30 Best Bordeaux Wineries & Famous Vineyards 2024

By | Travel & Wine Writer, Co-Founder
Last Updated: July 8, 2024
30 Top Bordeaux Wineries You Can't Miss on Your Next Trip to France

Discover The Best Bordeaux Wineries in 2024, Tours & Wine Tasting Experiences

The Bordeaux wine region is perhaps the most legendary wine-producing area in all of Europe. It’s best known for its medium to full-bodied red wines, luscious botrytis-affected dessert wines, gorgeous scenery, and famous chateaux. But Bordeaux is a vast destination to travel to. With over 38 sub-regions and a vibrant cultural scene in the city of Bordeaux itself, a wine lover could easily spend a month or more and not be done exploring.

At its most basic level, the region of Bordeaux is cut in half by the Garonne River, and wineries on either side are permitted to produce red wine blends consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Carmenere, and Petit Verdot.

On the white wine front, both dry and sweet wines are produced with Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon and Muscadelle. Colombard and Ugni Blanc can also be found in small quantities at various boutique wineries.

In this travel guide, we’re going to list 30 of our favorite Bordeaux wineries throughout the entirety of the region that are worth visiting. We realize that each Winetraveler has a preference when it comes to wine styles and winery experiences, so we’ll do our best to split this list of wineries into a variety of categories.

In This Guide: Best Bordeaux Wineries, Wine Tours & Tasting Experiences

Bordeaux Wine Region Map
Bordeaux regional map depicting some of the most noteworthy wine regions you’ll be wine tasting at during your visit.

Fun Bordeaux Fact

The wine association within Bordeaux is currently experimenting with growing grape varieties foreign to the region, such as Tempranillo, Garnacha and Touriga Nacional, among others, in an effort to prepare for climate change in the future.

RELATED: 10 Sweet Wine Growing Appellations To Know About in Bordeaux

Travel Logistics Getting To and Around Bordeaux

As we’ve mentioned, Bordeaux is a big place, so travel logistics are important. The region resides in the southwestern portion of France, north of Spain’s Basque region. While the city itself has its own fairly large airport, it’s often difficult to find direct flights if you’re coming from the United States.

If you’re already in Europe, direct flights can be found from most major European cities. Otherwise, if you’re coming from the US, consider flying into Paris or Madrid and connecting to Bordeaux. You can search for current flight deals and get notified as they arise right here.

Once you’re in the city, we highly recommend spending at least a couple of nights exploring its cobblestone streets, Place de la Bourse, delicious restaurants, wine bars and of course, La Cité du Vin (a new and impressive “wine city” and museum, skip the line with this ticket).

Where To Stay in Bordeaux’s City Center

Stay at the opulent 5-star Intercontinental Bordeaux for luxury digs, a rooftop bar, and a perfect location near the opera house. Or, stay at Hôtel des Quinconces for an equally luxurious experience in the city center but with a more boutique vibe.

Tours & Things To Do in the City of Bordeaux

Before we dive into the wineries, there are a few more must-do activities while visiting Bordeaux.

Stop at exceptional wine bars like Le Bar à Vin, Tchin Tchin Wine Bar, Julo and Voilà ! Bar à vins du monde.

Experience Bordeaux like never before on this 2-hour electric scooter tour! With an easy-to-ride and eco-friendly electric scooter, you can cover double the distance in half the time, while exploring the picturesque Garonne riverside and iconic landmarks like Bordeaux Cathedral and Pont de Pierre. Get insider tips from your local guide and capture unforgettable moments at Place des Quinconces and more. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour departure and make the most out of your Bordeaux adventure.

Indulge in the culinary delights of Bordeaux with a 3-hour gourmet food walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable foodie guide, you’ll visit three beloved local shops to sample the staples of French cuisine, including canelés (a Bordeaux pastry), cheese, and charcuterie, accompanied by a glass of wine. Learn about the wine industry and its fascinating history in Bordeaux, and at the end of the tour, head back to a central apartment to enjoy all the delicious specialties you’ve gathered, paired with another glass of wine.

