Your Bordeaux Wine & Cheese tasting experience

Enjoy the best of France while in Bordeaux on this 1.5-hour cheese and wine tasting session. Meet in one of Bordeaux’s most unique locations and discover the underground vaulted “100 cheese cellar”!

In a fun & informative atmosphere, come and savor 9 AOC cheeses from all over France that will be complemented by three regional award winning wines of Bordeaux. Learn about the famous Bordeaux blends and taste some delicious red wines, dry white wines and sweet wines paired with creamy cheeses, salty cheeses, blue cheeses, aged cheeses, goat cheeses or washed rind cheeses.

Your red Bordeaux wines will be mainly composed of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. White Bordeaux wines usually blend Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grape varieties even though other authorized grapes include Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle.

Here, indulge in a wine and cheese pairing and experience a wide range of flavors, aromas and characteristics. Of course, your cheese tasting will also include delicious local bread! Bon appétit !

Classic Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Pairings

Here are a few tips concerning wine & cheese pairing that we think might be helpful before you experience this once in Bordeaux. A good example of Bordeaux wine & cheese is the combination of sheep cheese with round & structured Bordeaux red wines. In this case, a perfect match could be found with a Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux that will break down the proteins of the cheese.

Another great option for sheep cheese would be to pair it with a sweet white wine. This unusual pairing always comes as a surprise to many, but in France a slightly sweet white from the Sauternes appellation that is unctuous and intense whose sweetness will bring out a contrast with the salty, tangy flavors of the cheese.

For creamy cheeses, Bordeaux dry white wines will make for a perfect match. A good example could be to combine a salmon snack made with creamy cheese paired with white wines produced in the Graves region of Bordeaux. This rich and textural white wine brought by the blend of Sauvignon blanc and Sémillon will perfectly match with the richness of the ingredients. Another option can also be found in a lighter sweet white wine from the Cadillac or Loupiac appellations.

For a creamy cheese such as Saint Marcelin another option would be to pair it with a fruity red wine. The red fruits in the wine make the fat of the cheese more delicate and tasty. This type of wine will also balance the acidity with its silky tannins and minerality.

Serving blue cheese can also be the perfect option to create unconventional pairings. In this case, why not try to pair a Roquefort or Bleu d'Auvergne with a late harvest white wine from Loupiac? The bitter flavor of the blue cheese and it's acidity will be balanced with the sugar brought by the late harvest wine. In addition, the fatty acids naturally present in cheese will perfectly combine with the fructose that can be found in late harvest wines making for a very soft pairing experience.

Cooking Class: A Taste of Bordeaux

Discover the Secrets of Bordeaux Cuisine

Immerse yourself in the heart of Bordeaux wine country with a unique cooking class at a charming local winery. Learn the art of French cuisine from a passionate chef, using fresh, local ingredients and, of course, the winery's finest wines.

Experience includes:

• Exclusive winery tour: Discover the secrets behind the production of world-class Bordeaux wines.
• Hands-on cooking lesson: Learn to prepare a delicious, authentic French meal under the guidance of our expert chef.
• Wine pairing: Enjoy a selection of the winery's finest wines, expertly paired with each course.
• Gourmet lunch: Savor the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal featuring the dishes you've prepared.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this class is perfect for anyone who loves food and wine. Come and experience the true essence of Bordeaux!

Indulge yourself in a truely memorable experience in the Bordeaux wine region of Saint Estèphe. Arrive at Château Cos d'Estournel and immerse yourself in this fabulous winery of the Médoc. Begin your visit with a walk in the vineyard (weather permitting) as this is where it all begins with the 'savoir-faire' and expertise of the vineyard master and wine grower. Your visit will continue within the winery where you will discover the stunning gravity cellar. The visit will be followed by a commented tasting session.

Château Cos d'Estournel holds a special place in the Bordeaux wine region for a number of reasons. The winery was one of the first in Bordeaux to bottle, label and sell their own wines. The history of the Château begins with that of Louis Gaspard Lacoste of Maniban Marquis d'Estournel who decides to vinify wines in 1811. Rapidly, the wine gains a very high reputation and is included as a Second Classified Growth in the 1855 classification of Medoc wines. The founder is also passionate about India where his wines are exported. Inspired by the architecture present in India, Cos d'Estournel's combines both the influence of Indian architecture with its pagoda's and great wooden door with that of the local limestone typical to the region.

Today, after the visit, your tasting will include 6 wines of the Château. Begin with a vintage wine of the Pagodes de Cos followed by 4 vintages of Château Cos d'Estournel and one vintage of Cos d'Estournel white wine. 

Pagodes de Cos is the second wine of the Château Cos d'Estournel. The main difference with the Château wine is that it is made with younger vines. Vinification and ageing are similar to the premium wine. Since Merlot is sometimes high in the percentage of the blend, the wine is elegant, full bodied and aromatic. The 2019 vintage was mainly a Cabernet Sauvignon based wine, which is normal in Saint Estèphe, but with velvet tannins and an incredible finish. 

