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Best wine hotels in Bordeaux – scenic vineyard accommodations

Last updated on July 20, 2023 No Comments

I’m quite sure that when you choose Bordeaux as your traveling destination many of you had its famous wine region in mind. You have hundreds of wineries to choose from while visiting the region, but staying in a vineyard accommodation is another level experience. If that sounds charming but you have no ideas how to look for the best accommodation, keep on reading so you can discover where to stay in the Bordeaux wine region.

Around Bordeaux, you can a variety of amazing wine hotels, cozy haunts in the middle of the vineyards, and passionate winemakers that will love to tell you all about their craft. And while it sounds like a very luxurious experience I promise you that it doesn’t have to be.

This list includes both five stars prestigious hotels and family-owned B&Bs where you get to be hosted by lovely people in a simple environment. However all have the same view and the most welcoming staff, so you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.

Best vineyards accomodation in with bordeaux wine region — *A view from one of Bordeaux’s best wine hotesl*

Before we dive in, let me interest you with a few useful articles about the Bordeaux wine region:

Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion
Where to stay in Saint Emilion
The Medoc wine route
Best family-friendly wineries in Bordeaux
Bordeaux wine region – the full guide
All the Open door events in the wineries of Bordeaux

Now join me to discover the best wine hotels and the most scenic vineyards accommodation in the Bordeaux wine region!

Luxury accommodation in the vineyards of Bordeaux

Les Sources de Caudalie – the Pessac Leognan wine appellation

If you’re willing to drop a dime on staying at heaven-on-Earth, Les Sources de Caudalie is an excellent option, located in the luxurious Chatêau Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. Les Sources de Caudalie is a five-star hotel with grounds located in the vineyards and bordering on the region’s forests. The property has been redone by owners Alice and Jérôme Tourbier with nature in mind. The architecture has married high wooden beams with modern tiling and warmth.

You can stay in a suite on the property. Each of them has been designed with its own unique design using antique furniture and mood lighting. Also, if you’re looking to pair the wines with great food, there’s no need to leave the property as the hotel offers a few dining options: a two-star Michelin restaurant, a bistro, a bar, and a grocery store.

To make it a truly unforgettable experience, the property owners have put together a set of experiences for you, depending on the company you keep. From wine tasting, spa treatments, bike riding and excursions, and a forest for kids.

So if you’re looking for a sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere in the magnificent grounds of one of the best wineries of Pessac Leognan, this hotel Les Sources de Caudalie is your place.

You can book your stay here.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey Hôtel & Restaurant Lalique in Sauternes

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is known for combining a vineyard stay with beautiful courses for golfing. It also boasts a five-star hotel stay and a Michelin-starred restaurant. In fact, it is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the Sauternes wine region.

The golf course has 18 holes and offers a relaxing experience for both experienced and new golfers.

The most intriguing part of the stay, to me, is that every guest is greeted by the “Maitresse de Maison”, who designs their stay. The experience is aligned with the guest’s taste and needs. Guests that want to leave their room but embrace solitude can relax in the beautiful library or check out the view on the terrace.

On to the food. Le Grand Noble is a Michelin-Star restaurant designed by Mario Botta. Not only will guests enjoy gastronomic food, but they will be surrounded, quite literally, by the vines. The restaurant has wall-to-wall windows, and it is placed in the middle of a portion of the vineyard, giving guests the impression of being nestled within the vines.

The property also offers traditional wine visits. You can choose between a discovery tour, food and wine pairing, a private visit, and more. Check all their tours here.
Book your luxury stay here.

Château Prieure Marquet in the north of Gironde

Chateau Prieure Marquet is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Bordeaux wine region, about 20 minutes from the prestigious Pomerol and Saint Emilion wine appelations.

It is truly a precious gem meticulously crafted by a harmonious collaboration between talented designers and antique enthusiasts. Each living room presents a unique and distinct ambiance, offering a diverse array of atmospheres to explore and enjoy.

The organization of the property is characteristic of châteaux in the Gironde and Dordogne regions, in that the castle is actually composed of 4 narrow sides with a central courtyard. This is a novel and exciting experience for those of us non-Europeans and has a way of making one feel like royalty.

The property only offers 6 rooms so each guest gets a spacious and unique experience. For those of you that like to take a dip in the warmer months, this beautiful property has an outdoor pool, gardens, and each room has a terrace overlooking them both.

Those looking to have a little leisure without leaving the property can rent bikes and electric bikes, or enjoy the billiards table and baby grand piano. You can also ask the château staff to organize horseback riding or offroading for you. Incredibly, you can also take a helicopter ride.

Finally, the chateau offers themed stays, including the discovery tour, premium tour, and countryside visit, seeking to provide a tailored experience to each guest. Enjoy the world-class spa or the restaurant, named after the château.

Book your stay here.

And now to more affordable accommodation in the Vineyards of Bordeaux!

Best wine hotels and B&Bs in Saint Emilion

I have a full article dedicated to hotels in Saint Emilion where you can a perfect accommodation for a perfect weekend there. In this article, however, I wanted to highlight two amazing hotels surrounded by the stunning view of the vineyards.

Château Croix de Labrie

This charming château is located at the entrance of the historic village of Saint Emilion. It has a countryside atmosphere, making a stay there warm and relaxing. There are two suites available, both with luxury bathrooms that overlook the inner courtyard of the property and the vineyard.

The owners, Axelle and Pierre Courdurié give tours of the property and tastings. The proximity to the historic center of St. Emilion doesn’t hurt either. The two suits on the property can be booked here.

Château du Palanquey & Spa

If you’re going on a romantic weekend in the Saint Emilion region, this is the place for you! Château du Palanquey & Spa is a luxury B&B, overlooking the vineyards of Saint Emilion and Castillion.

The property has a large spa that you can freely use during your stay, featuring a heated indoor pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. It also has a nice outdoor pool for the summer months with a stunning view of the vineyards.

The Château offers a Table d’hôtes service with the chef of the hotel introducing you to the best French specialties. The property is open and receives guests all year long, an idea for a cozy winter vacation.

Château du Palanquey is located in Sainte-Colombe, about 10 km from Saint Emilion. It will take you only 5 minutes to get to one of my favorite wineries in Saint Emilion, Château de Pressac.

Book your stay here.

Saint Emilion is one of the most famous wine regions in the world so you can imagine that there are quite a lot of options of vineyards accommodations in this part of Gironde. Including them all would make this list too long but I still wanted to add a few wine hotels/ B&Bs that really love in Saint Emilion. The very romantic rooms of Chateau de Ferrand, the cute Relais de Franc Mayne with a pool and a tree house, and the very elegant Aux Ducs de Sienne.

A romantic winery accomofdation - Chateau de Ferrand in Saint Emilion — *Chateau de Ferrand in Saint Emilion – Lost in Bordeaux*

Best wine hotels in Pessac Leognan

Château Pape Clément

Château Pape Clément is one of the most visited and popular wineries in the Bordeaux wine region and its reputation is well-earned.

The château has been running for 7 centuries and had its first grape harvest in a shocking 1252. The current owner, Bernard Magrez (another well-known name in Bordeaux) started the Scientific Research Center in 2013 to find new ways for vineyard owners to successfully adjust to climate change.

