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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

A must-see for wine lovers from around the world, Bordeaux’s fabled wine estates are fascinating to explore.

There’s plenty to discover (and taste): the region is divided into 57 appellations, with over 8,500 wineries (or châteaux) producing some 800 million bottles a year.

Some 89 percent of these are red wines, including the legendary, stratospherically priced Grands Crus or ‘First Growths’ of the Médoc, Graves and Saint-Emilion. Meanwhile, the sweet, golden Sauternes rules the whites.

The most famous appellations

Close to Bordeaux, the flat, gravelly Medoc area produces the greatest red wines in the world: half of its sales are prestigious Grands Crus Classes, sold under appellations such as Pessac-Leognan, Margaux, Pauillac and Haut-Medoc.

The Saint-Emilion area’s wines – a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – have their own classification system and are grown in the prettiest Bordeaux area – the lovely town of Saint- Emilion itself.

Sauternes, whose namesake wine is the classic pairing to foie gras, is made from Semillon grapes, which develop their famous botrytis cinerea, or ‘noble rot’, in the autumn mist.

This area is home to the legendary Chateau d’Yquem wine, Bordeaux’s only white Premier Grand Superieur; the best vintages of which are aged for over a century.

Chateau Coutet

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Exterior of Chateau Coutet buildings in the afternoon sunshine

A welcoming estate in the Sauternais, where you can learn all about noble rot and its complex, sweet white wines.

Adult price: £17

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Chateau Fombrauge

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Chateau Fombrauge shown from above on a sunny day

A Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe winery that has been making wine since 1599, with tours, tastings and rooms to stay in.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Chateau Kirwan

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Exterior of Chateau Kirwan, with trees, trimmed hedges and lawns

This beautiful Grand Cru chateau in Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious areas, has tastings, meals and even helicopter tours.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Chateau Mouton Rothschild

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

External facade of the building and the gated entrance

World-famous winery in Pauillac where labels feature the work of Miro, Picasso and Chagall – your ticket includes entry to its Museum of Wine in Art.

Adult price: £57

Best for ages 18+

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Chateau Pape Clement

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Historical building with decorative flowerbed and green lawn

This Grand Cru vineyard in Pessac-Leognan was first planted by a future pope in 1252, and offers a wide range of tours.

Adult price: £5

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Chateau Cos d’Estournel

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Chateau Cos d’Estournel

Medoc’s most exotic chateau – inspired by the Sultan’s palace in Zanzibar – makes superb wines in its high-tech gravity-flow cellar. Tours are available by appointment; there’s also an option for a gastronomic lunch.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

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Saint-Emilion

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Saint-Emilion

Enchanting UNESCO-listed landscapes of vine-clad rolling hills surround this beautiful medieval town less than an hour east of Bordeaux.

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

Price from: £40
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Unlike some French wine regions, Bordeaux’s chateaux are generally not open without a reservation. Organised tours will obviously organise access and logistics.

You can visit independently – some cellars charge for tours and tastings, others are free – and of course there are lots of wine tour operators to choose between.

The Bordeaux tourist office has a designated department to help independent travellers book chateau visits and transport for a small fee (email viti.vini@bordeaux-tourisme.com) with tastings paid for onsite. Taste all you like – you don’t have to worry about driving home.

Bordeaux’s world-famous Grands Crus are expensive, so you want to be sure you’re buying a wine you really like. Before you go to the wine region, visit the high-tech Max Bordeaux wine gallery, where you can sample a sip from 48 of the finest bottles – each of which has been allowed to breathe to perfection.

Also, download the free ‘Smart Bordeaux’ iPhone app providing detailed information on every Bordeaux label and grower. You can scan bottles in shops for instant info.

If you want to stay in the region, try the sublime Le Relais de Franc Mayne, an intimate boutique hotel on a famous Saint-Emilion wine estate, 40 minutes from Bordeaux. Stays include free wine tastings and tours of the chateau’s ancient quarry cellars.

