Visit Bordeaux Vineyards & discover the Blaye wine region on this private shore excursion from La Rochelle. Visit & wine tasting in 2 Chateau Wineries. Taste Bordeaux red or white wines. Tour conducted by Expert Bordeaux Guide.
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Why you’ll love this tour
Enhance your palate with guided wine tasting sessions
Learn about the winemaking process from experts
Enjoy stunning vineyard views throughout your journey
Taste exclusive wines at two local wineries
Explore the scenic Côte de Blaye wine region
Your day at a glance
Exclusive Shore Excursion: Discover the Bordeaux Wine Region from La Rochelle Seamless Pickup at La Rochelle Cruise PortStart your day with a convenient pickup directly at your cruise ship in La Rochelle Port. Meet your English-speaking guide, an expert in Bordeaux wines and local history. After reviewing the day’s itinerary, board your luxurious air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, designed for your ...
Exclusive Shore Excursion: Discover the Bordeaux Wine Region from La Rochelle
Seamless Pickup at La Rochelle Cruise Port
Start your day with a convenient pickup directly at your cruise ship in La Rochelle Port. Meet your English-speaking guide, an expert in Bordeaux wines and local history. After reviewing the day’s itinerary, board your luxurious air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, designed for your comfort, and embark on a journey to the celebrated Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux wine region.
Travel in Premium Comfort
Enjoy the drive in a spacious Mercedes minivan, accommodating up to 8 guests for an intimate and relaxed experience. Equipped with an onboard P/A system, our vehicles ensure you won’t miss any of your guide’s fascinating commentary about the history, winemaking traditions, and unique terroirs of the Bordeaux region.
Explore the Right Bank: Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
Departing from La Rochelle, head into the picturesque countryside of the Right Bank, where the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation awaits. This area, nestled along the Gironde Estuary, is known for its limestone, gravelly, and sandy clay soils, creating ideal conditions for cultivating Merlot and other grape varieties like Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Blaye’s red wines are renowned for their bold, powerful flavors, while the whites are celebrated for their complexity and slight acidity. Your guide will share insights into the unique characteristics of this region, which is home to 450 winemakers working across 6,000 hectares of vineyards.
Visit and Wine Tasting at Two Local Wineries
Your tour includes visits to two carefully selected wineries in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. During these exclusive experiences, you’ll:
Learn about the art of winemaking, from grape cultivation to bottling.
Explore the wine cellars and production facilities, guided by local winemakers.
Enjoy commented wine tastings, sampling bold reds and aromatic whites that embody the region’s heritage.
Personal Discovery and Lunch in Historic Blaye
Midway through the day, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Blaye, a place rich in history and culture. Explore its UNESCO-listed Citadel, part of the Vauban Network, which features:
1.5 kilometers of fortifications.
Intricate underground passages.
Historic structures like a monastery, barracks, jail, and gunpowder depot.
Take time for personal discovery as you stroll the quaint streets, shop for local goods, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the traditional farmer’s market (on market days). For lunch (at your own expense), your guide will recommend top local spots where you can savor regional specialties.
Highlights of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Region
Blaye Citadel: A stunning UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the defense systems designed by Vauban in the 17th century.
Vineyards and Terroirs: Discover the diversity of soils and grape varieties that make this region’s wines unique.
Cultural Richness: Blaye’s streets and monuments are steeped in history, from medieval origins to its role as a pilgrimage stop on the Santiago de Compostela route.
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Pickup at Your Cruise Ship in La Rochelle
Your private driver-guide greets you directly at your ship in La Rochelle, so you step off the gangway and straight into a comfortable premium vehicle—no stress, no transfers, just a smooth start to your wine adventure.
Your private driver-guide greets you directly at your ship in La Rochelle, so you step off the gangway and straight into a comfortable premium vehicle—no stress, no transfers, just a smooth start to your wine adventure.
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Scenic Drive to the Blaye Wine Region
Relax as you cross the Charente-Maritime and Gironde countryside, passing villages, fields, and river views on your way to the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux vineyards, with your guide sharing stories about the region’s wine and history.
Relax as you cross the Charente-Maritime and Gironde countryside, passing villages, fields, and river views on your way to the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux vineyards, with your guide sharing stories about the region’s wine and history.
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Morning Winery Visit and Tasting
Arrive at a welcoming château estate, tour the cellars and vines, then savor a guided tasting of Bordeaux wines as your host explains the terroir, grape varieties, and flavor profiles that make Blaye such an exciting appellation to discover.
Arrive at a welcoming château estate, tour the cellars and vines, then savor a guided tasting of Bordeaux wines as your host explains the terroir, grape varieties, and flavor profiles that make Blaye such an exciting appellation to discover.
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Free Time in Blaye for Lunch and Exploration
Enjoy free time in Blaye to choose your own lunch at a local restaurant (at own expense) or café, sample regional specialties, and wander the streets or citadel ramparts at your own pace—perfect for photos, shopping, or simply soaking up the small town atmosphere.
Enjoy free time in Blaye to choose your own lunch at a local restaurant (at own expense) or café, sample regional specialties, and wander the streets or citadel ramparts at your own pace—perfect for photos, shopping, or simply soaking up the small town atmosphere.
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Afternoon Winery Visit and Tasting
In the afternoon, continue to a second carefully selected winery, giving you the chance to compare styles and producers as you taste more Bordeaux wines and deepen your understanding of the region with your expert guide.
