Trying to plan a five-day Bordeaux wine trip for two people in November and need some expert advise. Roughly what I have in mind: one day in Bordeaux and something close by like Chateau du Taillan, then a day around Medoc (possibly Chateau Angludet in Margaux), then another day around Pessac-Leognan with Chateau Pape Clement as a starting point. I know this may be too much moving around, and none of these visits are booked yet.
Would you stay in Bordeaux for the whole trip or change hotels for one of the wine areas? Also, would you rent a car or arrange a driver in November? I’m mainly trying to work out whether this sounds enjoyable or whether I should focus on fewer places and spend more time at each chateau.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
4027 posts
The 3 château estates you mentioned are located in a very compact area of less than 50 kilometers, with Château du Taillan and Château Pape Clément even accessible via the Bordeaux public bus network. So there’s no need to consider changing hotels if you stick to these spots.
If you do choose to rent a car, keep in mind that the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.5 grams per liter of blood, which corresponds to about two glasses of wine. If you test positive, you’ll receive a fine and will not be allowed to drive again until the test result is negative.
So as a wine lover, you can do what you usually do: taste and spit.
Posted by
Maryland
1218 posts
Wine tours are great fun, both in the US and particularly in France. There are a number of tour companies that operate these things. For example we used "Tasty Lyon" when we visited there, and left the driving to them. I am sure there are comparable tour opportunities in Bordeaux based on just asking the internet. Even if you don't use a tour company looking over what the various operators offer can give you a guide to what you might want to plan on your own. Three wineries a day is my limit, and is what most tours will have. In addition, check out the websites of the Chateau's that spark your interest, you may need reservations these days if you arrive on your own. Although you could do it all from one site - if you are going on your own the closer to your wineries you are the better, whether using a car, a local bus, or a driver. I second the thoughts about alcohol limits... particularly in a rental car in foreign countries on unfamiliar roads.