France is the spiritual home of fine wine, attracting millions of visitors to its vineyards every year. However, there is a stark difference between “visiting a winery” and experiencing the true heritage of French winemaking.
For the standard tourist, the experience often involves crowded tasting rooms, pre-scripted speeches, and access limited to entry-level wines. But for the true connoisseur, the magic happens behind closed doors.
At TourDeWine, we believe luxury is defined by access. Our bespoke concierge service opens the gates to the world’s most prestigious estates in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne—places that are predominantly closed to the general public.
The “Impossible” Access
Many of the world’s most sought-after wines come from Châteaux that do not have a public ticket office. You cannot simply walk into Château Le Pin in Pomerol or knock on the door of a Grand Cru estate in Vosne-Romanée.
These estates protect their privacy fiercely. Yet, through our established network of relationships, TourDeWine can arrange private visits for our clients.
What does “Private Access” actually mean?
- No Crowds: It is just you, your guests, and your guide.
- Meet the Makers: Often, our guests are hosted by the Estate Director or even the owner of the Château, rather than a tour guide.
- Barrel Tastings: Taste vintage wines straight from the barrel before they are bottled—a privilege usually reserved for professional critics.
A Day in the Life: The VIP Bordeaux Experience
To help you visualize the level of service we provide, here is an example of a bespoke itinerary we recently curated for a client in Bordeaux.
Morning: Sky-High Arrival
Your private chauffeur picks you up from your hotel or private jet terminal. You are driven to the heliport, where a helicopter awaits.
Within minutes, you are soaring over the Gironde estuary, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the legendary vineyards of the Médoc. You land directly on the grounds of a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Pauillac.
Mid-Day: The Private Collection
After a private tour of the cellars, you are escorted to the owner’s private library. Here, you participate in a vertical tasting (comparing the same wine across different years), sampling rare vintages from the 1990s and 1980s that have been perfectly stored in the Château’s own cellar.
Lunch: Gastronomy in the Vines
Lunch is not at a crowded tourist restaurant. Instead, a private chef prepares a multi-course meal paired with the estate’s wines, served in the private dining room of the Château—a room that has hosted heads of state and royalty.
Afternoon: The Art of Cognac or Sauternes
Depending on your preference, your driver takes you to a hidden gem in Sauternes for a taste of “liquid gold,” or perhaps a private viewing of a prestigious art collection housed within a vineyard estate.
Beyond the Tour: Complete Concierge Services
Our expertise extends beyond the vineyard. We understand that our clients value their time and comfort above all else.
The Yacht Delivery Service
Are you exploring the French Riviera or docking in Bordeaux? There is no need to compromise on your wine selection while at sea.
TourDeWine offers a specialized Yacht Provisioning Service. We curate a selection of fine wines and spirits—from Domaine Leroy to rare Japanese Whisky—and deliver them directly to your deck, ensuring your cellar is stocked before you even step on board.
Gift Sourcing & Shipping
Did you fall in love with a specific vintage during your tour? We handle all the logistics. Whether it is a single bottle of 1982 Petrus or ten cases of Grand Cru Burgundy, we manage the insurance, customs, and secure shipping to your home cellar anywhere in the world.
Why Choose TourDeWine?
In the world of luxury travel, connections are everything.
We do not offer “packages.” We offer experiences.
- Expertise: Our team comprises sommeliers and local experts who know the terroir inside out.
- Discretion: We are accustomed to working with high-profile clients who require absolute privacy.
- Flexibility: Whether you have one day or one week, we design the itinerary around your tastes—whether you prefer heavy Reds, sparkling Champagne, or rare Armagnac.
Design Your Dream Itinerary
France is waiting, but the best of it is hidden from view. Let us hand you the key.
Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a corporate retreat, or a solo investment trip, contact our concierge team today. Tell us your favorite wines, and we will build the journey of a lifetime around them.