Inside Bordeaux: Vinovest’s Exclusive Wine Trip and Tasting Experience

At Vinovest, we believe the best way to understand fine wine is to experience where it’s made. This summer, we brought clients to Bordeaux for a journey that blended discovery, connection, and a deeper appreciation of the region’s history. What unfolded was more than a trip through vineyards and cellars—it was a week of shared meals, rare bottles, and unforgettable moments that captured the essence of Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is more than a wine region—it’s a living history of craftsmanship, culture, and tradition. This summer, Vinovest clients joined us for an unforgettable journey across both banks, from legendary first growths to hidden gems known only to insiders.

We began the trip with a warm welcome dinner, where conversations flowed as easily as the wines. Over a Michelin-starred meal, our group shared a horizontal tasting of Bordeaux classics—an introduction not just to the vintages, but to each other.

The following days unfolded like chapters in a story. At Château Mouton Rothschild, guests walked the halls lined with original art commissions before tasting vintages that defined why this estate remains one of the most revered in the world. At Château Pichon Baron, we lingered over a lunch with their sales director, sipping treasures from the 1980s while surrounded by landscapes as dramatic as the wines themselves.

Dinners revealed more surprises: bottles like Mouton 1970, Canon 1982, and vintage Champagne, each adding layers to the collective experience.

On the Left Bank, Château Lafite Rothschild stood as a highlight. To taste the 2003 Lafite—one of the rare perfect 100-point wines—was not only a privilege, but a reminder of what sets Bordeaux apart in the world of fine wine. At Smith Haut Lafitte, we discovered their cooperage, where barrels are still made on site, a nearly lost tradition that deepens the estate’s identity.

Crossing to the Right Bank, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion offered a shift in rhythm. At Château Angélus, the golden bells rang out in welcome, even playing the U.S. national anthem—a gesture as memorable as the wines poured that afternoon. A Michelin-starred lunch in a medieval palace followed, complete with a visit to its famed cheese cave.

Evenings were punctuated with white Burgundy and rare champagnes, reminders that the love of wine extends beyond Bordeaux itself.

Later in the week, the hills of Troplong Mondot gave us both breathtaking views and a Michelin-starred meal, while La Gaffelière offered one final look at Right Bank elegance. Guests then rested at the Bassin d’Arcachon, trading vineyards for ocean views, sand dunes, and quiet reflection.

Our finale was as grand as the journey itself: a private tasting at Château d’Yquem, the world’s most celebrated producer of sweet wines. The day ended with a surprise—lunch at La Grande Maison de Bernard Magrez, a two-Michelin-star dining experience that embodied the artistry of both wine and cuisine.

What made this journey truly unique wasn’t only the access to rare vintages or the luxury of Michelin-starred meals. It was the education woven throughout—our blind tasting challenge at each meal, where guests tested their palates and deepened their skills. By the end of the trip, one participant took home a bottle straight from a producer we had visited, but everyone walked away with sharper tasting abilities and richer stories to tell.

This is what defines a Vinovest experience. It isn’t just about tasting exceptional wines—it’s about living them.

Inspired by our journey through Bordeaux?Join the Vinovest Experiences interest list to learn more about upcoming trips and in person events.