Château Cos d'Estournel - Red -  is the premium Château wine. The main grape variety of the wine is Cabernet Sauvignon that is blended with some Merlot and small quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Being a Saint Estèphe wine, it is considered a powerful full bodied wine but Cos d'Estournel is also fruity and elegant which makes it a very charming wine to drink. The Château wine is crafted to be laid down meaning you will need to wait a minimum of 15 years for the exceptional vintages.

Château Cos d'Estournel  - White - usually a very concentrated wine, exotic with rich flavors of fruits, freshness making it a very well balanced white wine. Made of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, the 2019 vintage perfectly resisted to the extreme temperatures of the vintage which resulted in a wine that was rich and complex with aromas of jasmine and grapefruit. 

Dive into the rich history and natural beauty of Arcachon Bay with a private, two-hour cruise aboard a traditional Pinasse boat. Handcrafted from wood, these iconic vessels have been navigating the bay since the 16th century, originally serving as trusty companions for local fishermen.

Your intimate journey will unveil a tapestry of captivating sights. Glide past flourishing oyster farms, where plump, succulent oysters are cultivated in the pristine waters. Learn about the fascinating aquaculture process that brings these delicacies to your table.

As you cruise further, prepare to be captivated by the Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), a haven for a diverse range of avian life. This charming island is adorned with the "cabanes tchanquées", colorful stilt houses that are a symbol of Arcachon Bay. Imagine stepping onto the island and soaking in the panoramic views, the salty breeze carrying the calls of seabirds.

A short stop next to Bird Island allows you to admire its unique charm. Capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the turquoise waters and vibrant houses. Your knowledgeable local guide, a seasoned Arcachon sailor, will be your personal source of insight, eager to share the island's secrets and answer any questions you may have about the bay's fascinating history and ecology.

This exclusive two-hour adventure is perfect for creating lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you're embarking on a romantic escape with your partner, a fun-filled family outing, or a memorable experience with friends, a private Pinasse tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into the soul of Arcachon Bay. So, set sail on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the magic of this captivating region.

Unwind on a captivating 3-hour private cruise through Arcachon Bay aboard a timeless Pinasse boat. Handcrafted from wood, these historic vessels have been traversing the bay's waters since the 16th century, originally used by local fishermen.

Your extended adventure unlocks a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural gems. Glide past thriving oyster farms, where generations of expertise have cultivated these prized delicacies. Learn about the intricate process of oyster farming and savor the option to indulge in a fresh tasting onboard (not included).

As you delve deeper into the bay, prepare to be mesmerized by the Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), a sanctuary teeming with diverse bird life. This picturesque island boasts the iconic "cabanes tchanquées", colorful stilt houses that are synonymous with Arcachon Bay. Imagine strolling along the island's shore, the crisp ocean air invigorating your senses as you marvel at the panoramic vistas. 

With three hours at your disposal, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Your knowledgeable Arcachon sailor-guide will craft a personalized itinerary based on your interests. Perhaps you'd like to spend more time photographing the island's unique charm, or delve into the fascinating history of the bay's oyster production. You could even enjoy a relaxing swim in a secluded cove, depending on the tides (weather permitting).

This exclusive three-hour excursion caters perfectly to couples, families, or small groups. Whether you seek a romantic escape, an unforgettable family adventure, or a chance to reconnect with friends, a private Pinasse tour offers a truly immersive experience. So, set sail on a voyage of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime against the stunning backdrop of Arcachon Bay.

Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour private odyssey through the enchanting Arcachon Bay aboard a classic Pinasse boat. These handcrafted wooden vessels, steeped in history since the 16th century, were once the trusted companions of local fishermen. Today, they offer you a unique and luxurious way to explore the bay's hidden wonders.

Your extended adventure unfolds like a dream. Glide past thriving oyster farms, where generations of expertise have cultivated these succulent delicacies. Learn about the intricate process of oyster farming and, if you wish, indulge in a fresh tasting onboard (not included).

As you delve deeper into the bay, prepare to be captivated by the Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island), a haven teeming with diverse birdlife. This picturesque island boasts the iconic "cabanes tchanquées", colorful stilt houses that are a symbol of Arcachon Bay. Imagine yourself strolling along the island's shore, the salty breeze carrying the calls of seabirds as you take in breathtaking panoramic vistas.

With four glorious hours at your disposal, the possibilities for exploration are boundless. Your experienced Arcachon sailor-guide, a local expert, will work with you to craft a personalized itinerary that caters to your desires. Perhaps you'd like to spend more time photographing the island's unique charm, explore hidden coves for a refreshing swim (weather permitting, tides allowing), or delve deeper into the fascinating history of the bay's oyster production.

This exclusive four-hour excursion caters perfectly to couples, families, or small groups seeking a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're yearning for a romantic escape, an enriching family adventure, or a chance to reconnect with friends in a breathtaking setting, a private Pinasse tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourselves in the magic of Arcachon Bay. So, set sail on a voyage of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.