Discover a unique and exciting way to explore Bordeaux with a private motorcycle tour. Hop on the sidecar and take in the breathtaking views while your knowledgeable guide shares fascinating anecdotes about the top landmarks and hidden gems along the way, from Place de la Bourse to Palais Gallien. With hotel pickup included, enjoy a stress-free and personalized experience tailored to your interests. Avoid the hassle of navigating and discover Bordeaux from a perspective rare to visitors.

Alternatively, you can customize a personal and private guided walking tour around the city to all of its major sights and landmarks with our local friend Sophia.

RECOMMENDED: Book These Highly-Rated Bordeaux Wine Tours

Once you’ve spent a few romantic days wandering the city streets and indulging in epic cuisine at restaurants like Restaurant Son’ and Le Petit Atelier des Faures, rent a car and prepare to explore the countryside. National, Europecar and Hertz all have downtown Bordeaux rental offices. So check rates well ahead of time here and lock up a rental for the duration of your trip.

If you’d prefer not to drive and would like to explore Bordeaux’s wine country in a private, guided fashion, we highly recommend scheduling a day trip with Atlas Bordeaux. You’ll visit some of the most noteworthy wine regions like Medoc, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan. Group tours to regions like Saint-Emilion are also available. One other fun way to explore the countryside is by bike.

Did You Know?

Bordeaux, acclaimed for its viticultural prestige, also shines as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable urban harmony and architectural unity. The city’s enlisting under this prestigious designation is credited to its expansive quays along the Garonne River, the imposing Place de la Bourse, and the grandeur of the Port of the Moon—an elegant urban and architectural ensemble that dates back to the Enlightenment period.

For wine enthusiasts venturing into this region, there’s an intriguing slice of lesser-known history; the city’s wine trade expansion in the 18th century directly influenced its urban plan and development. Exploring Bordeaux reveals hidden gems like the historic wine merchants’ district, Chartrons, where cobbled streets whisper tales of wine barrels rolled out for international shipment.

Bordeaux’s contribution to the world of oenology is also reflected in its innovative La Cité du Vin, a cultural facility that offers a multisensory journey through the world of wine across various cultures and civilizations. This contemporary museum, shaped like a swirling glass of wine, not only symbolizes the city’s rich wine heritage but also offers an avant-garde edge to the classic wine country tour.

Bordeaux wine tour by bike
One of the most exciting and increasingly popular ways to visit some of Bordeaux’s best wineries is to do it on an e-Bike. à la française currently offers tours for small groups, (no more than 7 people) that focus on Saint Emilion. The tour begins within the city of Bordeaux itself before you venture out into the countryside in a guided capacity to visit a range of world-class wineries. It also includes a fantastic lunch. You can’t go wrong. Learn more and book the tour here from this website using code WINETRAVELER15 at checkout for a limited time.

The Best Private Bordeaux Wine Tour

Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: Best Bordeaux Wineries
Wine tasting amongst the vines with ancient castle backdrops isn’t uncommon in regions like Saint-Émilion.

As we just mentioned, some Winetravelers may prefer to visit the Bordeaux wine region in a guided fashion. If that’s what you’re looking to do, we highly recommend scheduling a full-day private trip with Atlas Bordeaux. Below, you’ll get a taste of what some of your travel options are in the region, so you’ll be better prepared to craft the perfect trip. Atlas will help you do that and more.

Decide on the region (or multiple regions) you’d like to visit most. Typically, most of our readers are interested in visiting Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Graves, Sauternes, or Pessac-Leognan. You can even request some of the wineries we mention in this list that you’d like to visit. They will then design a custom, all-inclusive itinerary for you. Typically, your full-day experience is complete with transportation, lunch, and private wine tastings. You can opt for family-operated establishments, or arrange for a Michelin-star restaurant on your itinerary. It’s completely up to you.

