is to know about the area and answer any questions you may have.

10.00 am: Arriving in Arcachon Bay, it’s time to climb the Pyla sand dune, the tallest sand dune in Europe! Enjoy the amazing views of the ocean, the bay, and the forest! 

11.30 am: Arcachon Bay is home to a traditional oyster culture! Savour an oyster tasting at a local producer with a glass of white wine as you overlook the bay!

12.30 pm: After your morning in Arcachon Bay, your guide will drive you back to Bordeaux where you will enjoy a casual lunch in the centre of the city.

1.45 pm: Are you ready to explore one of the world’s most famous wine regions?! After lunch, you’ll set off from Bordeaux and drive through the famous "Châteaux Route" of the Medoc. Passing by the mythical appellations such as Margaux, Pauillac, St Estèphe and St Julien, you’ll see many of the ‘who’s who’ of the best wine making chateaux in the world as you drive.

2.45 pm: Arrive at your first chateau of the day, a charming and authentic family-run estate, for a tour and tasting. Enjoy a guided tour of the chateau and feel the intimacy and authenticity of a private château which has been run by a passionate family for generations. Follow your guide for a walk through the vineyards, the traditional vat room and the chateau’s cellar.

Enjoy a short wine tasting lesson where you'll learn the steps of a proper wine tasting and train your nose to identify the wines' aromas. You will learn tips and tricks to taste wine like a pro! At the end of the château visit, you will get to put what you've learned into practice with a tasting of the château's wines.

4.30 pm: After your visit, it’s time to visit a Great Classified Growth estate! Depending on availability on the day this will be either Château Gruaud-Larose, Château Lagrange, Château Dauzac or Château Cantenac-Brown. Your tour will start in the vineyards, followed by a visit to the vat room before exploring the wine cellars, of one of the most prestigious châteaux in Bordeaux. As you go you’ll learn about the wine-making process all the way from the vine to the bottle.

Your chateau tour will be crowned with a tasting of the estate's wines paired with an aperitif of French delicacies such as local cheese, saucisson and fresh bread.

7.15 pm: After a day exploring two very different, but equally important sides of the Bordeaux region, your guide will drive you back from the Medoc to the centre of Bordeaux.

If you would like to visit Arcachon Bay and the Medoc on a private tour click here >