Discover the Bordeaux Wine Region
Book a vineyard excursion, stay in a unusual hotel in Bordeaux that helps organize your wine tours, explore the exceptional Entre-deux-Mers region, enjoy a private guided visit of a Grand Château, and take part in a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru tasting…
Discovering the prestigious wines of the Bordeaux vineyards is within everyone’s reach! Here are the must-see stops of this unique journey, not to be missed during your visit to the Bordeaux wine region.
The Most Beautiful Vineyards and Châteaux to Visit Around Bordeaux
Saint-Émilion – its Châteaux and Troglodyte Cellars
The very first vineyard to be inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Saint-Émilion is an essential stop on any Bordeaux wine tour. On the agenda for your getaway: visiting world-famous wine châteaux and exploring the region’s troglodyte (underground) cellars.
Several estates in Saint-Émilion are unmissable, such as Château Balestard Tonnelle, which hosts themed evenings on its panoramic terrace, an ideal opportunity to discover Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés in an exceptional setting.
Don’t miss Château La Fleur de Boüard, nestled in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, where immersive guided tours are offered.
Other appellations, Pomerol and Fronsac for example, are perfect additions to your wine itinerary, giving you a complete overview of the estates around Montagne-Saint-Émilion.
The Médoc – Wine Route and Grands Crus Classés
The Médoc wine route invites you to discover Grands Crus Classés through the region’s key stops, including Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Margaux, and Listrac-Médoc.
Your Bordeaux vineyard tour will naturally include visits to emblematic wine châteaux such as Château Saint Ahon, a family-run estate offering several gourmet activities. For example, book a tasting tour paired with chocolate.
For your Bordeaux wine tasting itinerary, we also recommend adding Château Lafite Rothschild (if you are planning a trip after 2026, the reopening date). Otherwise, plan a visit to Château Duhart-Milon in Pauillac, which offers introductory wine-tasting classes.
Graves & Pessac-Léognan – vineyards near Bordeaux
Head to the Graves wine region, just south of Bordeaux, to discover an exceptional AOC wine: Pessac-Léognan. This is one of the best areas to explore Bordeaux oenology, tour wine châteaux, and of course enjoy wine tastings in the heart of the vineyards.
Several châteaux have made this Bordeaux sub-region famous, including Château Pape Clément, Château Luchey Halde (within the Bordeaux metropolitan area), Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, and Château du Taillan, which is listed as a historic monument.
Among the Graves Grands Crus Classés, make sure to visit Château Smith Haut Lafitte. This 87-hectare estate, certified organic (AB), offers a wide range of workshops showcasing its expertise: blind tastings, food-and-wine pairings featuring Grands Vins and caviar, and even a guided discovery of the forest bordering the estate.
We also recommend a stop at Château Latour-Martillac, a must-visit in the Bordeaux area. The estate offers a “Best Of Wine Tourism” tour designed for lovers of history, art, and Grands Crus, revealing the behind-the-scenes story of the property and its heritage.
Sauternes – Discovering Sweet Wines
If you are a lover of sweet and dessert wines, don’t miss a visit to the Sauternes wine region, which is also home to a charming village. This is a must-stop on your Bordeaux wine tour if you want to experience the full diversity of Bordeaux wines.
A visit to Château de Rayne Vigneau is essential. You will be instantly captivated by this estate, which offers a variety of activities and workshops for those wishing to learn more about these unique Bordeaux wines.
For a truly original experience, book an electric scooter tour that takes you through five different châteaux in the vineyard, ending with a tasting session at Château de Rayne Vigneau.
Entre-deux-Mers – Bucolic Escapes
Entre-deux-Mers lies east of Bordeaux and is renowned for its crisp, dry white wine of the same name. Its poetic name comes from its prime location between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
Be sure to visit Château de Camarsac, about a 20-minute drive from the charming village of Saint-Sulpice-et-Faleyrens. The château is worth a guided tour on its own. You can also book a blending workshop, led by a specialist who will help you create your own personalized bottle.
How to Plan a Vineyard Visit in Bordeaux
To make the most of your vineyard tour in Bordeaux, the first step is choosing the right season! In spring, nature comes alive and the château gardens burst into bloom.
In summer, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the vineyards along with plenty of outdoor activities. In autumn, it’s harvest season: the landscapes are breathtaking, and many wine cellars open their doors. In winter, you can explore the full range of Bordeaux terroir cuisine while enjoying more intimate visits, often at lower prices.
Whether it’s a walk through the vineyards, a bike ride along scenic paths leading to the region’s most beautiful châteaux, or a wine tasting tour, there are endless ways to discover Bordeaux’s vineyards.
That said, driving remains the most practical option to connect different châteaux, especially when they are located in regions spread across the Bordeaux wine country.
Practical Tips for a Successful Visit
- Book in advance, as most châteaux require a reservation to organize the wine tasting and cellar tour.
- As for budget, plan between €10 and €30 per person for a simple visit and tasting. Prestigious estates may offer more complete experiences ranging from €30 to €40, and sometimes higher if a special workshop or activity is included (such as a blending session, usually starting around €50 and up). For those who prefer an organized excursion with transport and a guide, prices typically start at €55–85 for a half-day and €99–120 for a full-day tour.
- Finally, keep in mind that exploring a vineyard often involves walking through the vines or on uneven ground. Allow enough time (at least 1.5 hours per estate) and wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the experience.
FAQ
Which Wines Should You Taste During a Bordeaux Vineyard Visit?
Your Bordeaux wine tasting will introduce you to exceptional wines, both red and white, such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Saint-Julien, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s no coincidence that Bordeaux is often called the world wine capital.
Can Children Join Vineyard Tours?
Yes, most Bordeaux châteaux welcome children during tours, and some even adapt their programs with fun, educational activities around the vineyard and nature.
How Long Does a Bordeaux Vineyard Tour Last?
On average, the full experience lasts about two hours, but we recommend setting aside half a day. This allows time to explore the estate’s wine shop, enjoy a guided tour of the property, and even have lunch at the château restaurant, when available.
