Best Bordeaux Wineries & Chateaux To Visit

If there's one thing you need to do in France, it's visiting the renowned châteaux, wine cellars, estates, and winemakers of Bordeaux and its surroundings. Take advantage of a visit to the Bordeaux wineries and vineyards to discover its grand crus.

On the castle route of Bordeaux, be sure to visit the village of Margaux in the Médoc, home to the famous Château Margaux. Obviously, the village of Saint-Emilion is an almost compulsory pilgrimage for any wine lover. It’s a medieval city steeped in history, with a breathtaking view of the Bordeaux vineyards. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its stunning architecture and rich history, making it the perfect backdrop for a day wine tour. Whether you choose an afternoon tour or a full day tour of Bordeaux, you'll have the chance to taste wine from some of the region's most prestigious wineries. A trip to Bordeaux is not complete without a visit to St Emilion!

Blaye and Verrou Vauban overlook the Gironde estuary with impressive military buildings. Sainte-Foy-La-Grande is also one of the region's favorite villages, with its market even voted as the “favorite of the French.”

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Bordeaux wines during an exclusive château visit in this renowned wine region. The Bordeaux vineyards, celebrated across the globe, offer a truly unparalleled experience. Deepen your appreciation for fine wines through a refined wine and cheese pairing session, expertly guided during an oenology workshop within the historic wine cellars of Bordeaux.

For a more immersive experience, reserve a bespoke wine discovery workshop in the heart of the Bordeaux wineries and vineyards, where you can delve into the intricate secrets of winemaking, directly from the masters of the craft.

It is always a good time to visit Bordeaux. It averages 13 degrees Celsius (a little over 55 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round in Bordeaux. The most pleasant months to visit Bordeaux are June, July and September. In August, the heat can be overwhelming. In May, the spring climate is very pleasant.

Bordeaux and its nearby cities host many events year-round. In May, for instance, the 'Bordeaux and Aquitaine Wine Fair' is a must-attend event for wine enthusiasts, where you can savor local wines alongside the region’s culinary specialties.

In June, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 'Bordeaux Wine Festival,' a lively celebration featuring musical and cultural performances along the scenic Garonne River. This event provides a truly enriching experience in the heart of the city.

For those seeking a more tranquil visit, September offers the 'Saint-Émilion Harvest Festival,' perfect for exploring Bordeaux when the tourist crowds have thinned. It’s an ideal time to delve into the rich history and traditions of the region’s winemaking.

Bordeaux’s "Vintage" season takes place from September to November each year. Wine tours and tastings are a great way to explore this beautiful part of France, whether you're a wine connoisseur or novice!

Whenever you choose to visit Bordeaux, you’ll have unforgettable experiences that have made this region a beloved destination for wine lovers worldwide.

Over 90% of Bordeaux wines are red wines. 

The Bordeaux vineyards are globally renowned for the quality and diversity of their wines, primarily produced from iconic grape varieties.

For red wines:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Cabernet Franc
• Malbec
• Petit Verdot

For white wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Muscadelle
• Sémillon

The blend and usage of these grapes varies between each winery, which creates unique flavors in each type of wine. All these grape varieties contribute to the creation of wines with distinct flavors and a wide variety of wine styles. Whether you are a fan of bold reds or elegant whites, the Bordeaux vineyards have something to satisfy every palate.

It’s also important to note that many of the wines produced in Bordeaux are luxury Bordeaux wines, meaning that some varieties be fairly pricy. However, Bordeaux wines are always worth the splurge!

The different Bordeaux appellations contain different standards for minimum alcohol content, grape growing, aging, and more. For example, Bordeaux-Superieur AOP wines contain a minimum of 10.5% ABV and must age for a minimum of 12 months before release. The difference, although technically small, is a symbol of quality for many wines with the Bordeaux-Superieur AOP label. Many producers, who classify their wines as Bordeaux-Superieur, age their wines much longer than the minimum.

In order to take full advantage of the Bordeaux vineyards and the castles of Bordeaux, we advise you to choose several oenological experiences. The Bordeaux wine estates are numerous and vast. The Bordeaux region has wine tourism activities all year round. The vineyards of Bordeaux can be visited on foot and even by cruise from the Garonne. All this, with a good tasting of local wine. Saint-Émilion, Sauternes, Haut-Médoc, Pomerol, Margaux, etc. What will be your choice ?

Bordeaux is one of the most world knowned cities in France when it comes to wine. The first remains of Bordeaux’s wine heritage date back to the first century of our era. And ever since, the city and region has developed its vineyards thanks to meteorological facilities and various soils.

Beyond La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux is surrounded by some of the most prestigious vineyards and châteaux in the world, such as Château Margaux or Château Latour. Many of those estates are centuries old, and offer guided tours and tastings that allow you to discover the complexities of Bordeaux wines.

The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its neoclassical architecture and historic urban area. By walking through Bordeaux, you'll discover a beautiful city filled with elegant squares, and an array of wine bars and restaurants where you can savor local specialties paired with the region's finest vintages.

Bordeaux is the ideal destination for every wine enthusiast. If you're looking for a unique and immersive experience, consider booking a wine tour from Bordeaux. These tours offer a deeper insight into the wine producing region and allow you to discover the Bordeaux wine in a whole new way. With options for wine tasting tours, winery tours, and more, you'll be able to tailor your trip to suit your preferences and interests.

Bordeaux is world-renowned for its exceptional terroir, which plays a pivotal role in producing some of the most prestigious wines globally. The region’s vineyards benefit from a unique combination of climate, diverse soil types, and proximity to the Gironde estuary, creating ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes. This rich variety in terroir allows Bordeaux to produce wines with distinctive characteristics, making it a favorite among wine lovers.

Bordeaux wineries are known for their commitment to tradition and excellence. Many of the region’s wineries belong to the same families since generations, producing limited quantities of wines, especially reds. Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol are famous appellations, with vast vineyards and iconic red blends, known for their complexity and ability to age gracefully.

• Château Yon-Figeac with an average rating of 4.8 among 202 reviews.
• Château de Rayne Vigneau 1er Grand Cru Classé 1855 with an average rating of 4.8 among 184 reviews.
• Château Suduiraut 1er Cru Classé de Sauternes with an average rating of 4.8 among 175 reviews.

• The duration of the experience: The longer the visit and tasting, the higher the cost.
• The type of visit: Visit to a cellar, wine estate, or distillery.
• The presence of a guide: A tour guided by an expert, especially over a half or full day, can increase the price.
• Services included: Premium tastings, number of wines tasted, and additional activities such as wine workshops or meals.