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Lobby at Mandarin Oriental, Paris.

Day 1 - Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Paris

This beloved 5-star hotel is home to an exceptional cellar overseen by Head Sommelier David Biraud, one of the world’s most celebrated.

 

Located on the famed Rue Saint Honoré, in the heart of Paris’ haute couture neighborhood, the hotel is just steps from Place Vendôme and with the Garnier Opera, Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre all close by.

 

Before journeying to Bordeaux the following morning, explore the hotel's expansive Spa, recently awarded Best Luxury Hotel Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards.
View of Paris vineyard in the afternoon.

Day 2 - The Left Bank and Pessac-Léognan

Following breakfast at Mandarin Oriental and a private transfer to catch a First Class high-speed TGV train, arrive in Bordeaux in just over two hours. Greeted on arrival by the private chauffeur for the remainder of your time in the region, travel a short distance to the renowned Château La Garde.

 

The estate has an exceptionally rich mosaic of great terroirs across 54 hectares in the northern part of the Graves winegrowing area, within the Pessac-Léognan appellation. A private tour of the estate precedes a private Mosaic Tasting and Masterclass with a sommelier.

 

Later, arrive at your home in Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie. A boutique 5-star manor nestled among the manicured vines of the 600-year-old Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
View of Paris vineyard in the afternoon.

Day 3 - The Right Bank and Saint-Émilion

Winding through roads lined with vines, and across the Dordogne river, arrive on the Right Bank in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Here, Château Montlabert has been making wine since 1750, with their Grand Cru Classé benefitting from exceptional terroir and exposure on the northwest slope of the Saint-Émilion hill.

 

Learn to master the legendary grape varieties of this appellation with a barrel tasting in their cellar and tour of the Château in total privacy. Create your own blend and find harmony among the different grape varieties. Recommendations can be made for lunch, among numerous acclaimed restaurants in the vicinity.

 

The chauffeur travels on to Château de Ferrand, another Grand Cru Classé vineyard estate. Enjoy a private vertical tasting of six exceptional Château de Ferrand vintages guided by a sommelier, with a food pairing created by the estate’s private chef. Spend the evening at leisure.
wine barrels

Day 4 - Two Great Makers

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the oldest of Bordeaux winemakers, a classified Grand Cru of Graves. King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the vineyards to observe their innovative practices of organic farming and biodynamic viniculture during their official visit to France in September 2023. Visit the estate’s magnificent cellar with a private tasting of their wines, including two Grand Cru Classé cuvees.

 

The journey ends with a short drive to the region which bears the world's greatest dessert wine: Sauternes. At the heart of the Sauternes appellation, adjacent to the legendary Château d’Yquem, lie the vineyards of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. Explore the varied range of soils that underpin an exceptional complexity of the wines made here and taste select Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes.

 

Lunch or dinner can be arranged at Restaurant Lalique on-site (2 Michelin stars), surrounded by vines.
Inclusions
  • 1 night at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, Paris with breakfast.
  • 2 nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Les Sources de Caudalie with daily breakfast, located in the heart of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards.
  • Private tastings and tours at 5 exceptional Bordeaux wine châteaux, in the company of sommeliers, cellar masters and winemakers.
  • The vintages selected for tastings.
  • First-class TGV train from Paris to Bordeaux.
  • Private, chauffeured transfers in both Paris and Bordeaux, where mentioned.
When to Travel
  • Magnificent in all seasons.
  • Experiences are subject to availability.
  • Note that a number of châteaux and vineyards are closed on weekends, but alternative itineraries with privileged access can be designed around your departure dates
Exclusions
  • Flights to/from Paris or Bordeaux.
  • Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
  • Rare or specified vintages for tastings.

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