This is an opportunity to have a true ‘Wine, Heritage and Landscape’ experience. Every appellation is special in its own way! Find out about the work of a winemaker on-site and follow the vinification process step-by-step in the wine storehouse.
The most beautiful châteaux of Bordeaux
Lined with magnificent châteaux, the Bordeaux Wine Routes are worth the detour. Whether medieval, renaissance, gothic, classical, or contemporary, the region is home to estates from all architectural styles and periods. Here is our selection of the most beautiful wine chateaux of Bordeaux.
The oldest: Cloître des Cordeliers, Saint-Émilion
Located in the famous medieval village of Saint Emilion, this former convent built in the 14th century by the Franciscan Order offers a remarkable setting to enjoy a glass of Crémant de Bordeaux. In the heart of the ruins of the old cloister decorated with columns and capitals, taste a sparkling, fragrant and fruity wine, made according to ancestral methods dating back to the 19th century. A delight for the eyes and the taste buds!
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The most atypical: Cos d’Estournel, Médoc
Built by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel in the 19th century, this Grand Cru Classé Saint-Estèphe 1855 is a majestic oriental-style “palace”. It notably houses a monumental Zanzibar portal (17th century), as well as pagodas, and exotic decoration. Estournel was the first winegrower from Bordeaux to export his wines to India in 1838. Since then, his passion for India forever imbued the estate’s unique identity.
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The most contemporary: Château Pédesclaux, Médoc
Awarded the “Best Of 2018” in the “Architecture & Landscape” category, this Grand Cru Classé 1855 Pauillac has been stunningly revamped by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Enclosed between two contemporary glass volumes, the 18th-century Chartreuse proudly stands in the middle of its vineyard. Elegantly conceived, the 2,000 m2 vat room is a masterpiece of technology.
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The most extravagant: Château de Malle, Graves et Sauternes
Designed in the 17th century by Jacques de Malle, this chateau, officially listed as a National Historic Monument, is an architectural masterpiece. Classical and Renaissance-style facades rise in the middle of a five-hectare Florentine park adorned with statues and an open-air theatre. Once inside the estate, you will be struck by the extraordinary state of preservation of the premises.
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Bordeaux’s White House: Château La Louvière, Graves et Sauternes
Property of the Carthusian Order in the 17th century, this residence is now listed as Historic Monument. It was bought during the Revolution by one of Bordeaux’s most powerful merchants, Jean-Baptiste Mareilhac. To please his wife, he asked a renowned architect, François Lhôte, to build her a beautiful neo-classical residence.
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The most contemporary: Château Les Carmes Haut Brion, Bordeaux
Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux, Château Les Carmes Haut Brion is an absolute must-see, especially for lovers of modern architecture. Echoing the shape of a ship’s bow, this extraordinary cellar was designed by famous designer Philippe Starck. Surrounded by water and century-old trees, it sinks into the ground to make way for a state-of-the-art cellar.
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The most authentic manor house: Château Sainte Barbe, Bordeaux
Proudly standing on the banks of the Garonne in the middle of a 30-hectare vineyard, this typical south-western country house was designed between the 17th and 19th centuries by one of Bordeaux’s most famous architects, Victor Louis, under Napoleon I. Louis is also known for having designed the Grand Théâtre of Bordeaux.
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The most historic: Château de Pressac, Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac
Renovated in the 19th century, this Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé proudly overlooks an ocean of terraced vineyards. The owner of the château will accompany you as you discover the estate. Steeped in history, Château de Pressac is the place where the English surrendered following their defeat at the Battle of Castillon.
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The most avant-garde: Château La Dominique, Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac
Designed by Jean Nouvel, this splendid estate is recognisable by its iconic red steel mirrored facades. Topped by a panoramic restaurant, the edifice imbues the surrounding environment with deep shades of red, symbolising the nuances of wine: a unique sensory experience! From the restaurant’s terrace, you can also admire the wine storehouse of Château Cheval Blanc.
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The most beautiful view: Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours, Blaye et Bourg
After settling in this old edifice comprising a 17th-century tower, the Hubert family has been running this wine château for six generations! You can climb to the top of the tower enjoy splendid views of the Gironde estuary.
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The most military: Château des Arras, Blaye et Bourg
Though it initially served as a military post in the 15th century, Château des Arras adopted its present architecture in the 18th century. Since 2013, the vineyard is managed by two sisters who skilfully blend their audacity, know-how, and passion for history to create a colourful range of wines.
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The most mysterious: Château du Grand Mouëys, Entre-Deux-Mers
A Gallo-Roman villa in the 1st century, this château later became a stopover on the road to Santiago de Compostela in the 11th century. An intriguing estate, Château du Grand Mouëys is bound to appeal to wine aficionados and history lovers. Indeed, the property is said to have belonged to the order of the Templars. Legend has it that they hid a fabulous treasure there...
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The most magical: Château Marquis d’Alesme Becker, Margaux
A unique combination of an outstanding terroir, centuries-old tradition and modern innovation, Marquis d’Alesme is not only a great wine but also a singular vision of contemporary luxury.
Each detail of the experience has been carefully crafted with the utmost sophistication, offering a poetic environment for a stroll. The architecture interweaves pure classicism and Oriental symbolism, while artworks in the intimate lounges can be admired at leisure. From here, the walk leads out to the landscaped gardens with their delicate mosaics of colours and scents. Last but not least, the perfumed pathways are punctuated by Scent Discovery experiences that will surprise and delight visitors. Delicious food and Grand Cru Classé tastings combine magnificently in the four corners of the estate.
