Devour Bordeaux: Ultimate Food & Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re visiting Bordeaux and craving an authentic taste of this world-famous wine region alongside its local flavors, the Devour Bordeaux: Ultimate Food & Wine Tasting Tour might just be your perfect afternoon. This 3-hour small-group experience combines six carefully curated stops, nine different tastings, and a local guide eager to share the city’s culinary secrets. With a rating of 5.0 from 79 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, it’s clear this tour hits the right notes for most travelers.

What we really love about this experience is its blend of history, local craftsmanship, and, of course, the delicious food and wine. Plus, the small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention and plenty of chances to ask questions. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a walking tour, so a reasonable level of mobility is needed. Perfectly suitable for anyone who loves tasting their way through new cities, or those eager to learn about Bordeaux beyond the vineyards.

A potential consideration: this tour is not suitable for vegans, kosher, or gluten-free diets, although they do try to accommodate other allergies and restrictions if contacted beforehand. It’s also primarily an alcohol-focused experience, so if you’re not a drinker, you might want to consider what parts of the tour interest you most.

Overall, it’s an ideal choice for foodies, wine lovers, and curious travelers looking to explore Bordeaux’s culinary scene in a relaxed, engaging, and informative setting.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 10 guests, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and plenty of interaction with your guide.
• Authentic Tasting Stops: The tour includes nine different foods across six stops, showcasing Bordeaux’s best regional delicacies.
• Expert-Led Wine Tasting: A sommelier guides you through Bordeaux’s wine styles, history, and regional characteristics.
• Cultural & Historical Insights: Stops at iconic sites like the Cathedral Saint André and Bordeaux’s historic streets add depth to your experience.
• Diverse Cuisine & Traditions: From pastries and cheese to chocolates and regional wines, you’ll get a well-rounded taste of Bordeaux’s culinary heritage.
• Great Value for Money: At $114.95, this 3-hour tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Bordeaux’s food and wine scene, backed by rave reviews.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Boulangerie Louis Lamour
Our journey begins at a lively bakery where the baker makes croissants and viennoiserie on-site. Watching croissants being carefully rolled and folded is a small but charming window into French baking craftsmanship. The pastry itself is flaky, buttery, and perfectly crisp—an ideal start. This stop is a great way to appreciate how Bordeaux’s culinary scene is rooted in tradition, even in its everyday staples.

Stop 2: Cassonade Cannelés & Spécialités
Next, you’ll sample the iconic canelé, a petite custard-based cake with a caramelized crust. This sweet treat is a Bordeaux specialty, and the owner-operated patisserie makes them fresh daily using natural ingredients. One reviewer mentioned that tasting a canelé here gave them a new appreciation for Bordeaux’s sweets—“strong ties to the region,” they say.

Stop 3: Cathedrale Saint-Andre Bordeaux
A quick stop at the stunning medieval cathedral offers a visual break and some history. The gothic architecture and the gold-topped Pey-Berland tower are impressive, but it’s free to marvel at the details without a tour ticket. This stop is less about tasting and more about grounding your journey in Bordeaux’s cultural landscape.

Stop 4: Remparts Café
Wandering the picturesque streets, you arrive at a cozy café near Bordeaux’s city hall. Here, a plat du jour—the daily special—features seasonal, local ingredients. This is a popular spot to savor a homemade, locally-inspired dish that highlights Bordeaux’s culinary versatility.

Stop 5: Chez Delphine
No food tour of France would be complete without cheese, and Chez Delphine is a cheese lover’s paradise. Led by a specialist cheese monger, you’ll learn about the over 1200 varieties produced in France, with an emphasis on regional terroirs. A review fondly quoted the variety of cheeses—”five different cheeses, each with its own story”—adding a layer of appreciation for France’s cheesemaking diversity.

Stop 6: Chocolaterie Bordeaux Maison Darricau
Artisanal chocolates from a third-generation family business, dating back to 1915, are next. This stop is a sensory delight, with rich, handcrafted truffles and bars. The shop’s long history and craftsmanship are evident in every bite, making it a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts and those wanting a sweet souvenir.

Stop 7: Dunes Blanches chez Pascal Bordeaux
A recent addition to Bordeaux’s pastry scene, this pâtisserie offers the “Dunes Blanches,” a pastry inspired by Atlantic coast landscapes. It symbolizes regional innovation and is praised as a top-tier treat. Expect a light, delicate pastry with a hint of regional flavor—worth the visit, especially for dessert lovers.

Stop 8: Bordeaux Wine Bar
The tour culminates in a cozy wine bar run by two brothers, where you’ll taste three Bordeaux wines. The guide, a sommelier, shares insights about each wine’s region, style, and what makes Bordeaux wines distinctive. Several reviews highlighted how knowledgeable guides like Alexandra and Sylvie made wine tasting both educational and fun.