Guests can experience the effects of climate change on the vineyard through satellite technology. Guests can also experience the incredible garden, which is home to 100s of indigenous and rare species of plants and trees.

While M. Magrez is busy trying to push French culture forward, go back in time to the Salon des Boiseries, which is decorated with wood and magnificent chandeliers. There, you can enjoy tea time in a classical setting.
The property has been lauded for its outstanding service. There are 5 suites available at the château, which can be booked here.

While there, don’t miss a visit to their magnificent winery, see the available tours here.

Château Le Pape B&B

The B&B of Château Le Pape is in the heart of Bordeaux. The château hails from the 18th century and was carefully renovated with the preservation of its heritage in mind. The château includes a pool, a living room, and a terrace where you can enjoy your coffee or a glass of wine.

Consider visiting Haut-Bailly, the wine property that hosts the château. They offer tours in both French and English. You can book a tour here.

Guests that have stayed there enjoy the tranquility and have found that it is an ideal location in which to restore themselves. Rooms can be booked here.

Best wine hotels in the Medoc

Château Chasse Spleen

Château Chasse-Spleen is a high-class winery that feels like you’ve stepped into the Alice in Wonderland books. The centerpiece of their gardens is a giant pair of galoshes and is surrounded by other surreal sculptures and water pieces.

There are guesthouses on the property and each opens to its library and its exhibition spaces. To add to the ethereal feeling of your stay, the minimalist decor and bright colors of each bedroom serve to relax.

Château Chasse-Spleen - one of the best wine hotels in Medoc — *Château Chasse-Spleen – Lost in Bordeaux*

All jokes aside, those that have stayed on the property have appreciated the art and found that it made their stay special. The property owners have carefully created the vineyard and artistic experiences for their guests, and it shows.

The chateau is also home to a cute wine bar that operated during the summer season from April to November. During your stay there you can visit the magnificent winery and enjoy one of their tours.

Book rooms here.

Château du Tertre

This is a beautiful guesthouse, located in a 19th-century mansion. The rooms are elegantly decorated and have a view of the vineyards of the estate. You also get a free tour of the château and the cellars, which are quite remarkable.

Château du Tertre is one of the closest hotels to Bordeaux (in Arsac), so if you want to visit Bordeaux and the Medoc area without changing your accommodation, this is a great option.
Book your room here.

Château Pierre de Montignac

This is a simple and more affordable place if you want to stay in a wine château. The rooms are comfortable and clean and you get a nice breakfast in the morning. And you even get a wine bottle as a gift 🙂.

Book it here

Vineyard accommodation in other parts of the Bordeaux wine region

Coup 2 Foudres – Château de Bonhoste

The Château de Bonhoste keeps their accommodations under a separate name – the “Coup 2 Foudres”. “Coup de foudre” in French translates to “love at first sight”, and the word “foudre” by itself means vat. There are two vats on-site at Coup 2 Foudres, so that’s pretty clever.

Why did they name it like that you ask? Well because the owners converted the traditional wine vats into the most romantic guest houses. The accommodations are in the middle of the vineyards, giving you an absolutely unique experience. Each vat is made completely of wood and is modernly decorated.

Book your stay here.

Coup 2 Foudres - Château de Bonhoste - a unique stay in the vineyards of Bordeuax — *Coup 2 Foudres – Lost in Bordeaux*

Hotel du Château d’Arche in Sauternes

Sauternes fans are die hard. And if you’re a sauternes fan, the Château d’Arche is a grand cru classé, meaning that it has received the highest quality classification in France for wine. Guests stay in tastefully decorated rooms overlooking the vineyard.

Château d'Arche in Sauternes - wineries in Bordeaux

There are 8 bedrooms available, ranging from simple double rooms to a suite. Guests note the friendliness of the staff and their willingness to help, the peacefulness of the stay, and the fact that the property is dog-friendly.

Like all the wineries on my list, Château d’Arche also offers wine tours to its guests, book a tour here.

Book your stay at the chateau here.

Château de Claribès

Château de Claribès is owned by Helen and Nick, two British wine enthusiasts who have been making wine at the chateau for almost 20 years. Their property is located in the lovely village of Gensac and the winery is labeled under the Sainte-Foy-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.

Helen is an incredibly down-to-Earth host who can regale you with stories about the woodland part of their property that they re-wooded, the transformation of the vineyard into organic wine-making, and the hidden Roman-era caves on the property where they’ve discovered ancient artifacts.

The holiday house has been redone with sustainability in mind. While tastefully decorated, every piece has been recycled, made locally, and is designed to use as little energy as possible, while still giving you a luxurious stay.

Château de Claribès - lovely house with amazing guests — *Château de Claribès – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Also to note is the incredibly beautiful drive from Bordeaux to the property, adorned with rolling hillsides and vineyards.

One thing to note is that there is no pool on the property. You can contact Helen to book the place.

Chateau La Corne in Graves

In the Graves region, visitors can visit Château La Corne, where an old farmhouse overlooks the vineyard. Although the accommodations are in the vineyard, they are within walking distance of the town of Langon, should guests want to shop or take the train.

The farmhouse dates back to the time of Napoleon and is traditionally furnished but with modern amenities, including the remodeled bathroom. Guests can dine outside on the patio, and take relaxing walks in the vineyard and surrounding woods.

Steve and Diane are extremely welcoming and nice people who make you feel like friends from the moment you step into their chateau. Book it here.

Chateau La Corne - a great stay in the Graves wine region — *Chateau La Corne – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Is it your first time visiting Bordeaux?

I have a few articles that will help you to get the best out of your first stay.

Start with my 50 favorite things to do in Bordeaux followed by my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

Liked the article? Want to read it again when you’re planning your trip to Bordeaux? Save it on your Pinterest board.

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux wine region

The detailed guide to the Bordeaux wine region and how to visit it

Last updated on July 20, 2023 No Comments

Temperate weather, ocean views, a city packed with culture, and gorgeous architecture are just a few of the attractions of Bordeaux. But once you’ve really tapped into Bordeaux wineries? You might never leave.

With so many delicious wines to sample in the Bordeaux wine region, how should you choose? The answer to that question will depend on the kind of wine you like, how you want to feel drinking it and what should be the setting.

In this article, I’m about the introduce you to all the Bordeaux wine regions. You will learn about the grapes used in every region and what type of wine they produced. And finally, I’ll provide detailed information about how to visit wineries in the Bordeaux region.

For every region, I also added a few recommendations of wineries to visit. So by the end of this article, you should have a rough idea of where to go while visiting the Bordeaux wine region. If you want to stay the night in a winery, check out my article about the best vineyards accommodation in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux wine region map — *By Domenico-de-ga, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1599323*

Bordeaux wine region- what you need to know

There are a stunning 7,000 wineries in Bordeaux and 57 appellations in the Bordeaux wine region. The appellations range from the world-famous Medoc appellation to the lesser-known but lovely Entre-Deux-Mers. Unbeknownst to many, the Bordeaux wine region produces delicious whites on top of its famous reds. Altogether, Bordeaux wineries produce 2.5 billion dollars worth of wine per year from 900 million bottles!

Over 86% of wines in the Bordeaux wine region are reds made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes.