When to do it

Go to Bordeaux any time from April, when the vines sprout their first leaves. September is harvest time, which can be fun but very busy, while October’s autumn colours are magical. Most Bordeaux chateaux are open to visitors all year round, usually Monday-Friday, during working hours. Check directly with the chateau to confirm opening times.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch and St Emilion region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch and St Emilion region
Enjoy wine tastings galore with this Bordeaux Super Saver, which combines two best-selling wine tours for a discounted price. In Bordeaux, taste and learn about wines from France’s major wine regions — including Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône and the Loire Valley — and pair your tastings with bread, cheeses and cured meats. After a picnic lunch, visit two châteaux in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of St-Emilion for more wine tastings and a walking tour of the vineyards. You will also have a guided visit of the village of Saint-Emilion. Numbers are limited to eight people on this small-group tour, ensuring a more personalized experience. Please notice that a picnic lunch is included. Please advise us if you have any food allergies - special requirements. No alternatives will be available the day of the tour.

Price: €3

Min age: 18

Rating 4.82 / 5 [148 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Medoc Small-Group Wine Tour with Tastings & Chateau Visits from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Medoc Small-Group Wine Tour with Tastings & Chateau Visits from Bordeaux
Enjoy a morning discovering the Medoc region. Pass by mythical appellations where the majority of Bordeaux’s famous wines are produced. If you like the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, you will love the powerful and well balanced wines of this region!

Price: €79

Min age: 3

Rating 4.89 / 5 [74 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint-Emilion Morning wine tour, winery & tastings from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Morning wine tour, winery & tastings from Bordeaux
Taste the worldwide famous wines of Saint Emilion on this small-group tour and wander the streets of the medieval village, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will try up to 4 wines on this morning tour! It is a great introduction to Saint-Emilion vineyard. Saint Emilion is a quaint, charming little village. This tour includes a 1h guided tour of the town, however, we will not be able to fully explore everywhere, as we have strict appointments at each chateau. If you wish to stay longer in the village, you can take a train back to Bordeaux after the tour by your own means. For any further information about this, please feel free to contact us. Perfect to get back to Bordeaux just in time for lunch.

Price: €79

Min age: 18

Rating 4.87 / 5 [168 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint-Emilion : Village, Château and Wine tasting

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion : Village, Château and Wine tasting
Depart from the city center of Bordeaux aboard a van to discover Saint-Emilion, its wines, and its history. First, your guide will immerse you in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its historical monuments through a village visit. You will discover the secrets of this medieval village, which is the birthplace of Bordeaux winemaking. Next, you will visit a castle and enjoy a tasting of 3 wines. You will learn more about the specificities of this appellation, including the grape varieties and winemaking techniques used to create these unique wines. This small-group tour in an ideal setting will introduce you to the art of winemaking and tasting, and allow you to ask all your questions to our guide!

Price: €85

Min age: 18

Rating 4.59 / 5 [61 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Médoc Region Half-Day Wine Tour with Winery Visit & Tastings from Bordeaux
On this wine tour from Bordeaux, you’ll enjoy scenic drives through the Médoc wine region and taste some delicious French wines! During this half-day tour, visit two famous wineries – both are classified growth chateaux – with a wine guide, and enjoy wine tastings at both. On the picturesque journey between the wineries, you will pass by well-known chateaux such as Chateaux Margaux and Palmer. Return to Bordeaux.

Price: €95

Min age: 18

Rating 4.47 / 5 [153 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Medoc or St-Emilion Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Medoc or St-Emilion Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour from Bordeaux
Enjoy an afternoon of French wine tasting in either the Medoc or St-Emilion wine region on this small-group tour from Bordeaux. Visit two wonderful French châteaux and enjoy tasting different wines accompanied by a typical French platter of local bread, cheese and cured meat. End your afternoon with sightseeing and a wine workshop where you’ll learn some expert wine-tasting tips.

Price: €99

Min age: 4

Rating 4.70 / 5 [755 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Saint Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux
Discover the diverse flavors of Saint-Emilion on this 5-hour small-group food and wine tour from Bordeaux. Explore the medieval streets of Saint-Emilion with your guide and gain insight into centuries of colorful French history. Visit wineries and cellars throughout the area, and sample wines made from grapes such as merlot and cabernet franc. Compare local wines with those from across the world at a Grand Cru winery, and enjoy an additional glass of wine served with a typical French aperitif! You will receive personalized attention from your local guide on this small-group tour, limited to eight people.

Price: €99

Min age: 18

Rating 4.87 / 5 [363 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Medoc Afternoon wine Tour with winery visits & tastings from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Medoc Afternoon wine Tour with winery visits & tastings from Bordeaux
Discover the delicate wines of the Médoc region on this 5-hour small-group wine tour from Bordeaux. Take the Route des Châteaux through the Médoc’s fertile vineyards and listen as a guide sheds light on the grape varietals in production. Sample the cabernet sauvignon blends for which Bordeaux is famous and indulge in a wine tasting paired with cheese & cured meat. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to eight people.

