Nicole Bordeaux isn’t just a wine region—it’s a rhythm, a pace, a series of perfectly choreographed moments stitched together by sips, aromas, and the quiet hum of vineyards stretching to the horizon. If you’re asking how to spend three days indulging in its culinary and viticultural pleasures, this itinerary does more than answer—it serves.
Best Time to Savor Bordeaux
Spring (May–June) offers blooming vineyards and moderate weather. Fall (September–October) delivers harvest vibrancy, golden hues, and winemaking energy. Both windows present the region at its most generous.
Getting Around
While Bordeaux’s trains can connect you to towns like Saint-Émilion, a car provides freedom to reach grand châteaux tucked between vine-covered hills. Private and small-group tours with seasoned guides also offer access without the hassle of logistics.
Where to Stay
Each of these stays ties directly into the region’s wine culture:
- Les Sources de Caudalie – A 5-star retreat at Château Smith Haut Lafitte with a vineyard spa and Michelin dining.
- InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel – City-centered, historic, and home to Gordon Ramsay’s gastronomic vision.
- Le Boutique Hotel & Wine Bar – A cozy city stay with a curated wine selection.
- Château Cordeillan-Bages – Set in the Médoc, this Relais & Châteaux estate brings fine dining and vine-to-table intimacy.
Day 1: Médoc Grandeur & Bordeaux Nights
Morning – 9:00 AM
Start along the “Route des Châteaux” in the Médoc. This is Cabernet Sauvignon territory—dense, structured, age-worthy. Book a tour and tasting at a Grand Cru Classé estate:
- Château Margaux – Elegance and heritage.
- Château Latour – Power and prestige.
- Château Haut-Brion – A touch of the Left Bank magic.
Reservations must be made in advance, often weeks ahead.
Lunch – 1:00 PM
Pauillac and Margaux villages offer restaurants that let you eat with the vines in sight. Some estates serve refined menus on site, weaving estate wines into each course.
Afternoon – 3:00 PM
Choose a second château with a contrasting winemaking philosophy:
- Château Palmer – Biodynamic practices and silky textures.
- Château d’Agassac – Romantic and photogenic, with its moat and medieval tower.
Evening – 7:30 PM
Return to Bordeaux city for an evening of contemporary gastronomy:
- Start with a glass at Le Sobre Chartrons or Aux Quatre Coins du Vin.
- Book dinner at Maison Nouvelle by Philippe Etchebest for modern French finesse, or head to Brasserie Bordelaise for more traditional fare done impeccably.
Day 2: Saint-Émilion Charm & Culinary Craft
Morning – 9:30 AM
Drive to Saint-Émilion. Its cobbled lanes and limestone facades hold more than architectural allure—they carry centuries of wine legacy. Visit one of its star châteaux:
- Château Angélus
- Château Cheval Blanc
- Couvent des Jacobins
Each offers vertical tastings and cellar tours with rare vintages.
Lunch – 1:00 PM
Enjoy lunch overlooking the rows of Merlot vines. Château La Croizille offers picnic baskets with charcuterie, cheese, and house wines on a terrace above the slopes.
Afternoon – 3:00 PM
Trade sipping for stirring. Join a cooking workshop focused on regional dishes—duck confit, canelé, or entrecôte Bordelaise. Célene Bordeaux includes a market visit, cooking, and a wine-paired meal.
Evening – 8:00 PM
Dine on what you’ve cooked, with wines tailored to the flavors you created. If you prefer a change of scene, the town of Libourne just nearby offers bistros and bakeries where locals linger over tartines and glasses of red.
Day 3: Graves Depth & Sauternes Sweetness
Morning – 10:00 AM
Head south to Graves, the cradle of Bordeaux wine. Known for reds with minerality and whites with structure. Two estates stand out:
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte – Elegance backed by top-tier winemaking.
- Château Carbonnieux – Balanced, expressive, and historically rich.
Lunch – 12:30 PM
Dine at La Grand’Vigne, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Les Sources de Caudalie. Menus change with the season, but local produce and house wines set the tone.
Afternoon – 2:30 PM
Sauternes brings the trip to a velvet-textured close. Visit:
- Château d’Yquem – Requires advance booking but offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Château Guiraud – Certified organic, welcoming, and refined.
Taste golden, honeyed wines made from botrytized grapes, and hear the precise timing and care required to make them.
Late Afternoon – 4:30 PM
Wrap the wine learning with either:
- A wine and cheese pairing workshop, where Comté, Roquefort, and Époisses meet their vinous matches.
- A visit to La Cité du Vin, a modern museum offering interactive exhibits and global tastings.
Farewell Dinner – 8:00 PM
Choose a relaxed bistro in the city center—like Le Chien de Pavlov—or opt for a dinner cruise on the Garonne River. The lights of Bordeaux from the water, paired with your final glass, close the itinerary on just the right note.
Final Notes
Every stop in this itinerary adds a layer to the Bordeaux experience. It’s not just about what’s in the glass, but who pours it, where it’s sipped, and the stories that unfold alongside each course. Whether Grand Cru or farmstead cheese, this journey is structured to leave the palate fulfilled and the spirit fed.