A Bordeaux wine retreat for women aged 50+

April 20th–25th, 2027

Collage of travel photos featuring European architecture, castles, a fountain with a monument, women sightseeing, a winery with barrels, and a historic building with greenery.

Six days in one of France's most celebrated wine regions.

Experience grand châteaux in the Médoc, the cobbled medieval streets of UNESCO-listed Saint-Émilion, and, of course, the vibrant city of Bordeaux itself (all best explored, of course, with a glass of the region's famous red in hand).

No wine expertise needed. No friend group required. Just a well-curated retreat that handles the planning so you don't have to.

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Your Itinerary

Here’s a glimpse of what your six days in Bordeaux will look like.

People raising glasses of red wine in a toast outdoors.

Day 1: Welcome to Bordeaux

Arrive at our 4-star Bordeaux hotel and settle in before gathering for a welcome dinner and drinks in the city. A perfect evening to meet your fellow travellers, and toast to the adventures ahead.

A woman wearing a dress is walking through a lush garden with green foliage and white flowers. In the background, there is a historical stone building with a tall, pointed tower and a partly cloudy sky. In the wine region of Bordeaux (Saint-Emilion)

Day 2: Saint-Émilion Wine Tour

Explore the Right Bank’s renowned wineries with tours and tastings at three châteaux. Midday, enjoy lunch in Saint-Émilion and free time to explore the picturesque, UNESCO-listed village.

A Bordeaux city street with a cyclist riding along tram tracks, pedestrians walking, and historic multi-story buildings with balconies. In the background, there is a large church with two tall spires.

Day 3: Discover Bordeaux

Begin with a visit to La Cité du Vin, the world-famous wine museum, followed by lunch at Les Halles de Bacalan. After lunch, enjoy a guided bike tour through the charming streets and riverside of Bordeaux. Ending the day with a dinner together in Chatrons.

A historic castle winery with towers and turrets, seen through green leaves of a tree, with a blue sky in the background. In the Bordeaux wine region

Day 4: Left Bank Wine Tour

Spend the day discovering the legendary Left Bank of Bordeaux. We’ll visit three châteaux (aka wineries), enjoy private tastings, and pause for a leisurely lunch in between.

A historic brick bridge with arches over a river, decorated with ornate black lampposts, under a clear evening sky, with city buildings and a tower in the background. In Bordeaux France

Day 5: Wander & Celebrate

A free day to explore: shop, wander through museums, or have a slow leisurely lunch. In the evening, we'll come together for a special send-off: a golden hour river cruise, good wine, and a farewell dinner.

A white saucer with a white coffee cup filled with a frothy cappuccino, placed on a white tablecloth, with two croissants dusted with powdered sugar in the background on a white plate.

Day 6: Farewells

Share one last breakfast before saying goodbye (or rather, à bientôt) to Bordeaux and your new travel friends.

Pricing & Inclusions

Or £2,250 if you book and room with a friend

£2,800 per person

Included in the price:

4-star Bordeaux hotel (5 nights)

Group transfers (from Bordeaux airport or train station)

Two dedicated winery days (Left & Right Bank appellations, multiple château visits and tastings)

Six winery visits (cellar tours and guided tastings across the retreat)

Private drivers to Left & Right Bank

All in-city transport (7-day transport pass)

Daily breakfast

Welcome dinner (wine included, of course!)

Lunch in Médoc on Left Bank wine day

Lunch in Saint-Émilion on Right Bank wine day

Mid-trip dinner (with wine)

Guided bike tour of Bordeaux

Cité du Vin museum entrance (includes a glass of wine in their viewing lounge)

Aperitif cruise on the Garonne (wine & snacks included)

Farewell dinner on last night (with wine)

French goodies bag

Founder-hosted (Samantha is there every day of the retreat)

Not included in the price:

Flights & Trains to Bordeaux

Group Transfers Outside of Retreat Dates

Travel Insurance (Required)

Meals Not Mentioned

Activities During Free Time

Discover the Bordeaux Wine Region

A woman with long blond hair wearing a white shirt and brown pants standing under an arched entrance made of stone, leading to a garden area with a building in the background. The building is made of stone, has large windows, and is covered in green ivy. The structure in the background is topped with a patterned shingle roof.