Stop 9: Place Gambetta
The final stop is in an iconic square, where you say farewell to your guide. It’s a lovely setting to reflect on your culinary journey and soak in Bordeaux’s lively street scene.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Group Size & Atmosphere:
The tour is designed for a maximum of 10 guests, which makes for a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Multiple reviewers mentioned the guides’ engaging storytelling and deep knowledge—Sylvie, Alexandra, and Joshua consistently received praise for their professionalism and warmth. One reviewer said, “Sylvie made Bordeaux come alive,” emphasizing that her enthusiasm and local insights made the experience special.

Pace & Duration:
Just over three hours, the tour moves at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The walking is moderate, primarily through the historic streets—suitable for most healthy travelers, but those with mobility issues should be aware.

Food & Wine Quality:
The variety of tastings—from buttery croissants and flavorful cheeses to rich chocolates and regional wines—showcases Bordeaux’s culinary range. Reviewers often called the food “amazing” and “exquisite,” with many appreciating the insight into regional terroirs and production techniques. One said, “The cheese and wine were our favorites,” acknowledging the high quality and passion behind these offerings.

Value & Cost:
At $114.95, this tour provides a comprehensive, curated experience including nine tastings, three wines, and guided commentary. When you consider the quality of the stops and the personal attention in a city packed with culinary gems, it’s fair to say this offers excellent value. Plus, the small group setting means more interaction and tailored stories—something larger tours can’t match.

Accessibility & Dietary Info:
While most participants can join, the tour isn’t suitable for vegans, kosher, or gluten-free diets, although they do accommodate other allergies if informed beforehand. Vegetarians and pregnant women can enjoy the wine tastings and many of the food stops, thanks to the tour’s adaptability.

Additional Notes:
The tour begins at 20 Rue des Ayres, conveniently near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. It ends at Place Gambetta, a lively spot perfect for relaxing after your tasting adventure. No hotel pickup is included, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for foodies and wine enthusiasts eager to explore Bordeaux beyond the vineyards. It suits travelers who enjoy learning about local traditions and have a moderate walking ability. The smaller group size ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere, perfect for those who want to ask questions and get personalized insights.

If you’re visiting Bordeaux with a keen interest in authentic culinary experiences—whether it’s pastries, cheeses, chocolates, or regional wines—you’ll find this tour well worth the time and money. It’s especially great if you prefer a more relaxed, storytelling approach rather than a hurried tasting.

However, if you have specific dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free requirements, or if you’re looking for a tour focused solely on wine with less emphasis on food, other options might suit you better.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians can participate, especially since they can enjoy most food tastings apart from any animal-based products. The tour is adaptable for vegetarians, pescatarians, dairy-free, and pregnant women, with prior notice.

Are wines included in the price?
Yes, you will taste three wines during the final stop at the wine bar. The other stops focus on food, but the wine tasting is guided by a sommelier and is part of the overall experience.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is not suitable for those who don’t drink alcohol. The wine tastings are integral to the experience, and the tour is designed around wine and food pairing.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours long, walking at a comfortable pace through Bordeaux’s streets, with plenty of stops for tastings and sightseeing.

What’s included in the tour?
The package includes a local English-speaking guide, small group of 10 maximum, over nine different tastes, and three local wines. It does not include hotel pickup or tips (which are optional).

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Since it involves walking through the historic streets of Bordeaux, it’s best suited for those with moderate mobility. It’s not explicitly stated if it’s wheelchair accessible, so contacting the provider beforehand is recommended.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
While they do their best to accommodate allergies and restrictions, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free diets are not supported. They do, however, cater to other allergies if notified in advance.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 20 Rue des Ayres, in Bordeaux, conveniently near public transportation options.

Final Thoughts

The Devour Bordeaux: Ultimate Food & Wine Tasting Tour offers a delicious, engaging way to connect with Bordeaux’s culinary soul. From flaky croissants to regional wines, the experience is thoughtfully curated to provide a well-rounded and authentic taste of the city. The guides’ passion, combined with the high-quality tastings and intimate group size, crafts an experience that feels both educational and fun.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who love food and wine and want to learn about Bordeaux beyond the vineyards. The tour is a fantastic way to start or deepen your understanding of Bordeaux’s local flavors, making it a memorable highlight of any trip.

Whether you’re a casual foodie or a dedicated connoisseur, this tour promises delightful bites, expert insights, and a friendly atmosphere. Prepare to enjoy a true taste of Bordeaux—one small dish and sip at a time.

Enjoy your culinary journey in Bordeaux—bon appétit and santé!