An exclusive wine & food journey to Bordeaux and Paris with
Judgment of Paris
Anniversary Celebration
October 2 - 10, 2022
12-24
Guests
9 / 8
Days / Nights
16
Meals
Join Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars as we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris— a tasting that revolutionized the wine world— with an exclusive journey through Bordeaux and Paris. Explore France’s finest wineries and vineyards that were blind tasted against California wines, including Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon, which won top honors and placed Napa Valley at the forefront of the world of fine wines. Stroll the famed vineyards, enjoy exclusive VIP tastings, chat with wine experts, savor local culinary specialties, and explore the magnificent culture and architecture of historic Bordeaux. An optional trip extension to Burgundy offers the opportunity to visit some of the famous Chardonnay wineries involved in the historic blind tasting and participate in a hands-on French culinary class.
The 1976 Paris tasting, or Judgment of Paris as it became known, had a revolutionary effect, “like a vinous shot heard round the world.”
- Barbara Ensrud, Wall Street Journal
Visit
the famed vineyards and storied estates of the region
Explore
the historic city of Bordeaux, the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, and the grand icons of Paris
Taste
authentic French cuisine and wine produced by Chateaux that have marked France’s wine history
Day 1
MÉRIGNAC
Land in the Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport and meet an Experi representative in the arrivals area. Take a private transfer to Bordeaux city center.
BORDEAUX
Settle in and unwind at your ideally-situated hotel for the next six days. The grand dame of Bordeaux, this historic, architecturally-significant hotel is just steps from the Opera and Three Graces fountain and offers several restaurants and an elegant spa. From here, prepare to delve deep into world-renowned wine culture and ancient Aquitaine history. Explore this port city along the Garonne River by foot or via streetcar and experience the gothic cathedral, 18th-century mansions, exquisite shopping, and notable art museums. Tonight, we'll gather for introductions and a celebratory Welcome Dinner.
Day 2
VIEUX BORDEAUX
Spend the morning in Bordeaux’s storied old town with your expert guide. Experience the fusion of history and modern life in Vieux Bordeaux among pedestrian walkways, outdoor markets, avant-garde art spaces, and innovative architecture. We’ll sit down together for lunch of local flavors followed by free time in the afternoon.
If you’d like to explore more of downtown Bordeaux, take the afternoon to stroll the city streets or head to La Cité du Vin wine museum for an immersive journey through the culture and history of wine. Tour the innovative space on your own time and finish your visit on the rooftop of the museum with a glass of wine in hand while taking in the sweeping views of Bordeaux. Return to the hotel to relax before joining your Travel Director for a unique educational tasting that will provide an overview of the wine of the region. The rest of the evening is on your own to enjoy!
Day 3
MÉDOC
This morning we head north to the Médoc region on the banks of the Gironde estuary. Here we’ll visit famed vineyards and taste the wines of the appellations of Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, which played an important role in the blind tasting of 1976.
Midday, we'll stop at a local favorite restaurant in the hamlet of Bages to savor classic French fare before returning to Bordeaux where the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to enjoy on your own. Your Travel Director is happy to provide recommendations.
Day 4
Sauternes
Today, we venture south of the city to explore the most well-known, sweet wine-producing area in the world— Sauternes. We'll visit local vineyards and discover and taste the exceptional wines from the greatest producer of them all: Château d’Yquem. See the beautiful estate and learn about its prestigious 400-year-old history. We'll have lunch nearby before visiting another renowned estate, Château La Mission Haut-Brion in the Pessac Léognan appellation for a tour and tasting. This afternoon, we return to the property for our last evening in Bordeaux. Dinner is on your own tonight in Bordeaux city.
Day 5
SAINT-ÉMILION
This morning, we'll cross the Garonne River to spend the day on the Bordeaux Right Bank. We will learn about the long-standing family tradition of barrel and cask making on a visit to Boutes cooperage. Used by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, the flavors of Boutes' barrels integrate beautifully and enhance the characteristics coming from their vineyards. Continuing east to the vineyards surrounding Saint-Émilion, we'll meet a winemaker and have lunch at a classified estate, followed by a tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion with an expert local guide. Discover why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to world-famous wine. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 6
BORDEAUX TO PARIS
This morning, we will take the tram to Place de la Victoire and stroll to the Marché des Capucins, Bordeaux’s largest food market. A local guide will show us around the market, and we’ll have the opportunity to assemble a picnic lunch to bring on our trip to Paris. From here, we'll head to Bordeaux train station (Gare St. Jean) to board the midday train to Paris.
Upon arrival at Gare Montparnasse, we'll be transferred to our hotel in front of the majestic Opera House, and the rest of the day is free to explore the city.
Day 7
PARIS
After breakfast, we will venture out with a local guide for our Paris walking tour, which will include some of the highlights of the city such as the nearby Opera, La Madeleine church, Champs Élysée, and Arc de Triomphe.