Bordeaux is one of the world’s most famous wine regions, celebrated for its elegant, complex wines and stunning vineyards.

Divided by the Gironde River into the Left and Right Banks, the region is home to centuries-old châteaux, charming villages, and some of the most prestigious wine estates in the world.

The region’s wines are primarily made from two signature grapes: Merlot, known for its soft, plush fruit flavours, and Cabernet Sauvignon, prized for its structure, depth, and aging potential. Together, they create the classic Bordeaux blends that have made this region legendary among wine lovers.

Taste, explore, and discover why this region has captured the hearts of wine lovers for centuries.

How to Secure Your Place

1.Book

By completing the online registration form.

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2. Deposit

You'll receive an email with next steps and a secure payment link to lock in your place by submitting the £500 deposit.

3. Confirm

Once we reach the minimum of 6 guests, you’ll receive written confirmation that the trip is guaranteed to run and that you may proceed with booking your travel.

This Bordeaux retreat is £2,800 per person. If you book with a friend opt to share a room (two twin beds), your total will be £2,250pp.

A minimum of 6 confirmed guests is required for the retreat to proceed.

Deposit

A £500 deposit is required to secure your place.

Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable unless the retreat is cancelled by Amica Vina due to minimum numbers not being met.

Remaining Balance

The remaining balance of £2,300 (or £1,750 if you book and room with a friend) will be due by February 19th (60 days before the retreat start date).

You may choose to pay the remaining balance:

  • In full, or

  • In two instalments

You will receive reminder emails ahead of payment due dates.

Your Money is Fully Protected

Amica Vina is a member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), which means all payments are held in a dedicated, independently managed trust account. Your funds are always safeguarded. Should Amica Vina ever be unable to continue operating, your money remains protected and not at risk.

Important Travel Note

Please do not book flights or non-refundable travel arrangements until:

  • You have received confirmation that your spot is secured, and

  • You have received written confirmation that the retreat is guaranteed to run.

You can review the Amica Vina’s Booking Terms & Conditions here.

Payment Information

Who is this 50s+ retreat for?


This retreat is designed for women who want more than just a vacation; they want an experience that blends discovery, connection, and a touch of indulgence.


You’ll love this trip if you are:

  • A woman in her 50s or beyond, or in her 40s and looking to connect with a slightly older, more settled group, rather than travel built around a younger crowd.

  • A solo traveller who wants a welcoming, well-organised group to explore with, without having to navigate the logistics alone.

  • A wine lover, whether that means a glass with dinner or genuine curiosity about the region, no expertise required.

  • Someone who'd rather spend a week talking, laughing, and getting to know new people than sightseeing on your own.

  • Interested in seeing France without rushing between checklist sights, with room to actually enjoy where you are, even if the days themselves are full.

  • Ready for a trip that gives you space to enjoy yourself, without needing to organise a single detail.

Why Join Amica Vina?

Here’s what makes Amica Vina retreats special:

  • Amica Vina retreat itineraries are tested first-hand by the research trips I take - making sure the wineries and activities are as wonderful as imagined.

    Blending delicious wine, aesthetic atmospheres, and great hospitality so that everyone enjoys themselves (newbies to wine aficionados all welcome!).

  • Designed with solo female travellers in mind, so you can feel safe and supported - surrounded by like-minded women. Friend duos also welcome!

  • Built-in friend group for a dream girls’ trip. You may arrive solo, but you’ll never feel alone.

  • Taste, learn, and enjoy Bordeaux wines with local experts, from world-famous châteaux to hidden gems.

  • I handle the details (accommodation, activities, and transportation) so you can simply relax and enjoy.

  • I keep Amica Vina retreats intimate so everyone feels included, supported, and part of the group.

A woman in a navy blue top, white shorts, and white sneakers standing on a stone pathway at a marina, with white boats docked in the water and Mediterranean-style white buildings in the background.

Meet Your Host

In my 20s, I lived in Canada, France, the UK, and Australia; always eager to meet new people and discover new places. I built a career in advertising and dedicated my free time to chasing experiences and collecting stories, including visiting beautiful vineyards around the world.