Price: €99

Min age: 18

Rating 4.75 / 5 [53 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux
Join this tour from Bordeaux to discover the beautiful medieval village of St Emilion. Start the tour with a visit and wine-tasting session in a grand cru estate of St Emilion or in a Carefully selected Winery of Pomerol. The village of St Emilion is named after a Breton monk from the eighth century whose followers started wine production in the area, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours. Have free time to walk along the original city walls and climb the steep cobblestone streets. Return to Bordeaux.

Price: €110

Min age: 18

Rating 4.60 / 5 [720 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint-Emilion: Food and Wine escape

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion: Food and Wine escape
Depart from the city center of Bordeaux aboard a van to discover Saint-Emilion, its wines, and its history. First, your guide will immerse you in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its historical monuments. You will discover the secrets of this medieval town, which is the birthplace of Bordeaux viticulture. At noon, a visit and tasting of 3 wines will await you in a castle of the appellation. On the menu, a picnic from an artisanal and traditional caterer, who proposes fresh, local and tasty products, as well as charcuterie from the Basque Country and cheese, accompanied by a glass of wine! Afterwards, you will visit a second castle and enjoy a tasting of 2 wines. You will learn more about the specificities of this appellation, including the grape varieties and the winemaking techniques used to create these unique wines. To finish the day, you will go to another Chateau for a final tasting of 3 wines. Learn about wine, and ask all your questions to our guide!

Price: €145

Min age: 18

Rating 4.66 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Medoc Region Wine Day Trip with Vineyard Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Medoc Region Wine Day Trip with Vineyard Visits & Tastings from Bordeaux
Join this wine tour from Bordeaux to the Médoc for a full day of scenic drives and wine tasting. The Médoc produces some of the most renowned red wines in the Bordeaux wine region and offers some of the best wine-tasting opportunities in the whole of France. You will visit famous classified growth vineyards and castles, where you can taste wines from the Médoc. Return to Bordeaux. Throughout the day, you can admire some of the most beautiful chateaux in France as you enjoy three visits to wineries.

Price: €150

Min age: 18

Rating 4.65 / 5 [228 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux
Join this day trip to the Saint-Emilion (and surrounding) wine-making region of France. This full-day guided excursion from Bordeaux offers picturesque scenery, sightseeing and fine wines – the perfect day out from the city! Sample Bordeaux wines in 3 fascinating chateaux and explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Saint-Emilion.

Price: €155

Min age: 18

Rating 4.80 / 5 [725 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch
- FROM APRIL TO OCTOBER - Join us on an experience of a lifetime in the most beautiful wine region in the world : Saint-Emilion. Visit 2 historic Châteaux, followed by tastings of their wines. With around 900 vineyards in just Saint Émilion alone, you will have the chance to discover most of the region on our fun and easy to use ELECTRIC BIKES. You will taste a number of wines through the day to help you appreciate and understand the quality and diversity of this unique region. After building up a well earned appetite, you'll have a chance to relax and get to know your fellow explorers during a tasty prepared picnic lunch by your friendly guide. At the conclusion of the final tastings in the ancient town of Saint-Emilion we will take you on an intriguing guided tour of the UNESCO town of Saint-Emilion. We will enjoy short stops during the tour to give you the chance to capture some memorable photos before making the short trip back to Bordeaux.

Price: €159

Min age: 18

Rating 4.95 / 5 [464 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch from Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Small-Group Electric Bike Wine Tour Tastings & Lunch from Bordeaux
Spend a day exploring the French region of St-Emilion by electric bike, accompanied by a friendly guide. From Bordeaux, take a train or a minivan to the UNESCO-listed village of St-Emilion and enjoy a guided walking tour. Then cycle to a Great Growth Estate wine chateau for lunch. Enjoy a wine-tasting class and walk into the vineyards. After continue biking through vineyards and past famous chateaux such as Petrus and Cheval Blanc. Stop at a family estate, and end your tour with a final wine tasting. Numbers are limited to 8 on this small-group tour, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide. Please notice that lunch at the winery is included. Please advise us if you have any food allergies - special requirements. No alternatives will be available the day of the tour.

Price: €169

Min age: 4

Rating 4.80 / 5 [254 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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