Winemaking
Legendary wines of Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Sauternes. 1855 classification and modern garage wines
Wine region · France
Bordeaux
The wine capital of the world: from legendary châteaux to fine dining, from medieval villages to contemporary architecture
Bordeauxcapital
Region
About the region
Bordeaux is not just a wine region, it is a whole universe of winemaking. Some of the most prestigious and expensive wines in the world are produced here. The region includes more than 60 appellations, from the legendary Médoc to the elegant Saint-Émilion.
Besides wine, Bordeaux offers a rich history, magnificent 18th-century architecture and fine gastronomy. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an outstanding example of a classical urban ensemble from the Age of Enlightenment.
Architecture
The historic center of Bordeaux - a UNESCO site, majestic chateaus and the modern Cité du Vin museum
Gastronomy
Duck, foie gras, Arcachon oysters, canelé and fine cuisine of Michelin-starred restaurants
Geography
River Garonne, Atlantic coast, Pyla dune and picturesque vineyards on the hills
What to see
Main attractions
From legendary châteaux to natural wonders: discover the Bordeaux region’s most iconic places
Click a marker or card: they are linked.
WineChâteau Margaux
Legendary Premier Cru Classé estate with neoclassical architecture and world-class wines
- Premier Cru Classé
- 19th century architecture
- Private tastings
CultureCité du Vin
Contemporary wine museum with interactive exhibits and panoramic tasting room
- Interactive exhibits
- Panoramic bar
- Tastings
ArchitecturePlace de la Bourse
The famous 18th century square with the Mirror of Water - the largest reflecting pool in the world
- Miroir d’Eau
- 18th century architecture
- Night illumination
WineSaint-Émilion
Medieval walled city surrounded by vineyards, UNESCO site
- UNESCO Site
- Underground galleries
- Wine cellars
NatureDune du Pilat
The highest sand dune in Europe with breathtaking views of the ocean and pine forest
- 107 metres high
- Ocean view
- Sunsets
NatureArcachon Basin
Scenic lagoon with oyster farms, sandy beaches and bird sanctuary
- Oyster farms
- Bird Sanctuary
- Beaches
Château Pichon Baron
Impressive castle with towers and modern wine cellar in Pauillac
- Deuxième Cru Classé
- Modern cellar
- Tastings
ArchitectureGrand Théâtre de Bordeaux
A masterpiece of 18th century neoclassical architecture, one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe
- Architecture from 1780
- Opera performances
- Excursions
Saint-Michel Basilica
15th-century Gothic basilica with free-standing bell tower 114 meters high
- Gothic architecture
- 114-metre bell tower
- Panoramic view
Towns and villages
Towns and villages of Bordeaux
From the elegant capital to medieval wine villages, each location has its own unique history
Town
Bordeaux
The capital of the region, a port city on the Garonne with magnificent 18th-century architecture, listed by UNESCO.
- Place de la Bourse
- Cité du Vin
- Grand Théâtre
- Quai Garonne
Village
Saint-Émilion
Medieval walled town surrounded by Premier Grand Cru vineyards, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
40 km from Bordeaux
- Monolithic Church
- Underground galleries
- Wine cellars
- Medieval streets
Town
Arcachon
An elegant 19th-century seaside resort with Belle Époque villas and famous oyster farms.
60 km from Bordeaux
- Ville d'Hiver
- Oyster Port
- Beaches
- Dune du Pilat
Village
Pauillac
The heart of the Médoc, where three of the five Premier Cru Classés are located: Lafite, Latour and Mouton Rothschild.
50 km from Bordeaux
- Château Lafite
- Château Latour
- Château Mouton
- Quai de Gironde
Town
Libourne
Historic trading city at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers, gateway to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
30 km from Bordeaux
- Medieval Square
- Waterfront promenade
- Market
- Gateway to the wine regions
Village
Sauternes
The village that gives its name to famous sweet wines, including the legendary Château d'Yquem.
45 km from Bordeaux
- Château d'Yquem
- Sweet wines
- Vineyards
- Tastings
Traditions
Traditions and culture
Bordeaux carefully preserves its winemaking and gastronomic traditions, passing them on from generation to generation
Harvest Festival
Autumn grape harvest festivals in the chateau with tastings and traditional ceremonies.
- Hand-harvesting grapes
- Traditional dances
- Young wine tasting
- Gastronomic dinners
Wine auctions
Prestigious en primeur auctions, selling wines while still in the barrel.
- Sale of wines en primeur
- Barrel tastings
- Meetings with winemakers
- Exclusive lots
Oyster Traditions
Culture of growing and tasting oysters in the Arcachon basin.
- Oyster farms
- Tastings on the shore
- Traditional oyster huts
- Pairing with white wine
Fête le Vin
Bordeaux's largest wine festival on the Garonne waterfront every two years.
- Appellation Pavilions
- Tastings of 80+ wines
- Concerts and shows
- Fireworks over the river
Christmas markets
Holiday markets with local delicacies, wine and crafts.