Wine harvest in Medoc - one of Bordeaux wine regions — *Harvest in Medoc by Lost in Bordeaux*

The Bordeaux wine region is arguably the most famous wine region on Earth. The unique nutrient-dense soil has filtered down over centuries from the Pyrenees mountains, through the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, into the ocean, forming the Bordeaux wine region.

You may also find that the people from this region of France are more down-to-Earth and welcoming than their Northern neighbors. This makes touring Bordeaux wineries a warm and pleasant experience.

For a closer look at the appellations, let’s pull out the Bordeaux wine map:

South of the Gironde estuary, we have the Left Bank, which includes eight Medoc appellations (including Margaux, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac, etc.), Graves (including Pessac- Leognan), and Sauternes and Barsac.

To the north of the estuary is the Right Bank, which includes the Blaye, Côtes-de-Bourg, Fronsac, Pomerol, and Saint Émilion appellations.

Finally, the Entre-Deux-Mers sub-region is between the two banks. That’s the biggest wine sub-region of Bordeaux and where most of the white wines are produced.

The amount of wineries here is overwhelming and it’s really to decide what region you should go to.

However, here’s a tip from me! Check your visit falls on one of the portes ouvertes events in the region. These are open-door events organized by the different appellations where you have the opportunity to visit several wineries at once. The open-door events are free and open to all. Check out my article about the open days in the chateaux of Bordeaux, to see all the upcoming events.

Château Beauregard - Pomerol- portes ouvertes — *Château Beauregard – Pomerol*

The 5 Bordeaux wine sub-regions you need to know

Saint Emilion – the Most Famous Bordeaux Wine Region

Saint-Emilion is famous for the hillside architecture that makes it a UNESCO World Heritage site. But don’t let your eyes distract your taste buds. This region’s wines are made from deep Merlot and Cabernet Franc, making the wine soft, and tannin-light. It is home to around 800 wineries.

Saint-Emilion is a land, or terroir (break that out for your tour guide for brownie points), of contradictions. Its people and its wine are warm and approachable, but absolutely elite. The Saint Emilion appellation and its four satellite appellations ( Lussac-Saint-Émilion, Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion, and Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion.) are home to generational wineries. Think old-school families that bought the land years ago and saw the value skyrocket since. But also think of centuries of passed-down knowledge.

The strict guidelines that Saint-Emilion wines must follow are even presided over by the Jurade – a group of people that “bear witness to the traditions of the past.”

Pomerol is another rich red found in the Saint Emilion region. It is fruity, dark, and very drinkable.

Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion - Chateau de Pressac — Chateau Pressac in Saint Emilion – by Lost in Bordeaux

Consider visiting Chateau Pressac for beautiful views and rich family history, Chateau Bernateau for a family-run visit and open grounds, and Chateau Coutet for a 400-year-old winery and scenic view. More information on each can be found in my guide to the wineries of Saint Emilion here.

Before going be sure to check out my articles about Saint Emilion:

A detailed guide to Saint Emilion
How to get to Saint Emilion from Bordeaux
The best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion
Where to stay in Saint Emilion

Medoc – the most prestigious wine region

Instead of a heavy reliance on Merlot like Saint-Emilion, the 584 Medoc wineries grow a more diverse mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. The Medoc is located on the peninsula between the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean.

Over many years, the estuary carried mineral-rich water from the Pyrenees, through the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, to form the peninsula. As a result, the soil is resistant to moisture, and is ideal for slow-ripening grapes, resulting in some of the most expensive wines in the world. With good reason – they’re delicious.

Besides being prestigious, Medoc is a leader in innovation for winegrowers across the world. Medoc winemakers were the first to exclude rotten grapes from the vinification process and to age wine in oak barrels, for two of many examples.

Some of the comforting flavors of Medoc wines are red and blackberries, dark cherry, hints of vanilla, and roasted coffee with aging. A perfect wine to relax at home with once you leave the beautiful vineyards of the Medoc. You can imagine that you’re back to bright green vineyards overlooking the water as far as the eye can see!

Chateau loudenne on the Medoc wine route — The pink house – Château Loudenne by Lost in Bordeaux

Some suggestions of wineries to visit in the region are Chateau Loudenne (a chateau with a private port), Château Beychevellel, or Château Lamothe Bergeron. You can find out about visiting these chateaux in my article on visiting the Medoc region.

The best way to explore the Medoc is to rent a car but you can also visit many chateaux in Medoc by public transport. Read my article to discover all the wineries reachable by train from Bordeaux.

Graves and Pessac Leognan – The Oldest Wine Region in Bordeaux

The most unique feature of this region is its pine forests. The trees protect the vines from the humidity and wind native to the Bordeaux wine region. It is the only region that makes a significant amount of both red and white wines. If you love the outdoors, this is the region for you, with the beautiful vineyards and pines all around.

The red wines created by Pessac’s 29 wineries have a breadth of flavor that is unique to the region: from smoky and cassis-filled wines to light, drinkable wines. The reds are made from Cabernet Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The whites are made from Sauvignon Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle.

The dry white wines produced here are crisp and citrus, green apples, and honey. Just the smell transports me to one of the oyster shacks in the Bassin d’Arcachon. Bordelais people flock to these incredibly cheap and high-quality oyster providers every spring, summer, and fall (whenever they can) to gorge themselves on oysters, shrimp, and glasses of Pessac. If you’re interested in combining these two great pleasures of the region – its wine and oysters – see my article on the Bay of Arcachon.

Some winery suggestions in Pessac Leognan are:

Château Pape Clément in Pessac

Château Pape Clément is a Grand Cru Classé wine labeled under the Pessac Leognan appellation. The château offers daily visits in both French and English as well as winemaking workshops where you can assemble your own wine.

You can book the tour online – just click here. It’s also one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Bordeaux.

Château Larrivet Haut Brion

A beautiful estate with stunning gardens and a very artistic Vat room. The winery is located around 20 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux. Book your visit here.

The best way is to rent a car but you can also visit many chateaux in Pessac Leognan by public transport. Find more details in my article on car-free winery visiting.

Sauternes and Barsac -discover the white sweet wine of Bordeaux

To take a break from dry white wines and dive into sweet ones, Sauternes is your go-to. The subregion benefits from noble rot – the shrooms that form on the vines from the morning mist from the humidity of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. This gives the grapes a great variety of concentration, acidity, and complexity. The assemblages produced here include Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle grapes.

As a fan of the occasional glass of sweet wine, I find the rich, amber color and the sweet flavors of peach and even “brioche” are the perfect end to a weekend spent among friends and family. A sweet – but not too sweet! – end to time spent enjoying myself before starting the working week.

My favorite wineries in this region include Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey if you’re feeling fancy, Chateau d’Arche for 17th-century views, and Chateau Guiraud, which has made it into the big leagues: Grand Cru Classé. There are only 27 wineries in this region. You can find more details on these vineyards in my guide to Sauternes here.

How to Get There

You have to have a car to visit this region. Otherwise, take a train to Langon and a taxi from there.

Blaye and Bourg

This region is actually two regions, named – you guessed it – Blaye and Bourg. It produces dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes and drinkable red wines from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region contains another UNESCO world heritage site in Bordeaux – the Vauban Citadel.