In the afternoon, continue to a second carefully selected winery, giving you the chance to compare styles and producers as you taste more Bordeaux wines and deepen your understanding of the region with your expert guide.
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Relaxing Return to La Rochelle
Informations
Language spoken
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Know before you book
Full-day private shore excursion from La Rochelle
Visit Côte de Blaye vineyards and two wineries
Light walking in vineyards and cellars
Ideal for wine lovers and casual travelers
Know before you go
Private tour with premium vehicle and driver-guide
Pickup at your cruise ship in La Rochelle
Schedule adapted to your ship’s docking times
Customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
Included
Pick up and drop off at Ship
Travel in premium, spacious vehicles
English-speaking driver/guide
Pre-booked reservations for 2 winery visits
All tasting fess in the wineries included
Excluded
Personal travel insurance & expenses
Meals & drinks (lunch)
Gratuities for the driver/guide
Must know
Full-day private shore excursion from La Rochelle
Visit Côte de Blaye vineyards and two wineries
Light walking in vineyards and cellars
Ideal for wine lovers and casual travelers
Additional information
If you want to share your tour with others, you can put it on Cruise Critic. Most of the time this gives good results. You must do this yourself as we are not accepted on their site as a professional business. We accept split payment transactions by credit card.
This private shore excursion is best suited to wine-loving cruise passengers who want a relaxed, personalized introduction to Bordeaux’s vineyards in the Côte de Blaye. It’s ideal for small private groups, couples, or friends who appreciate countryside scenery, premium transport, and the flexibility to tailor the day to their interests. The tour works equally well for curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, provided they are comfortable with light walking in vineyards and cellars and enjoy learning about winemaking in an informal, engaging way.
Voucher information
Please note: This tour is timed to your ship’s schedule. Your guide will meet you just outside the cruise terminal after disembarkation holding a sign with your name. In case of any last‑minute changes by the cruise line, please check your ship’s daily program and contact us as soon as possible so we can adjust timings accordingly.
Terms and conditions
Refund Policy:
You must notify us at least 48 hours in advance if your ship cannot dock (due to weather or port changes) to qualify for a refund.
All our terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.ophorus.com/terms-sales
Cancellation policy
Cancellation deadline: 72 hours
Up to 72 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 72hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Mole d'escale, La Rochelle cruise port terminal
Please proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler name.
Proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler's name.
Departure
Proceed to exit where your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing lead traveler's name.
Return
Drop off at Cruise ship in La Rochelle
Group information
We can handle any group size (from 8 people) ranging from small groups to larger groups. Transportation options include private vehicles, mini-vans, mini-buses and large buses.
Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: groups@ophorus.com (groups from 8 people)
For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: ophorus.com/contact-us/
Reviews
5.0/5
(2 reviews)
All
TripAdvisor
Ophorus
E
Emily Strange
24, Jul 2023TripAdvisor
Our private wine tasting tour in Bordeaux was everything we’d hoped for! Our guide Ilia was friendly and personable and took us to two different wineries where we had private tastings with the winemakers. He also found u…Our private wine tasting tour in Bordeaux was everything we’d hoped for! Our guide Ilia was friendly and personable and took us to two different wineries where we had private tastings with the winemakers. He also found us a great place for lunch. He picked us up on time from the ship and brought us back with plenty of time to spare. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a fantastic experience!! Water bottles and WiFi were not available as listed on the tour, but it still far exceeded our expectations!
N
Neville
17, Sep 2022Ophorus
Bonjour Christophe,
The tour was fantastic. We loved the 2 choices of the vineyards, each so different and unique.
Our guide Karim was so knowledgeable, personable and great in pointing out the important points on our…Bonjour Christophe,
The tour was fantastic. We loved the 2 choices of the vineyards, each so different and unique.
Our guide Karim was so knowledgeable, personable and great in pointing out the important points on our trip. He was on time with everything and really made our trip enjoyable. I will always recommend your company, and when I am back in France will have no hesitation to book with you for tours.
Thank you for all your help in organizing our trip, it was a fabulous experience.
Best ,
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Quick answers
What can I learn about during the Bordeaux wine tour?
You will learn about the winemaking process, including terroir, grape varieties, and aging methods from local wine experts;
How can I book the private Bordeaux wine tour?
You can book the tour through our website or by contacting us via email for group bookings;
Are meals included in the Bordeaux wine tour?
No, meals and drinks (including lunch) are not included in the tour package;
Can the tour accommodate larger groups?
Yes, the tour can handle groups ranging from 8 people to larger groups with various transportation options available;
What is the cancellation policy for this tour?
You can receive a full refund if you cancel up to 72 hours before the activity, but no refund is available for cancellations less than 72 hours before or for no-shows;
Do I need to wear special clothing or shoes for the tour?
It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as light walking is involved in vineyards and cellars;
What types of wines can I expect to taste during the tour?
You will taste a curated selection of Bordeaux wines, showcasing the region's diversity;
How long does the Bordeaux wine tour last?
The tour is designed as a full-day excursion, making it ideal for cruise passengers;
Is the itinerary customizable for the Bordeaux wine tour?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your specific interests and pace;
What does the private shore excursion from La Rochelle to Bordeaux include?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your cruise ship, travel in a premium vehicle, two winery visits with pre-booked reservations, wine tasting fees included, and an English-speaking driver/guide;
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