While Bordeaux is often famed for its wine production, the city’s cheeses are also popular delicacies among both travelers and locals. From soft and subtle brie to intense blue-veined Roquefort, there are plenty of different varieties to choose between in order to dive deeper into the French culinary scene.

Cheese tastings in Bordeaux enable you to experience French culture in an easy and fun way. Often paired with wines, these excursions create the ultimate authentic experience while in the city.

Here's all you need to know about cheese tastings, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Bordeaux.

What are the best cheese tastings in Bordeaux?

Wine and cheese tasting experience in Bordeaux

Take your taste buds on a stroll through France without ever leaving your seat during this cheese tasting session in one of the city’s best venues.

Itinerary

Heading down to the cellar of one of Bordeaux's most celebrated restaurants, you'll have the opportunity to see over 100 different cheeses on display and taste the differences between several of them. You'll become educated on France's cheese-making history, as well as the varieties that originated in this European nation. You'll be served several platters of cheese that provide you with a myriad of tantalizing flavors and textures, from tangy, and crumbly to creamy and sweet.

You'll sample these delectable snacks alongside local wines from the Bordeaux region. Each pairing will have been expertly selected to compliment the produce on offer and you'll leave the restaurant feeling like a cheese connoisseur.

Are there any combos available with cheese tastings in Bordeaux?

Wine and cheese walking tour in Bordeaux

You’ll begin this cheese tasting extravaganza with a guided walk through Bordeaux, during which you’ll be able to explore its long-standing history that stretches back to ancient Roman times. You’ll amble down the 17th-century streets that were once lined with wine merchants and admire the unique modernist architecture of the Cité du Vin, which has seen over 2 million visitors flock through its doors since 2016.

You’ll step foot on the 17-arch bridge that was commissioned by Napoleon and be awed by the Roman Catholic Church of Saint-Louis-des-Chartrons. Once you’ve discovered the city’s main highlights, you’ll engage in a wine and cheese tasting session of the country’s most delicious products.

What kind of cheeses are you going to try?

Bordeaux’s gastronomic scene can often be overlooked, however, this is a mistake. Alongside wines, there are a multitude of cheeses available to try in this destination that provide an insight into France’s culinary culture and how it has been shaped over the centuries since cheesemaking was first introduced in the Roman era.

Today, there are more than 1,200 varieties of cheese in France, many of which were first created by monks. Many of these are regional, and you'll find that different types are consumed more in some destinations than in others. For example, Ossaux-iraty — produced using sheep milk — is the most favored cheese in the Aquitaine province while inhabitants of the Franche-Comté prefer the hard variety named after the region, Comté.

While there are not many kinds of cheese that are produced in Bordeaux itself, its location in France — the cheese capital of the world — means that there are plenty of varieties available to choose from. Brie is an obvious choice when it comes to cheese tasting in Bordeaux. The rich and creamy soft cheese has a sweet taste, and is beloved across the globe. Brie was first produced in the 11th century and is named after the area it originated from, in the northern part of the country.

You may also try camembert, which can be eaten raw although it is often baked for an oozy texture, which perfectly accompanies hunks of crunchy bread. While blue cheese can be an acquired taste, it is extremely popular throughout France. The preferred variety is Roquefort, which is made from sheep milk in the south of France. There is documentation to suggest this type of cheese has been produced since the 8th century, making it one of the oldest in the region.

Roquefort is aged for between 3 and 5 months, which allows it to develop its characteristic pungent flavor that is stronger than all other blue cheeses. French cheeses pair perfectly with wine and the two are often indulged in together.

How much do cheese tastings in Bordeaux cost?

Cheese tastings in Bordeaux typically cost between €40 and €50, and operate in small groups limited to around 12 guests.

If you’d prefer to participate in a walking cheese tour, you’ll pay between €50 and €60 per adult instead. Children under 18 benefit from a reduced rate of between €20 and €30 each, and you’ll be part of a group capped at 15 travelers.

What is included?

Cheese tastings in Bordeaux include up to nine varieties of decadent dairy treats, as well as three or four different samples of local wine. If you have any children in your party, they will typically be provided with grape juice as an alternative.

Where does it start?

Cheese tastings in Bordeaux usually meet at a well-known restaurant or wine bar. You may slip inside the building for the duration of your excursion to enjoy a relaxed tasting session or alternatively, you might use this as a jumping-off location to wander through the city, sampling cheese from a number of establishments.

You’ll be able to see the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can plan any necessary transportation in advance. If meeting in a public place, your guide will usually be wearing or holding a recognizable item to help you identify them.

How long does it last?

The majority of Bordeaux cheese tasting tours last between 1 and 1.5 hours, making this an easy activity to slip into your vacation itinerary. If you wish to extend your adventure, you can opt for a walking excursion, which lasts around 2.5 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While many cheese tastings in Bordeaux are accessible for wheelchairs, some are not. You should consult the booking page of your preferred excursion to see whether it’s suitable for all members of your party. If not, you can choose from a number of similar tours that are wheelchair-friendly.

When is the best time for a cheese tasting in Bordeaux?

Cheese tastings in Bordeaux can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to take part in this culinary experience is during the cooler months, from autumn to spring. During this time, the local cheese varieties are at their peak flavor, offering a rich and diverse selection for tasting.

Autumn, in particular, is an excellent time as it coincides with the harvest season, when the local produce is abundant and flavors are enhanced. You can try the richness of cheeses paired with seasonal fruits, nuts, and wines, creating a delightful gastronomic experience.

Regardless of the season, Bordeaux offers a range of specialty cheese shops, gourmet markets, and cheese tasting tours. So, whenever you visit Bordeaux, you can look forward to an exquisite cheese tasting adventure that showcases the best flavors the region has to offer.

Are children allowed?

Children are usually welcomed during cheese tasting tours in Bordeaux. However, many cheese tastings in France come with wine. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be served alcohol or permitted to participate in wine tastings.

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Travel tips

When planning a cheese tasting in Bordeaux, it's best to arrive with an empty stomach as there will be an abundance of delectable cheeses and accompanying snacks to indulge in.
Keep in mind that certain French cheeses have a distinct aroma and robust flavors that may not appeal to everyone's palate. Approach each cheese with an open mind and give them a chance, even if you initially doubt your preferences.
If your cheese tasting experience takes place in a cheese cellar, be prepared for the underground environment, which can be cooler than the outside temperature. It's advisable to bring along extra clothing to keep warm and ensure your comfort throughout the tasting.
For those embarking on a walking cheese tasting tour during the summer months, take precautions to protect yourself from the sun. Remember to apply sunscreen and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to beat the heat.

Cheese Tastings in Bordeaux