Both are two of the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux.

What is unique about the region is the ability to see it from the boat, on the river. It is a quieter experience than some of the other subregions and has its own wonders. These include white stone buildings, valleys of green vineyards, water views, and roman churches. Imagine yourself as the hero or heroine in a movie about “remote” romantic wine regions in France.

Wineries to Visit in Blaye and Bourg

In Blaye, think of visiting the Chateau Monconseil Gazin. In Bourg, consider the Château le Clos de Notaire with its amazing view (see their website).

Château le Clos de Notaire - Bourg one of Bordeaux's wine regions — *Château le Clos de Notaire – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Entre Deux Mers – the white wine of Bordeaux

Entre-deux-Mers is located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and is bordered by the estuary formed by the two rivers in the North. Its soil is made of gravel and limestone. It classically produces dry white wines that are wonderful for a lunch on the terrace.

However, in the 20^th century, winery owners in the region saw the writing on the wall and many replaced their white grape plants with red.

Only the white wines from the region can be labeled under the Entre deux Mers appellation. The red varieties produced in this region can only be called Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior. Although wine experts claim that the wine in this region pales in comparison to that of the other wine regions, Bordeaux Superior is pretty good. It is soft, but not light, and makes me think of charcuterie boards shared with a loved one in a cramped Parisian apartment, vespa rides, and discovering France.

In the Entre Deux Mers region, you can also find excellent sweet wines like Sainte-Croix-du-Mont and Loupiac.

The view from the beautiful Chateau Malrome in Entre Deux Mers — *The view from Chateau Mallrome in the Entre deux Mers region – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Entre Deux Mers is home to Chateau Biac, home to the Asseily family. Youmna, the matriarch, is well-known for her mastery of wine and French food and for her amazing hospitality. A visit to Chateau Biac feels like a visit between friends. Youmna is a perfect example of the warmth of the vineyard owners in this region.

Another great estate to visit is Chateau Lestrille, which produces red, white, and rose wines.

How to Visit Wineries in Bordeaux

There are many ways to visit wineries in the Bordeaux wine region. You can take a group tour, or a private guide, or do it on your own by train, car, or even biking.

Let’s break down the options.

Taking a tour guide in Bordeaux

Going on a group/ private tour will most probably leave you with better knowledge about the wines of Bordeaux. It also takes off the stress of organizing the visit and you can drink a lot of wine without worrying about driving back to Bordeaux.

The downside of it is usually the price. Taking a guide can be pretty expensive.

If you’re looking for a wine tour from Bordeaux, here are a few good options:

Saint-Émilion Food and Wine Tour – day trip to Saint Emilion that includes a visit to three different chateaux and a fun picnic. Book it here.

Afternoon Wine Tasting in the Medoc Region – An afternoon trip to Medoc that includes two types of chateaux, a Great Classified Growth estate, and a small. Book the tour here.

An electric Bike wine tour – a fun bike tour that includes a visit to two chateaux, a picnic, and a stunning ride in the vineyards of Saint Emilion. Book here.

Wine tour in Saint Emilion — *A tour in Saint Emilion – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Wine touring by public transport

Most wineries are located in very rural parts of the region and require a car to get to. Having said that, you have a few great chateaux in Saint Emilion, Medoc, and Pessac Leognan you can visit by train or buy.

Read my article about the best wineries in Bordeaux to visit by public transport.

Visiting wineries by car

Now let’s talk about my favorite option which is discovering the wineries of Bordeaux on your own by car. I feel like driving along the vineyards is an important part of the experience, which also allows getting to more distant chateaux.

Also if you have a car or rent one in advance, it can be a rather cheap experience, compared to an organized wine tour. If you’re looking to rent a car, here’s a website to help you choose the best deal in Bordeaux.

If you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time, be sure to check up my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you to choose a hotel in Bordeaux I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Around Bordeaux

How to visit wineries in Bordeaux without a car

Last updated on September 6, 2023 No Comments

Visiting wineries in Bordeaux is definitely one of the highlights of traveling in the Southwest of France. More than 6000 wine châteaux are scattered across the 120,000 hectares covering the Bordeaux wine region. Many of these offer tours and tastings but due to their rural location, they are quite hard to reach by public transport.

I highly recommend visiting the Bordeaux vineyards by car so you can enjoy more flexibility and the magical view of the vineyards on the way (here’s a link to find a car rental in Bordeaux).

But even if you don’t want to drive, don’t give up the dream to visit a Bordeaux winery just yet! Several amazing châteaux are reachable by train or bus, and I’m here to help you discover them!

*Before you decide what wineries you’re going to visit I recommend reading my article about the Bordeaux wine region where I explain what to expect in every wine sub-region.

To make it easier for you to understand the region, I divided the article into subregions, with a list of wineries you can visit without a car. So whether you want to learn how Saint Emilion wine is produced or visit an ancient winery without actually leaving Bordeaux, I have you covered.

If you’re looking for more organized options such as private or semi-private tours to the vineyards, check out my article about wine tours from Bordeaux.

See other wine-related articles here:
Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion
The Medoc wine route
Best family-friendly wineries in Bordeaux
Bordeaux wine region – the full guide
All the Open door events in the wineries of Bordeaux

Here are the best wineries in Bordeaux you can visit without a car!

Visit wineries in Bordeaux by bus or tram

You’d be surprised to learn that a few of Bordeaux’s wineries are sitting within the city limits and are reachable by tram/bus. These are naturally the easiest ones to get to and that’s why they are the first on my list.

Château Pape Clément in Pessac

A simple bus ride from the center of Bordeaux will bring you to one of the most gorgeous châteaux in Bordeaux. Château Pape Clément is a Grand Cru Classé wine labeled under the Pessac Leognan appellation. The vineyards of Château Pape Clément were planted at the request of the Archbishop of Bordeaux, the future Pope Clement V. The castle itself was built much later and has beautiful Neo-Gothic embellishments.

Today apart from producing wine, it’s also one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Bordeaux. The château offers daily visits in both French and English as well as winemaking workshops where you can assemble your own wine.

You can book the tour online – just click here.

The château is located in Pessac, one of Bordeaux, most interesting suburbs. You can spend the whole day, discovering Pessac with the help of my article – check it out here.

Chateau pape Clement Pessac — *Château pape Clement* by Lost in Bordeaux

Address: 216 Av. Dr. Nancel Penard, 33600 Pessac
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays 10:00 to 18:00

How to get there:
You can take a direct bus (line 4) from Place de Tourny in the center of Bordeaux. The second option is to take Tram B to the Pessac Centre station and then continue by foot for about 20 minutes until you reach the château. See more info here.

Château du Taillan in Le Taillan-Médoc

Château du Taillan is a beautiful Bordeaux wine estate dating back to the 19th century. Today it’s owned by five sisters who all contribute in some form to their wine-making business. The winery produces red, white, and rosé wines and is labeled as “Médoc Cru bourgeois”.

Château du Taillan is labeled under the Medoc wine appellation, but I’ve put it in this segment just because it’s located in the Bordeaux metropole region and is easily reachable by bus from the center of Bordeaux.

