Wine tasting gets sharper in paradise. This private advanced tasting brings a Master sommelier (with experience working for 2 and 3 Michelin stars) to help you taste, compare, and learn how to match wines to real meals, not just drink something you like.

I like two things most. First, the session feels step-by-step, even if you’re already comfortable with wine, and the guide’s explanations land quickly. Second, the food pairing aspect is treated like the main event: you get appetizers designed to show you how wine can change food, and how food can change wine.

One consideration: at $1,200 per group (up to 6), this is best when you’re booking with others and genuinely want to learn pairing. If you just want casual sips with no structure, the price may feel heavy.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private, up to 6 people, for about 2 hours
• Master sommelier Allan with Michelin-star experience (2 and 3 stars)
• Advanced wine and liquor tastings with appetizers focused on pairing
• Hosted at Saint-James, with an option to stay for dinner
• Pickup available and a mobile ticket to simplify arrival

Why This Advanced Tasting Works So Well in Bora Bora

Bora Bora is famous for scenery. This experience is built for something more practical: turning your wine enjoyment into a skill you can reuse anywhere you travel. The focus isn’t on fancy talk. It’s on teaching you how to taste, then how to make pairings that actually make sense on your palate.

The private setup matters. With a smaller group, you’re more likely to ask questions and get guidance that fits what you like. You’re also tasting at a pace that gives your palate time to reset between pours, which is key when you’re comparing wines and learning what you’re reacting to.

Another smart point: the tasting uses both wines and liquors. That broadens what you learn about flavor patterns like sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and alcohol warmth. Even if your heart says wine, you’ll still pick up pairing logic that applies across drinks.

Meet the Sommelier and Learn Tasting Like a Pro

This is an education-first tasting, led by Allan, a Master sommelier with experience working for 2 and 3 Michelin stars. You don’t need to pretend you’re an expert. In fact, the best part is how he can explain the same idea in plain language for different levels.

Here’s what that typically means during a lesson like this: you’re not just swallowing and hoping. You’ll be guided to notice details—how aromas shift, how the first sip differs from how the wine feels after it rests on your tongue, and what happens when an appetizer changes the wine’s character.

I especially like that the pairing lessons are front and center. You’ll learn how to match wine to food based on basics, not vibes. That’s what helps the experience go beyond a pleasant drink-and-snack stop.

And yes, the guide also seems comfortable steering the tasting to suit you. If you already know wines and you want refined options, the structure is designed to go beyond first-timer territory.

The 2-Hour Private Session: What You Actually Do

The experience runs for about 2 hours, scheduled between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM. That timing works well for Bora Bora days because it sits in the late afternoon window—long enough to taste thoughtfully, without eating up your entire evening.

You can expect multiple wine and liquor tastings, each supported by appetizers. This isn’t random sampling. The setup is aimed at teaching you how pairing works in the real world:

• You taste something.
• You taste the food with it.
• Then you see what changes.

In practice, this kind of pairing lesson helps you understand two-way influence. A wine can lift a dish you wouldn’t think about pairing it with, and a dish can make a wine taste softer, sharper, more balanced, or even completely different than it tasted on its own.

If you’re the sort of person who likes to order wine and then wonder why it tastes better with one bite than another, this is the moment to fix that. You’ll leave with a clearer sense of what to look for next time you’re choosing off a menu.

Saint-James Hosting and the Dinner Option

One reason this tasting feels special is the setting. It can be hosted at Saint-James, a top restaurant in Bora Bora with a well-regarded wine cellar. In other words, the tasting isn’t happening in a generic room with generic logistics. You’re in an environment built for wine service and dining.

There’s also an option to stay for dinner at Saint-James. If you do that, the pairing education becomes immediately useful. After tasting styles and learning the logic behind the matches, you’ll be better able to choose wines for your actual meal rather than guessing.

