Landing in Paris
CONTRAST TOURS
BORDEAUX AND ITS WINES, JUNE 2027
(Precise dates unknown Yet) September, 2027
In collaboration with Savi's Wine, Seaboard Wine, Wine and Words, and Giorgios Hospitality Group.
THIS PAGE IS NOT READY YET
IT IS BASED ON THE 2026 TOUR
THE 2027 ITINERARY WILL BE IDENTICAL,
SAVE FOR A BONUS VISIT OF THE BARREL MAKING SHOP
THE DATES ARE WHAT IS MISSING BUT IT WILL BE
SECOND HALF OF JUNE.
Limited to 12 Participants, plus Serge the other driver-wine pourer, occasional sommelier (!), and myself.
ABOUT THIS TOUR:
Church near the Saint Michel Neighborhood in Bordeaux
Place de la Comédie, near our Hotel.
Lunch with Chateau Vignol
Clos des Abbesses, Saint Emilion Grand Cru
Sauternes
Muscadelle Vines at Chateau Coulonge
The Dordogne near Saint Emilion
Saint Emilion Church Carved in the Rock
Saint Emilion, from Chateau Le Chatelet, nested in the absolute best Saint Emilion Terroirs
The Beautiful Cathedral in Bazas
The Father of most fortified castles.
Sébastien de Baritault, current heir of the family which has owned the castle above for 700 years.
High Speed Train to Paris
Des Amants dans mon Café
Bordeaux, Place de la Comédie, near our Hotel
In Bordeaux's Cathedral
Clément Fanara owner of Clos des Abbesses, in Saint Emilion
Visit in the vines, with Clément Fanara owner of Clos des Abbesses, in Saint Emilion
The Chais at Clos des Abbesses, Saint Emilion
Rooftop Drink Near the Hotel
Vintner's hand with botrytised grapes
Patrick Lamothe at Chateau Haut-Bergeron, cooks for us some Magret de Canard (Duck Breast) grilling on vine twigs fire.
Vines at Chateau Lehoul
Apéritif at Chateau Coulonge
Nicolas Roux, owner, vintner and soul of Chateau Coulonge
Clouds Play on the Gironde
Vineyard at Domaine du Cassard.
Oyster lunch at the Cap Ferret
Here is to you!
I have researched the Bordeaux region extensively to develop my first Bordeaux tour in 2018. My subsequent Bordeaux wine selection has since then, been a resounding import success in North Carolina, where most of these producers are in U.S. exclusivity. I have done several tours in Bordeaux since then, constantly refining the selection and the itinerary. The wine selection now includes a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé, currently in U.S. exclusivity.
I am very proud of this itinerary. It is not your typical cruise, and you will be visiting Bordeaux from an insider angle, learning along the way the differences among the different appellations of the region, taking in the diversity in company of no less than a master sommelier, Serge Opillard, my lieutenant in Bordeaux, who will be one of the two drivers, along with yours truly.
My experience is that people who embark in this tour, do not really know what to expect, as Bordeaux remains a bit mysterious to Americans. But the town, the region, and the the unique experiences that are gifted to us, never fail to conquer the travelers. Please note that this tour requires an ability to walk at least a mile at a time, as one of the pleasures of the tour is to walk from the hotel to the restaurants where we go, for instance, and take advantage of Bordeaux's large pedestrian downtown area. Bordeaux's center is full of gorgeous 18th century and earlier architecture.
This is a very urban tour, as Bordeaux is a quintessential European city, and one of the trendiest destinations in the world. Bordeaux is utterly pleasant to live in, with its rather mild weather, its 12th to 18th century glorious architecture, which earned it to be on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Bordeaux is a city with a rich past, and a vibrant present. We will stay in the very center of the town, and will take daily trips from that location to vineyards, cultural sites of importance, and villages of legends. Everyday will be a new feast, with gastronomy and wine aligned with the exceptional character of what we will visit.
