Along the Bordeaux Wine Route

Cover photo: Green vineyards in Saint Emilion, France ©Shutterstock/cmargouillat

Bordeaux wines are among the most renowned in the world. The region produces full-bodied, elegant reds, as well as refined sweet wines made from overripe grapes. Bordeaux also shines with its dry, fruity and lively whites. The Bordeaux Wine Route has been world-renowned for centuries, covering 100,000 hectares and sixty appellations. It includes five major sub-regions: Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Entre-deux-Mers, and the Rive Droite. These regions are home to three main red grape varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and three key white varieties Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet. Each wine expresses a unique terroir and ancestral savoir-faire, blending tradition and innovation. These wines embody French excellence and are highly sought after by wine lovers and collectors around the world.

Along the Bordeaux Red Wine Route  

Discover the Bordeaux region’s wine-growing excellence through a unique wine tourism circuit combining iconic wine estates, historic villages and immersive experiences. From Margaux to Sauternes, via Saint-Émilion and Entre-deux-Mers, each stop offers an insight into the soul of an exceptional terroir.

Château de Marquis de Terme  

Our Bordeaux Wine Route begins with the Château Marquis de Terme, in the heart of the Château-Margaux appellation, owned by the Sénéclauze family since 1935. This fourth ‘Grand Cru’ classified wine, with 40 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, embodies the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. The wines produced here are internationally acclaimed for their full-bodied, velvety texture.

Even better the experiences on offer live up to the setting: private tours, bike rides through the vineyards and grand cru workshops will give you an insight into the estate’s savoir-faire in an elegant and authentic atmosphere. 

Château du Taillan 

Next up is the Château du Taillan, a family-owned estate that blends tradition and modernity, run by an all-female team and classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel in 2020. This 18th-century estate combines the majesty of its listed underground cellars with a park full of century-old trees and a philosophy based on quality and sustainable agriculture. 

As you travel along the Bordeaux Wine Route, take the time to discover the town of Taillan-Médoc, nicknamed ‘between towns and vineyards’, where the harmony between nature and the wine-growing culture of Château du Taillan takes on its full meaning. 

Saint-Émilion, land of harvests and prestige  

Just a few minutes away: the medieval town of Saint-Émilion. Where hidden gems of wine await wine lovers to reveal themselves.  

Château Bernateau 

Château Bernateau, a property that has been passed down through 11 generations, offers a complete immersion “from the vineyard to the chai” (the chai being the old name for the wine-making area), with a tour suitable for children and a guided tasting of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. 

Château Mauvinon 

Not far away, the Château Mauvinon combines heritage and innovation. In an elegant ivy-covered building, you will discover a unique and exciting activity: a wine-themed escape game called “Les tradors verts de mauvinon” (The Green Tradors of Mauvinon), suitable for all ages. The château is in the commune of Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, one of the jewels of the Saint-Émilion area, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the heart of the small town, a Menhir Peyrefitte stands as a witness to the past. Legends of yesteryear make it a gathering place during the summer solstice, when people prayed for the fertility of the land and its inhabitants. Enjoy this wine tour to discover this authentic monument of French culture and terroir.  

Château d’Arche 

Head south of Bordeaux to Sauternes, the cradle of legendary sweet wines. Château d’Arche, classified as a ‘Grand Cru’ in 1855, welcomes you to a 17th-century charterhouse for a complete discovery of how Sauternes wines are made. These wines, made from overripe grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), offer intense and incomparable fruity flavours.

From guided tours and tastings to a boutique and immersive experiences, this estate is a must-see for all lovers of sweet, natural wines and wine history. 

Château de Reignac 

Complete your Bordeaux wine tour at Château de Reignac, located between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. This 16th-century building, featuring a greenhouse designed by Gustave Eiffel, is known for its dry and sweet white wines made from Sauvignon and Sémillon grapes. The estate has won the ‘Best of Wine Tourism’ award several times. Three types of tours are available here: hedonist, prestige, or around the property, with a remarkable welcome from the owners.

Don’t miss the town of Tursac and its Maison Forte de Reignac, a true haven of peace. 

This oenotourism itinerary along the Bordeaux Wine Route is more than just a culinary escape: it’s a journey through centuries, terroirs and savoir-faire. From family-run estates to grand cru classified, each stop reveals a unique facet of France’s wine-growing heritage. Discover our exceptional establishments in Bordeaux, treat yourself to a wine-tasting break with our gift boxes and gift cards, and let us guide you to other authentic locations in the heart of Provence by subscribing to our newsletter!   

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By Emilie FALLOT NGUYEN