Celebrate the history and heritage of L'Ecole on this exclusive wine & food journey
The Roots of L’Ecole: Bordeaux
June 8 - 15, 2026
22 - 46
Guests
8 / 7
Days / Nights
16
Meals
We invite you to join Marty and Megan Clubb in exploring Bordeaux, the legendary wine region that largely served as Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson’s inspiration for the founding of L’Ecole. As collectors of 1st Growths, the Fergusons recognized Washington’s potential for making world-class wines and set out to produce those that could compete with the best from the Old World. Over 40 years later and with numerous international accolades, including Decanter’s “Best Bordeaux-blend in the World,” it seems fitting for Marty and Megan to return to this storied region with a small group of L’Ecole’s best supporters.
On our immersive 8-day journey we’ll delve into centuries of winemaking excellence at the acclaimed vineyards of Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, and Graves, indulge in private wine tastings at a host of prestigious Grand Cru Classés châteaux, and savor the authentic local flavors and delicacies that define this legendary region. Along the way, we’ll experience the artful blend of tradition and innovation that makes Bordeaux one of the world’s most sought-after wine destinations. The journey culminates with an exclusive comparative tasting of exquisite Bordeaux alongside the finest L’Ecole selections, followed by a Farewell Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Our home for the week will be the incomparable Les Sources de Caudalie, a luxury country estate nestled in the heart of Graves and surrounded by the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
With respect to the limited capacity, to ensure a first-class experience it is necessary to keep our group size to a maximum of 23 couples.
To learn more, we invite you to watch the recorded conversation.
France 1987: Ferguson & Clubb Family Albums
Taste
wines from prestigious châteaux in Bordeaux’s acclaimed appellations, including Sauternes, Graves, and Médoc
Explore
the architecture and history of the UNESCO-listed city center of Bordeaux and the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion
Discover
Bordeaux's culinary heritage, where fresh local ingredients, iconic dishes, and exceptional wine pairings create a feast for the senses
Day 1
Arrival
Land in the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport where a private driver will be waiting in the Arrivals area to greet you and transport you to our accommodations located on the prestigious Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate— in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine country. Take time to get settled, relax, and explore the exceptional property, surrounded by rolling vineyards and tranquil lakes. We’ll kick things off this evening by gathering for an aperitif and introductions, followed by a Welcome Dinner showcasing the flavors of Bordeaux.
Day 2
BORDEAUX
After breakfast, we’ll head to the Chartrons district of Bordeaux— historically the heart of Bordeaux's wine trade, with merchants storing and exporting wines from its warehouses along the Garonne River. We’ll meet an expert local guide for a gourmet tour through the 17th and 18th-century district as we explore its rich culinary and wine heritage and enjoy artisan food tastings along the way. After the tour, have free time for lunch and an open afternoon to stroll through the historic city center at your own pace.
This evening, indulge in an exclusive wine-paired dinner at the prestigious Château Haut-Bailly, a renowned Grand Cru Classé estate in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Graves. Set within the elegant surroundings of this historic château, our meal will feature expertly crafted dishes, each paired with the estate’s acclaimed wines. As we dine, gain exclusive insights into Haut-Bailly’s winemaking philosophy, making this a memorable celebration of Bordeaux’s finest.
Day 3
SAUTERNES
Enjoy a leisurely morning with time to explore the amenities of our hotel, including offerings from the world-renowned spa, yoga, and complimentary bicycles to explore the countryside, followed by an open lunch.
This afternoon, we'll venture to the prestigious Sauternes appellation, beginning with a private visit to a Premier Cru Classé estate celebrated for its legendary sweet wines. Here, we'll enjoy an exclusive guided tasting, uncovering the skill and precision behind the intricate balance of flavors that make Sauternes world-renowned. Next, we’ll journey to a second château, where a specially arranged tour of the vineyards and historic cellars will offer a glimpse into the craft and tradition of their winemaking. The evening culminates in a private wine-paired dinner, set in the château’s elegant space, where each course is thoughtfully paired with their finest Sauternes to create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Day 4
SAINT-ÉMILION & POMEROL
This morning, journey east to the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose history dates back to the Roman era. Begin with a private guided tour through the village’s charming cobblestone streets and descend underground to explore the monolithic church, a masterpiece carved directly into the limestone rock. From there, enjoy an exclusive visit to a prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, where a private tour, tasting, and gourmet lunch will immerse us in the pinnacle of Saint-Émilion’s winemaking heritage. To deepen our appreciation of Saint-Émilion’s exceptional wines and terroir, we'll visit a second château for an intimate exploration of its historic cellars and a tasting that highlights the estate’s distinctive craftsmanship and unique character. Returning to the property, we'll gather for a light dinner, reflecting on a day blending history, luxury, and world-class wines.
Day 5
GRAVES
Spend a relaxing morning indulging in the comforts and offerings of our hotel. After an open lunch, we’ll journey west to the acclaimed Graves appellation— the birthplace of Bordeaux winemaking— where vines have thrived since the Middle Ages. Our first stop is a historic estate celebrated for its innovative techniques and exquisite balance of tradition and modernity. Here, we’ll explore the vineyards and cellars during a private tour and enjoy a curated tasting of their exceptional wines. Next, we'll visit one of Bordeaux's oldest and most esteemed domains, a Grand Cru Classé estate known for its illustrious history and outstanding red and white wines. An exclusive tasting guided by one of the family members and owners of the estate for 4 generations will be followed by a wine-paired dinner in a refined setting. Savor freshly prepared dishes complemented by the château’s finest offerings, ensuring a memorable conclusion to this immersive day in Graves.