Food wise, if you like oysters, fish, foie gras, duck, you will be very pleased as these are what the Bordelais tend to feed on, and us as well therefore. If you did not know that, you will also discover that Bordeaux has plenty of superb white wines to pair with some of these foods, made with Sauvignon, Sémillon, sometimes Muscadelle. Of course Sauternes will play its essential role fully during this trip.
This year,
With the new flying times of the RDU-Paris direct flight, it is now possible to fly from Bordeaux and catch that flight the same day when returning to the U.S. and that while leaving the hotel at a comfortable time. The same is true for a flight to Atlanta for instance, if going to Asheville. This allows to make this exceptional tour shorter and consequently more accessible, by skipping the Paris part, which is nevertheless available, as an option. If your destination is different than the ones mentioned here, please check, chances are you can do the same.
Please take a look at the itinerary below and feel free to contact me with any questions.
I am very proud of this itinerary. It is not your typical cruise, and you will be visiting Bordeaux from an insider angle, learning along the way the differences among the different appellations of the region, taking in the diversity in company of no less than a master sommelier, Serge Opillard, my lieutenant in Bordeaux, who will be one of the two drivers, along with yours truly.
My experience is that people who embark in this tour, do not really know what to expect, as Bordeaux remains a bit mysterious to Americans. But the town, the region, and the the unique experiences that are gifted to us, never fail to conquer the travelers. Please note that this tour requires an ability to walk at least a mile at a time, as one of the pleasures of the tour is to walk from the hotel to the restaurants where we go, for instance, and take advantage of Bordeaux's large pedestrian downtown area. Bordeaux's center is full of gorgeous 18th century and earlier architecture.
This is a very urban tour, as Bordeaux is a quintessential European city, and one of the trendiest destinations in the world. Bordeaux is utterly pleasant to live in, with its rather mild weather, its 12th to 18th century glorious architecture, which earned it to be on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Bordeaux is a city with a rich past, and a vibrant present. We will stay in the very center of the town, and will take daily trips from that location to vineyards, cultural sites of importance, and villages of legends. Everyday will be a new feast, with gastronomy and wine aligned with the exceptional character of what we will visit.
Food wise, if you like oysters, fish, foie gras, duck, you will be very pleased as these are what the Bordelais tend to feed on, and us as well therefore. If you did not know that, you will also discover that Bordeaux has plenty of superb white wines to pair with some of these foods, made with Sauvignon, Sémillon, sometimes Muscadelle. Of course Sauternes will play its essential role fully during this trip.
This year,
With the new flying times of the RDU-Paris direct flight, it is now possible to fly from Bordeaux and catch that flight the same day when returning to the U.S. and that while leaving the hotel at a comfortable time. The same is true for a flight to Atlanta for instance, if going to Asheville. This allows to make this exceptional tour shorter and consequently more accessible, by skipping the Paris part, which is nevertheless available, as an option. If your destination is different than the ones mentioned here, please check, chances are you can do the same.
Please take a look at the itinerary below and feel free to contact me with any questions.
ITINERARY:
* Friday June 12: Departure from RDU (or wherever you depart from) to Bordeaux, via Paris, Amsterdam etc.
You could also have chosen to arrive early, to enjoy Bordeaux in a rehearsal mode, relax, do a few things that will be challenging to do when the tours starts, like visit the "Cité du Vin for instance," etc.
If so I can book you one or several additional nights at our four star hotel in the very best possible location. See options.
Optional dinners will be organized for those in Bordeaux early.
* Saturday June 13: Arrival in Bordeaux. You can get from the airport to the hotel in Bordeaux's Golden Triangle by tram. This is the way it is done here, out of respect for the environment. There are of course, also plenty of taxis available, and I can arrange a dedicated ride for you if you need that.
Once arrived to the hotel, take it easy, you might need a nap, or just take a stroll and discover the unique mix of urban and historic charm of the city.
You can meet us tonight for an optional dinner and let the joy start.
* Sunday June 14: This day will be dedicated to acclimating, and hopefully are ready now to explore Bordeaux in all its depth.
Lunch at the covered market. Oysters, charcuterie, cheese, surrounded by the activity of a thriving food market in the Bordeaux's halles, and with wines from my most popular producers. Let's start strong!