Over time, my curiosity about wine grew. So much so that I now hold a WSET Level 3 qualification.

Though I’m grateful to have lived in different countries, moving around highlighted how challenging it can be to make new friends as an adult (and how many women feel the same).

These things together inspired me to create Amica Vina: curated wine retreats where women can travel together, explore beautiful wine regions, and build genuine connections that go beyond a single trip.

When you join an Amica Vina retreat, the hard work is already done; you just get to soak up the scenery, enjoy sharing wine, and meet inspiring women who may become lifelong friends.

I can’t wait to welcome you to Amica Vina in Bordeaux!

Cheers,
Samantha

What Guests Say

  • I had the most amazing trip with Amina Vica in Paris, Champagne and the Loire Valley. Samantha is so welcoming and has every detail planned out so you don’t ever feel the need to worry about what to do, where to go or what’s next. I appreciate her knowledge of the regions, the wines and the people. I met some amazing women and got to sample delicious wines, I would have never tried otherwise. Come with an open mind, and prepare yourself for a great time. Looking forward to exploring a new region with Amina Vica in the future.

    Alicia L. (Attended Paris, Champagne, & Loire Valley October 2026 retreat)

  • My weekend with Amica Vina in Kent was honestly superb from start to finish. Sam has this brilliant way of making everything feel effortless and welcoming — you can tell how much thought she puts into every detail. We arrived to a lovely gift bag full of personal touches, and from that moment it felt like we were being looked after. And when I say everything was included… literally everything other than the bottles we chose to buy at the vineyards. Food, transport, tastings, activities — all included. There was enough food and snacks to feed the 5000, so no one was ever left hungry or wondering what was next. One thing I really appreciated was that nobody expected you to be a wine connoisseur. You didn’t need to know anything beyond being open‑minded. I learnt loads just by listening and tasting, without ever feeling like I had to pretend to be an expert. It was relaxed, fun, and completely pressure‑free. The pub quiz was great fun (I’m saving my first‑place prize for a special occasion), but the real highlight was the group of girls and the atmosphere Sam created. Everyone gelled so quickly — by the end of day one it felt like we’d known each other for ages. It was relaxed, friendly, and full of laughs in that way you just can’t manufacture. I’m already looking forward to my next trip with Amica Vina because weekends like this are genuinely hard to beat. Thanks Sam!

    Aisling D. (Attended Kent Wine Weekend, August 2026)

  • I love the Kent wine weekend with Amica Vina. Everything was so well organised and thoughtfully paced, with fantastic wine and food, and lots of personal touches from Sam that made the weekend feel really special. It was also a great way to discover a part of the UK I hadn’t visited before and meet a lovely group of women. I’d definitely join another Amica Vina trip in the future!

    Marybeth H. (Attended Kent Wine Weekend, August 2026)

  • “Samantha puts so much thought into selecting the best wineries. It was cool seeing her process during the research trip, making sure each winery had the right balance of quality wine, great hospitality, and also felt unique from the others. You can tell she’s in her element, and her love of learning about wine is infectious.”

    — Chantel D. (Travelled with Amica Vina on Alsace research trip)

  • “Truthfully, wine travel wasn't really on my radar before this trip. I joined Sam in the Loire Valley simply for the adventure of exploring a new place. As someone who doesn’t usually drink wine, I ended up loving all the winery tours and tastings (I even bought some bottles to take home with me!). I totally get the appeal of a wine tour now. The chateaux of the region were a stunning bonus on top.”

    — Roisin V. (Travelled with Amica Vina on Loire Valley research trip)

  • “It didn’t take much convincing to join Sam in the Loire Valley. She had it all planned out, so all I had to do was show up. We tasted wines from across the region and learned about the wine-making process in a digestible and entertaining way. I'd been vaguely aware of the Loire Valley before, but now I’d definitely recommend a trip to anyone interested in visiting chateaux and drinking delicious wine, and doing it as a curated retreat makes all the difference!”

