Mindful Wine & Wellness Retreat in Bordeaux: Tai Chi and Slow Living in the Vineyards

Laurent spent more than 20 years as a sports educator in the United States before returning to France to retrain as a sophrologist. That background shows in how he runs the retreat: relaxed, but with a clear structure underneath. Each morning starts around 9 AM with a private Tai Chi or Qi Gong session, often in the quiet of the garden or among the vines, followed by conscious breathing.

After that, the day opens up. You might head to the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Émilion, wander the sandy lanes of Sauternes, or explore a local market. Laurent acts as a guide and driver, but the itinerary is yours to shape. If you'd rather have a slow morning with a book and coffee on your private patio, that's completely fine too.

Mindful wine tasting is at the heart of the experience. Laurent arranges private visits to handpicked estates, from grands crus classés like Château Pape Clément to family-run gems such as Sigalas Rabaud. Instead of a standard tour with rapid tasting, you'll practice slowing down, noticing aromas, textures and flavors, and connecting with the story of each wine. These tastings are often paired with local cheese, bread, or chocolate.

The accommodation is Laurent's own countryside guesthouse, a tranquil home with a private room for you. Evenings might involve a sunset aperitif, a dinner at a village bistro, or a special meal out in the region. Because everything is private, the retreat works equally well for couples and solo travelers, and Laurent can shape the whole experience around your pace and interests.

What's included

- Airport or train station pick-up and drop-off - 2 nights accommodation in a private room in a countryside home - Daily breakfast - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Daily private Tai Chi and Qi Gong sessions - Private guided vineyard visits and tastings (1-2 estates per day) - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage - Free wifi and parking

What's not included

- Flights to Bordeaux - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunches and dinners (except breakfasts) - Entrance fees to monuments - Château tasting fees (paid on-site) - Additional activities not in the itinerary