The Médoc by Those Who Know It

A relationship-led full-day wine journey through the Médoc, shaped by long-standing ties with family estates and classified châteaux - highlighting the wine, people, and continuity. Begin with pickup at your accommodation in Bordeaux and a drive north into the Médoc, where vineyards stretch between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic. The first stop is a family owned winery. A guided visit introduces traditional production methods, and the tasting reflects the character of a long established estate developed over generations. Continue at an unhurried pace, with time for a French style picnic before returning to the vineyards. In the afternoon, visit a Grand Cru Classé château listed in the historic 1855 classification, that offers insight into Médoc’s prestigious wine traditions. A final stop at another renowned classified château completes the sequence, highlighting a different expression of the region's wines. A scenic drive brings you back to Bordeaux through the vineyards.

What makes this day trip distinctive is the way it connects two sides of the Médoc that are rarely experienced together. Family owned estates and historic 1855 Grand Cru Classé châteaux are approached through long standing personal relationships, built over time by Tim and Julie. These relationships go beyond formal visits, allowing conversations, rare access, and perspectives that are usually reserved for insiders and longtime partners rather than visitors passing through. This personal dimension runs through the entire experience. Tastings focus on how classification, terroir, and production decisions translate into distinctly different Médoc styles. Your host adapts naturally to your interests and level of knowledge, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and unforced. The result is a deeper understanding of the Médoc as a living wine region, seen through the people who know it best. You’ll feel more like being hosted by friends than joining a traditional tour.

Tim Cowley, a former professional rugby player from New Zealand, moved to Europe in 2003, originally planning to stay for just one year. Travel quickly became central to his life, and after retiring from rugby in 2012, he chose to focus on his passion for wine, travel, and French culture. Bordeaux brought all of this together. With its nearby coastline, vast vineyard landscapes, outstanding wines, rich food culture, and deep historical roots, the region became the natural setting for his next chapter. Tim did his first ever tour using an old car he borrowed from a mate and his adventure began. Together with Julie and Rémi, Tim now creates carefully curated private experiences across Bordeaux’s most celebrated vineyards. Their work focuses on authenticity, storytelling, and genuine human connection, bringing together excellent wines, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed, welcoming approach.

Comfortable clothes and shoes.