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EXPLORE BORDEAUX'S GREAT VINTAGES
With winemakers and sommeliers at renowned châteaux
BEHIND THE SCENES AT HISTORIC VINEYARDS
The journey begins at the renowned Mandarin Oriental, Paris, home to an exceptional wine collection, and continues on to Bordeaux to meet the winemakers in appellations including Saint-Émilion and Sauternes.
It features private tastings with sommeliers and cellar masters at some of the great châteaux, and food pairings prepared by private chefs.
The journey can be personalised at every stage, elevated with dining at a two-Michelin star restaurant surrounded by Sauternes vines, or customised for the most seasoned wine collectors, for whom visits to other legendary châteaux can be arranged.
DAY 1 - ARRIVE AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PARIS
This beloved 5-star hotel is home to an exceptional cellar overseen by Head Sommelier David Biraud, one of the world’s most celebrated.
Located on the famed Rue Saint Honoré, in the heart of Paris’ haute couture neighborhood, the hotel is just steps from Place Vendôme and with the Garnier Opera, Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre all close by.
Before journeying to Bordeaux the following morning, explore the hotel's expansive Spa, recently awarded Best Luxury Hotel Spa at the World Luxury Spa Awards.
DAY 2 - THE LEFT BANK AND PESSAC-LÉOGNAN
Following breakfast at Mandarin Oriental and a private transfer to catch a First Class high-speed TGV train, arrive in Bordeaux in just over two hours. Greeted on arrival by the private chauffeur for the remainder of your time in the region, travel a short distance to the renowned Château La Garde.
The estate has an exceptionally rich mosaic of great terroirs across 54 hectares in the northern part of the Graves winegrowing area, within the Pessac-Léognan appellation. A private tour of the estate precedes a private Mosaic Tasting and Masterclass with a sommelier.
Later, arrive at your home in Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie. A boutique 5-star manor nestled among the manicured vines of the 600-year-old Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
DAY 3 - THE RIGHT BANK AND SAINT-ÉMILION
Winding through roads lined with vines, and across the Dordogne river, arrive on the Right Bank in the Saint-Émilion appellation. Here, Château Montlabert has been making wine since 1750, with their Grand Cru Classé benefitting from exceptional terroir and exposure on the northwest slope of the Saint-Émilion hill.
Learn to master the legendary grape varieties of this appellation with a barrel tasting in their cellar and tour of the Château in total privacy. Create your own blend and find harmony among the different grape varieties. Recommendations can be made for lunch, among numerous acclaimed restaurants in the vicinity.
The chauffeur travels on to Château de Ferrand, another Grand Cru Classé vineyard estate. Enjoy a private vertical tasting of six exceptional Château de Ferrand vintages guided by a sommelier, with a food pairing created by the estate’s private chef. Spend the evening at leisure.
DAY 4 - TWO GREAT MAKERS
Château Smith Haut Lafitte is one of the oldest of Bordeaux winemakers, a classified Grand Cru of Graves. King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the vineyards to observe their innovative practices of organic farming and biodynamic viniculture during their official visit to France in September 2023. Visit the estate’s magnificent cellar with a private tasting of their wines, including two Grand Cru Classé cuvees.
The journey ends with a short drive to the region which bears the world's greatest dessert wine: Sauternes. At the heart of the Sauternes appellation, adjacent to the legendary Château d’Yquem, lie the vineyards of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. Explore the varied range of soils that underpin an exceptional complexity of the wines made here and taste select Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes.
Lunch or dinner can be arranged at Restaurant Lalique on-site (2 Michelin stars), surrounded by vines.
THE STAY
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PARIS
This journey is available exclusively with a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Paris.
Located in the 1er arrondissement on Rue Saint-Honoré, the 5-star hotel has a verdant courtyard garden, an all-day restaurant and an expansive Spa.
FROM £4,550 PER PERSON
For four days, based on two guests sharing.
INCLUSIONS
1 night at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental, Paris with breakfast.
2 nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Les Sources de Caudalie with daily breakfast, located in the heart of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards.
Private tastings and tours at 5 exceptional Bordeaux wine châteaux, in the company of sommeliers, cellar masters and winemakers.
The vintages selected for tastings.
First-class TGV train from Paris to Bordeaux.
Private, chauffeured transfers in both Paris and Bordeaux, where mentioned.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons.
Experiences are subject to availability.
Note that a number of châteaux and vineyards are closed on weekends, but alternative itineraries with privileged access can be designed around your departure dates.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Paris or Bordeaux.
Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
Rare or specified vintages for tastings.
ENHANCED EXPERIENCES FOR COLLECTORS
The journey can be customised for the most seasoned wine collectors, for whom visits to other legendary châteaux can be arranged. This privileged access can require sharing more detailed information on each guest's personal collection.
We can arrange for you to be joined in Bordeaux by a sommelier and guide with deep knowledge of the region and personal connections with the most notable estates and families, providing deeper access to vineyard managers, estate directors, and principles.
EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
The Luminaire designs and operates luxury travel experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests and Fans that are rooted in culture and curiosity, with additional products launching each month in close collaboration with Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.
From a private masterclass with one of the world’s finest watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, to an immersive trip to the private site where Van Gogh painted his last canvas just outside Paris, each experience has been designed by experts in their field – art historians, conservationists, sommeliers. Discover exciting new ways to explore each Mandarin Oriental destination and enjoy the signature service for which each hotel is renowned.
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HOW INTELLIGENT TRAVEL WORKS
Intelligent travel means having real, rare, and transformational experiences. The Luminaire crafts journeys with unique access and captivating stories that spark curiosity – offering fun, excitement, and a deeper understanding of the world.
SHOP THE SITE OR DESIGN YOUR OWN JOURNEY
Whether you’re booking an itinerary on our website, or exploring your own travel ideas, our Travel Designers understand what makes a truly unique and memorable experience.
PERSONALISE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Understanding your preferences and working with our global network of partners, our Travel Designers build a personalised itinerary, to be refined until you are completely satisfied.
PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL
In addition to a pre-departure phone call to answer any final questions, The Luminaire and our partners on the ground will remain on hand for the duration of your trip, providing any assistance if necessary.