Best Bordeaux Wineries To Visit

Where to start? We recommend you take a few moments to think about the kind of experience you want to get out of your visit to Bordeaux. Are you looking to visit some of the most famous chateaus? Do you prefer more boutique wineries? Are you looking to travel at a leisurely pace and get lost in the region? Are you looking for wineries with views or lodging? Luckily, we’ve covered a bit of everything in this list. The first wineries we mention here include accommodation if you’re looking to stay on a vineyard. 

Winery/Hotel Combinations

Château Pape Clément

Location: Pessac Leognan

Why Guests Like It: Luxury, Castle/Chateau Experience, History, Great Service, Beautiful Grounds, Restaurant, Elegant

A visit to Chateau Pape Clement is worthwhile simply for the wine alone, however, it’s also one of the most memorable hotel experiences you’ll likely have in France. During one of our recent 2-night stays, we had the opportunity to dine in the incredibly well-maintained gardens, with over 60 acres of vines planted in the distance. The rooms feel historic and ornate, exhibiting a vibe of elegance we have yet to experience at any other winery hotel in France.

Without going into too much detail (we’ll let the staff at the chateau do that for you), wine production dates back to the 1200s. The property was also once owned by a pope, hence its name. If you’re looking to stay on a vineyard at one famous winery in Bordeaux, this is your opportunity. Book a stay for your preferred dates right here.

La Maison d’Estournel

Location: Saint-Estèphe

Why Guests Like It: Location, Great For Couples, Exceptional Food (Custom Even), Great Service, Fabulous Grounds, Luxurious Rooms

For a truly “French” experience, consider staying and dining at the sumptuous La Maison d’Estournel. Here, the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. One day for lunch, they were kind enough to set our table up outside in the gardens on request. With a sommelier on hand to answer any of your Bordeaux wine questions, combined with a menu that changes daily and a chef willing to tailor a meal to your preferences, you really can’t go wrong. 

Location-wise, La Maison d’Estournel is just minutes away from many of the famous Bordeaux wineries we discuss a little later on in this guide, including Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

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Hôtel & Restaurant LALIQUE – Château Lafaurie Peyraguey

Location: Sauternes (Bommes)

Why Guests Like It: Modern, Luxurious, Exceptional Restaurant, Service, Location

An often-overlooked travel experience in Bordeaux is a stop in Sauternes. This is where some of the most delicious and meticulously crafted sweet white wines are made, better than anywhere else in the world. Château Lafaurie Peyraguey’s new opulent Hôtel & Restaurant LALIQUE exudes luxury. It’s the perfect stop for couples looking for upscale amenities, cuisine and modern, chic luxurious rooms. Better still, you’re in close proximity to a number of our favorite wineries in the Sauternes region. From the restaurant’s floor-to-cieling glass windows, you can gaze out at the vineyards of Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud. In the other direction, you can see Chateau d’Yquem in the distance. Stay here.

Best Bordeaux Vineyards and Wineries To Visit in France
One of our favorite and most iconic shots, this photo depicts the essential fog that helps produce some of our favorite botrytis-affected wines in Southern Bordeaux. If you’re lucky and savvy enough, wake up early and take a drive to some of the vineyards in Sauternes to watch the fog retreat over the vines.

Château Sigalas-Rabaud

Location: Sauternes (Bommes)

Why Guests Like It: Luxurious, Exceptional Service, Great Wine Produced on the Property, Beautiful Views and Grounds

Literally right next door to LALIQUE, consider staying at Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud for a true French vineyard resort experience. This is a family-run operation and Laure and her team are guaranteed to make you feel welcome. We had the pleasure of walking with her through the vineyards while she discussed the production process of their famous botrytis sweet wines. Then, we continued on through the vines on foot to visit both Chateau Rayne-Vigneau and Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. You’re also in close proximity to wineries like Clos Haut-Peyraguey and Chateau d’Yquem, which are must-visits. If you book a trip, tell her we sent you. 