A helpful detail from experience in the field: if Saint-James is not available, the tasting may be arranged at your accommodation instead. I’ve seen a case where the session took place on a balcony at the Four Seasons when the restaurant option wasn’t workable. That kind of flexibility can matter more in island travel than you’d think, especially if weather or closures affect plans.

Pickup, Mobile Ticket, and Private Group Size: Smart Logistics

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. The cap is up to 6 people per group, which makes the experience feel personal rather than crowded. For couples, it’s a high-quality splurge. For friends, it’s a chance to split the cost and turn it into a shared learning experience.

Logistics are fairly clean:

• Pickup offered, depending on your arrangement
• Mobile ticket, which cuts down on printed paperwork
• Confirmation typically comes within 48 hours, if availability holds

Because it’s private and structured, you’re less likely to feel rushed. And because the session is scheduled at a predictable window (3:30–5:30 PM), it’s easier to plan your day around it.

One more practical note: this is designed for people who can participate most of the time. Service animals are allowed, which is a good inclusion if you travel with an animal that needs to come along.

Price and Value: What $1,200 Buys You

Let’s talk money directly. The price is $1,200 per group (up to 6). That sounds steep until you translate it into what you’re getting: a private Master sommelier-led tasting with multiple pours, liquor included, appetizers, and pairing coaching for your group.

So the value depends on your travel math:

• If you book as a duo or solo, you’ll feel the cost more.
• If you’re booking with up to four others who share your interest in wine, it becomes easier to justify.
• If you’re the kind of traveler who will actually use the pairing lessons afterward, the cost becomes more like an education fee than a simple drink bill.

Also, you’re not just tasting. You’re getting the reasoning behind what you like. That’s the part that can keep paying you back every time you order wine at another restaurant. In a place like Bora Bora, where restaurant choices can be pricey, having better instincts can help you spend your dining budget more confidently.

Who This Tasting Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This experience suits you if:

• You care about wine enough to want structured guidance
• You like learning how to pair drinks with food
• You’re traveling with friends or family and want a shared, private activity
• You want a higher-end experience in Bora Bora that isn’t just looking pretty

You might think twice if:

• Your goal is mostly relaxation with no instruction
• You’re not interested in pairing logic or tasting comparisons
• You’re booking just for a quick snack and a glass

That said, even people who think they’re “not a wine person” can often enjoy this kind of session if they’re open to tasting with attention. The key is that the lesson is designed to speak to both novices and experienced drinkers in a way that stays practical.

My Booking Recommendation: Should You Book This One?

I’d book this if you want a premium Bora Bora activity that’s also genuinely useful. The combination of Allan’s sommelier-level coaching, advanced tastings, and appetizers built for pairing makes it more than a celebratory sip session.

The dinner option at Saint-James can also turn this into a full evening with less guesswork on wine choices. And if the restaurant can’t host, the fact that the tasting may be arranged at your accommodation (like at the Four Seasons balcony) is the kind of flexibility that reduces stress on island trips.

If you’re price-sensitive, fix the problem by booking smart: bring a group and turn the cost into something you all get value from. For a couple on a tight schedule, it may feel like a luxury that’s hard to justify.

If you’re the right kind of wine lover—one who wants to understand what’s happening—this is an excellent pick.

FAQ

How long is the Private Advanced Wines – Bora Bora Wine Tastings?

It lasts about 2 hours.

How many people are in a group?

It’s a private experience for only your group, with a maximum of 6 people.

Where does the tasting take place?

It is hosted at the restaurant Saint-James. In some cases, it may be arranged at your accommodation if needed.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

What time does the experience run?

The listed hours are Monday through Sunday, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Does the tasting include both wines and liquors?

Yes. The experience includes multiple wines and liquors with appetizers.

Is there a dinner option?

You can stay for dinner at Saint-James if you choose.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should I book now?

If you want a high-end, structured wine education experience in Bora Bora, book it. Aim to go with enough people to make the per-group price feel fair, and bring a curious palate. If you’re mainly after casual drinks, you’ll likely enjoy something simpler more.