- Mulled wine and foie gras
- Craft Items
- Holiday Decorations
- Skating rink in the square
Gastronomy
Gastronomy of Bordeaux
Discover the richness of Bordeaux cuisine - from Arcachon oysters to legendary canelés and fine wines
Producers
Producers and workshops
Meet the people and places where Bordeaux wines, delicacies and artisan products are created
Premier Cru Winery
Château Margaux
Legendary estate with world class wines. Cellar tours and tastings.
WhereMargauxExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 80€
Grand Cru Winery
Château Smith Haut Lafitte
Winery with luxury spa Les Sources de Caudalie and organic winemaking.
WherePessac-LéognanExcursionsDaily 10:00-18:00PriceFrom 35€
Oyster Farm
Ferme Marine du Canon
Family oyster farm with tastings on the shores of the Arcachon basin.
WhereCap FerretExcursionsAccording to the tide schedulePriceFrom 15€
Confectionery
Baillardran
Famous patisserie producing authentic canelés using a traditional recipe.
WhereBordeauxExcursionsMon-Sat 10:00-19:00PriceFrom 12€
Château d'Yquem
Premier Cru Supérieur winery The king of Sauternes sweet wines. Exclusive visits to the historic château.
WhereSauternesExcursionsBy appointmentPriceFrom 150€
Whisky distillery
Distillerie Moon Harbour
Bordeaux’s first whisky distillery, making whisky in former Bordeaux wine casks.
WhereBordeauxExcursionsWed-Sun 14:00-18:00PriceFrom 20€
What to bring home
What to bring from Bordeaux
Authentic souvenirs and gastronomic gifts from the wine capital of the world
Wine · From €50
Grand Cru wine
Prestigious wines from classified chateaus in gift packaging
Tip: Choose wines with good ageing potential
Châteaux and wine shops
Food · From €15
Canelé
Traditional Bordeaux cakes in beautiful packaging
Tip: Keep for 2–3 days; ideal as a gift
Baillardran, La Toque Cuivrée
Food · From €35
Foie gras
Preserved duck liver, a delicacy
Tip: Choose products labelled IGP Sud-Ouest
Delicatessens and markets
Cosmetics · From €25
Caudalie Cosmetics
Grape cosmetics from Les Sources de Caudalie spa
Tip: Resveratrol serums and creams are popular
Caudalie Boutiques, Airport
Wine · From €20
Wine accessories
Corkscrews, decanters and glasses from local manufacturers
Tip: Riedel glasses specifically for Bordeaux wines
Cité du Vin, wine shops
Food · From €12
Canned oysters
Smoked Arcachon oysters in olive oil
Tip: An excellent gift for seafood lovers
Marché des Capucins, oyster farms
Crafts · From €30
Copper canelé moulds
Traditional Canele Bakeware
Tip: Copper moulds give better caramelisation
Culinary shops
Wine · From €25
Sweet wine Sauternes
Golden dessert wine in an elegant bottle
Tip: Pairs perfectly with foie gras and desserts
Sauternes châteaux, wine shops
Crafts · From €35
Books about wine
Illustrated publications about Bordeaux wines and chateaus
Tip: English-language editions are available
Cité du Vin, bookstores
Food · From €18
Chocolate with wine
Sweets filled with Bordeaux wines
Tip: Chocolates with Sauternes are popular
Chocolatier, Cité du Vin
Cosmetics · From €8
Soap with grapes
Natural soap with grape seed extract
Tip: Look for products by local soapmakers
Markets, souvenir shops
Crafts · From €15
Vineyard Maps
Detailed maps of Bordeaux appellations
Tip: Excellent decoration for a wine cellar
Cité du Vin, tourist offices
Where to stay
Where to stay
The best hotels in Bordeaux - from historic palaces in the center to wine chateaus among the vineyards
Luxury · Central Bordeaux ★★★★★
InterContinental Bordeaux
A luxury hotel in a historic building opposite the Grand Théâtre, with a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Restaurant 2 Michelin stars
- SPA center
- Wine Bar
- Theater view
From 450€4.9 · 1, 245 reviews
Château · Pessac-Léognan ★★★★★
Les Sources de Caudalie
Unique vineyard spa hotel with wine therapy and Michelin-starred restaurant
- Vinotherapy spa
- Restaurant La Grand'Vigne
- Vineyards
- Pool
From 380€4.8 · 892 reviews
Wine · Pauillac ★★★★★
Château Cordeillan-Bages
Elegant hotel in the heart of the Médoc with a wine school and gastronomic restaurant
- Wine school
- Restaurant 2 stars
- Terrace with a view
- Wine cellar
From 320€4.7 · 567 reviews
Boutique · Central Bordeaux ★★★★★
La Grande Maison
Sophisticated boutique hotel with Pierre Gagnaire restaurant and rare wine collection
- Restaurant Pierre Gagnaire
- Wine collection
- Garden
- Personal service
From 550€4.9 · 234 reviews
Château · Mirambeau ★★★★★
Château de Mirambeau
Romantic 19th century castle with park, swimming pool and vineyard views
- Park 8 hectares
- Outdoor pool
- Tennis court
- Gastronomy
From 280€4.8 ·412 reviews
Boutique · Central Bordeaux ★★★★
Hôtel de Sèze
Stylish boutique hotel in an 18th-century mansion in the heart of the Golden Triangle
- Designer rooms
- Roof terrace
- Bar
- Central location
From 180€4.6 ·678 reviews
Wine · Saint-Émilion ★★★★★
Château Troplong Mondot
Luxury hotel in the legendary Premier Grand Cru Classé chateau with panoramic views
- Premier Grand Cru
- Panoramic view
- Restaurant
- Tastings
From 420€4.9 · 189 reviews
Luxury · Central Bordeaux ★★★★★
Le Boutique Hotel Bordeaux
Modern luxury hotel with a panoramic rooftop pool and views of the city
- Rooftop pool
- Panoramic view
- SPA
- Restaurant
From 350€4.7 · 534 reviews
Château · Sauternes ★★★★★
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Historic castle in Sauternes with Lalique restaurant and collection of sweet wines
- Lalique Restaurant
- Historical castle
- Sweet wines
- Vineyards
From 400€4.8 · 267 reviews
Route Examples
Route Examples
Ready-made routes for independent travel through the Bordeaux wine region
- Day 1
City of Bordeaux
Arrival in Bordeaux, walk through the historical center, visit to the Cité du Vin, evening stroll along the Garonne embankment.