After lunch, we'll take a stroll in the city, and start discovering the amazing architectural treasures of the town.
Dinner in a restaurant faithful to the spirit of Bordeaux.
You could also have chosen to arrive early, to enjoy Bordeaux in a rehearsal mode, relax, do a few things that will be challenging to do when the tours starts, like visit the "Cité du Vin for instance," etc.
If so I can book you one or several additional nights at our four star hotel in the very best possible location. See options.
Optional dinners will be organized for those in Bordeaux early.
* Saturday June 13: Arrival in Bordeaux. You can get from the airport to the hotel in Bordeaux's Golden Triangle by tram. This is the way it is done here, out of respect for the environment. There are of course, also plenty of taxis available, and I can arrange a dedicated ride for you if you need that.
Once arrived to the hotel, take it easy, you might need a nap, or just take a stroll and discover the unique mix of urban and historic charm of the city.
You can meet us tonight for an optional dinner and let the joy start.
* Sunday June 14: This day will be dedicated to acclimating, and hopefully are ready now to explore Bordeaux in all its depth.
Lunch at the covered market. Oysters, charcuterie, cheese, surrounded by the activity of a thriving food market in the Bordeaux's halles, and with wines from my most popular producers. Let's start strong!
After lunch, we'll take a stroll in the city, and start discovering the amazing architectural treasures of the town.
Dinner in a restaurant faithful to the spirit of Bordeaux.
* Monday June 15: Serge Opillard joins us, and we start our exploration of Bordeaux with a visit of Chateau Vignol in the Entre Deux Mers, which produces some of the most popular wines in my portfolio--including a stunning Clairet--and are known for their excellence and value. Jean-Thomas who heads the Estate with his brother, is a very endearing fellow that I know you will enjoy. After a visit of the property, including the beautiful gardens, we will have some oysters and picnic type of food complemented by the wines of the house.
After lunch we head to Chateau Le Chatelet, the Grand Cru Classé that I distribute to NC in U.S. exclusivity.
In the morning we visited one of my most humble, yet superb producers, and in the afternoon we visit one of the very best estate that Bordeaux has. This is Contrast Tours ... Le Chatelet is a tiny estate, less than 3 hectares, located in a top location, relatively close to the village, see photograph on the left. The wine is divine, quite concentrated, with ultra polished tannins and beautiful aromas, a real nectar, something that few of us have ever experienced.
We will be given a tour of the property nested in the corners of some of the absolute biggest names in Saint Emilion: Clos Fourtet, Chateau Canon, Beau-Séjour Bécot, Grand Pontet. Then we will peak at its cellar carved in the rock, before enjoying a bit of a vertical tasting.
Dinner in Bordeaux.
* Tuesday June 16: Today we drive to Sauternes, about 45 minutes away from Bordeaux's center. Sauternes is of course the little village that gave its name to the profoundly aromatic liquoreux wine, native of the Sauternais, a region of the Bordelais, offering beautiful rolling hills and skies, ultimate ornaments of tony wineries.
We will visit Chateau Haut Bergeron, a long established producer. This estate is the best kept secret in Sauternes, due to the fact that it is not classified, yet produces some of the best wines in the appellation, and wins a lot of the blind tasting competitions.
The lunch with the winemaker at the estate will be a culinary treat, with pairings that will demonstrate the versatility of Sauternes, and its incomparable richness.
Since we are in Sauternes, we will visit the beautiful gardens of Chateau d'Yquem, which offer a chance to peak into real aristocracy.
Lighter dinner in an iconic restaurant in Bordeaux
* Wednesday June 17: Today we go to Chateau Coulonge in the Entre Deux Mers region. Nicolas Roux is the descendant of a long lineage of humble wine makers. He produces outstanding whites and reds, including a stunning Malbec and the only 100% Muscadelle wine known to men. These wines are some of the best sellers in Contrast Wines portfolio.
Nicolas is as authentic as it gets, and he will open his farm to us to share his wine making vision. It is worth noting that Chateau Coulonge is an organic producer, which is still uncommon in Bordeaux, Nicolas also uses low sulfites.
