Grapes touched by noble rot in a Sauternes vineyard in autumn, private wine tour from Bordeaux

Graves & Sauternes Wine Tour with a Private Driver

From Bordeaux · English-speaking · From €280

      EXCELLENT  
   Basée sur 182 avis 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Publié sur Google  
   
   Tom Haynes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Régis was friendly, professional and knowledgeable on the (wine) region. He provided us with a sound itinerary but was able to adapt on the fly where it made sense to do so.
I would definitely recommend using Régis for a full day wine tour or airport transfer.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   kazuhiko sakai 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. An unforgettable wine tour in Médoc!

I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Régis. Despite my last-minute request, he managed to arrange visits to three prestigious classified growth châteaux in Médoc, making the day truly unforgettable.

He was professional, friendly, and knowledgeable about the region. His driving was smooth and comfortable, and I especially appreciated his thoughtful approach—sharing interesting insights when needed while also giving me plenty of time and space to quietly enjoy the beautiful scenery.

He even took me past several other famous châteaux along the way, which was a lovely bonus.

As a solo traveller and wine enthusiast, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Thanks to Régis, this became one of the highlights of my entire European trip.

Highly recommended! Merci beaucoup, Régis!
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   James Lang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Regis was exceptional.  Extremely informative of the Bordeaux Region as well as the local history.  Very personable and just a genuine great person to speak with.  Regis even suggested adding a wine visit / tour to visit with the owner of the estate.  What a wonderful experience all day long.  Reliable, trustworthy, safe.  You will not be disappointed.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Steve Gzehoviak 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Regis was fantastic!  Extremely knowledgeable polite and timely.  We visited two chateaus and he was definitely value add with wine knowledge and historical information about the region. It was a great day
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Laura Morris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Look no further! Regis is your answer if you want a knowledgable, respectful, punctual, pleasant history-buff to create your memorable Bordeaux wine experience. On very short notice (which I don’t recommend), he pulled together a fabulous 5-hour tour complete with two small vineyards and the perfect lunch spot at a renowned restaurant. Avoid the busses and vans filled with monument-chasers and hire a private driver instead. Regis is the way to go!
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Stefanie Kingston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Regis was one of the BEST drivers we've ever had. He planned two full days visiting 4 Chateaux in Bordeaux. He booked all of our reservations, coordinated lunch reservations and tours. He is extremely knowledgeable in all things Bordeaux!  He was very prompt in replying to my many emails and offered wonderful suggestions. His car was immaculate with water bottles refreshed throughout the day. We will 100% recommended his services and we can't wait for our next visit!
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Delphine Gay Laguerre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Service parfait, sérieux, véhicule impeccable, je recommande vivement Régis Drive.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Laurie Winter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. I had booked Regis to pick me up at the Bordeaux airport and take me to my hotel on Sept. 30. The text communication from Regis was excellent. Dimitry was supposed to pick me up. Unfortunately, I missed my connection from Madrid to Bordeaux and could not fly out until the next day. I immediately notified Regis. Again, the communication was excellent and they arranged to pick me up the next day. Regis was my driver and it was a very comfortable ride in the Lexus. He was great! He told me a lot about the area and we had a nice chat about things in general.  I am so glad I booked them. It totally eliminated my anxiety about transportation after my missed connection. I would not hesitate to use him again. I recommend him (and his company) highly.
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Linda Gase 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. If you need a driver/tour guide in the Bordeaux area for wine tasting or otherwise, Regis is the best! Besides being reasonably priced, on time,  and bilingual (speaks excellent English), Regis went above and beyond at every turn: fine-tuned our itineraries to maximize our days; provided informative and interesting history of the area; scored us last minute reservations at an excellent winery, etc. He also has an affable temperament. We would 100% hire him again — and in fact we did, for a second day of wine tasting. A+++
  
 
      Publié sur Google  
   
   Mark Winterton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google. Regis was excellent!  He did everything we expected ( ie. show up on time, clean vehicle, luxury vehicle etc) plus so much more.  He helped with our reservations for the wine tours and lunch recommendations, he was a wealth of knowledge of the Bordeaux area and we even had a few 'extras' like the Chocolate factory and a walk around St. Emilion.  We would highly recommend Regis for any of your driving needs.
  
 
  
  
 
    Certifié par: Trustindex  Trustindex a vérifié que ces avis ont été publiés sur la fiche d'établissement Google de REGIS DRIVE Chauffeur Privé VTC Bordeaux. En savoir plus

Left Bank, south of Bordeaux · 20 min to 1 h

Pessac-Léognan, Graves & Sauternes, tasted at your own pace

Just south of Bordeaux, the gravel soils along the Garonne give some of the finest dry whites in France, elegant reds and, further south, the legendary sweet wines of Sauternes. On a private wine tour, you taste and I drive. I’m Régis, an English-speaking private driver based in Talence, right in the heart of Pessac-Léognan, and I plan each day around the wines you love.