Lunch will be on our own, and the afternoon will be free. We'll meet again for dinner at a local restaurant and a special blind tasting experience.
Day 8
PARIS
On our last day in Paris, enjoy an open morning to stroll in one of the neighborhoods or parks, visit the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, or return to the Champs Élysée. Lunch is on your own with countless options.
Tonight we meet for a farewell gala dinner cruise along the Seine to toast our time together.
Day 9
BEAUNE
Depart Paris this morning as we make our way southeast toward the famed Burgundy wine region. We'll stop along the way for a tasting and lunch in the Chablis region before arriving in Beaune and checking in to our historic hotel located in the heart of medieval Beaune.
Take some time to settle in and get acquainted with the ancient town, strolling the romantic medieval ramparts or visiting picturesque Parc de la Bouzaize (a local favorite). This evening we'll have an introduction to the wines of the region with the rest of the evening on your own to enjoy.
Day 10
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
Day 11
BEAUNE WALKING TOUR & CULINARY CLASS
On our last full day in Burgundy, we experience the cuisine of the area with a market tour and hands-on cooking class. We’ll shop with a local chef to get the freshest seasonal ingredients before diving into our cooking workshop to prepare an authentic four-course Burgundian menu.
In the afternoon we'll have the option to relax and further explore Beaune or experience another local winery in the area. If you haven't visited it already, we recommend making a stop at the amazing Hospice de Beaune, a medieval hospital, which is one of France’s most treasured historical monuments.
Accommodations
LE GRAND HOTEL - Bordeaux
Located in the heart of the historic center of Bordeaux, the Intercontinental Bordeaux was originally designed as an 18th-century private mansion by celebrated Parisian architect Victor Louis. Hotel interiors conjure the elegant opulence of the baroque period with grand public spaces, and each room is uniquely decorated in a traditional style. The property features 2 restaurants on site, a rooftop bar, indoor pool and fitness center, spa, and free WiFi throughout. Rooms include tea/coffee maker, air conditioning, safe, minibar, hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, and toiletries.
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Le Grand Hotel - Paris
Situated across from the Palais Garnier Opera House in the 9th arrondissement, the ornate Intercontinental Paris Le Grand has been welcoming distinguished visitors and guests since it was inaugurated by Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III) in 1862. Elaborate interiors and traditional architecture allow guests to experience the grandeur of past and present day Paris. The hotel, which has recently undergone extensive renovations, features 2 acclaimed restaurants, a mahogany-paneled bar, fitness center and spa, and free WiFi. Rooms have air conditioning, safe, minibar, electric kettle, hair dryer, bathrobe, and toiletries.
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HOTEL LE CEP (Burgundy Extension)
This charming historic hotel is located in the heart of Beaune. Former private mansions built between the 14th and 18th centuries, the hotel is comprised of several interconnected buildings situated around beautiful courtyards. It features 64 rooms elegantly furnished with antiques and named after Burgundy wines. Rooms feature free WiFi, air conditioning, safe, minibar, hair dryer, bathrobe, and toiletries. Each room has a private bathroom.
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The Fine Print
Questions? Get in touch.
Details
Dates:
Main Program: October 2 - 10, 2022
Extension: October 10 - 13, 2022
Flight Information
Activity Level
This trip has been designed to include daily exploratory walks that can range from one to three hours. Each day, whether touring a city or winery, guests should be prepared to be on their feet for multiple continuous hours. Guests should feel comfortable strolling along cobbled surfaces, walking up and down stairs, and sauntering down uneven nature paths. Europe tends to have Old World infrastructure (narrow cobblestone streets, lack of elevators, etc.) which can leave some areas inaccessible — if you require any walking assistance, please inquire with our guest services team. Typically, our more invigorating walks are included as optional activities. Please contact us at guestservices@experi.com if you have questions.
Note: Group maximum is based on double occupancy. The itinerary is subject to change or substitution at any time. You can learn more at experi.com/agreement.
Included
- Eight nights accommodations, including all taxes and fees
- Meals as listed on the itinerary: 8 breakfasts, 6 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 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
Main Program Rates*
Club Member Rates
Superior: $8,595 (Sold Out)
Deluxe: $9,495
Jr. Suite: $9,995 (Sold Out)
Suite: $11,995 (Contact for Availability)
Single Occupancy: $11,985
Non-Member Rates
Superior: $8,995 (Sold Out)
Deluxe: $9,895
Jr. Suite: $10,395
Suite: $12,395 (Contact for Availability)
Single Occupancy: $12,385
Extension Rates*
Deluxe: $4,295
Single Occupancy: $5,495
* Guests of club members also enjoy club member rates. All categories are subject to availability. Rates are per person, double occupancy in US Dollars.
Deposits
Travel Insurance
Complete Travel Terms & Conditions
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