Day 6
MÉDOC
This morning, we’ll journey north to the renowned Médoc region, located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary. Known as the heart of Bordeaux’s wine legacy, Médoc boasts over 15,000 domains and is celebrated for producing some of the world’s most exceptional full-bodied red wines. Our day begins at an esteemed Grand Cru Classé estate, where we’ll tour the cellars, learn about their meticulous winemaking traditions, and enjoy a curated tasting of their acclaimed wines, followed by a private gourmet lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Médoc’s distinctive terroir and winemaking methods with a visit to another distinguished château. Exploring its historic grounds, we'll experience a tasting of legendary vintages that reflect the pinnacle of Médoc craftsmanship. Afterward, return to the property for an open evening, with your Travel Directors available to offer personalized dining recommendations.
Day 7
MÉDOC - MARGAUX
For our final full day in the Bordeaux region, we’ll journey to the esteemed Margaux appellation, celebrated for its elegant, refined, and complex red wines crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with complementary blends of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Our morning begins with a visit to a distinguished Grand Cru Classé estate, where we’ll tour the vineyards and cellars, gaining insight into the meticulous care and expertise that define their winemaking process. A guided tasting of their acclaimed wines will highlight the skill and terroir that make Margaux one of Bordeaux’s most revered appellations. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a light lunch before returning to the property for some time to relax.
Tonight, we’ll gather for an exclusive comparative wine tasting, offering a rare opportunity to explore the bold, structured wines of Bordeaux alongside L’Ecole’s distinctive expressions. This thoughtful pairing will illuminate the nuances of terroir, varietals, and winemaking philosophies. The evening culminates in a festive Farewell Dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant, where we’ll toast to our journey with a beautifully curated menu, expertly paired wines, and a memorable celebration of flavor and craft.
Day 8
Departure
Our Bordeaux journey with L'Ecole has come to an end. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before saying farewell to Marty and Megan and taking a private transfer to the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport for your return flights.
Still hungry for more food-and-wine adventures? An optional four-day extension to San Sebastián, Spain allows you to explore another exceptional food and wine destination. To learn more about the Extension, continue reading below.
Bon Voyage!
Accommodations - Bordeaux
Les Sources de Caudalie
This luxury country estate nestled in the heart of the Graves appellation is surrounded by the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. The property consists of a collection of contemporary buildings and lake-filled gardens. Amenities include a cigar bar, a selection of dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, and the exclusive Vinothérapie® Spa, which offers grape-based therapies. For those seeking an active experience, the hotel features a tennis court, a three-hole golf course, and nature trails for cycling or running. In addition, the property offers complimentary bikes for guests to explore the surrounding vineyards and nature trails, as well as yoga sessions for relaxation and wellness. The property also has a fitness room to accommodate guests looking for indoor exercise options during their stay. Rooms offer individual climate control, cable TV, WiFi, minibar, and hairdryer.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch
Details
Dates
Included
- Seven nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for travel director, local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfers with porterage on the first and last scheduled days of the program
Not Included
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air and land transportation to/from host cities
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Rates*
*Rates are per person in US Dollars.
Superior: $14,195
Suite: $17,895
Single Occupancy:
Superior: $18,495
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
Day 8
After bidding farewell to our L'Ecole hosts, our optional Extension trip begins with a drive south, through rolling vineyards and into the Basque Country to the vibrant coastal city of San Sebastián, Spain. Famed for its stunning natural beauty, Belle Époque architecture, and world-renowned culinary scene, San Sebastián offers a mix of seaside atmosphere and cosmopolitan charm. We’ll stop along the way to have lunch and visit a family-run distillery before continuing to our accommodations. Enjoy a delicious wine-paired dinner this evening with views of the Bay of Donostia.
Day 9
Today we’ll experience the city's renowned pintxos culture during a lunchtime food tour. Stroll through the Old Town, visiting local bars to sample an array of delicious pintxos—from freshly caught seafood to traditional Basque delicacies. Along the way, learn about the region’s culinary traditions, meet passionate local chefs, and enjoy perfectly paired drinks. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be open to explore at your own pace.
Day 10
Enjoy a leisurely open day in San Sebastián, where the possibilities are endless. Start your morning with a relaxing stroll along La Concha Beach, soaking in the coastal views, or take the historic funicular up Monte Urgull for panoramic vistas of the city. Art enthusiasts can visit the contemporary works at the San Telmo Museum, while those seeking relaxation may opt for a spa day at one of the city’s beachfront resorts. Tonight we’ll gather for a Farewell Dinner at one of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants and toast to a successful journey.
Accommodations - San Sebastián Extension
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Located in the heart of the historic district of San Sebastián, this property is ideally situated near the La Concha seafront promenade and boasts beautiful views over the bay of La Concha. The hotel has a pub and restaurant. Room amenities include air conditioning, minibar, and coffee/tea maker, free WiFi, hair dryer, and toiletries.
The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch
Details
Dates
Included
- Three nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners, plus wine pairings with most major meals
- All private excursions described in the itinerary along with services of local speakers, guides, entrance fees, and transportation
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, porters, and included meals
- Full guiding services of a dedicated Travel Director
- Private airport transfer on the last scheduled day of the program
Not Included
- Post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
- Air transportation
- All types of personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond what has been arranged by Experi to pair with the included major meals
Extension Rates*
*Rates are per person in US Dollars
Superior: $4,895
Junior Suite: $5,295
Suite: $5,795 SOLD OUT
Single Occupancy:
Superior: $6,995
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Travel Terms & Conditions
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