6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT WINE TOURS IN THE BORDEAUX REGION
Book in advance! You can generally go straight to a chateau website to book your tour. Most tours are one-on-one, which means there are only so many time slots that each chateau has to show people around and share their wonderful wine.
Speaking of time, a traditional tour could take between 60 and 90 minutes. While you want to soak up as much as you can, only schedule three or maximum four tastings in a day. Otherwise, you might be rushing or even be late to a tasting (refer to number one about being on time!)
Racking up many tastings could leave you a tad dizzy, however every chateau has a spit bucket or drain. There is absolutely no pressure or judgment to spit. You are there to experience the wine in whatever capacity you see fit, depending on your tolerance.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking through the vineyards. Pants and a nice shirt, perhaps paired with a sport coat are nice for men, and the same or a light dress is wonderful for ladies.
Chateaux are generally closed on the weekends. January through April is quite cold. Personally, I think the end of May is a perfect time to visit. Vinexpo, a big wine convention, is held every other year in Bordeaux in the middle of June, which is a time you want to avoid (unless you are in the wine business, of course!) In August, most of the chateaux staff leaves for vacation. September and October are harvesting times, so it might be difficult to book a tour, as well as rainy, but it all depends on your temperature preference and when your trip coincides.
Depending on the chateau, you might need to rent a car. Some chateaux in the Medoc region are spread out, whereas the chateaux in St. Emilion are easily accessible by foot.
Santé!
