Join me for the

Bordeaux Wine Experience!

I’m thrilled to host my first experience in the beautiful Bordeaux wine region of France! For this adventure, I’ll be your personal wine guide of Bordeaux & the surrounding area. We’ll launch our trip from Bordeaux where we will will explore this fabulous city. We’ll stay at THE most magnificent hotel and then journey on to a private 16th century Chateau outside of the city where we’ll stay & experience the life of a wine maker. We’ll visit the countryside & vineyards of the region with the plenty of time for shopping, spa-ing & emerging in the French culture I adore so much! 

Upon arrival in Bordeaux on 17th, you will get checked into your room at the Grand palace Hotel and we will gather that evening for a welcome cocktail and then have the rest of your evening free to explore and dine at the hotel or one of the fabulous restaurants in the city. This beautiful hotel is set in an 18th-century building with a neoclassical-inspired facade, this upscale hotel faces le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux and is an 8-minute walk from la Cathédrale Saint André de Bordeaux. 

Amenities include 2 upscale restaurants, a stylish cocktail bar, and an indoor courtyard serving afternoon tea plus a 1000 sq m spa with an indoor pool, a fitness center and a terrace with a hot tub. You can arrive early and enjoy the amenities including an unforgettable meal at the Pressoir d'Argent Gordon Ramsay, the double-starred restaurant and then discover the Rooftop for cocktails or a fabulous glass of wine. For an extra special evening, book tickets for a performance of the Opéra de Bordeaux at the Grand Théâtre.

The next morning we will experience a fabulous city tour of Bordeaux including La Cite du Vin wine museum, an amazing adventure and multiple experiences by itself. We will embark on a sensory adventure to discover the cultures and civilisations of wine. In an open exhibition space occupying more than 3,000 m², nearly twenty different themed areas invite you to take a voyage of discovery and enjoy a unique experience exploring the many and varied facets of wine across time and space. 

That afternoon we will transfer to Les Chapelain, our private chateau in the countryside where you will have the option to experience a French cooking class, yoga and meditation, wine making basics along with extraordinary cuisine prepared by our private chef with the produce sourced from the organic garden located on the property and the local market. Each day there will be optional day trips to local villages for wine tastings and shopping or you can choose to relax by the pool with the perfect glass of sparkling. There is also an option to visit the Plum Village campus to experience the powerful meditation and beautiful gardens.

About Les Chapelains:

Nestled between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, the community flows in the energies of the Massif Central and Pyrenees mountains. Les Chapelains has been part of the Charlot family history since the 17th century. This beautiful spot has seen generations making food, making wine, making a loving environment for all the people who have passed through. Les Chapelains is a very special space that we would love to share with you!  

We will gather together on Tuesday evening for a beautiful evening of wines, cheeses and a welcome dinner with everything sourced from our organic garden, a true farm to table experience.

During the week we will visit the beautiful village of Saint Emilion for wine tastings followed by a beautiful lunch at Château Grand Barrail, a michelin star restaurant.

Two thousand years of history between men and vines are waiting for you in the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion, a remarkable example of a historical vineyard that has got through the ages but yet is still the same. Saint-Emilion is a charming medieval village located in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine area. It is a very unique site were world-famous wineries, fine wine, beautiful architecture and great monuments are a perfect match. Each morning begins with a gorgeous breakfast with fresh pastries and our favorite Italian coffee followed by beautiful gourmet lunches and dinners with wine pairings from some of Bordeaux’s best.

Sample Itinerary:

Day One | Monday

Arrive Bordeaux and check into Grand Hotel. Welcome aperitif in the evening.

Day Two | Tuesday

Breakfast at Hotel followed by city tour including La Cite du Vin wine museum. Transfer to Les Chapelains for wine and cheese followed by a fabulous dinner fresh from our organic garden.

Day Two | Wednesday

Breakfast at Les Chapelains. After breakfast we will venture to Saint Emilion for a beautiful tasting experience and lunch at Château Grand Barrail, a beautiful chateau that is one of our favorite places! We will have our fourth hands on workshop this evening ending in a beautiful wine dinner this evening.

Day Three | Thursday

Breakfast at Les Chapelains. We will spend the day exploring local castles in the area and private tastings with personal friends. You will have lunch on your own on the terrace in one of our favorite villages. You will have the afternoon to enjoy the pool before we gather for dinner that evening.

Day Four | Friday

We will have breakfast followed by hands on workshop three and a beautiful gourmet lunch with wine. We will have a special wine tasting class with Pierre Chalot, a wine maker and expert in the vines of Les Chapelain and the entire region. Pierre’s family has been making wine here for generations and we are so excited to introduce you to his famous wines paired with a beautiful dinner this evening.

Day Five | Saturday

On Saturday morning you will have coffee and a light breakfast followed by a trip to the local market in Saint Foy la Grande, one of the regions biggest & best farmers markets! Apples freshly plucked from the orchard, potatoes unearthed that morning, jams potted the night before, this is truly a wonderful rural, medieval market that will capture your imagination and take you back in time. We will have a guided tour to introduce you to our favorite artisan producers including our baker and cheese producer, the lamb lady, our oyster guy and you can then explore on your own and enjoy a cafe or some of our favorite market “street food”.

After the market we will return to the the Chateau where you will be learning how to prepare and create authentic regional dishes from locally sourced ingredients and our dishes will be focused on the fresh produce available each season and end our day with a beautiful dinner with a wine tasting experience.

Day Six | Sunday

We will enjoy our final breakfast together and transfer back to Bordeaux

Dates Available:

June 17-23 and September 2-8

What’s included:

One night double occupancy at the Grand Palace Hotel in Bordeaux and Welcome Aperitif

5 nights double occupancy accommodations in the chateau in Saint Foy La Grande

Welcome Soiree and Dinner on day one with champagne aperitif

Breakfast each morning with artisanal coffee and tea

3 Lunches fresh from our garden and the local market

Wine pairings each day from Domaine Les Chapelains with Dinner at the Chateau

A visit to Saint Emilion for a wine tasting and a michelin star lunch experience at a chateau

Visits to local artisan producers

Hands on time in our own organic garden

Transportation during the experience is included

*airfare and transfers to/from Bordeaux are not included.

Meet Your Host:

JoAnna Dorman Blackstock

Please note: The Bordeaux Wine Experience is non refundable but is transferable. If you are unable to attend you can send someone in your place if we are notified 30 days prior to departure via email at info@soulsparkleliving.com.

Payment Plan Available:

Bordeaux Pay in Full Double Occupancy: $4950