The winery offers several visits. The classic one allows you to taste two wines of Château du Taillan. While their most expensive tour takes you on a more intimate journey to discover the house where the sisters grew up. This one ends with tastings of four different wines accompanies by cheese and chocolate. You can read about all their tours and book your visit here.

During the high season, you can also order a picnic basket from the château and have a fabulous lunch in their garden. You can see more info about that here.

Château du Taillan - how to visit wineries in Bordeuax without a car — *Château du Taillan by Lost in Bordeaux*

Address: 56 Av. de la Croix, 33320 Le Taillan-Médoc
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00 and Sundays 10:00 to 16:00

How to get there from Bordeaux:
You can take a direct bus (line 2) from Place des Quinconces in the direction of le Taillan la Boetie, get down at La Pargaud station, and walk for 5 minutes until you reach the chateau. See the schedule of line 2 here.

Château Les Carmes Haut Brion

Château Les Carmes Haut Brion is one the most interesting visits for both wine and art lovers. Its history goes back to the 16th century when the Lord of Haut Brion, Jean de Pontac, donated a windmill surrounded by vines to the Carmelite Order. In the 17th century, the Carmelite order purchased more land with vines and continued to develop the estate for more than two centuries.

Today the château is owned by Patrice Pichet, who turned it into a modern winery. The 35 hectares château produces red wines under the appellation of Pessac Leognan. It’s actually the only winery to be located in the limits of Bordeaux city. What makes the tour more exceptional is the stunning modern reception area designed by Philip Starck in 2016.

This is a prestigious château and the prices of the tours are higher than most wineries on this list (ranging from 45€ to 70€ per person). See all the details of the tours they offer here.

Address: 20 Rue des Carmes, 33000 Bordeaux
Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 (by appointment only).

How to get there:
Take line A of the tram at Hôtel de Ville (in the direction of Pin Galant), get down at the Saint Augustin station, and walk about 10 minutes until you get to the château. You can also take the bus and get directly to the chateau in about 15 minutes. Take the bus (line 24) from Republic Station (next to Place de la Republique). See the schedule here.

Château Olivier

Another gem in the Pessac Leognan appellation is Château Olivier. Just a few km from Bordeaux, you’ll find a beautiful château, surrounded by a forest and vines. Château Olivier is a Grand Cru Classé producing red and white wines. Since 2014, the winery produces only organic wines from its 60 hectares.

The château offers several visiting experiences where you could learn about their wine-making process, and taste wine straight from the barrel.

Book your visit here.

Address: 173 Av. de Bordeaux, 33850 Léognan
Opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 by appointment only – book here.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take bus number 5 from Palais de Justice (a few minutes walk from Place Pey Berland). Get off the bus at the Piscine Chambéry station in Leognan, just a few minutes walk from Chateau Olivier. See more info here.

Château Saint Ahon In Blanquefort

If you’re traveling with kids, I highly recommend vising Château Saint Ahon in Blanquefort. The Chateau is a family-owned winery located at the very beginning of the Medoc wine route.

My kids particularly enjoyed the gardens, called Les Jardins de Mirabel. The gardens offer a fun discovery trail that teaches kids about winemaking and nature in the region in a playful way. For more info about the visit and the gardens click here.

Château Saint Ahon in Medoc is easy to reach by bus — *Château Saint Ahon – by lost in Bordeaux*

Address: 57 Rue de St Ahon, 33290 Blanquefort
Opening hours: The winery is open all year long apart from August and you don’t have to book the visit in advance, just check out the opening hours before going.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take line C to the Blanquefort train station and then continue 20 minutes by foot or take bus 38 from the Blanquefort train station to the Caychac station. See the timetable here.

Discover more family-friendly chateaux in the Bordeaux wine region in my article.

Visiting wineries in Saint Emilion by public transport

The best way to get to Saint Emilion without a car is by taking the train from Gare Saint Jean in Bordeaux. The train doesn’t stop in the center of Saint Emilion, but a 20 minutes walk will get you into this medieval treasure. Most châteaux are located quite far from the town itself but a few are within walking distance from the city center.

Leave some time to discover Saint Emilion itself, it’s one of the most beautiful villages around Bordeaux. For more wineries to visit in Saint Emilion check out my article. If you’re planning to do a weekend in Saint Emilion, here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in the Saint Emilion region.

Château Villemaurine

Château Villemaurine is one of the most popular wineries for tourists visiting Saint Emilion. The Château combines tradition, modernity, centuries of history, and the refined production of great wines.

Château Villemaurine offers two group guided tours. A discovery tour where you get to visit the vineyards and the monolithic cellars which are located underneath the vines of the estate. A Heritage tour where you will discover the stunning network of quarries owned by the Château. Click here to book the tour online.

Address: 23 Villemaurine-Sud, Saint-Émilion
Opening hours: Château Villemaurine is open daily all year long (closed from mid-Dec to mid-Jan). Book a tour in English here.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take the train from Gare Saint Jean to the Saint Emilion train station and walk for about 20 minutes in the direction of the center of Saint Emilion.

Château Soutard

Château Soutard is an impressive 18th-century winery, located a few minutes walk from the center of Saint Emilion. It’s about 30 minutes walk from the train station but it’s worth a visit if you’re going to spend time in the village anyway. The Château offers plenty of fun activities such as a wine blending workshop, biking in the vineyards, a gourmet picnic, and of course, wine tours.

Their basic wine tour (20€ / person) starts at 15h every day from April to October. The tour includes a visit to their vineyards and cellars and a tasting of their renowned Grand Cru Classé wines. To book any of their activities click here.

Chateau Soutard in saint emilion — *Chateau Soutard by lost in Bordeaux*

Address: Soutard, 33330 Saint-Émilion
Opening hours: The schedule is changing during the less touristy season. When in Bordeaux, be sure to contact them for information about tours in English.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take the train from Gare Saint Jean to the Saint Emilion train station and walk for about 30 minutes in the direction of the center of Saint Emilion.

Château La Gaffelière

Closer to the train station you can find Château La Gaffelièr. The winery is classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé under the Saint Emilion wine classification, making it one of the more prestigious estates on this list.

The château belongs to the Malet-Roquefort family who is very passionate about sharing their wine-making craft. Their group tours, lasting for about an hour, take you through their colorful vats and the underground barrel cellar. The visit includes a tasting of three of their wines. Book your tour here.

Address: Château La Gaffelière, BP 65 / 33330 Saint-Emilion
Opening hours: Château La Gaffelière is open daily from April to November 12 and on a few specific dates during other months of the year. Check out their availability here.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take the train from Gare Saint Jean to the Saint Emilion train station and walk a few minutes to get to the chateau.

Visiting Medoc without a car

There are a few wineries in Medoc you can easily reach by train but yet again, if you have the option to do it by car, I highly recommend it. Driving the Medoc wine route is one of the most remarkable experiences Bordeaux has to offer. If you want to follow that advice, here’s a link to find a car from a few locations in Bordeaux.

One of the easiest parts of Medoc to reach by public transport is the town of Margaux. A direct train from Gare Saint Jean (train 42) will take you to the famous wine town with several options for chateaux to visit. Check out the schedule here.

