Wine Lover's Paradise: Medoc Wine Tour from Bordeaux Port

FAQ

• What should I expect on a Shore Excursion with Ophorus?

  As a specialized France Tour Operator and tours & activities provider, we organize worry free shore excursions departing from all cruise ports in France. Our professional team of travel advisors, drivers and guides speak fluent English, are experts in the destination and all our shore excursions take place on board premium vehicles.
  
  All our shore excursions in France include pick up and drop off at your ship, once you have exited the Cruise Port terminal. We will always indicate where your driver/guide will be waiting for you. Our itineraries and programs are customized to suit your needs and never include side visits or stops that you had not confirmed. We guarantee your return to ship on time and have a very flexible cancellation policy. All tours can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the tour.
  
  All our shore excursions are for small groups only, we do not cater for groups larger than 20 persons. Typically, we use premium minivans that will take up to 7 or 8 persons maximum. If your group is larger, then we will provide a small minibus but no larger than 20 passenger seats.

• Who conducts these Bordeaux Shore Excursions?

  We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. 
  
  In some regions, where wine tours prevail the tours are conducted by professional local guides, that are experts in Wines.

• What type of vehicles are used during a Bordeaux Shore Excursion?

  Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.

• Can we choose which wineries we will visit on this trip to Medoc?

  Yes, we will be happy to make the pre-bookings for your winery tours of Medoc. Please note that most wineries open their doors to visitors but some high end wineries such as Chateau Margaux, Chateau La Tour and a few others do not welcome any visitors. Also, it is important to mention that we only make the required Chateau reservations once you have booked your tour with Ophorus.

• Can one visit Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild or Château Lafite Rothschild?

  Chateau Margaux is the lead winery located in the appellation that bears its name. This is certainly one of the most frequent questions that we have. YES, it is possible to visit Chateau Margaux. Don't hesitate to contact us at the time of planning your coming to Bordeaux. If you want to book Chateau Margaux just a few days before you arrive then forget it! Please note however that you will only have a visit and no wine tasting is included.
  
  To book a tour to Margaux, you need to take into consideration that the number of visits per day are limited as are the number of guests. All bookings must be made a long time ahead of your tour date. If you contact us directly, our dedicated team of Bordeaux Winery Bookings will be pleased to design your Bordeaux wine tour itinerary.
  
  NO, it is note possible to visit Chateau Mouton Rothschild in the Pauillac appellation. The winery will still be closed for renovations in 2023.
  
  No, it is not possible to visit Chateau Lafite Rothschild in the Pauillac appellation. They now only program visits for professionals of the wine trade.
  
  NO, it is not possible to visit Chateau Latour. Only wine professionals or wine merchants can follow a visit and participate in a wine tasting session at this winery. If you want to visit & wine taste you will have to prove that you are in the wine trade as this will be asked by the administration of the winery.

• How many / much wines are served in the Wineries?

  In Bordeaux, the Wineries will typically serve 1 to 3 wines during the tasting sessions. It is always the wine produced by the chateau that will be tasted. Usually the first and second wine of the estate.
  
  Important note: For all our guests who have experienced wine tours in other countries, please note that the average pour of wine in Bordeaux is less important than in other destinations. Even though we strive to work with Wineries that are more generous, they remain the only ones that can determine the quantity of wine poured in a glass.

• Are the Winery Tours private in Bordeaux?

  Yes, we do our best to privatize the wine tasting sessions during our Private Bordeaux Shore Excursions. This means that you will follow a private visit of the winery, followed by a private commented wine tasting session.

• Should I bring something specific for this Shore Excursion?

  Always check the weather before you follow one of our shore excursions. By doing so, adapt your clothing to the local weather conditions. On one of our shore excursions we will not require you to bring your passport but it is always better to have some type of ID just in case. We strongly recommend that you bring with you a photocopy of any ID. Good walking shoes are always recommended in France as you never know on what type of grounds you might be walking.

• Is lunch included on this private Medoc Wine tour from Bordeaux?

  e never include lunch on our private shore excursions from Bordeaux. If you would like us to pre-book a specific restaurant for you and your party just let us know and we will organize this for you at no extra cost. Ideally, speak with your guide in the morning and indicate what you are expecting for lunch and she/he will be happy to suggest corresponding options.

• Is it possible to visit a Barrel making facility?

  Yes. Instead of visiting 3 wineries during the day it is possible to add the visit of a barrel making facility - Cooperage. During the booking process it will be possible for you to choose from different options. If you would like to visit a barrel making facility then choose the option with 2 wine tastings sessions and the barrel making tour.  
  
  Please note that this option is only possible from Monday to Friday.