RELATED: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary For Exploring The Champagne Wine Region

Domaine du Papillon

Location: Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Peaceful, Removed, Family-Operated, Swimming Pool, Great Breakfast

If you’re looking to stay in a slightly more affordable hotel in the Medoc region, Domaine du Papillon provides a great base and welcoming hosts. Christoph and Sabine go out of their way to make sure all their guests are content with their stay. There’s even a chance they’ll have breakfast with you and give you advice on the best places to taste wine while you’re in the area. While not a winery itself, this hotel has spacious grounds that are perfect for lounging and taking your visit to Bordeaux at a slower pace. You’re also only a short distance from a number of wineries in the Medoc.

Château Borgeat de Lagrange

Why Guests Like It: Castle-like Setting, Great Service, Beautiful Grounds

Location: Blaye

Up until now, all of the winery/hotel combinations we’ve mentioned have been on the left bank of the Garonne. Château Borgeat de Lagrange will take you a little further south in Bordeaux and place you not far from the right bank of the river. That means more of the wines over here will be Merlot dominant. Consider a stay at Château Borgeat de Lagrange for peaceful and beautiful surroundings, a swimming pool, a historic building and a great jump-off point to visit a number of Right Bank wineries. Here, you’ll feel like you’re taking a step back in time.

Le Pain De Lune

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Excellent Service, Beautiful Grounds, Location

Location: Bourg

For a more relaxed, boutique accommodation, consider staying at Le Pain De Lune. This is a smaller villa, yet gorgeous and well-maintained both externally and internally. It’s also right on the right bank of the Dordogne River, where the Garonne splits. What we tend to hear from our readers most about this place is the service. If you’re looking for advice about the best things to do in Bordeaux, don’t be shy to speak with your host, Philippe.

RELATED: 15 Beautiful Castles You Must Visit When in Europe

Best Vineyards in Bordeaux France
Most wineries go above and beyond to craft world-class wines each year in Bordeaux. Mother nature is not very forgiving, which is why some vintages are better than others. Here, one winery strives to keep its vines alive despite frigid temperatures during early Spring.

Famous Bordeaux Vineyards & Château To Visit

Château Haut-Brion

Location: Pessac

Why Guests Like It: Location, Historic, Great Wine

Chateau Haut-Brion is not only one of the most famous and oldest wineries in Bordeaux, it’s also conveniently located near the city of Bordeaux. That being said, it makes for an ideal stop if you’re staying in the city. In terms of what you can expect when you visit the winery, the staff are incredibly friendly, the grounds are stunning, and most guests are incredibly pleased with the tours they offer. While this is a first-growth winery, we found that the staff didn’t make it seem so and were incredibly humble. If you’re lucky, you may get to taste some of the legendary ’09 or ’10 vintages.

Visits to Haut-Brion are difficult to attain, but you can request a potential experience if you complete their requested form. It helps if you work in the wine industry and it helps more if you request the visit well in advance.

Château Giscours

Location: Margaux

Why Guests Like It: Impressive Vineyards & Facilities, Affordable & Informative Tours, Delicious Wine

This winery maintains one of the largest vineyard areas in the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux. Their wines are world-famous, and there’s a good chance whether you’re a novice wine drinker or an expert that you’ve seen various vintages on wine shop shelves. This is a beautiful property to visit. An opportunity to taste the essence of Margaux within a castle, along with an informative tour. We only paid 12 euros and had a very nice experience. Email or call them at +33 (0)5 57 97 09 09 and contact@giscours.com to schedule a visit.