- Day 2
Médoc - Grand Cru land
A trip through the legendary Médoc, visiting the chateau Margaux and Pichon Baron, lunch in Pauillac, Premier Cru tasting.
- Day 3
Saint-Émilion
Visit to the medieval city, underground galleries, tastings at the chateau, lunch overlooking the vineyards, return.
Experiences
Experiences and activities
Choose experiences that will make your wine journey unforgettable
Winemaking
Grand Cru Classé tasting
Visit the Médoc’s prestigious châteaux and taste Premier and Deuxième Cru Classé wines with a professional sommelier.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 120€
Gastronomy
Arcachon Oysters
Visiting oyster farms in the Arcachon basin, tasting fresh oysters with white wine by the ocean.
Duration5 hoursPricefrom 85€
Nature
Dune Pyla at sunset
Climb Europe's highest dune with a picnic and wine tasting at sunset.
Duration3 hoursPricefrom 65€
Culture
Saint-Émilion: underground secrets
Tour of the underground galleries and monolithic church of the medieval city with tasting in the historical cellar.
Duration4 hoursPricefrom 75€
Winemaking
Vinotherapy at Caudalie
A day of relaxation at the Les Sources de Caudalie spa with treatments based on grape extracts.
Duration6 hoursPricefrom 180€
Gastronomy
Canelé workshop
Learn to make the famous Bordeaux dessert with the guidance of a local pastry chef.
Duration2 hoursPricefrom 55€
Signature tour
Wine tour in Bordeaux
5 days · from €1,100 per day
Wine tour in Bordeaux
Legendary châteaux, great wines and fine food
Tour programmeFAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to popular questions about wine tours in Bordeaux
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
The best time is September-October (harvest) or May-June (vineyards bloom). Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and fewer tourists. Avoid August - many chateaus are closed for the holidays.
Do I need to book my chateau visits in advance?
Yes, especially for prestigious Premier Cru Classé châteaux. Some require booking weeks or months ahead. We arrange visits in advance. The château list depends on their schedules and is confirmed in your personal proposal.
Can you buy wine at the chateau?
Yes, most châteaux sell wines at producer prices. Delivery outside the European Union depends on the château and destination country. We help you choose and advise on logistics.
What level of knowledge about wine is required?
No special training required. Our sommelier guides will tailor the program to suit your level of knowledge - from beginners to experienced collectors.
Are tastings included in the price?
Tastings, visits and additional services are agreed when preparing your personal proposal. Accommodation is not included.
How to get from Paris to Bordeaux?
The TGV high-speed train takes 2 hours. You can also fly (1 hour) or drive (6 hours). We organize transfers from Bordeaux airport or train station.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The emphasis on tastings makes these tours primarily for adults. However, we can adapt the programme for families with children aged 12 and over, adding cultural and outdoor activities.
What is the 1855 classification?
This is a historical classification of Médoc wines created for the Exposition Universelle in Paris. It divides the chateau into 5 levels (Cru), from Premier to Cinquième. This classification still determines the prestige and prices of wines.
Is it possible to change the tour program?
Yes, especially on private tours. We can add visits to particular châteaux, more food experiences or outdoor activities. Contact us to discuss.
Cancellation Policy?
More than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.
Art Wine Guide
Ready to discover Bordeaux?
Book your tour now for an unforgettable experience in the wine capital of the world
- Professional guiding500+ guests
- 24/7 supportAlways in touch during the tour
- Flexible cancellationMore than 30 days before: a 100% refund, including the deposit; 15–30 days before: 50% of the amount actually paid; less than 15 days before: no refund. Non-refundable supplier expenses for the order may be deducted. If the organiser cancels, another date or a full refund of the amount paid is offered if the alternatives are unsuitable. Processing takes up to fourteen calendar days after the amount is confirmed. Force majeure terms and the full policy: /refund.