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 in the famous grape-growing region of Bordeaux. From day one to day six, you’ll be tiptoeing 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, David and Britta, 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, appreciation and grasp of 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 me 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 why we love to ride!
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 opportunities for trotting and cantering. The riding landscape varies on a daily basis from rolling hills to vineyards to French farmlands and woods.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
- Type of tack:French trail riding saddles (with a gel pad!) equipped with saddlebags, a poncho and a water bottle. 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, 4 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. Good physical fitness is essential as you’ll be riding for up to 6 hours each day. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:You will stay in a selection of boutique, quintessential French B&Bs and hotels. There are double and twin rooms available. At some of the accommodation houses you’ll need to share a bathroom. Please take 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 with 6 riding days.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all transfers from the meeting points at set times, all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, translator, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary, water bottle on day 1, which must then be looked after and filled up for consecutive days.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), single supplement, drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees and staff tips (€10 per person, per day). Please note that transfers to and from the airport are not included in the ride price and can be paid direct in person for €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!PLEASE NOTE: solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.
Non-riders will be 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 the new accommodation site each night.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all transfers from the meeting points at set times, all meals, wine with lunch, accommodation in shared rooms with shared bathroom, riding, horses, tack, experienced guide, translator, luggage transport and excursions described in itinerary, water bottle on day 1, which must then be looked after and filled up for consecutive days.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance (compulsory), single supplement, drinks other than wine at lunch, any applicable entrance fees and staff tips (€10 per person, per day). Please note that transfers to and from the airport are not included in the ride price and can be paid direct in person for €20 per person, round-trip.
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
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 and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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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

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.’

Margie
‘This ride was endless fun. We were blessed to encounter a lively group riders who were all happy to enjoy a laugh. The scenery on was sublime and jaw-dropping, and having the ability to trot, canter and occasionally gallop through the French countryside was a real privilege. The wine tasting was lovely – we learned a lot and were introduced to delicious wines that we were able to enjoy over generous and yummy meals. The accommodation was varied and gave us the chance to interact with locals and experience a slice of their lives. Most remarkable of all were the horses. My horse, Qasino, was the most gentle-natured, willing Thoroughbred you could hope to meet. He did not put a hoof wrong and I felt he really enjoyed the journey as much as I did. He also liked to lead the pack when given the chance and was bulletproof to dogs and other noises we’d encounter on the road. Qasino stole my heart… he’s really a kind hearted horse and if you have the pleasure of riding him you will have a brilliant week.’

Debbie Tate
‘From the first minute to the last the trip was an absolute joy. The horses were much loved and very well cared for. They had lovely manners and were forward-going and responsive to the lightest of aids. The pace was varied, with some lovely canters, a few gallops and plenty of walking to take in the beautiful rolling countryside views. The saddles were very comfortable for the long hours we spent in them, with suede covered gel seat savers.
The food was delicious and each night’s accommodation was great. The guides were fabulous and couldn’t have done more for us. Each vineyard we visited was different and the tours were excellent. A fascinating insight into wine making in the Bordeaux region.’
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