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Château Margaux

Location: Margaux

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Delicious Wine, Impressive Castle/Vineyards, Great Service, Luxurious

There’s a reason why Chateau Margaux remains one of the most famous wineries in the world. A visit to their property will quickly tell you that they must have been doing something right all of these years. Our readers frequently claim that some of the vintages sampled at Margaux are “the best glasses of wine we’ve ever had.” That’s assuming you’re into big-bodied and luscious Cabernet-dominant reds, of course. This winery simply cannot be missed. And while it’s clearly a large, somewhat corporate operation, the grounds and facilities are nothing short of breathtaking. The guides who take you through the facilities are also clearly passionate about the work they do here, and you’ll have a great time. Visits to Chateau Margaux are strictly by appointment only and can be difficult to schedule. It’s best to call them directly and see what your options are: +33 (0) 5 57 88 83 83.

Château Latour

Location: Pauillac

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Grounds, Hospitable, Great Wines, Service, Restaurant

For such a famous producer, we didn’t feel like we were visiting some sort of corporate operation. Clearly, the winery has been successful, but the staff couldn’t have been more friendly and accommodating. The wines are also top-notch. If you’re able to sneak in for a visit to the property, it’s open Monday through Friday. Unfortunately, due to COVID they’ve been a bit more restrictive as to who may be able to visit. It’s open for tours and tastings geared towards professionals within the wine industry currently, but you may be able to schedule a visit by calling them at +33 5 56 73 19 80.

Château Mouton Rothschild

Location: Pauillac

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Fantastic Wine, Opulent Property, Great Service, Museum

Another one of the most famous Château on Bordeaux’s left bank, Mouton Rothschild is another first-growth that has been crafting delectable juice since 1853 (though it was only elevated to first growth in 1973). As you might expect, the grounds and facilities here are impressive, as is the quality of service. However, it’s worth noting that this winery has only recently started providing tours again due to COVID. You may be able to schedule a visit by appointment only, call +33 (0)5 56 73 21 29 to inquire.

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Château Lafite Rothschild

Location: Pauillac

Why Guests Like It: Castle Vibes, Beautiful Grounds and Vineyards, Exceptional Red Wines

Everything from the vast circular barrel room, the tasting areas, to the gardens, vineyards and castle itself is impressive at Château Lafite Rothschild. Located just north of Mouton, it’s worth a stop here if you’re planning on touring Pauillac. Unfortunately, this is another producer that has been pretty restrictive with visits due to the current COVID situation. Tastings and tours are by appointment only, +33 (0) 1 53 89 78 00.

Best Bordeaux Vineyards and Wineries to Visit
Wine, vines and ancient ruins? Sign us up. That’s what you can expect while you explore some of Bordeaux’s famous vineyards like these here in Saint Emilion.

Château Cheval Blanc

Location: Saint Emilion

Why Guests Like It: Exceptional Wine, Historic, Rooftop Wine Tastings, Beautiful Grounds

We aren’t going to get your hopes up for visiting Cheval Blanc. It’s entirely possible, but wine tourism is something they currently are not promoting to the public. Cheval Blanc is now currently owned by LVMH (Moet Hennessy), and its primary focus is production and distribution. If you’re an industry professional, you can expect a guided tour through their vineyards, facilities and cellar, topped off with a tasting experience on the rooftop of the chateau that overlooks Pomerol and Saint Emilion. 

Famous Bordeaux Chateau, Wineries and Vineyards to Visit: Chateau d'Yquem
Chateau d’Yquem shines on a beautiful summer day in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux.

Chateau d’Yquem

Location: Sauternes

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Beautiful Grounds, Incredible Sweet Wine

Arguably one of the most famous Chateau in all of Bordeaux, d’Yquem produces some of the most sought-after sweet white wines in the world (unfortified). The property is vast, and somewhat removed from other producers in the area. You can actually see the towering estate from miles away. We remember briefly stopping in Saint-Croix-du-Mont (another sweet sub-region) to explore the terroir there, and in the distance, we could see d’Yquem standing high above the landscape. If you step into the main lobby of the winery, it makes all of the other nearby producers seem tiny.