Château Marquis de Terme

If you choose Medoc for your wine trip, I highly recommend visiting Château Marquis de Terme. It’s a fantastic place to visit during summer times as they have an open bar in the garden where you can get wine, cheese, and charcuterie. A perfect way to end your tour.

If you’ve already visited a few wineries in your life and don’t necessarily want to go through yet another explanation about winemaking, this place also offers wine tasting without a tour. Château Marquis de Terme also has a great restaurant which is yet another reason to go there.

You can book your visit here.

Château Marquis de Terme - medoc - one of the only wineries in Bordeaux you can visit by public transpot — *Château Marquis de Terme – by Lost in Bordeaux*

Address: 3 Rte de Rauzan, 33460 Margaux
Opening hours: Château Marquis de Terme offers visits daily from April to mid-November and only on weekdays during the winter season.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
How to get there from Bordeaux: take a train from Gare Saint Jean to Margaux (in the direction of le Verdon) and walk a few minutes to the winery. If you’re staying closer to the city center, take tram C, to get to the Blanquefort station instead of Gare Saint-Jean.

Château Ferrière

Another great winery to visit in Margaux is Château Ferrière, founded in the 18th century by a shipbroker named Gabriel Ferriere. In 1988 the château was sold to Jacques Merlaut, the owner of Château Chasse-Spleen, La Gurgue, and Haut-Bages Liberal. The Merlaut family revived the winery and produced its first vintage in 1992. Today, the château is run by the granddaughter, Claire Villars, who took over the family business after the tragic death of her parents in a car accident.

A variety of tours are available to you at Château Ferrière, all of which include wine tasting, of course. One of their popular tours takes you through the history of the chateau while another is more focused on the agricultural aspect of wine production.

Book your tour at the Château he r e.

Address: 33 bis Rue de la Tremoille, 33460 Margaux-Cantenac
Opening hours: During the tourist season (June to mid-October) the château is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30 and from Monday to Friday the rest of the year.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take a train from Gare Saint Jean to Margaux (in the direction of le Verdon) and walk a few minutes to the winery. If you’re staying closer to the city center, take tram C, to get to the Blanquefort station instead of Gare Saint-Jean. The winery is located about 1km from the train station.

Château Chasse Spleen

Staying in the same family, we move north to the Paulliac area. The beautiful Château Chasse-Spleen belonged to Jacques Merlaut, one of the most important figures in the Medoc wine region. For many years it was run by his daughter, Bernadette and she’s credited for its high reputation. Today it’s managed by one of her daughters Celine Villars and her husband. The 107 hectares winery is labeled under the Moulis en Medoc, the smallest appellation in the Medoc wine region.

The château, dating to the 16th century has a very long history before the Merlaut family acquired it. And you will hear all about it on the tour! You can also combine the classic visit with a light lunch (charcuterie, wine, and a small local dessert).

Choose and book your visit here.

Château Chasse Spleen - a winery to visit by train from Bordeaux — *Château Chasse Spleen by Lost in Bordeaux*

Château Chasse-Spleen also has a wine bar and an art gallery, which are worth a visit even if you don’t fancy a wine tour.
They also have a fabulous hotel, just in case you’re looking for a romantic weekend 🙂
Check it out here.

Address: 33 bis Rue de la Tremoille, 33460 Margaux-Cantenac
Opening hours: From April 21st to November 6th and on public holidays, open 7/7
10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. From November to March, tours and tastings by appointment only from Monday to Friday (email at visites@chasse-spleen.com).

How to get there:
As with all the other Medoc wineries on this list, you need to take the train from Bordeaux in the Direction of Le Verdon. This time you’re getting off at the Pauillac station. The chateau is located about 15 minutes walk from there.

Visiting Graves by train

Château de Cerons

Château de Cerons is one of the more impressive properties on the list. It’s also one of the only wineries in the Graves region you can reach by public transport. A few other wineries in Graves are reachable by bike, but that’s for another article 🙂

The château is a historical Chartreuse (little house) dating back to the 17th century. The winery produces both red and white dry wines and offers a range of different visits that include wine tasting, picnic baskets with regional products, and more.

It’s one of the more kids-friendly chateaux in the region. You can rent bikes at the château and go on a beautiful rural path discovering the heritage of the village and the Garonne River. If you want to discover some other kid-friendly options, check out my dedicated list.

You can book their tours here.

For picnics and bike rentals, you can check their website.

Address: 1 Latour, 33720 Cérons
Opening hours: Mon to Sat from May to October and Mon to Fri from November to April – by appointment only.

How to get there from Bordeaux:
Take the TER train from Gare Saint Jean in Bordeaux to the Cerons station. Château de Cerons is located within a 15-minute walk from the station.

Wine tours from Bordeaux city

In case you’re too nervous to use public transport in Bordeaux there are a few other solutions. I detailed a few options here but you can read my full article about the best wine tours in Bordeaux here.

visit Saint Emilion — *Saint Emilion – by lost in Bordeaux*

A semi-private wine tour to Saint Emilion

There are quite a few companies offering private and semi-private tours from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion or Medoc.

St. Emilion Village Half-Day Wine Tour

With this semi-private tour, you get to visit the village and one winery in Saint Emilion. Book it here.

Saint-Émilion Food and Wine Tour

If you want a full-day trip to Saint Emilion I recommend taking the one offered by Olala Bordeaux. Their tour lasts about six hours and includes a visit to three châteaux in Saint Emilion as well as a fun picnic. Book it here.

Afternoon Wine Tasting in the Medoc Region

This is a great option if you rather go to the Medoc wine region without a car. An afternoon trip taking you from Bordeaux to discover two very different wineries on the Chateaux route. One is a small family-owned winery and the other is one of Bordeaux’s more prestigious Great Classified Growth wine estates. Book the tour he r e.

Rustic vines

This company takes you from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion where you hop on an electric bike. That’s another really fun way to discover the religion. See more details here.

Just to conclude, visiting wineries in the Bordeaux region is a marvelous experience that you should not miss even if you don’t have a car. In this list, you have so many amazing options for chateaux reachable by public transport! Now it’s time to choose the one you like most! Enjoy!

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

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*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Around Bordeaux

The best wineries to visit in Sauternes and Barsac

Last updated on January 31, 2023 No Comments

The Sauternes and Barsac wine AOC is a small segment of the Bordeaux wine region where sweet white wine is produced. And while Bordeaux is mostly renowned for its red wine, the Sauternes appellation is actually one of the most prestigious wines in the world attracting many tourists traveling to Bordeaux.

There are many options when it comes to visiting the vineyards of Sauternes, everything from small family-owned wineries to big producers settled in stunning châteaux. If you have limited time in Bordeaux, knowing which wineries to visit isn’t always obvious and that’s where my article comes in handy. In this article, I gathered all the wineries I enjoyed visiting in Sauternes and Barsac, including the touristic experiences they offer.

It’s important to know that most wineries ask you to book your visit in advance (even though some might offer you a spontaneous tour), that’s why I included a link to book a tour next to every château mentioned in this article. Public transport in this region is not very developed so you will need a car in order to get from Bordeaux to Sauternes and visit wineries, here you can find some good offers.
If renting a car is not something you plan to do, here are a few wineries in the Bordeaux region you can visit by public transport.

