Top Ten Vineyards To Visit In Bordeaux
If you’re a wine lover, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world in Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux is home to over 7,000 wine-producing châteaux, each with its own history, style and charm. Whether you’re looking for a grand cru classé, a biodynamic wine, or a family-owned estate, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in this region. So if you looking at renting a luxury holiday villa in France, here are our top ten picks for the best vineyards to visit in Bordeaux.
- Château Margaux: One of the five first growths of the 1855 classification, Château Margaux is a legendary estate that produces some of the finest and most expensive wines in the world. The elegant neoclassical château, surrounded by manicured gardens and vineyards, is a sight to behold. You can book a guided tour and tasting of their wines, including the rare and coveted Château Margaux 1900, which sells for over $10,000 a bottle.
- Château Haut-Brion: Another first growth, Château Haut-Brion is the oldest wine estate in Bordeaux, dating back to the 16th century. It is also the only one located within the city limits of Bordeaux, in the suburb of Pessac. The château boasts a rich history, having been owned by illustrious figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte. You can visit their cellars and taste their wines, which are renowned for their complexity and longevity.
- Château d’Yquem: The undisputed king of sweet wines, Château d’Yquem is the only wine in Bordeaux to have the status of premier cru supérieur, or superior first growth. Located in the Sauternes appellation, the château produces a golden nectar from botrytized grapes, which are affected by a beneficial fungus that concentrates their sugars and flavors. The result is a wine that is sweet but balanced by acidity, with aromas of honey, apricot, caramel and spice. A visit to Château d’Yquem is a must for any wine lover.
- Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande: Also known as Pichon Lalande or Pichon Comtesse, this second growth estate in the Pauillac appellation is one of the most feminine and elegant wines in Bordeaux. The château itself is a fairy-tale castle with turrets and a moat, surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards. You can enjoy a tour of their facilities and a tasting of their wines, which are known for their finesse and harmony.
- Château Palmer: A third growth estate in the Margaux appellation, Château Palmer is one of the most prestigious and consistent producers in Bordeaux. The château has a long history of innovation and experimentation, having been one of the first to adopt organic and biodynamic farming practices. Their wines are characterized by their richness, depth and silky texture. You can visit their vineyards and cellars and taste their wines, which often rival or surpass those of their higher-ranked neighbors.
- Château Cheval Blanc: A premier grand cru classé A in the Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Cheval Blanc is one of the most iconic and sought-after wines in Bordeaux. The château has a modern and minimalist architecture that contrasts with its ancient vines and terroir. Their wines are made from a unique blend of mostly Cabernet Franc and Merlot, giving them a distinctive flavor and aroma profile that includes floral, fruity and spicy notes. You can book a private tour and tasting of their wines, which are among the most expensive and collectible in the world.
- Château Mouton Rothschild: A first growth estate in the Pauillac appellation, Château Mouton Rothschild is one of the most famous and influential wine producers in the world. The château is owned by the Rothschild family, who have invested heavily in art and culture. Their wines are adorned with labels designed by famous artists such as Picasso, Warhol and Dalí. You can visit their museum of wine art and their impressive cellars, where you can taste their wines, which are powerful, opulent and expressive.
- Château Lafite Rothschild: Another first growth estate in the Pauillac appellation, Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the oldest and most revered wine producers in Bordeaux. The château has been owned by the same branch of the Rothschild family since 1868, who have preserved its tradition and elegance. Their wines are known for their finesse, subtlety and grace, with aromas of cedar, tobacco and blackcurrant. You can visit their historic cellars and taste their wines, which are among the most coveted and expensive in the world.
- Château Cos d’Estournel: A second growth estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, Château Cos d’Estournel is one of the most exotic and flamboyant wines in Bordeaux. The château has a distinctive oriental style, inspired by its founder Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, who traveled extensively to India and China in the 19th century. Their wines are made from a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving them a full-bodied, spicy and complex character. You can visit their stunning cellars and taste their wines, which are among the most original and distinctive in Bordeaux.
- Château La Mission Haut-Brion: A grand cru classé in the Graves appellation, Château La Mission Haut-Brion is one of the most respected and consistent wine producers in Bordeaux. The château is located next to its sister estate, Château Haut-Brion, and shares many similarities with it. Their wines are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, giving them a rich, smooth and elegant style. You can visit their historic cellars and taste their wines, which are often compared to those of Château Haut-Brion.
