PRESTIGIOUS WINE TOUR IN THE GRAVES AREA, BORDEAUX

Close to Bordeaux, the Graves region produces excellent red wines and also the best dry white wines of Bordeaux from Sauvignon et Semillon vines. All the classified growths are from the Pessac-Léognan appellation.

YOUR TRIP
enables you and your guests to :
work in a qualitative atmosphere
enjoy our selection of the most famous Châteaux

The itinerary presented at this stage is flexible so any part of it can be changed to fit in with your precise requirements; it is also dependent on the availability of châteaux owners and hotel rooms

Accommodation
Les Sources de Caudalie
Located 15 minutes from Bordeaux in the heart of Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte, welcome to “Les Sources de Caudalie” a beautiful complex (hotel and Spa) surrounded by wines and trees on the grounds of a famous Graves great growth. www.sources-caudalie.com

10.00 am Arrival at Bordeaux Mérignac Airport.
12.30 pm Lunch at Les Sources de Caudalie in La table du Lavoir restaurant
In the original athmosphere of a true country Inn your guest will taste Chef Frank Salein’s creations
2.30 pm Working session at the hotel
7.00 pm Visit and Wine Tasting Dinner at Château Léoville-Las Cases or Château Pichon-Longueville.

Léoville-Las-Cases is one of the biggest classified growths in St Julien. Because of its strength it is often referred to as the « Latour of St-Julien » but, like most Grands Crus, it is often closed when young. The nose is dominated by “grilled” notes that reflect aging in oak barrels, and after a few years in the bottle the wine develops towards fruity aromas (blackberry and blueberry) with a stunning finish of chocolate and hints of mint. In tasting the wine is full, rich and meaty with silky tannins… www.leoville-las-cases.com

Château Pichon-Longueville, a second growth Pauillac, has become one of Axa-Millésimes star properties since they bought it in 1987. Pichon-Longueville is a concentrated full-bodied wine from a great terroir that contributes the complexity and the finesse of its tannins. www.pichonlongueville.com

9.00 am : Visit and Wine Tasting at Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte. This classified growth of Pessac-Léognan owes its reputation as « the most Graves of Graves» The Chateau’s history dates back to the Crusades. In 1990 Smith Haut Lafitte was bought by its present owners Florence and Daniel Cathiard, who have turned it into one of the rising stars of Bordeaux with its strong, elegant and well-made red and white wines. www.smith-haut-lafitte.com

12.00 am : Visit and Wine Tasting Lunch at Mission Haut-Brion or Domaine de Chevalier.

Mission Haut-Brion is a powerful, expressive wine that represents the quintessence of the gravel terroir of the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Its hedonistic character accounts for its popularity with experts and collectors of fine Bordeaux wine. Mission Haut-Brion has belonged to Château Haut-Brion since 1983. www.haut-brion.com

The Domaine de Chevalier, a classified Graves growth located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, lies about 20 kilometres to the south of Bordeaux in a pine forest. Since 1983 the Bernard family which owns the château has entirely renovated it, increasing the area planted, building new cellars and installing new wine-making equipment in a constant search for perfection that typifies them. www.domainedechevalier.com

FICOFI ADVANTAGES
Thanks to our privileged relationships with the owners of the most famous Domains and Châteaux, the owners themselves often play host to your party offering you and your guests a unique experience.
A qualified wine expert will accompany your guests at all moments to give commentaries during visits and wine-tasting meals. This can be done in French or in English.
Each of your guests will receive a copy of our “Discovering Wine Tasting” book, an introduction in the art of wine tasting.
For your total tranquillity, an experimented FICOFI representative, will welcome you at the train station and will accompany your group throughout the whole trip.