From La Rochelle Bordeaux Wine Tour Private Shore Excursion
Description Summary
Highlights
- ✓Explore the scenic Côte de Blaye wine region
- ✓Taste exclusive wines at two local wineries
- ✓Enjoy stunning vineyard views throughout your journey
- ✓Learn about the winemaking process from experts
- ✓Enhance your palate with guided wine tasting sessions
Description
Embark on a delightful private shore excursion from La Rochelle and delve into the enchanting world of Bordeaux's vineyards in the stunning Côte de Blaye appellation. Experience the joy of wine tasting at two carefully selected wineries, where you'll enjoy a curated selection of exquisite Bordeaux wines.
With your local guide, an expert in Bordeaux wines, you'll uncover the secrets of winemaking while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the French countryside. This flexible tour can be customized based on your interests, ensuring a memorable experience tailored just for you.
Private Shore Excursion from La Rochelle to Bordeaux
Embark on a private shore excursion from La Rochelle into the heart of Bordeaux’s renowned vineyards in the picturesque Côte de Blaye appellation. Discover one of Bordeaux’s wine-growing regions with a flexible, personalized itinerary designed around your interests and pace. This half-day tour is ideal for cruise passengers seeking a blend of relaxation, discovery, and authentic French wine culture.
Exclusive Bordeaux Wine Tasting Experience
Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at two carefully selected wineries, each offering a curated selection of Bordeaux wines that showcases the diversity of the region. A local wine expert will guide you through the nuances of Bordeaux appellations, grape varieties, and tasting techniques, making the experience engaging for both seasoned wine lovers and curious beginners. Tastings can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring you sample wines that match your palate.
Discover the French Countryside and Winemaking
Immerse yourself in the tranquil French countryside as you stroll through scenic vineyards and explore traditional wine cellars. Learn about the art of winemaking from vine to bottle, with insightful explanations of terroir, harvesting, and aging methods that define Bordeaux’s unique style. Light walking is involved, so comfortable shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the vineyard landscapes and photo opportunities.
Customizable Private Tour with Premium Transport
Travel in style and comfort in a premium vehicle, with your private driver-guide crafting a route that reflects your specific interests. Whether you wish to focus on particular wine styles, spend more time at one estate, or simply enjoy a relaxed pace, your guide will adapt the day to suit you. Starting just a short distance from your cruise ship, this shore excursion offers seamless logistics and a stress-free experience from port to vineyard and back.
Practical Information and Booking Details
Before you book, you can choose to include tasting fees in your reservation, allowing you to enjoy the visit without unexpected costs during your tour. The excursion is designed for both wine enthusiasts and casual travelers, offering a memorable and informative introduction to Bordeaux’s wine landscape. With flexible customization, expert guidance, and comfortable transport, this private shore excursion is an ideal way to make the most of your time in La Rochelle and Bordeaux.
Included / Excluded
- ✓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
- ✗Personal travel insurance & expenses
- ✗Meals & drinks (lunch)
- ✗Gratuities for the driver/guide
Itinerary
Bordeaux Wine Tour Private Shore Excursion from La Rochelle
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
1 hour
- 4
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.
2 hours
- 5
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.
1 hour
- 6
Relaxing Return to La Rochelle
After your Bordeaux wine tour, relax in your premium vehicle for the journey back through the scenic countryside of western France. Your English-speaking driver-guide ensures a smooth, comfortable return to the La Rochelle cruise terminal.
Start / End Locations
Commentary
Audio • Language: en
Important Information
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
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 48 hours
Cancellation Notes: Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Options and Pricing
| 2 participants minimum - Total price | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €1,720.00 | €1,558.00 |
| 3 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €595.00 | €543.00 |
| 4 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €465.00 | €424.00 |
| 5 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €385.00 | €354.00 |
| 6 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €335.00 | €306.00 |
| 7 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €295.00 | €273.00 |
| 8 participants - Price per person | RETAIL PRICE | NET RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | €270.00 | €247.00 |
Points of Interest
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
All private shore excursions must clearly specify the name of the ship and the local port of call. Ophorus will not be held responsible if the wrong port of call has been notified during reservation process. Each customer has to check that he or she has the appropriate documents for their journey; a passport (with visa if necessary) or a valid ID card.
No refund will be granted in case of lack or loss of ID documents. Eating, drinking and smoking on board the minivans is strictly forbidden (law of September, 17th, 1977). All passengers are insured during the excursions while in the vans. The responsibility of Ophorus is limited to our insurance contract clauses.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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.
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: https://ophorus.com/contact-us