With its rolling vineyards, châteaux steeped in history and place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Bordeaux is the obvious choice when it comes to planning a wine weekend away. Each year over 4.3 million tourists head to the Gironde, making it the most popular wine tourism destination in France.
But it’s not all about vineyards tours and cellar tastings. With a vast array of sights, restaurants and wine experiences to discover, Bordeaux is a paradise for oenophiles and surely the biggest challenge is to decide on where to go first?
Toast your weekend away at Le Bar à Vin
What better way to start your visit than with a glass of wine in the heart of the city? With its terrace overlooking the historic Grand Théâtre and incomparable wine list, Le Bar à Vin offers the best selection of Bordeaux wines in the city. Whether you are after a classic red, dry white, fruity rosé or a glass of sparkling crémant, let the bar’s experts guide you towards your perfect style and producer. Take in the beauty of this 18th Century building, which was constructed like a ship’s prow, a reference to the city’s role as a port. and has been specially designed to take you on a voyage of discovery through the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 10pm
Learn from the experts at L’École du Vin de Bordeaux
Founded by the CIVB in 1989, the Bordeaux Wine School is located in an 18th Century building in the heart of the city and is tasked with helping new converts, enthusiasts, and professionals discover Bordeaux wines. Bordeaux Wine School hold numerous workshops: lasting from two hours to an entire day, ranging from beginner to specialist level, for an introduction or total immersion into the 65 appellations, not forgetting the flagship wine and cheese pairing, all hosted by expert accredited tutors. There is something for everyone! Tutored Bordeaux wine workshops are available all year round from as little as €32.
Tour the contemporary architecture of Bordeaux
Among the strikingly well preserved 18th century buildings that Bordeaux is known for, a modern and evocative architectural style has been emerging throughout the city. Along the Garonne, discover the miroir-d’eau reflecting the splendid, historic Palais-de-la-Bourse. On the other bank of the river lies Darwin, a green ecohub focusing on urban culture. From the bold Méca cultural centre to the enigmatic Tribunal de Grande Instance de Bordeaux, the city has seen numerous high-profile architects contribute to the remarkable landscape of Bordeaux.
Sleep tight at Coup 2 Foudres
Looking for somewhere memorable to rest after a busy day of tasting? Coup 2 Foudres is just the place! Designed by Seguin-Moreau, experts in cooperage, guests can spend the evening inside of a wine barrel! Nestled in between the vines of Château Vieux Lartigue in Saint-Sulpice-deFaleyrens and just 10km south-east of Saint Emilion, this luxury and unique B&B offers a wonderful location to discover the wines of the right bank.
Learn what it takes to be a vineyard manager at Château Phélan Ségur
At Château Phélan Ségur in the magnificent Saint-Estèphe appellation, visitors can experience an interactive tour of the 70ha vineyard to discover what terroir and viticultural practices are required to make this château’s exceptional Grand Vin. Guided by the vineyard manager, he will share with you the multiple facets of a wine grower’s daily challenges. There is no better time to visit than in autumn, where guests can experience the excitement and exhilaration of harvest.
Chateau Phélan Ségur welcomes guests year-round by appointment only from Monday to Friday 10am – 3pm
Make your own Bordeaux blend in Saint-Emilion
The village of Saint-Emilion represents two thousand years of history between vine and people. A world heritage site located in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region, Saint-Emilion is a truly unique destination where world-famous wineries, fine cuisine, beautiful architecture and historical monuments serve up a perfect match.
Discover the appellation’s famous wines through winery tours, tastings and gourmet picnics, or why not take part in a blending lesson that will allow you to create your very own Bordeaux Blend at Château Fombrauge, Grand Cru Classé or Chateau De Ferrand Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion?
ruedesvignerons.com/en/domaine/544/chateau-fombrauge-grand-cru-classe
chateaudeferrand.com/en-gb/wine-tourism
Tasting in the trees at Château de Rayne Vigneau
Under the shade of a cedar tree, facing a breath-taking view over the Sauternes vineyard, enjoy a tasting of a selection of sweet wines from a tree-top platform under the guidance of a wine specialist. A unique way to discover this extraordinary wine style.
Main image credit: Elena Shamis