Where to go, what to taste … Fear not! Here are some of the best Bordeaux wine-tasting experiences.
We have about how to make the most of visiting our famous wine-producing chateaux here in Bordeaux. So now it’s time to put all that knowledge to good use. Enjoy!
Top chateaux to visit
Château Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux
One of our personal favourites is Château Boyd-Cantenac in Margaux. One of the original 1855 Grand Cru Classé vineyards, it’s steeped in history. Set on 17 hectares, it’s run by the lovely Lucien Guillemet, whose family has worked these vines for four generations. Lucien provides a fascinating insight into wine-producing in Margaux – one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations. He’s also hugely generous with his time, and always eager to ensure visitors see the best of his chateau and go away with a deeper, richer understanding of winemaking. His passion and knowledge for wine make this a truly unique experience.
Chateau Dauzan, Margaux
This is another of the ‘class of 1855’ – dating back to the 16th century, Dauzan is one of the oldest vineyards in the Medoc. The estate , something we are particularly proud of given that Greens & Grapes is another Franco-Irish partnership. The estate was once owned by Thomas-Michel Lynch, from a family of Irish merchants that had settled in Bordeaux. It was later inherited by his son, Jean-Baptiste, who was the mayor of Bordeaux from 1809 to 1815. Today the estate remains a respected winemaker, combining modern technology with the history and prestige that’s always been such as source of pride at Dauzan.
Chateau Les Carmes Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan
The wonderful state-of-the-art cellars at Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion are on their own worthy of a visit, but there is so much more to enjoy here in the suburbs of Bordeaux. Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion shares this corner of Pessac-Leognan with its more famous neighbour, Chateau Haut-Brion but it’s not to be outdone or overshadowed (though the Les Carmes estate was once actually part of Chateau Haut-Brion). Winemaking here dates back to 1584, but today it’s a modern and slick operation. It’s owned by the French company Groupe Pichet, whose head, Patrice Pichet, bought the property for a then-record €18 million in 2010. Decent investment followed and it now offers a wonderful insight into how ‘old’ and ‘new’ Bordeaux can work side-by-side to produce bigger and better wines.
Château Pape Clément, Pessac-Leognan
Pape Clément is right up there alongside Haut-Brion as one of Bordeaux’s most famous names – and for good reason. The estate also has the honour of being Bordeaux’s oldest vineyard, a badge it wears with pride. Wine has been produced here for more than 700 years, with the first vines planted by Pope Clement V, then archbishop of Bordeaux. Today the estate is experiencing a resurgence in the popularity of its wines, in no small part thanks to the quality of wine it’s producing under the stewardship of Bernard Magrez, one of the pre-eminent French winemakers of his generation. A visit to Pape Clément is an unforgettable experience.
We can include these vineyards – and many more – in a Bordeaux wine and golf package tailored just for you. Contact us today so we can help you create your dream Bordeaux holiday.
Other great wine experiences in Bordeaux
Cité du vin
Esplanade de Pontac, Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s biggest (and best) new attraction is the Cité du vin, an ode to winemaking around the world. It’s an interactive wonderland – part-gallery, part-odyssey, part-chateau, but always entertaining. The Cité du vin is not to be missed.
Bordeaux Wine School
3 Cours du 30 Juillet, Bordeaux
As its name suggests, the Ecole du Vin has everything you need to ensure you leave Bordeaux with a much better understanding of wine than when you arrived. The school is aimed at enthusiasts through to wine producers, hospitality students and viticulture experts looking to develop their knowledge. Courses can be in English or French, and last from two hours to more intensive and practical training sessions. Gift certificates are also available for the winelover in your life. We can tailor a wine and golf holiday around your wine course, and also incorporate French lessons if you’d prefer to learn to ‘talk wine’ in the local lingo.
MAX Bordeaux
14 Cours de l’Intendance, Bordeaux
If you’d like to try a top-notch Bordeaux wine but can’t afford a bottle, then this wine gallery and cellar is the place to go. MAX offers ‘Grand Crus à la carte’ by the glass. Try Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, Cheval Blanc, Mouton Rothschild and Yquem in 25ml, 50ml or 75ml doses – depending on your budget. There are also workshops and events that draw on the knowledge and expertise of local winemakers. This really is a fun introduction to the world of Bordeaux wine.
Le Bar à Vin
3 Cours du 30 Juillet, Bordeaux
In many ways, this is Bordeaux’s ‘official’ wine bar. Right next door to the Wine School (see above), it offers a rotating menu of wines by the glass from across the Bordeaux appellations. Run by the Conseil Interprofessionnel de Vin de Bordeaux, which oversees the Bordeaux wine regions, it offers wonderful wines at wonderful prices.
Bistro du Fromager
73 Quai des Chartrons, Bordeaux
If you love wine AND cheese, then this is the place for you. Choose your own bottle from the wine cellar before settling down to a cheese platter or selection of meats from the deli. It’s a lovely way to spend an evening – and right on the river, too.
La Winery, Medoc
This was one of the first and most visible signs that Bordeaux was starting to blend New World-style wine tourism with its Old World heritage. La Winery is a hands-on wine experience that helps you match your individual tastes to wines from all over the world (there are thousands of bottles here to choose from). It also hosts art exhibitions and concerts in the summer.
Also in Bordeaux …
Find out about Bordeaux’s Wine and Trade Museum here.
There are dozens of other great wine experiences in and around Bordeaux – we’d love to introduce you to more of them on one of our unique Bordeaux wine packages.
Photos:
Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion
Aquitaine Tourisme
Chateau Pape Clément