If you like Bordeaux wine, you should also check out my articles about the best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion and the Medoc wine route, two of the other famous wine areas in Bordeaux. To get a general idea about the different wine appellations of Bordeaux read my guide to the Bordeaux wine region.

What you need to know about Sauternes wine

The Sauternes (and Barsac) appellation covers five small villages in the South of Gironde: Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Fargues, and Bommes located between two rivers, the Garonne and the Ciron. Sauternes wine owes its rich taste to Botrytis Cinerea, a fungus found on the grapes in this small part of Gironde. In Autumn, a morning mist is created when the cold water of the Ciron river meets the warm water of the larger Garonne, stimulating the formation of a fungus, also known as noble rot.

In order to achieve the sweet taste, only the ripe grapes are picked up, which makes the harvesting process longer and more complicated. But that’s also what makes the visit to Sauternes so interesting.

Wineries not to miss in Sauternes and Barsac

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey – the fancy winery

The Sauternes oped doors weekend introduced me to the Lafaurie-Peyraguey winery, which back then I chose to go to mostly based on how impressive the château was.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Bomme is one of the oldest chateaux in the region, dating back to the 13th century. The Château with its 18.5 hectares is located on a hill, 70 m above sea level, just next to its prestigious neighbor Château d’Yquem. It is also one of the most esteemed wineries in the Sauternes wine region, recognized as a Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is open every day (10:00 – 19:00) in the high season and from Thursday to Monday (10:00 – 18:00) in the low season. You can visit the winery by appointment only.

You can book your tour in Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey here.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey - Sauternes wineries — Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey

However, this beautiful place is more than a winery! The Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey 5 stars Hotel was opened in 2018, receiving a Michelin star for its Lalique restaurant in its first year. Since then it became a must-stop for those looking for a luxurious experience in the Bordeaux wine region. If you’re looking for an idea for a romantic weekend, this one is definitely a great option. Book a stay here.

Château d’Arche

Another chateau I had the chance to visit this year is château d’Arche. The 50-hectare winery in the Sauternes village dates back to the 17th century and has one of the most beautiful views of both the vineyards and the little church of Sauternes. The visit itself takes place at their modern facility where you will find the vat room, tasting room, and a beautiful shop. Just across the road you will find the beautiful 17th-century house where their hotel is located.

Château d’Arche is open daily all year long and offers many touristic experiences. One is the discovery visit of the Sauternes wine, a tour that takes about an hour and includes an explanation of the Sauternes-making process. On this visit you get to see their cellars and vineyards and taste 3 different wines of the chateaux – you can book the visit here.

Château d'Arche - one of the best wineries to visit in Sauternes — *View from Château d’Arche*

If you want something more active, you can also rent an electric bike at the chateau for a day/ half day, stroll around Sauternes admiring the view, and then finish with wine tasting at the chateau. If you’re mainly interested in wine tasting, book their workshop where you’ll learn to better understand the characteristics of the different wines the château offers. See other activities offered by Château d’Arche here.

If you’re planning to discover several wineries in the region, you could also stay the night in Château d’Arche. Book your stay here.

Château Guiraud

Château Guiraud is one of the biggest wineries in the Sauternes and Barsac AOC, spreading over 128 hectares. The winery, specializing in biodiversity, is classified as Premier Cru Classé (first growth) in the original classification of 1855.

Château Guiraud is renowned for the many touristic activities and events it has been offering in the past 30 years. There are two English tours you can do on a regular basis. A tasting tour where you’ll learn all about their wine-making process and compare different vintages. The other is a more active tour where you take an electric bike from the château and use a special app to discover the property. Book their tours here.

Château Guiraud one of the best wineries to visit in Suaternes — *Château Guiraud*

Château de Rayne Vigneau

Le Château de Rayne Vigneau in Bommes is another one of my favorite wineries to visit in Sauternes. Imagine yourself sipping wine at a bar in a beautiful little château, glancing at a sea of vines from the top of a hill, that’s what a visit to Château de Rayne Vigneau feels like.

The château is positioned at the center of a single-block vineyard of 84 hectares and was labeled as 1er Grand Cru Classé de Sauternes in the original 1855 classification, making it one of the top wines of Sauternes.

Rayne Vigneau is known for being very welcoming to tourists and will usually offer wine tastings even if you didn’t book a visit in advance (even though I always recommend doing so in case there’s a surge of visitors). In addition to their classic tours, Château de Rayne Vigneau offers fun activities like wine tasting on a tree, an escape game, and a trip around Sauternes on an electric scooter. See all the details here.

The winery is open daily from April to November and is closed on Sunday during low season.

*The cellar of Château de Rayne Vigneau*

Château de Myrat

Château de Myrat is located in Barsac and it’s one of the wineries I love to recommend to families visiting the Bordeaux wine region.

The Château dates back to 1700 but since 1937 is owned by the famous Pontac family. Apart from their great wine and the beautiful property, what makes the visit fun for kids is the cute animal garden, with chickens, rabbits, dogs, and more. See more details about the château here.

Château de Myrat is open for visits every day, upon appointment only. Here’s the email to contact and book: myrat@chateaudemyrat.fr

Château Filhot

Château Filhot, another Grand Cru Classé winery, is one of the most impressive castles in the Sauternes AOC. The chateau was built by Romain de Filhot, an advisor to the Bordeaux Parliament in 1709, and has stayed in the family since. It’s one of the biggest estates in the region, covering 350 hectares with 65 hectares of vineyards in the village of Sauternes. Château Filhot is also known for its stunning English park, created by Bernard Fischer in 1845.

The winery offers tours without prior appointment from Monday to Friday, although I recommend booking in advance if you want a tour in English. If you’re planning to visit on weekends, booking is required, here’s the email to contact the château: filhot@filhot.com

See opening hours and more information about the winery on their site.

Need more ideas for things to do in and around Bordeaux? you should definitely join my newsletter where I share a lot of info about the area – sign up here.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list where I publish a weekly ‘what to do’ newsletter, check them out here:

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If it’s your first time in Bordeaux you may also like to read some of the following “intro to Bordeaux” articles I wrote:
The Ultimate Guide to a weekend Bordeaux
The best districts in Bordeaux
Where to stay in Bordeaux
What to do in one day in Bordeaux
Things to do with kids in Bordeaux

*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂

In Bordeaux wine region

Visiting la Cité du Vin – Bordeaux’s wine museum

Last updated on February 20, 2023 1 Comment

La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s wine museum, has become one of the city’s main touristic attractions.

Inaugurated in 2016, the wine museum was set to celebrate wine culture around the globe and educate visitors about winemaking and its history.

The shape of this spectacular building is inspired by the movement of wine when it’s swirling in a glass. It can be seen from afar and uplifts the grungy port of Bassin a Flot, where the museum is located.

If you’re visiting Bordeaux and wondering if La Cité du Vin is worth your time, the short answer is yes 🙂 However, if you want a real glimpse into the best wine museum in the world, keep reading the article. Here I’ll walk you through what to expect when visiting La Cite du Vin, how to do it with kids, and what not to miss there.

The museum has been recently renovated and many cool features were added to the permanent exhibition. This article was updated after my recent visit to the Cite du Vin in 2023 and includes all the new sections as well.

