A Bordeaux girls’ trip you can join solo

(or with your bestie)

Dates: September 1–6, 2026

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.

Total Spots Available: 10

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 riverside city of Bordeaux itself (all best experienced with a glass of the red wine that made this region famous in hand).

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

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 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 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 2: 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 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. After lunch, enjoy a guided bike tour through the charming streets and riverside of Bordeaux.

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 4: Saint-Émilion Wine Tour

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

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, wine-bar hop, or wander through museums. 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.

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.

Discover the Bordeaux Wine Region

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.

Pricing & Inclusions

£2,000 per person

Included in the price:

Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel (5 nights at a 4-star hotel)

Group Transfers (from Bordeaux airport or train station at designated times)

Private Drivers to Wineries (no shared coaches for château visits)

Two Dedicated Wine Days (Left & Right Bank appellations, multiple château visits and tastings)

6+ Winery Visits (cellar tours and guided tastings across the retreat)

All In-City Transport (7-day public transport pass)

Daily Breakfast

Welcome Dinner (wine included, of course!)

Aperitif Cruise on the Garonne (wine & snacks included)

Bike Tour of Bordeaux

Cité du Vin Museum Entrance (includes a glass of wine in their viewing lounge)

Farewell Dinner (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

How to Secure Your Place

1.Book

By completing the online registration form.

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.

Payment Information

This Bordeaux retreat is £2,000 per person, based on double occupancy.

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 £1,500 will be due by July 3rd (60 days before the retreat start date).

You may choose to pay the remaining balance:

  • In full, or

  • In two instalments of £750

You will receive reminder emails ahead of payment due dates.

Bookings made within 60 days of the retreat start date require payment in full at the time of booking.

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.

Two women smiling and posing in front of a castle-like building on a city street, with several people and bicycles in the background.

Who is this trip 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 your 20s - 40s looking for meaningful, social, & unforgettable travel experiences.

  • A solo traveler looking for a safe, welcoming, and fun group to explore with.

  • A wine lover, whether you’re a casual sipper or a budding connoisseur (no need to be an expert)!

  • Excited to meet new people and share laughter, stories, and adventures.

  • A curious explorer eager to see Bordeaux beyond the tourist highlights.

  • Ready to treat yourself to a getaway that’s as much about connection as it is about travel.

Why Join Amica Vina?

Here’s what makes Amica Vina retreats special:

  • Our retreat itineraries are tested first-hand by the research trips we 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.

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

  • We keep our retreats intimate so everyone feels included, supported, and part of the group.

  • Expect more Amica Vina retreats in destinations like Provence, Champagne, Alsace, and beyond.

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 this September.

Cheers,
Samantha

What Guests Say

These quotes are from women who travelled with Samantha on Amica Vina research trips. First official retreat: Bordeaux, September 2026.

  • “Travelling through Bordeaux with Sam felt completely effortless. The city has such a cool yet elegant vibe, and the wineries (aka chateaux) were so glamorous. Every winery we visited was clearly chosen with care. The wineries were welcoming and never felt overly ‘wine-technical,’ but I still learned a lot and had fun doing it. I loved how everything flowed so smoothly (no pun intended!), without needing to think or plan at all. The trip felt like the perfect balance of structure and freedom to explore Bordeaux, and I already want to do another trip like it!”

    — Mairead D. (Travelled with Amica Vina to Bordeaux)

  • “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 to Alsace)

  • “Travelling through Paris and Champagne was so fun, I couldn’t think of a better city combo for a girls' trip. As a Champagne lover, I found the tastings were elegant yet approachable. The whole experience felt social and celebratory, yet I learned more than I could imagine about the craft of wine. I loved that we could enjoy multiple wine tours without any stress or decision-making. While in Paris, you could tell Sam was so comfortable in the city, guiding us from sight to sight with fun wine and food pit-stops along the way. She curates the trip so it never feels overly touristy either. The care and detail she brings to Amica Vina, even on the research trip, makes you feel completely taken care of.”

    — Mairead D. (Travelled with Amica Vina to Paris & Champagne)

  • “Alsace in December is like something out of a fairytale, and the way Amica Vina curates the experience makes it even more special. Everything felt thoughtfully paced. Pairing wine tastings with Christmas markets was such a fun mix. Many people say it’s the Christmas capital, and I can see why. The wine tastings were informative and still easy to digest. You get to try so many wine styles specific to the Alsace region (lots of them new to me, including my new favourite, Gewürztraminer!). I wouldn’t have thought to do a wine tour in the winter, but this trip made me realise how magical a winter wine retreat can be!”

    — Chantel D. (Travelled with Amica Vina to Alsace)

  • “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 to the Loire Valley)

  • “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 to the Loire Valley)

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.

  • Our retreats are designed for women in their 20s to 40s, creating a group of like-minded travellers at similar life stages.

  • Rooms are typically shared, but pending availability, private rooms may be available for an additional cost.

  • Before the retreat, we’ll send a short survey to help match guests with the most compatible roommates.

  • 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.


  • 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 Bordeaux solo or with your new travel friends.

  • Not at all! The only requirement is getting yourself to and from Bordeaux (airport or train station). 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 us 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.

  • If minimum numbers are not met, and a retreat can’t proceed, all deposits will be refunded in full (or may be transferred for another retreat if preferred).

    We kindly ask that you wait to book flights or non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive written confirmation that the retreat is guaranteed to run.

Questions before you commit?

Girls’ trips don’t have to stay in the group chat; let’s make them real!

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

Not ready for Bordeaux this September? Join the waitlist for future retreats.

Ready to Join Us in Bordeaux?