Plan my day south of Bordeaux WhatsApp +33 6 73 58 15 12

★★★★★ 182 Google reviews
English-speaking driver
Tailor-made quote
Lexus RX 450h hybrid
Hotel, station & airport pickup

Château Smith Haut Lafitte and its vineyards in Pessac-Léognan, private wine tour from Bordeaux — Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan · Photo: Deepix

Château de La Brède, home of Montesquieu, in the Graves wine region near Bordeaux — Château de La Brède, Graves

Château d'Yquem and its rose garden in Sauternes, private Bordeaux wine tour — Château d’Yquem, Sauternes

Why a private driver

The easiest way to taste south of Bordeaux

Taste freely

No designated driver, no worrying about the legal limit. Enjoy every glass, from a crisp white to a golden Sauternes, I take care of the road.

Visits that need a booking

The classified growths of Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes welcome visitors by appointment, often weeks ahead. I book the visits and the lunch for you.

Closest to the city

Pessac-Léognan starts at the edge of Bordeaux: perfect for a half day, or for a wine tour on your arrival or departure day.

20 to 30 min from Bordeaux · red & dry white

Pessac-Léognan wine tour

The oldest vineyards of Bordeaux, almost inside the city. Pessac-Léognan became its own appellation in 1987, in the northern part of the Graves, and it is one of the rare Bordeaux appellations equally famous for its reds and its dry whites. Château Haut-Brion, the only First Growth of 1855 outside the Médoc, is here, a few minutes from the city centre.

All 16 châteaux of the Graves classification are in Pessac-Léognan, from Château Smith Haut Lafitte, with its vineyards and gardens next to the Les Sources de Caudalie hotel and spa, to Château Pape Clément, Château Haut-Bailly or Château Carbonnieux. Many offer beautiful visits and tastings in English, by appointment.

Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, elegant and smoky, with a touch of Cabernet Franc
Dry whites: Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, among the finest dry whites of France

Ideal for: a half day close to the city, a tour on your arrival or departure day, red and white lovers.

30 to 45 min from Bordeaux · red & white

Graves wine tour

The Graves takes its name from its gravel soils, the historic cradle of Bordeaux wine. South of Pessac-Léognan, it stretches along the Garonne towards Langon: rolling vineyards, family estates and supple reds and aromatic whites, often at friendlier prices than their famous neighbours.

It is also a land of history. Montesquieu, the philosopher, was born and wrote at the moated Château de La Brède, and sold his Graves wines as far as England. The medieval Château de Roquetaillade and the ruins of Château de Budos rise among the vines.

Reds: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, supple and fruity
Whites: Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, dry or lightly sweet (Graves Supérieures)

Ideal for: family estates, great value, history lovers, or a stop on the way to Sauternes.

50 min to 1 h from Bordeaux · sweet white

Sauternes & Barsac wine tour

In autumn, mists rise from the cool Ciron river where it meets the warmer Garonne. They bring noble rot, a rare fungus that concentrates the grapes and gives Sauternes and Barsac their golden sweet wines, with notes of honey, apricot and candied orange. Grapes are picked by hand, berry by berry, in several passes through the vines.

Château d’Yquem was ranked above all others in 1855, as the only Premier Cru Supérieur. It now opens its doors for private visits, by appointment only and with very few places. Other classified estates welcome guests for visits and tastings, such as Château Guiraud, Château de Rayne Vigneau, Château d’Arche or Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, home to a hotel and the Michelin-starred Lalique restaurant. Barsac, a village within the Sauternes area, can label its wines Barsac or Sauternes.

Sauternes is not only for dessert: with foie gras, blue cheese, roast chicken or spicy dishes, it is a revelation.

Sémillon, about 80% of the vineyard, the heart of the wine
Sauvignon Blanc for freshness, and a little Muscadelle for aroma

Ideal for: something different, a gastronomic lunch, or the second half of a full day after Pessac-Léognan.

Prices

Choose your day south of Bordeaux

Starting prices for 1 to 4 guests, private driver and Lexus for you only. The final price depends on the length of your day.

Half day · Pessac-Léognan

From €280 · 4 hours

✓The closest appellation to Bordeaux
✓1 or 2 estate visits, reds and dry whites
✓Pickup at your hotel, Saint-Jean station or Mérignac airport

Request a half day

Full day · Pessac-Léognan to Sauternes

From €560 · 8 hours

✓Dry whites and reds in the morning, Sauternes in the afternoon
✓2 or 3 visits, family estates and classified growths
✓Lunch booked at a vineyard restaurant
✓Visits booked for you on request

Request a full day

Left Bank + Right Bank

From €1,064 · 2 full days

✓One day south of Bordeaux, or in the Médoc
✓One day in Saint-Émilion & Pomerol
✓Second day 10% off
✓The two faces of Bordeaux wine

Plan two days

Prices are a minimum: the final price depends on the length of your day, from pickup to drop-off. You receive your exact quote before booking. Château visits, tastings and meals are paid directly to the estates and restaurants; I tell you the prices in advance. More than 4 guests? I work with trusted partner drivers.

