Here are a couple of reasons why we fell in love with the Bordeaux Wine Trail and believe it’s the PERFECT fit for our riding portfolio.
It’s a point-to-point ride, so every day you’ll wake up, leap into the saddle and move to a new destination. For six days, you’ll tiptoe through the dreamy French countryside on perky trail horses, exploring landscapes ranging from treeless grassy knolls to ancient forests to row upon row of vineyards to fields of lavender.
You will be entertained by your French guides and hosts, who are a wealth of knowledge about the region, the wine and the history. It’s in the saddle, through your horse’s ears, that you’ll get an intimate understanding and appreciation for this ancient wine region.
On a daily basis, you’ll stop for sunshine-filled picnics beside crumbling castles or in lush mountain meadows, where your horses will be tied up nearby as you sip on regional wines.
What also excites us about this ride is the change of pace: because of the open landscapes that you explore, there are plenty of opportunities to trot and canter on a daily basis, which is what we love best!
Whether you’re a wine aficionado (you’ll sample a range of white, red and rosé wines: Médoc, Côte de Blaye, Côte de Bourg, Bordeaux Supérieur, Lalande-Pomerol, St Emilion, Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and the famous sweet and strong white in Sauternes) or looking to immerse yourself in a different culture, this ride aims to please. You’ll also get the chance to explore the historic Citadel of Blaye, the Medieval City of St Émilion, the feudal Castle of Rauzan and the medieval fortified town of Cadillac.
SO that’s why the Bordeaux Wine Trail is a Globetrotting match made in heaven.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:You’ll be riding pure or cross-bred Paint, Arabian, Thoroughbred and warmblood horses varying in height from 15.3hh to 17hh. Most of the horses were bred at your hosts' equestrian farm. They are level-headed, experienced trail horses that connect with all types of riders.
- Pace:The pace varies depending on the trail, with long periods of walking and plenty of trots and canters. The riding landscape varies from rolling hills to vineyards to French farmland and woods.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
- Type of tack:French trail riding saddles (with a gel pad!) equipped with saddlebags. Horses are ridden in ‘Myler’ bits - this style of bit is one of the kindest available. It spreads the rein pressure exerted by the rider over several different areas. Initially, it acts on the nose, poll and back of the jaw, with the mouthpiece ‘floating’. A third of the total pressure will be felt in each of these three areas. Only if the rider continues to pull on the reins will the mouthpiece engage.
- Seasons:May through to October.
- Group size:A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 5 to 6 hours per day.
- Riding Ability:Strong intermediate to advanced. All riders must be comfortable and confident at all gaits (including gallop) over varied terrain in English-style tack. Good physical fitness is essential, as you’ll be riding for up to 6 hours each day.
PLEASE NOTE: A supplement charge of €300 will apply for additional horse transport should you opt to discontinue riding during the week due to lack of fitness or unsuitable riding ability. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:You will stay in a selection of quintessential French B&Bs and hotels with double and twin rooms available. At some of the accommodation, you’ll need to share a bathroom, including those who have purchased the single supplement for your own room. Please note that the accommodation is 2 or 3 stars, but is comfortable and clean. Oh, and it’s Europe, so be prepared to stay in modest-sized single beds in a twin-share room. If you prefer your own privacy and a double bed, we highly recommend investing in the single supplement.
*Also note that some nights the group may be split between two accommodation locations, pending room availability, but you'll always share dinner together. - Ride Length:8 days, 7 nights (6 riding days).
- Inclusions:
The price includes all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, guide, translator, luggage transportation, and excursions as described in the itinerary.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees, wine tastings, or staff tips (€10 per day). Please note that transfers to and from the airport are not included in the ride price and can be paid for directly in person (€20 per person, round-trip).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!*Solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.
PLEASE NOTE: A supplement charge of €300 will apply for additional horse transport should you opt to discontinue riding during the week due to lack of fitness or unsuitable riding ability.
Non-riders are required to have their own mode of transportation (i.e. hire car) to travel around each day and meet the riders at lunch locations as well as at the accommodation sites each night.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, guide, translator, luggage transportation, and excursions as described in the itinerary.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees, wine tastings, or staff tips (€10 per day). Please note that transfers to and from the airport are not included in the ride price and can be paid for directly in person (€20 per person, round-trip).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only. It can be ridden in either direction and is subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
*Depending on availability, accommodations may need to be exchanged for another of the same standard without notice.
