Perfect Pairings in Bordeaux 2026

with Chef Renée Schuler and Sugar&Saffron

Elegant and charming, rich in history and a top gastronomic destination, Bordeaux, “la Belle endormie” for the locals, has it all!! The city not only offers food and wine lovers incredible local ingredients paired with some of the country’s finest wines but its fabulous architecture, its lively waterfront, its museums and its well manicured gardens invite the visitor to experience French ‘joie de vivre’ at its best.    .

Our program is structured to discover the largest wine-growing region in France with its world-renowned vineyards and its over 2000 years of winemaking traditions. We’ll experience first hand the importance of the Gironde river in the life and development of the area. Here, the concept of ‘terroir’ will be illustrated as the visit moves between the river’s left and right banks, and producers share their creations and some of the secrets behind their success.

ACCOMMODATION

Our adventure starts at a gem of the right bank, Château Bellefont-Belcier, our home away from home, a property that combines the past and the present with a comfortable modern flair. Nestled in the heart of St. Emilion, this historic 18th century castle features, in addition to tastefully decorated rooms, a breathtaking view of its vineyard, beautifully manicured grounds, a tennis court and a year-round heated swimming pool.

ITINERARY

MONDAY / April 27


Arrival and tour of the grounds

Welcome drink and hearty snacks
 

TUESDAY / April 28

Bordeaux City and Market

La Cité du Vin, a Frank Gehry designed cultural space unique in the world and a fitting location to start our adventure, is the perfect introduction to the city and to the region.

With its impressive architecture and its interactive spaces, it will prepare the mind and the senses for what will be discovered through the week.
 

WEDNESDAY / April 29

St. Emilion

The medieval village of St. Emilion, a UNESCO world heritage site, will continue our itinerary on day 2 with its charming buildings and cobble stone streets. Its vineyards adjoin those of the Pomérol region, and both produce some of the best wines of the right bank. After lunch, we’ll head to Bergerac in the Dordogne for foie gras tasting and to sample wines from the Chateau de Monbazillac. 

THURSDAY / April 30

Medoc

Day 3 will be spent in the Médoc region, a peninsula with its coastal lagoons, sand dunes and pine forests on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, where we’ll discover (or rediscover) some of the most famous wines produced in France.     

FRIDAY / May 1

Bordeaux City

Bordeaux will welcome us back on day 4. After spending time in one of the city’s  famous markets, we’ll embark for a guided scenic river cruise on the Garonne river to get a different perspective of the city’s cosmopolitan feel and to enjoy part of the 4km refurbished Bordeaux UNESCO’s waterfront, its buildings and quays, some of its bridges,

and the beautiful façades along the banks.
 

SATURDAY / May 2

Arcachon 

Oysters & Caviar

Our 5th day will be taking us to the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic Ocean where we will sample the best oysters that France has to offer. With Europe’s tallest sand dune and the multiple oyster farming villages, the region is a definite attraction for visitors. 

Along the way, we will also visit one of the Aquitaine region’s best established caviar farms.

SUNDAY / May 3

Pessac, Graves & Sauternes

To end our journey on a sweet note, South of Bordeaux, we will wrap up with a day in the Graves-Sauternais region on the left bank of the Garonne river, the original birthplace of the Bordeaux region where the first vineyards in the area were planted over 2000 years ago. Much of its terroir is formed by warm gravel that reflects the sun, which helps the grapes to ripen. We’ll visit Chateau Haut Brion in Pessac, the oldest winery in the Bordeaux region.

MONDAY / May 4

Morning Departure

Dates and activities are subject to change due to weather, transport, or the wishes of the group.

PRICING

Double Occupancy Room: USD $6300 per person *

Single Room Supplement: USD $500 *               

Includes lodging, listed activities as described, round trip airport transfers, soft drinks and water at the Château, all meals and scheduled program transportation.  

To prevent disappointment, reserve your spot now with a non-refundable deposit of $1500.

The balance is due in two installments, half by November 30, 2025,  final payment by February 28, 2026.

*  In case of changes in the Euro-Dollar conversion rate, amount might be adjusted.

RENÉE

     Since its inception in 2005, Renee Schuler, the creative force behind eat well     celebrations and feasts, has revolutionized off-site catering with her unwavering commitment to excellence. With a dedication to transforming every event into an unforgettable experience, eat well has earned widespread recognition and success, serving esteemed clients such as the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, The Cincinnati Opera, Major League Baseball, Martha Stewart, and The Cincinnati Ballet. 

MARIA & TIMOTHY

Le Petit Conservatoire des Saveurs was started to rescue delicious recipes and cooking techniques that our grandmothers and other friends and relatives have cooked but are finding it hard to pass on to the modern generations.  Frozen and fast foods seem to be more prevalent at our tables today. So it is our goal to collect, archive, prepare and teach these recipes and techniques wherever we can, from any part of the world, to anyone who wants to learn about great food!