Example itinerary

A typical full day from Pessac-Léognan to Sauternes

9:30 amPickup at your hotel in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station or Bordeaux-Mérignac airport. Water on board and a quick chat about what you’d like to taste.
10:00 amFirst visit in Pessac-Léognan, 20 minutes from the city: cellar tour and tasting of reds and dry whites.
12:30 pmLunch at a vineyard restaurant, booked ahead so you can take your time.
2:30 pmDrive south through the Graves, with a photo stop at a château along the way.
3:15 pmVisit and tasting at a classified estate in Sauternes or Barsac: noble rot, golden wines and views over the vines.
5:30 pmBack to Bordeaux, about one hour: drop-off at your hotel, Saint-Jean station or Bordeaux-Mérignac airport.

Bottles of Château Suduiraut, Premier Cru Classé de Sauternes, at the estate in Preignac — Every day is tailor-made: take this as an example, not a fixed programme.

Classifications

Two classifications to know

Pessac-Léognan · 1953 and 1959

The Graves classification

16 châteaux classified for their reds, their whites or both, all in today’s Pessac-Léognan appellation. Unlike 1855, there are no tiers: each estate is simply a Cru Classé de Graves. Among them: Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, Pape Clément, Smith Haut Lafitte, Haut-Bailly, Domaine de Chevalier and Carbonnieux.

Sauternes & Barsac · 1855

The 1855 classification of sweet wines

In 1855, alongside the great reds of the Médoc, the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac were ranked too. Château d’Yquem was placed alone at the top as Premier Cru Supérieur, followed by the Premiers Crus and Deuxièmes Crus, such as Guiraud, Suduiraut, La Tour Blanche, Climens or Coutet.

Pessac-Léognan · 1855

Château Haut-Brion

The only red wine outside the Médoc ranked in 1855, and as a First Growth, alongside Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux and Mouton Rothschild. Curious about the others? Discover our Médoc wine tour.

Google reviews

What our wine tour guests say

★★★★★

“Regis was one of the BEST drivers we’ve ever had. He planned two full days visiting 4 Chateaux in Bordeaux. He booked all of our reservations, coordinated lunch reservations and tours.”

Stefanie K.USA · Two days, 4 châteaux

★★★★★

“Regis went above and beyond at every turn: fine-tuned our itineraries to maximize our days […] We would 100% hire him again — and in fact we did, for a second day of wine tasting.”

Linda G.USA · Two wine tour days

★★★★★

“After 40 years in the tourism industry, I know a true professional when I see one […] A first-class service. Flawless.”

César H.Spain

Good to know

Tips for your day south of Bordeaux

Book a few weeks ahead

Classified growths have limited visit slots, and some estates are closed at weekends. Two to four weeks ahead is wise.

Whites before sweet

Taste the dry whites and reds of Pessac-Léognan in the morning, and keep Sauternes for the afternoon.

A memorable lunch

Vineyard restaurants make the day: La Table du Lavoir at Smith Haut Lafitte in Martillac, or Lalique at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Sauternes for a gastronomic treat.

Arrival or departure day

Pessac-Léognan is 15 minutes from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport: easy to fit a half day before your flight.

FAQ

Pessac-Léognan, Graves & Sauternes wine tour: your questions

How far are Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes from Bordeaux?+

Pessac-Léognan starts at the edge of the city, 20 to 30 minutes from central Bordeaux. The Graves are 30 to 45 minutes away, and Sauternes and Barsac about 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

How much does a private wine tour to Sauternes or Pessac-Léognan cost?+

From €280 for a half day (4 hours) and €560 for a full day (8 hours), for 1 to 4 guests. The final price depends on the length of your day, from pickup to drop-off, and you receive the exact quote before booking. Château visits, tastings and lunch are not included.

Can we combine Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes in one day?+

Yes. They are on the same road south along the Garonne, about 40 minutes apart. A full day with dry whites and reds in the morning and Sauternes in the afternoon works very well.

Can we visit Château d’Yquem?+

Château d’Yquem offers private visits by appointment only, for small groups and with very few places, so availability is never guaranteed. Tell me your dates early and I’ll request a visit for you. Other classified estates of Sauternes, such as Château Guiraud or Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, welcome guests for beautiful visits and tastings.

What is the difference between Graves and Pessac-Léognan?+

Pessac-Léognan is the northern part of the Graves, closest to Bordeaux. It became its own appellation in 1987 and includes all the classified growths of the Graves, such as Haut-Brion and Smith Haut Lafitte. The Graves appellation covers the rest of the area, south towards Langon.

What is noble rot?+

A natural fungus, Botrytis cinerea, that develops on ripe grapes when misty autumn mornings are followed by warm, sunny afternoons. It concentrates the sugar and aromas of the grapes and gives Sauternes its golden colour and its notes of honey and apricot.

Can you pick us up at the airport?+

Yes. Pessac-Léognan is about 15 minutes from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, so a wine tour on your arrival or departure day is easy. I also pick you up at your hotel or at Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station.

Is the tour in English?+

Yes. I speak English with all my guests, and most estates offer their visits in English when booked in advance.

What if we are more than 4 people?+

My wine tours are designed for 1 to 4 guests in a Lexus RX 450h, so every visit stays personal. For larger groups, I work with trusted partner drivers: just ask me.

Ready to taste south of Bordeaux?