    — Laura B. (Travelled with Amica Vina on Loire Valley research trip)

  • Had such a lovely weekend with Amica Vina on their Kent Wine Experience! 🍷🍇 The whole weekend was so relaxed and well organised, and it was really nice getting to explore the vineyards, learn more about English wine and, of course, taste some amazing wines along the way! 🥂 Sam thought of everything from transport, to food to fun activities to get to know the other girls! Such a gorgeous experience and definitely something I’d recommend if you’re looking for a fun weekend out in the countryside. We had the best time! 🤍

    – Caylee M. (Attended Kent Wine Weekend, August 2026)

  • I had an amazing time. I can’t express how glad I am that I found your page and I took the chance which was actually really hard for me because I have never done something “solo” and I was worried about who I would meet, if we would get along etc. especially when it means a full week away with strangers. But I had such a positive feeling about your instagram and how you set up the details of the trip along with your prompt responses when I needed booking help. Also I loved that with my life being so busy that every detail was planned by you and I didn’t need to worry about the logistics. You are incredibly kind and easy going and made us feel relaxed and never rushed. The trip to Montromaine, Amboise and the Chateau were highlights for me because we weren’t just wine tasting in France but getting a more immersive experience. It definitely opened my eyes to something new even though I’ve been traveling for so long. I would definitely recommend your trips to others - I think it’s the perfect way for women to explore the world and get to know other women who have similar interests. Although I have my own future trips planned I would absolutely book again in the future.

    Sarafina M. (Attended Paris, Champagne, & Loire Valley October 2026 retreat)

50s+ Bordeaux 

Retreat FAQs

  • You can fly into Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) or take the train to Gare Saint-Jean in Bordeaux.

  • Each retreat hosts 6-10 guests; small enough to stay intimate, but big enough to build a vibrant group dynamic.

  • Yes, this is a dedicated retreat designed specifically for the 50s+ age group.

  • You are more than welcome to join!

  • All bookings are based on solo-occupancy, so you have your own room.

    If you’d like to book with a friend and share a room, a discounted rate is offered.

  • Absolutely! While we encourage solo travel, so everyone arrives with an open mindset and ready to meet new people, traveling with a friend is also possible.

    Keep in mind that sometimes friend duos naturally stick together, so the best experience comes when both friends are also excited to make new connections with the group.

  • Yes! We’ll set up a WhatsApp group before the trip so everyone can connect ahead of time.

  • In Bordeaux there will be a moderate level of walking, as well as taking the tram to some destinations.

    We also have a bike tour planned. The guided experience is approximately 2.5–3 hours around Bordeaux at a relaxed pace. The route is largely flat and follows safe, cycle-friendly paths. The bikes are Dutch-style, designed for comfort and upright riding, which many people find easier than traditional bikes. If you have any concerns about the bike tour please let me know.

  • Payments are made securely by card or bank transfer at the time of booking. The first payment is a non-refundable deposit to secure your place on the retreat. The remaining balance can be paid in one or two instalments, and must be paid in full no later than 60 days before the retreat start date.

  • Yes, your money is fully protected. Amica Vina is a member of the Travel Trust Association (TTA), which means 100% of the money you pay us is held in a dedicated, independently managed trust account. Your funds are always safeguarded. Should Amica Vina ever be unable to continue operating, your money remains protected and not at risk.

  • Yes, travel insurance is required for all guests and must be arranged before the trip.

  • Yes, we include some free time in the itinerary for you to wander solo or with your new travel friends.

  • Not at all! The only requirement is getting yourself to and from Paris. Once you arrive, we take care of all the details so you can fully enjoy the retreat.

  • Let us know your requirements when booking. We’ll do our best to accommodate, though some restrictions may be more challenging in France.

  • Some areas of France can be challenging for travellers with accessibility needs. Please contact me with your requirements, and we’ll work with you to explore what’s possible.

  • Yes! We can customise this retreat for your own group of friends (without an Amica Vina host). Reach out to samantha@amicavina.com to discuss private bookings.

Questions before you commit?

Ready to Join Us in Bordeaux?

Let’s raise a glass to new friends, good wine, and unforgettable memories!

Not ready to travel this April? Join the waitlist for future 50s+ retreats.

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