Luckily for Winetravelers, Chateau d’Yquem is open to the public for visitation. However, appointments are required and visits are private. Be sure to book your visit well in advance.

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Château Petrus

Location: Pomerol

Why Guests Like It: Legendary Wines

Some of the most sought-after red wines in the world reside under the label of Chateau Petrus. We’re only mentioning it here because they are so famous, but it’s unlikely you’ll ever get to experience a visit to the facility in Pomerol. These days, Petrus focuses exclusively on production, not visitation. Visitors are only allowed on the property if they receive an exclusive invitation, and it’s almost always for those within the wine or hospitality industries.

Are there more famous Bordeaux wineries worth mentioning? Absolutely. Unfortunately, the way it currently works in Bordeaux (and especially with the ongoing COVID situation), the more famous the winery, the more difficult it is to get a visit. Should more legendary first-growths open up their doors to visitors, we’ll add them to this list. In the meantime, we’ll continue on with more exceptional Bordeaux wineries that are currently open to the public.

Bordeaux Wineries with Beautiful Grounds and Scenery

When it comes to the scenery in Bordeaux, you’re pretty much going to find it everywhere. That being said, this is a tough list to narrow down, so we’ve included Bordeaux wineries that have exceeded our personal expectations both in terms of views and the service provided.

Château Marquis

Location: Margaux

Why Guests Like It: Rent a Bike, Boutique, Great Service, Great Wines, Affordable, Beautiful Scenery

Located in Margaux, and not far from the famed Chateau Margaux, this more humble property is geared towards the wine tourist more than most in Bordeaux. Not only is the wine great and the surrounding vineyards beautiful, it’s one of the few wineries in Bordeaux that you can also rent a bike and explore the surrounding countryside. Definitely worth a stop, and the staff are happy to give you recommendations for additional things to do in the region.

Château Lamothe Bergeron

Location: Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Beautiful Property, Newly Restored Tasting Room, Immersive Tourism Experience

The vibe and setting outdoors at Château Lamothe Bergeron makes you feel as though you’re at some 18th-century outdoor French gala. When you make your way inside, you’ll feel almost exactly the opposite. This chateau went above and beyond to provide a high-tech wine tourism experience to its guests. The building has been almost completely restored recently, the tasting room is beautiful, and the tour and tasting options allow for an immersive experience. You’ll have the opportunity to taste the wines in their various developmental stages. This is also an ideal winery if you’re not looking to spend much money, as their most basic tasting starts at just 8 euros.

This is one of the few wineries in Bordeaux that (at least currently), doesn’t require reservations. You can visit from April to October: 7 days a week, from 10 am to 6 pm
– from November to March: Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 am to 5.30 pm.

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Marquis de Vauban Castle

Location: Blaye

Why Guests Like It: Caters To Tourists, Horse-Drawn Carriage, Beautiful Property, Great Service, Lunch, Camping, Beautiful Views, Family Friendly

Unlike many Bordeaux producers who shy away from wine tourism and prefer to focus on wine production, Marquis de Vauban Castle provides an ample range of tasting and tour options to guests. You can choose to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the property, take a little train ride if you have kids in tow, take an underground passage tour beneath the citadel of Blaye, or have a romantic lunch with your significant other overlooking the grounds. This property also supports motorhomes if you’re cruising around Bordeaux and provides electrical hook-up.

Château Prieuré Lichine

Location: Margaux

Why Guests Like It: Informative Tours, Beautiful Property, Great Service

For those looking for a detailed and personal tour of a lovely estate in the Margaux region, Château Prieuré Lichine is worth a stop. You’ll take a walk through the lovely courtyard, visit the wine cellar and production facilities, and learn about some unique and modern production techniques being implemented. Our tour guide Sarah also gave us background on the Margaux region itself, diving deep into the regulations and wine-making techniques of the area. The tasting room is also remarkably beautiful, and you’ll likely spend an hour or two relaxing or walking the grounds.

