Château Life & Bordeaux Wines
Overview
Bordeaux is home to more than 6,000 wine estates. For one remarkable week, we settle into one of them — Château de Pitray, a historic estate in the vineyards of Saint-Émilion. With its tower rising above the vines and grand reception rooms, the château is a living family estate where centuries of Bordeaux history can still be felt.
Throughout the week we immerse ourselves in the world of wine — visiting local producers, learning about blending, and experiencing traditions that shape the region. Long-table meals unfold in beautiful spaces throughout the château, from elegant dining rooms to vineyard terraces as the sky turns shades of pink and purple.
This is where the journey first began, and it remains one of the most memorable culinary adventures.
Adventure Details
Highlights
- The rare opportunity to stay in Château de Pitray, a majestic historic family estate.
- The privilege of sharing the experience with Anthony’s family, offering a uniquely personal and insightful immersion into French life and traditions.
- Hands-on wine experiences that take us beyond the tasting room and into the heart of the winemaking world
Accommodations
Our home for the week is Château de Pitray, a 16th-century castle surrounded by vineyards near the village of Saint-Émilion in the Bordeaux wine region.
Owned by the same family for 26 generations, the château is a historic residence rather than a hotel. Grand reception rooms, antique furnishings, and a sweeping spiral staircase reflect centuries of Bordeaux history.
Bedrooms are individually decorated and overlook the estate’s forests and gardens. In keeping with the historic layout, each bathroom is shared between two guest rooms.
Gardens, salons, and terraces offer space for both quiet moments and shared gatherings throughout the week.
A Small Note About the ChâteauBecause this is a preserved historic home, bathrooms are shared between two rooms. Most guests find the beauty of the estate and the experience of staying in a true Bordeaux château quickly outweigh this small detail.
Experiences We Share During the Week
Throughout the journey we combine culinary discoveries, wine immersion, and cultural encounters that reveal the depth of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion.
- Participating in the Bordeaux grape harvest (seasonal)
- Blending your own Bordeaux wine and learning the art of the Bordeaux blend
- A wine workshop exploring Right Bank and Left Bank Bordeaux terroirs
- Visiting a traditional Bordeaux cooperage
- Exploring the medieval village and underground caves of Saint-Émilion
- Private château visits and curated Bordeaux wine tastings
- A historic Garonne River cruise
- A sweet food tour of Bordeaux
- Fresh Atlantic oysters at a coastal oyster farm
- Truffle hunting with our friend Christophe and his dog Gucci
- A vineyard picnic overlooking Bordeaux wine country
If you’re beginning to picture yourself here, give us a call or connect with us to learn more about the experience.
Who Is This Trip For?
You will likely feel at home on this journey if you are someone who:
- Loves wine and wants to experience Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion beyond the tasting room
- Is drawn to the French art de vivre — where food, wine, and conversation are part of daily life
- Enjoys discovering the stories and traditions behind local culture
- Finds joy in great meals, fresh ingredients, and regional cuisine
- Appreciates genuine encounters with local artisans, producers - and Anthony’s own family!
- Is fascinated by historic places and architecture, and is eager to living in them rather than simply visiting
- Seeks hands-on experiences such as participating in the grape harvest or blending your own wine
- Is an Epicureans at heart enjoying long tables with good food, good wine, and great conversation
Morning begins quietly at the château with warm croissants from the village bakery. Guests enjoy coffee in the gardens or take a short walk among the surrounding vineyards.
Late morning we explore the region — perhaps the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion or time in the vineyards learning about the grape harvest.
Lunch may be enjoyed while visiting local producers, from fresh Atlantic oysters to relaxed vineyard picnics.
Afternoons bring new discoveries such as visiting a family château, meeting a truffle hunter, or seeing how oak barrels are crafted at a cooperage.
By evening we return to the château for apero on the terrace before gathering for long-table dinners filled with regional specialties and Bordeaux wines.
Logistics & What's Included
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Group Size: A small group of 18–20 guests, allowing for meaningful encounters and a convivial atmosphere around our long-table dinners.
What’s Included
- 7 nights at Château de Pitray, a historic wine estate near Saint-Émilion
- Daily breakfast served at the château
- Selected lunches throughout the week (one or two lunches are left at leisure for guests to enjoy personal time)
- Long-table dinners prepared by our private chefs and paired with Bordeaux wines
- Curated wine tastings and private château visits across the Bordeaux region
- Hands-on wine experiences and culinary discoveries
- All local transportation for scheduled activities and excursions
- Hosting by the Epicureans Co. team throughout the journey
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from France
- Transportation to the meeting point on arrival day in Bordeaux
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
- Wines outside curated tastings or beyond what is served during hosted meals
- Gratuities for local guides and service staff (optional — in Europe they are appreciated but never expected)
Arrival
Arrival Location
The journey begins in Bordeaux, France. Guests will be greeted at Place des Quinconces, where our private coach will meet the group before departing for Saint-Émilion.
Arrival Timing
Our Culinary Adventures truly span eight full days, with experiences planned on both arrival and departure days. To make the most of the journey, we recommend arriving in Bordeaux the day before the trip begins and staying one additional night after the program concludes. Bordeaux is a beautiful and vibrant city well worth exploring, and we will gladly share our favorite recommendations.
Airports & Trains
The closest airport is Bordeaux–Mérignac International Airport (BOD). Paris is also a convenient gateway, with high-speed trains connecting Paris to Bordeaux in about two hours. Bordeaux’s central station, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, offers excellent rail connections. From the airport, the city center can easily be reached by taxi, shuttle, or tram, a comfortable and efficient option.
Transportation
During the Week: All transportation for scheduled activities and excursions is included on a private coach.
Language
The journey is conducted in English, with local producers joining us throughout the week. Anthony’s family may also offer a little French immersion for those who feel inspired to try a few words along the way.
Mobility
The program is low to moderate in activity, though it is best enjoyed by guests with good mobility. Some experiences involve standing for periods of time and navigating cobblestone streets, vineyard paths, uneven terrain, and historic staircases.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Detailed arrival information and travel recommendations will be shared after booking.
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Client Reviews
Book Your Trip Now
Join a small group and take your seat at our table.
Explore Europe through generous tables and vineyards while staying in exclusive villas rooted in place. Travel differently. Eat locally. Connect deeply.