Decanter Tours

Private Graves Wine Tour - Explore Bordeaux’s Historic Wine Region

The Graves is an important subregion of the Bordeaux wine growing region. Graves is situated on the left bank of the Garonne river, in the upstream part of the region, southeast of the city of Bordeaux and stretches over 30 miles.  Graves is the only Bordeaux region which is known for all three of Bordeaux' three main wine types - reds, dry whites and sweet wines - although red wines dominate the total production. Graves  is also the name of an Appellation d'origine protegée (AOP) which covers most, but not all of the Graves sub-region.

Have it just the way you like it with this private Graves wine tour.  Visit the famous names in Bordeaux.  Favorite wines? Suggest them and we will check their availability. All visits are included in the price. When a wine tour is private it should be just the way you want.  We are here to make suggestions and to guide you to the best chateau where you will taste the best wines.

 

Why choose a Private Graves Wine Tour?

A Private Graves Wine Tour offers an unparalleled experience, allowing you to explore the captivating world of Graves wine at your own pace and according to your interests. Unlike larger group tours, a private tour provides:

  • Exclusivity and Personalization: Enjoy the undivided attention of your expert guide. Tailor your itinerary to your specific preferences, whether you're eager to delve deeper into the world of Graves Bordeaux, discover the unique characteristics of Graves French wine, or simply savor a relaxed and intimate wine tasting experience.
  • Flexibility and Freedom: Explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path wineries that are often inaccessible to larger groups. Adjust your schedule to suit your own pace and linger at those vineyards that particularly capture your interest.
  • In-Depth Exploration: Your private guide will provide personalized insights into the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of the Graves region, offering a deeper understanding of the Graves wines you encounter.
  • Unforgettable Experiences: Create lasting memories with a truly personalized and unforgettable journey through the captivating world of Graves wine.

By choosing a Private Graves Wine Tour, you're not just visiting a wine region; you're embarking on a bespoke adventure that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the unique character and charm of Graves French wine.

What to expect on your Graves Wine Tour

Discover the rich history of the Graves wine region

As you explore the Graves wine region, thoguht to be the oldest wine-producing area in Bordeaux, you will discover its rich history dating back centuries. Visit historic châteaux with captivating architecture, some dating back to the Middle Ages, and learn about the enduring legacy of Graves winemaking. While there aren't many châteaux in the Graves that date back to the true Middle Ages (think 11th-13th centuries), some boast origins that reach deep into the medieval period:

  • Château Carbonnieux: This estate has a documented history dating back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest continuously-producing vineyards in Bordeaux.

It's important to note that many châteaux in the Graves have undergone significant renovations and additions over the centuries. While their foundations may be medieval, their current appearance often reflects more modern architectural styles and of course state of the art Vat rooms.

To truly experience the historical depth of the Graves wine region, visiting châteaux like Carbonnieux and exploring their rich histories is a must on a Graves wine tour for any wine enthusiast.

Explore the unique terroir of the Graves Wine Region

The Graves region is renowned for its distinctive terroir, characterized by a unique blend of gravel (hence the name "Graves") and clay soils. These gravelly soils, deposited by ancient rivers when the glaciers melted during the quartenary and tertiary periods, provide excellent drainage, allowing the vines to develop deep root systems and produce wines with remarkable intensity and structure. The influence of the Garonne River further shapes the microclimate, moderating temperatures and creating ideal conditions for ripening grapes. This unique combination of soil and climate results in wines that are known for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable aging potential

Taste the finest wines of the Graves region

Discover the diverse world of Graves wines. On your Graves Wine Tour, you'll have the opportunity to taste a selection of exceptional wines, including robust and age-worthy chateau Graves wines crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy the elegance of crisp and refreshing dry white wines, and experience the luscious sweetness of renowned Sauternes, a celebrated style of Graves wine region France. Sample the finest vintages from prestigious châteaux such as Smith Haut Lafitte, Haut Bailly, Carbonnieux, and Domaine du Chevalier, among others. This is your chance to savor the unique character and complexity of the Graves wine region.

DETAILS
DURATION 7 - 8 hrs
GROUP Private
TASTINGS 2 - 3 per chateaux
STARTING FROM 800 per pers.
CONTACT US

FULL ITINERARY OF YOUR PRIVATE WINE TOUR:

Modern Winemaking Vats at a Bordeaux Vineyard
Day #
9:30
Pick up at your hotel in Bordeaux center.  (Times may be modified) Departure from Bordeaux. **
10:30
A morning of cellar visits and tastings in a Classified Growth of Pessac-Leognan. (sample properties: Chateau Haut Brion, Chateau Pape Clement, Smith Haut Lafitte, Carbonnieux, Haut Bailly, Domaine du Chevalier)
12:00
Lunch in a winery restaurant in the Graves appellation. (not included)
2:00 
Two Chateau visits with tastings in Sauternes Classified Growth properties.  (Chateau Yquem, Chateau Suduiraut, Chateau de Fargues, Chateau Sigalas Rabaud, Chateau d'Arche, Chateau Guiraud, Rayne Vigneeau)
5:00
Return to your hotel in Bordeaux.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Google Reviews
  • Barry Otto
    “Julie and Veronica are both Rockstars! Thank you Decanter Tours for an amazing week”
  • Mike Nesteruk
    “Amazing tours of fantastic wineries. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience that I would highly recommend to any wine enthusiast.”
  • Jackie Yellen
    “My experience with Kelly was amazing. She would walk an extra mile to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.”
  • Debora Campbell
    “Approachable , refreshing yet powerful, soft.smooth and supple with a long finish. Nothing tight about this tour. Learned so much while tasting top notch wines. A full sensory experience!!!!!”
  • Greg Carlucci
    “Great visits to Chateaus and very well coordinated transfers and excellent guides. Especially would like to thank Veronica for all the chateau tours and Emilene for the Bordeaux tour.”
  • Kiran Patel
    “Janice is an amazing guide. Decanter really took us through multiple chateau's with varied history and style. The whole experience was fun and educational! Overall an amazing experience and I will be back for more!”
  • Jackie Groves
    “Julie-Prune did an amazing job connecting us for professional visits with exactly the people we needed to meet. Our main guide, Veronica stood out for her knowledge, humor and flexibility. It was a truly memorable and incredibly meaningful experience for us.”
see all testimonialsVineyard Estate with Historic Chateau and Scenic Countryside Views
Decanter Tours

Experience the finest private wine tours in Bordeaux and beyond. With over 20 years of expertise, we craft tailor-made wine journeys to iconic regions like Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Burgundy, and Champagne. Explore exclusive chateaux with expert guides and seamless planning for a truly unforgettable experience.

13 All, de la Borde, 33450 Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac
INFO@DECANTERTOURS.COM
1 (888) 727-8127
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