Château Castera

Location: Saint-Germain-d’Esteuil

Why Guests Like It: Great Value, Great Wines, Beautiful Property, History, Great Service

One of the few luxurious wineries perhaps in all of Bordeaux where you can get an informative tour and tasting for as little as 6 euros. As you’re guided through the property and production facilities, you’ll hear the passion in the guide’s voice. This is another castle-like setting, and the operation is run by a relatively young and enthusiastic team. Our favorite part about the visit is the escape game they offer from the top of the castle tower. Certainly a unique experience and an indication that guests having a memorable experience is important at Château Castera.

Château Dauzac

Location: Labarde

Why Guests Like It: Great Service, Beautiful Grounds, Welcoming Staff, Great Wines

This is a great winery to visit that’s a bit removed from many of the more popular wineries in the area. The property is sprawling, offering opportunities to buy a bottle and post up to have a little picnic of your own. If you choose to do a tour at Dauzac, they tend to be small and personalized. It begins in the vineyards, then you’ll be walked through the production facilities, the wine cellar and finally get to relax in the tasting room.

RELATED: 10 Unique Wineries & Experiences To Try Around The World

Chateau Rayne-Vigneau

Why Guests Like It: Stunning Property, Great Wines, Warm Staff, Sensory Experiences

For those of you that are interested in Bordeaux’s sweet wines, or have yet to try them, Rayne-Vigneau is a staple you’ll find on most wine shop shelves. A visit to their property is a little less personal than some of the other wineries in Sauternes, but the wines are exceptional, the tasting room and cellar are beautifully designed and the vineyards themselves are sweeping. When we visited, we were offered the opportunity to learn about the sweet wine production process, and also the chance to blend (and keep) our own bottle of Sauternes. It’s worth a stop at Rayne, and then continuing to taste at Chateau Sigalas-Rabaud and Château Lafaurie Peyraguey. Both of which are actually within walking distance.

Boutique/Family Wineries & Intimate Tours and Tastings

Château Moutte Blanc

Location: Macau

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Family Operated, Warm Staff, Great Quality Wines, Petit Verdot

Moutte Blanc focuses on the Petit Verdot variety. A grape that is typically used in smaller quantities in Bordeaux blends, so sampling wines from this producer will undoubtedly provide a unique experience. A small, yet pretty castle-like setting, Château Moutte Blanc is one of those family-run wineries that will likely to give you a warm welcome should you knock on their door. To be safe, we don’t recommend that and suggest you make an appointment: +05 57 88 40 39.

Vignobles Noailles

Location: Côtes de Bourg

Why Guests Like It: Family Operated, Warm Staff, Great Wines

This boutique, family-run estate will leave you humbled. Escape the typical large estates of Bordeaux and visit this quaint house and vineyard located in Teuillac, Côtes de Bourg. What’s encouraging about Vignobles Noailles is that many of our friends who are tour operators in the region bring their guests to this winery because they know just how good the wine is and how special the experience is. Both individual and group visitation experiences are offered, and typically include walks through the vineyard, a cellar visit, and a tasting afterword. To schedule a visit, call +33 (0) 6 16 06 08 48 or email contact@noailles.eu.

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Château Arnauld

Location: Haut-Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Boutique, Warm Staff, Great Wines, Location

This “boutique castle” is ideal for those looking to taste exceptional wine in a relaxed setting at an affordable price. Due to COVID, walk-ins are no longer offered, however visitation can be reserved ahead of time. They currently have two tasting and tour options, the first is a 1-hour visit that includes a vineyard walk and explanation, in addition to a visit to the production facilities and barrel room. Finally, you’ll have a delightful tasting in their recently renovated tasting room showcasing two of their best wines. The second option includes everything previously mentioned, except a third wine is included along with a chocolate pairing.