Before we start, I have a detailed guide to the Bordeaux wine region so if you plan on visiting wineries in Bordeaux, be sure to read it. Also, see other good museums to visit in Bordeaux.

Now take a sip of Bordeaux wine and let’s dive in!

What to expect when visiting La Cité du Vin?

La Cité du Vin was best described by my friend July who called it an amusement park for wine lovers. The museum offers an interactive journey into the wine world that includes videos, touch screens, sensory tables, interesting stories, music, and more.

The permanent exhibition takes place on the second floor of the museum. You’ll get an audio guide, that you absolutely must use to enjoy the experience. There’s very little to read and a lot to see and listen to in this museum.

Contrary to what many assume, the museum isn’t dedicated to the Bordeaux wine region. It’s actually a world wine museum. The exhibition takes you through many wine regions in the world. And on that journey, you learn about wine history, culture, different grapes and wines, and more.

cite du vin - wine of the world — The most beautiful wine regions in the world – all photos by lost in Bordeaux

What will you discover at La Cite du Vin?

The permanent exhibition includes 18 sections that are divided into six areas.

The first one introduces you to the vineyards of the world through beautiful images and stories from winemakers.

The second is the “know-how” area – here you will learn about varieties of grapes and the winemaking process. One of the cool features here is flat touch screens, surrounded by gigantic wooden bottle shape statues, which help explore the major wine types, from red to sweet white wines and sparkling ones.

*An interactive way to learn about different types of wine at the Cité du Vin*

The third area is about wine and civilization. Here you’ll dive deep into the history of wine and the latest trends in wine tourism, culture, design, and more.

One of the new sections at the Cite du Vin where you get to learn about wine — *One of the new sections at the Cite du Vin in Bordeaux – by Lost in Bordeaux*

The fourth area is called “Art of Living” and it’s my favorite part of the museum. Here you’ll find the “buffet of the five senses”. Plenty of different food items from fruits to honey and cookies are presented in front of you on two big tables, allowing you to explore different wine aromas.

The table of Five senses - La cite du Vin — *The buffet of the five senses*

Another part that was just recently added is the dinner table with a stunning visual art immersive experience.

The last two parts are a bit less interactive but are fascinating to those interested in the history of wine. The fifth area is dedicated to the part waters and wars played in the history of wine around the globe. And the last part of the exhibition is finally dedicated to the Bordeaux wine region.

It’s time for wine tasting with a view

Now to one of the best parts of this experience – wine tasting!

Go back to the ground floor and take the elevator to the 8th floor (you’ll need your ticket for that, so don’t lose it).

This floor is called the Belvedere and it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Bordeaux. You can choose one wine from one of the regions that the exhibition is focusing on and take your glass to the balcony to see the view. A perfect ending to this enriching experience.

wine tasting cite du vin — wine tasting at the end of the tour

How to explore Bordeaux’s wine museum?

The permanent exhibition in La Cite du Vin is big and extremely rich in information. It can take about half a day to cover all of it. When the museum gets busy it can take even more time. Many visitors have either no time or patience to go through every piece of information offered by the museum.

If you have only two-three hours to visit the La Cite du Vin you can actually create a tour, that will be based on the areas of your interest and your time constraints.

Vising la Cité du Vin with kids?

Although kids are usually not very interested (or welcomed) in the wine world, La Cite du Vin can be a very kid-friendly experience. I wouldn’t recommend going through every section of the wine museum, however, there are quite a few interactive parts, they’ll be happy to discover.

When you start your tour, build your own kids-friendly guide in the audio guide. Choose a one-hour tour (or more if your kids handle museums well) and then choose. In the areas of Interest choose things like wine making and art, which have more interactive parts in them. Let them touch, smell and enjoy the beautiful visuals.

One of the parts of La Cite du Vin that kids will enjoy — *Visiting la Cite du Vin with kids*

If you’re visiting Bordeaux with kids take don’t forget to read my article about the best 30 things to do with kids in Bordeaux.

What else is there to do at the wine museum?

When you finish the permanent exhibition don’t be in a rush to leave the Cité du Vin, you still have a lot of things to do there.

The Museum regularly hosts great temporary exhibitions that focus on different cultural aspects related to the wine world. The temporary exhibition is located on the first floor and is included in the ticket to the Cite du Vin.

glass expo in cite du vin — *Great temporary exhibitions at the cite du vin – glass and wine*

Don’t miss the beautiful library of wine-related books located on the first floor.

Additionally, La Cite du Vin daily hosts wine-tasting workshops in French, English and Spanish. These take place in stunning modern tasting rooms. The English workshop is mainly dedicated to Bordeaux wines while those in French are varied. You can choose workshops about specific wine regions or learn how to match wine with cheese or chocolate.

Wine tasting workshop at the cite du vin

Another thing to miss is the beautiful wine shop located on the ground floor. The shop has about 800 bottles, with 600 of them being non-French wines. The seventh floor is the fancy Le 7 Restaurant with a stunning view of Bordeaux. I haven’t had the chance to eat there yet but heard some mixed reviews.

The beautiful wine shop at the cite du Vin in Bordeaux — *The beautiful wine shop at the Cite du Vin*

All you need to know before going to la Cité du Vin

Tickets and prices

The ticket is a bit pricey but definitely worth the one-time experience.

A ticket to the permanent exhibition (including a glass of wine) is 22€ for an adult and 9 € for kids over 6yo. A family pack is 54€ which is worth buying if you are two adults and two kids.

The museum is top-rated and sometimes the lines can be quite long. To avoid that you can purchase the tickets online in advance.

Click here to buy your tickets in advance.
In case you decided to purchase the Bordeaux city Pass, you’ll get a 20% discount on your tickets to the Cite du Vin and use public transport for free to get there.

Opening hours

The opening hours of Cité du Vin are Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday – Sunday and bank and school holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. Opening hours change in the high season so check them out on the website of the museum before going.

How to get to the wine museum

The easiest way to get to Cité du Vin is by tram B. The “Cité du Vin” station is located just two minute’s walk from the museum.

If you are located on the other side of the Garonne river you can also take the boat (BAT 3). It’s the same ticket as the tram but you can get there in a more stylish way 🙂

For more information about the hours and the other stations of the BAT3 -click here.

Another option is taking the city bikes from one of the V3 stations that are spread all over the city. The ride from the city center to the wine museum is one of the best things to do when visiting Bordeaux. I’ve even included it in my article about the best things to do in Bordeaux in one day.

What else is there to do next to the wine museum?

If you don’t have anything planned after your visit to the museum don’t rush to leave this cool neighborhood. This is an opportunity to discover the Bassin a flot district, which as you’ll see has a more hipster and industrial vibe to it.

It’s one of the rising districts of Bordeaux with plenty of street art, bars, music venues, and a chic-covered market. If you want to learn more about the Bassin a flot (Bacalan) district check out my article about the north of Bordeaux.

things to do in Bacalan Bordeaux — *The Bacalan district in Bordeaux*

If you want to explore the Bordeaux wine region more in-depth check out my articles about the best wineries in Saint Emilion and about traveling in the Medoc wine region.

If it’s your first time in Bordeaux check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a place to stay I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you find your preferred AirBnB location.

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

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