22 Sep 2025
This was our introduction to the left bank. We were on the Oceania Marina and docked in Bordeaux for two days . We spent the first day touring the right bank and Saint Emilion. On day two we booked a private half day tour to the Medoc region allowing ourselves a half day in the town of Bordeaux itself. Coincidentally, we ended up with the exact same tour guide both days. The tours were provided by Ophorus and our guide Helene was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We were running a bit ahead of schedule to our first tasting so our guide took us by the famous Chateau Margaux and we all got out of the van and had our photo taken with the chateau in the background. Our first winery we visited was Chateau Marquis de Terme, home to one of Margaux’s Grand Cru Classe. Our second stop was at Chateau Haut Breton Larigaudiere. We found both wineries to be better than the ones we visited on the right bank the day before and ended placing orders to have wine shipped back home to the states. The “small group” tour for this day was sold out so we booked a “private” tour. I wonder if the “private” tours get you access to more exclusive and better wineries? We are experienced wine lovers and have toured over 100 wineries mostly in Napa, Sonoma and Tuscany. This was our first time in Bordeaux. While we did not find the region to have the beauty of California or Italy, nonetheless it was an important step in our wine journey learning about one of the greatest wine regions in the world. We would not hesitate to use Ophorus again. Thanks to our guide Helene for a fantastic day!