Boutique and Intimate Wine Tastings in Bordeaux France
Many of Bordeaux’s estates have been producing wine for centuries.

Château d’Arcins

Location: Haut-Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Historic, Personal Attention, Great Wines

It’s well worth a stop at Chateau d’Arcins for their wines and history alone, but it makes even more sense to stop here since it’s practically across the street from Chateau Arnauld. For us, the coolest thing about Chateau d’Arcins is that they’ve been producing wine since the 14th century. It’s argued that they’re the oldest estate in Haut-Medoc. What’s even more interesting, supposedly wines were crafted here at the command of the notorious Knights Templar. Call them to reserve a visit at +05 56 58 91 29.

Château Hourtin-Ducasse

Location: Haut-Medoc

Why Guests Like It: Friendly Staff, Great Tours, Beautiful Grounds, Boutique, Great Wines

We love visiting Château Hourtin-Ducasse thanks to the amicable hospitality of owners Michel and Maria. Taste wines alongside the winemaker himself, and straight from the barrel. They’ll take the time to get to know you here, just as much as you’ll be eager to get to know them. This is one winery where while we always recommend scheduling an appointment ahead of time, if you knock on the door they’ll likely let you in and give you all of their attention. Truly passionate about their work, Château Hourtin-Ducasse is one winery we hear again and again from our readers that they will be returning to.

Château Nodot

Location: Blaye

Why Guests Like It: Museum, Biodynamic, Great Wines, Affordable, Friendly Staff

The staff at Chateau Nodot go above and beyond to welcome their guests to their winery. What’s more, this is one winery that prides itself on being biodynamic. If you’re looking for a somewhat removed, authentic, boutique and focused wine tourism experience in Bordeaux, stop by Nodot. This is an area that’s not very sought out as a tourist destination, so you can expect more personal attention and we believe you’ll be impressed with the quality of wine production in the area as well. Contact them ahead of time at: +05 57 42 50 38

Château des Tourtes

Why Guests Like It: Family Friendly, Warm Staff, Beautiful Setting, Boutique, Great Wines, Bike Rentals

There are few things not to like about visiting Château des Tourtes. For starters, their most basic tour and tasting (of 5 wines might we add), is free. You can upgrade your tour to include small bites for just 6 euros. If you’re hungry, schedule a lunch or dinner (35 euros) while watching a movie that discusses the history of Bordeaux. Lastly, they also offer a guided tour with a the winemaker or one of their sommeliers, which includes a workshop on blending wine (40 euros).

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Le Cite du Vin: Best Things To Do in Bordeaux
You could spend a few days just exploring Le Cite du Vin in Bordeaux.

Unique Experiences, Festivals & Museums

Depending on the season, Bordeaux offers a number of special experiences travelers can partake in. These range from harvest festivals, grape stomping, cave tours and beyond. Below, we’ll list a few of our favorites and when they typically take place, and how you can take part.

Visit La Cite du Vin for a completely immersive museum experience into everything wine. The architecture of the facility is remarkable, but there are also a plethora of interactive, family-friendly experiences designed to utilize all of your senses to really get to know wine and wine production. There is a restaurant on-site also, but it closes by 4 so plan to have lunch if you’re looking to spend the day here. Book your entry ticket here.

La Fête du Vin, or the annual Bordeaux wine festival offers a number of special events, experiences and shows over a 4 day period in June.

Embark on a running and drinking marathon (literally) during Marathon du Médoc. During this unique event, you’ll literally be running winery to winery tasting some of the finest wines on a pre-determined route. Check if you can register for the next marathon or get on the waiting list here.

The Bordeaux River Festival, or the Fête du Fleuve is one of our favorites. Also typically occurring in June every other year, local gastronomic-focused businesses showcase their craft to locals and tourists alike. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Bordeaux food culture right on the banks of the Garonne River.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Bordeaux Wineries & Bordeaux Wine Tours


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