This is always one of the most interesting visits of the tour, as Nicolas is really a quintessential farmer, who lives in total harmony with nature and his land. This is how he can produce so relatively easily organic wines in an environment, Bordeaux, where this is quite challenging. Nicolas will explain his techniques, which include a herd of sheep, and I have little doubt that you will gain a fervent admiration for this grower's philosophy and talent.
After visiting the vineyard and cellar, we will have oysters, with of course his organic Sauvignon Blanc. Then we will have lunch with him and his wife, experiencing second to none Bordeaux hospitality (a member of Chateau Coulonge's staff is an ex star restaurant chef ...), and allowing ourselves a momentary immersion in this true winemaking life.
We will go back to Bordeaux moderately early, as I know that you want enjoy Bordeaux which by now you cannot get enough of.
Dinner in the Bordeaux for Bordelais.
* Thursday June 18: Today we drive to Langon the capital of the Graves region, and of Serge's Kingdom. The Graves is where wine production started in Bordeaux, and where some of the best wine values may be found.
And it is where we find Chateau Lehoul, a stupendous producer, whose wines have instantly become popular when I introduced them in North Carolina. I am proud to be their only U.S. importer, as they are overwhelmingly recognized to be a cut above, and maybe two, in the Graves appellation. This visit will be a chance to discuss in their vineyard how they consistently produce such stellar wines, and delve into their science.
We will have a tasting of course.
Lunch will be at one of the best restaurants of the region, where Serge was sommelier for 30 years, and whose original chef, Raymond Oliver, was the French Julia Child on TV, when I was a little boy. Expect a lunch of a level unknown where we come from.
For digestion we will visit Toulouse's Lautrec's castle, where he lived with his mother and died. We will explore not only the property, but also this artist's often little known decisive impact on art, notably through Picasso, and others who defined art in the 20th Century.
Dinner probably in my favorite restaurant in Bordeaux, unless we went there yesterday.
* Friday June 19: Today we go back to Saint Emilion, the marvelous village whose charm has seduced the world, for a full scale exploration.
We start by Clos des Abbesses, a family owned Grand Cru in Saint Emilion. Saint Emilion is of course a spectacularly beautiful village entirely dedicated to wine, and where it seems that all the millionaires of the world compete to acquire their plot of greatness. Clos des Abbesses is an exception, in that it is owned by a French family, and goes for wine excellence, but without the frou frou often found elsewhere. I am very proud of this producer who deserves all the attention that I am attempting to shine on him.
We will have a thorough visit with Clément, followed of course by a tasting.
After that we will have lunch in a creative restaurant, on the left bank of the Dordogne, not far from Clos des Abbesses and Saint Emilion. This restaurant is an absolute gem, that always provides a memorable experience in a rather casual yet styled format.
After lunch we will go to the actual village, and start with a visit of the historic "troglodyte" church of Saint Emilion, a breathtaking edifice, carved inside the rock during medieval times, and defying imagination.
After this, you will be able to stroll on your own the Saint Emilion's streets, taking in their unique charm.
Dinner in Bordeaux.
We start by Clos des Abbesses, a family owned Grand Cru in Saint Emilion. Saint Emilion is of course a spectacularly beautiful village entirely dedicated to wine, and where it seems that all the millionaires of the world compete to acquire their plot of greatness. Clos des Abbesses is an exception, in that it is owned by a French family, and goes for wine excellence, but without the frou frou often found elsewhere. I am very proud of this producer who deserves all the attention that I am attempting to shine on him.
We will have a thorough visit with Clément, followed of course by a tasting.
After that we will have lunch in a creative restaurant, on the left bank of the Dordogne, not far from Clos des Abbesses and Saint Emilion. This restaurant is an absolute gem, that always provides a memorable experience in a rather casual yet styled format.
After lunch we will go to the actual village, and start with a visit of the historic "troglodyte" church of Saint Emilion, a breathtaking edifice, carved inside the rock during medieval times, and defying imagination.
After this, you will be able to stroll on your own the Saint Emilion's streets, taking in their unique charm.
