← All river guides

River cruise wine guide

Wine Guide to the Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region) River Cruise

Curated by Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier

The Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region) winds through France, and for wine lovers it's one of Europe's great cruising routes. Along the way you'll pass 8 wine stops across regions like Bordeaux (city), Sauternes & Barsac, Entre-deux-Mers and Saint-Émilion / Pomerol (Libourne), where the glasses fill with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Semillon and Cabernet Franc. Here's what to drink at each stop.

The full guide

Everything to drink on the Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region), in your pocket

For travelers sailing Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Tauck, or Uniworld-style Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region) cruises.

  • ✓What to drink — and the must-try bottle
  • ✓Local food & cheese pairings
  • ✓Nearby vineyards & winery picks
  • ✓What to bring home
  • ✓Cruise timing & shore-excursion tips
  • ✓Download the whole guide — no ship Wi-Fi needed
Unlock the full guide

Wine regions along the way

Bordeaux (city)Sauternes & BarsacEntre-deux-MersSaint-Émilion / Pomerol (Libourne)Cotes de Bordeaux (Blaye, Bourg)Médoc (Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe)

Stops along the Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region)

  1. Bordeaux1
    BordeauxBordeaux (city)Read the guide →
    Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet FrancSauvignon Blanc
  2. Cadillac2
    CadillacSauternes & BarsacRead the guide →
    SémillonSauvignon BlancMuscadelle
  3. Entre-deux-Mers3
    Entre-deux-MersEntre-deux-MersExcursion stopRead the guide →
    Sauvignon BlancSauvignon GrisSémillonMuscadelle
  4. Libourne4
    LibourneSaint-Émilion / Pomerol (Libourne)Read the guide →
    MerlotCabernet FrancCabernet Sauvignon
  5. Saint-Émilion5
    Saint-ÉmilionSaint-Émilion / Pomerol (Libourne)Excursion stopRead the guide →
    MerlotCabernet FrancCabernet SauvignonMalbec
  6. Blaye6
    BlayeCotes de Bordeaux (Blaye, Bourg)Read the guide →
    MerlotCabernet FrancCabernet SauvignonMalbec
  7. Margaux7
    MargauxMédoc (Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe)Excursion stopRead the guide →
    Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet FrancPetit Verdot
  8. Pauillac8
    PauillacMédoc (Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe)Read the guide →
    Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet FrancPetit Verdot

Plan your route

Wines along France's rivers →

Get wine tips for your cruise

Join the list for sommelier picks and pairings along your river route.

No spam — unsubscribe anytime.

Common questions

What wine should I drink on a Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region) river cruise?
A Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region) cruise passes through Bordeaux (city), Sauternes & Barsac, Entre-deux-Mers, Saint-Émilion / Pomerol (Libourne) and Cotes de Bordeaux (Blaye, Bourg), so expect wines from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Semillon and Cabernet Franc. Each stop guide lists the must-try bottle and food pairings.
Which towns are the best wine stops on the Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region)?
Bordeaux, Cadillac, Entre-deux-Mers, Libourne, Saint-Émilion, Blaye, Margaux and Pauillac are the wine-focused stops along the Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region).
How many stops are on a Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region) river cruise?
This guide covers 8 stops along the Gironde, Dordogne & Garonne (Bordeaux region), 8 of them in a wine region.