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Transfer Information
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Non-Riders
What our valued Globetrotters say about the Bordeaux Wine Trail
Tracy Belski
‘I booked this ride with nine friends to celebrate my 50th birthday and we were all ecstatic from start to finish. We were matched perfectly to our horses. My horse was Chetan, and he was THE BEST! Kind, willing, careful, and responsive – exactly what I was looking for in my perfect mount. We thoroughly enjoyed touring Bordeaux on horseback. It’s such an intimate way to see a new place, and we saw things that most tourists never would. Our lodgings were varied and comfortable, and the food was delicious. The guides were accommodating and bravely protective, allowing us to relax and really enjoy all aspects of the trip. I couldn’t be happier that I chose this ride to celebrate a milestone. My next ride is already booked!’
Gina Resch
‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was one of a kind! A wonderful combination of relaxation, excitement, wine and picturesque scenery. Exploring this region on horseback was a once in a lifetime experience. My horse Kelly was smart, trustworthy and a true delight to ride. Our guides were terrific: well prepared, capable and fun! Globetrotting did an excellent job providing information and tips to prepare for the trip, and classified the ride appropriately. I’ll definitely book with them again.’
Beth Blodgett
‘I absolutely loved my ride with David, Ania and Anouk through the wine country of France! All of the accommodations were lovely and all of the food was delicious. The guides’ level of knowledge and love for each and every horse was fantastic. My horse Davidson was amazing! He was so surefooted and loved being out on a ride. I will return next year, and hopefully all of the new friends that I made will be back for this ride again, too!’
Taelor Wallace
‘The fellow globetrotters I met on this trip were absolutely incredible. If I could’ve packed all of them up in my suitcase and brought them home, I would have. I can say I was genuinely sad to go our separate ways at the end of the trip. Luckily, we are already making plans to visit each other and to hopefully do a ride together somewhere next year. While this was not what I would call a relaxing ride (it was pretty fast-paced and required a bit of a taste for adventure!), it did a great job of getting my globetrotting bug started. I can’t wait for my next ride!’
Pam Goodwin
‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was even better than expected, if that is even possible. The guides, horses and scenery were equally spectacular. The wine tastings were all unique experiences, which was so wonderful. My horse, Kelly, was the perfect ride to make me feel comfortable and confident the entire trip. Our guide Magali was spectacular: an expert horsewoman who handled everything and everyone in a professional and kind manner. We were all blown away by how amazing she was with every horse. Annouk was also lovely and took great care to be sure we got whatever special requests we asked for. I would definitely recommend this ride!’
Tim Margetts
‘The BEST adventure – the riding was brilliant, the horses perfect. Our guides, Valeria and Helanna, were fantastic. Sue and I had great horses – forward and a lot of action. We’ve just finished and we’re heading off to drinks with the Globetrotting gang.’
Bernadette Kelly
‘Brilliant horses, stunning surroundings and delicious, melt in your mouth French food and wine. This holiday ticked all the boxes. Ancient French villages, castles and moats and a new winery tour each day. The French are passionate about their country and their wine. Now I know why!’
Carrie St Clair
‘The Bordeaux Wine Trail was fantastic. It is a great way to see the vineyards and experience horse travel as it should be. The accommodations were beautiful, the food was top notch and the hosts were fabulous. Or guides did an amazing job, from setting the pace and making sure all of us were happy to guiding us around obstacles and traffic. My mare Penelope was awesome. Lots of go, but under control. Valerie did a great job matching up horses with riders. Everyone was pleased with their horse. It’s a top notch operation and you won’t be disappointed. Just do it!’
Tricia Huerta
‘Miles and miles of grapevines, incredible light filtering through the trees, and amazing wine by the barrel – probably what you’re expecting when you hear the word ‘Bordeaux’ – but now imagine you’re on a horse. TEN MILLION TIMES BETTER. Riding through the Bordeaux region with the Globetrotting crew and the local guides, every day is a surprise. You’ll think ‘It can’t get better,’ and then it does. From riding through centuries-old fortresses to galloping through a dense forest and picking grapes straight off the vines as you ride by, this ride will have you looking for real estate in the south of France before the week is out. Our hosts were beyond accommodating, and ran the program like a well-oiled machine. The horses were extremely well cared for and had plenty of personality to keep the ride interesting, with amazing boldness in the face of whatever was thrown at them – they didn’t put a hoof wrong. I recommend this trip not just for its delightful scenery and divine food and wine, but mostly for its hosts, as they have incredible stories to tell, care about their human and animal team, and clearly love what they do.’
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