Being among the first to enjoy a new travel experience is always an exhilarating moment. I had the pleasure of being one of the first to experience Avalon Waterways’ new "Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages" itinerary. Deciding to make the most of my time in France, I visited the region a few days early to get a little more extensive on the wine side of things. I enjoy red wines, and this region is perfect for my taste in wine. If you like red wines the way I do, you are in for a treat if you choose a Bordeaux cruise.
Before getting into my wine listings, here are a few general tips for tasting in Bordeaux:
- Book ahead. Many top châteaux require reservations.
- Try both Grand Cru Classé and smaller producers. You’ll get a broader perspective.
- Taste the vintages. Weather really impacts Bordeaux; recent stars include 2016, 2019, and 2020.
- Find out what your tour will cover. It is amazing to discover how the wines were made and, in some cases, how to taste the wine properly. Wine making is fascinating, and the tasting is a process all its own.
Left Bank (Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac, Margaux, etc.)
Powerful, structured reds
Try:
- Château Margaux (Margaux) – Elegant, floral, complex
- Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac) – Legendary, deep, age-worthy
- Château Pichon Baron (Pauillac) – Rich and bold but beautifully balanced
Be careful because high-end wines can be addictive, and your taste can expand. If you're not going ultra high-end, Château Lanessan or Château Haut-Bages Libéral are great value Left Bank wines.
Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, etc.)
Lush, velvety reds
Try:
- Château Cheval Blanc (Saint-Émilion) – Silky, elegant, legendary
- Château Pétrus. (Pomerol) – Ultra-prestigious, deep and smooth
- Château Canon (Saint-Émilion) – Classic, floral and refined
More approachable option: Château La Gaffelière or Clos Fourtet
Graves & Pessac-Léognan
Both reds and whites (great for variety!)
Try:
- Château Haut-Brion – One of the oldest and most prestigious
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte – Gorgeous reds and excellent dry whites
- Château Carbonnieux – Especially good white Bordeaux
Sauternes (Sweet Wine Lovers)
Golden, luxurious dessert wines made from botrytized grapes
Try:
- Château d’Yquem – The king of Sauternes
- Château Suduiraut or Château Rieussec – Top-tier but more affordable than Yquem
Pair with: Blue cheese, foie gras or just sip it as dessert
Bordeaux Blanc (Dry Whites)
Crisp, aromatic and great in warm weather
Try:
- Château Malartic-Lagravière
- Floridène
If you taste something you like, you can have it shipped back home. Shipping might be too expensive for one or two bottles, but for more than that, you will be happy you paid the shipping cost. There are so many to choose from you might want to send back more!
For travel advisors, I would recommend sending several bottles back and having a wine tasting night for your clients to talk about the region and the travel opportunities. This is a fantastic way to get your top clients together for a delightful evening of tasting and to show off your travel expertise. Don't forget all the great talking points about Avalon Waterways.
And while Bordeaux is famous for its wine, there are plenty of other compelling reasons to go on a river cruise in the region. Here are some non-wine-related perks I discovered:
Stunning Scenery – The Garonne and Dordogne rivers wind through gorgeous countryside with rolling hills, sunflower fields, historic villages and scenic vineyards (even if you're not sipping the wine).
Rich History & Architecture – Bordeaux itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of 18th-century architecture, Gothic cathedrals, Roman ruins and elegant public squares. Towns like Saint-Émilion and Blaye offer ancient fortresses, monolithic churches and fascinating underground catacombs. Saint-Émilion's is my personal favorite.
Local Cuisine – Even if you skip the wine, the food is phenomenal. Think duck confit, oysters from Arcachon Bay, canelés (caramelized pastries) and decadent cheeses. Many river cruises include food tours or cooking classes with local chefs.
Biking and Outdoor Activities – Some cruises include bike excursions through the countryside, which is relatively flat and very bike-friendly. You can also kayak, hike or stroll through nature reserves and scenic trails.
Relaxation & Luxury – River cruises are generally more intimate and slow-paced than ocean cruises. Many have spa services, sun decks and gourmet dining to help you truly unplug.
La Cite du Vin – There is a great wine museum in the city of Bordeaux. I'm guessing it would be just as interesting for someone who is not as keen on drinking wine, but it has become such a large industry over the thousands of years that wine has been made. The views from the top floor of the museum are awesome.
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