Dinner in Bordeaux.
* Saturday June 20: Today we are going to the tip of the Graves region, in a town named Bazas. It is market day, and this is a market and a town that provides a deep middle ages impression. The market is a true and lively market that brings a gentle chaos to the town. It takes place on the main square in front of the Cathedral, one of the very nicest churches in the region, which casts an almost surreal, movie like ambiance.
Bazas is also known for its beef, and we cannot pass on that. We will have lunch in a popular "steakhouse," right on the market place, with some of the very best beef there is. The owner is actually American and has a connection with North Carolina.
After our sinful lunch, we will seek redemption by visiting the beautiful Cathedral which is on El Camino, one of the many roads to Compostello, and explore its hidden gardens for a relax time.
After this relaxing time, the day will affirm its aristocratic character. We will head to a nearby Castle. This one is a castle fort, seemingly the father of all castle forts, which caused it to be featured in several films. This remarkable castle goes back to the 12th Century, and is linked to the history of the entire region. Sébastien, the heir of the family which has owned this castle for 700 years (that's right, 700 years!) will guide us through an exceptional VIP visit detailing the history and art presented to our eyes. He will also explain the importance of the renovation by Violet le Duc, and how this architect from the 19th century, to whom we owe the Notre Dame we know, influenced dramatically a lot of New York's architecture, notably the Empire State Building.
Dinner in Bordeaux in one of the places we prefer.
* Sunday June 21: Today we drive to the Côtes de Blaye, on the north side of the Gironde. This is where we will find the Domaine du Cassard, the most prominent producer of Crémant de Bordeaux. This wine is served in substantial amounts at the French National Assembly.
We will visit with the owner, then have lunch with the producer in his own country restaurant.
After lunch we will do a boat ride on the Gironde. and enjoy the seemingly perpetually mellow mood of the light there.
Toward the end of the afternoon, we will visit the newest addition in Contrast Wines' Bordeaux producers. Chateau Bel Air La Royère is in the Côtes de Blayes, and is owned by Corinne Chevrier. It is also an organic estate, with also some Malbec production. The wines are sublime, no exaggeration, and I you will enjoy Corinne's hospitality and cooking.
Dinner at the farm.
We will visit with the owner, then have lunch with the producer in his own country restaurant.
After lunch we will do a boat ride on the Gironde. and enjoy the seemingly perpetually mellow mood of the light there.
Toward the end of the afternoon, we will visit the newest addition in Contrast Wines' Bordeaux producers. Chateau Bel Air La Royère is in the Côtes de Blayes, and is owned by Corinne Chevrier. It is also an organic estate, with also some Malbec production. The wines are sublime, no exaggeration, and I you will enjoy Corinne's hospitality and cooking.
Dinner at the farm.
* Monday June 22: Today we go to the Médoc. We will pass by Margaux and see the lovely castles route which goes by most of the famous estates known all over the world.
We will eventually push until Chateau Castera, one of the oldest wine producer in the Medoc, going back to the middle ages, well before this whole part of the Bordeaux vineyard, was developed into a wine devoted territory in the 19th century. Chateau Castera used to be in the larger Montaigne family, and we will have an historic visit explaining the long past of this Cru Bourgeois producing estate, which now also produces a delicious white, a novelty in the Médoc. We will of course visit the chais and explore the blending aspects of wine making, something rather specific to Chateau Castera.
We will have an aristocratic picnic at the Castle under a 300 year old cedar tree, enjoying again one of the highest grade of Bordeaux hospitality, with local produce from the Médoc.
After this rare, high brow but relaxing visit, we will head back to bordeaux with a gentle ride across the Medoc and by the Gironde.
Dinner in Bordeaux.
* Tuesday 23 Juin: For our last day, we go to Arcachon, in tram first to the train station, then train to Arcachon. After a stroll through town to the dock, we will take a boat across the bay to arrive to Lège Cap Ferret. There we will walk to one of the best oyster cabane for a lunch of oysters. We will probably have between 12 and 24 oysters each, with bread, butter, lemon, pepper, and a thorough sampling of some of the white wines from Bordeaux in my portfolio, that may be paired with oysters, including Sauternes.
After lunch, we will do a tour of the lovely shops at the Cap Ferret, which feels a bit like saint Tropez, and then a boat ride back to Arcachon, and train to Bordeaux.
Train back to Bordeaux.
Memorable last Dinner in Bordeaux.
* Wednesday June 24: This is the day when you either fly back home, or join the Paris part of this tour.
If you return home, the hotel you will have asked the hotel to order a taxi for you at the desirable time.
If you are going to paris, make sure to get a good breakfast, as we will skip lunch in order to catch our train to Paris. We will get to the train station by tram, a straight shot from the hotel, for the ultimate, stress free train catching. High speed 2 hour ride to Paris.
Our Paris hotel is a very comfortable one in Saint Germain des Près, a 10 minutes taxi ride from the train station, and in the most perfect location, Saint Germain des Près, an artsy and legendary part of Paris going back to the 50's when it was harboring Jean-Paul Sartre's, Simone de Beauvoir, and their entourage of intellectuals. It is very central, lovely and close to the Seine River as well as the Musée d'Orsay.
Dinner in Paris Fashion and night stroll in the city.
Please check the Paris Option.
By the Seine
ABOUT THIS VOYAGE:
ct2024_500px_C.jpg)
Jean-Christian Rostagni
This is Your Hosts
Lineup:
to learn more about these characters, click on the thumbnail and then on "Open" in the lightbox in order to see what they are up to.
Cammie Lee Lassiter during the Provence Tour 2025.
Serge Opillard
This tour offers an in depth exploration of the Bordeaux region, focusing on its wines without forgetting the region's history and geography, all in the company of Serge Opillard and myself to provide you with the best expertise in wine that you may desire.
IMPORTANT: Bordeaux is a city with a large pedestrian center, to be enjoyed through walking, and given the prime location in which we will be residing, we will take full advantage of this. It is therefore imperative that walking a mile or two will not be an issue for you.
DATES: June 12 - 24, 2026 with a possible extension in Paris see the Paris option. An early arrival in Bordeaux is also in the cards, and even recommended.
Limited to 12 travelers, plus Cammie Lassiter owner of Savi's Wine Shop in New Bern, my Lieutenant Serge Opillard, and myself.
PRICING : $ per person based on double occupancy, Superieure room in Bordeaux, if 12 travelers. Airfare and travel insurance are additional. $ if 11 Travelers, $ if 10 Travelers, $ if 9 Travelers, $ if 8, 7, 6 Travelers, $ for 5 Travelers, and $ for 4 travelers. The single accommodation supplement is $ in "Supérieure Single" room in Bordeaux.
Prices includes hotel, meals, wine, transportation, entrance fees when applicable, and should be considered all-inclusive, save for beverages in your room or at the bar and other services you might want to enjoy and are not part of the group activities.
See all the additional options for the tour
Travel Insurance: you will be quoted a rate based on your tour cost and other parameters if you'd like. If you chose to get some Travel Insurance from Travel Insured International, a highly rated Travel Insurance Company with which I partner, you will get a 5% of your cost as a credit toward your Contrast Tours costs if you choose a trip plan, or an annual plan, to which you may add trip cancellation/interruption as well. See here.
Please read our Viral Policy. and the way of the meals in Bordeaux.
And here are how your deposit and payments are handled.
Photography: I will happily provide photographic assistance and share my photographer's perspective throughout the tour.
During this journey you will be able to compare wines from a wide range of appellation within Bordeaux, and all our meals will be paired with wines from the wineries that we visit and I import, save for the lunch on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The itinerary above is subject to modification due to scheduling considerations. Please note that this is an epicurean journey, and while I will attempt to satisfy special requests when possible, I cannot guarantee being able to accommodate all dietary needs, which should be indicated at booking. Please inquire if this is a matter of concern.
Please email me (use Contact Us button below) if you want to book or have any questions. You may also call me: 919-416-1111.
ct2024_1200px_C.jpg)
