Châteaux to Visit
No trip to Bordeaux is complete without a visit to some of the great wine estates. Accessing them, however, is not always easy. Since all classified growths and the best Pomerol properties sell their wines exclusively via local merchants, they have less of an incentive to open their doors to consumers. Compared to other famous wine regions in the world, wine tourism in Bordeaux remains a nascent industry. But a number of estates understand the importance of connecting with their clients and welcome visitors.
See some of our favourites below, and make sure to look at our section on Preparing for Châteaux Visits found in the Before You Go section.
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Saint-Estèphe
Iconic 2nd growth which still carries the name of its 18th-century founder Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, nicknamed the ‘Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe’.
VINIV winemakers can’t get enough of this little gem owned by the Cazes family.
Pauillac
A 2nd growth and one of the most beautiful château of the region with a fascinating history.
Iconic 1st growth with a tour of the underground cellars and tasting by candlelight.
Pioneering 1st growth with a wine artefact and label artwork museum.
Home to VINIV members and the source of one of its’ cabernet sauvignon vineyards, Château Lynch-Bages is considered one of Bordeaux’s most outstanding wine estates. In 2017 the property embarked on a new chapter in its history with the renovation of its wine-making facilities. American architect Chien Chung Pei has been placed in charge of the project. The new winery is scheduled to open in 2022, however, VINIV members are able to organise exclusive preview visits. Please request a reservation well in advance.
Saint-Julien
Impressive 4th growth estate with gardens extending to the Gironde estuary.
Small but impressive 2nd growth which back in 1638 was the largest domain in the Médoc.
Cult 2nd growth with modern art and unusual lighting dotted through the cellars.
Dynamic 2nd growth with a tower and unparalleled views over the Médoc and the Gironde estuary.
Margaux
Château Marquis de Terme is a singular place at the crossroads between a unique bucolic setting, the hustle and bustle of a wine estate and the status of a Grand Cru Classé 1855.
Created in 1661 when Pierre de Rauzan bought many vineyards in Médoc including the plot which belongs to Rauzan-Ségla today. In the 19th century Rauzan-Ségla and Mouton Rothschild were considered the leading 2nd growth properties.
Understated 2nd growth with a stylist boutique and part of the Lurton family dynasty.
One of Margaux’s recognised rising stars.
Popular 3rd growth with striking château and temporary art exhibitions in the tasting room.
Remarkable 1st growth with an on site barrel maker and underground wine library.
Pomerol
Beautiful chartreuse house and gardens with an ultra-modern winery.
Small estate at the top of the plateau, owned by the same family since 1871.
On the site of a former hospital for pilgrims, next door to Petrus on the Pomerol plateau.
Former VINIV partner which has an ultra-modern winery at the northern end of the appellation with a tasting of 3 wines.
Saint-Émilion
By juxtaposing cutting-edge winemaking facilities with raw, natural materials, the forty metre diameter dome-shaped building looks like a spaceship has landed in Saint-Emilion and decided to stay.
Historically important classified-growth property towards the east of the appellation, with attractive views over the Dordogne Valley.
1st growth (B) with a modern winery, on the hill overlooking Saint-Émilion.
VINIV vineyard partner for merlot and cabernet franc. Built a state-of-the-art winery in 2013 with a tasting room overlooking the valley where VINIV parcels are located.
1st growth (B) on the limestone plateau with unique underground cellars.
Original 1st growth (A) with concrete vats and a heavy dose of cabernet franc.
Recently elevated to 1st growth ‘A’ status, this beautiful and unique property can offer a welcome using the chimes of the bells.
1st growth (B) in a prime location on the limestone slopes, on the site of a former leper colony.
Pessac-Léognan
Vines surrounded by trees, interesting architecture and possibly the best white wine of the region.
Modern art in the vineyards and winery, on site barrel maker and proximity to a 5-star hotel.
Pre-phylloxera vines, fossilised star fish in the soil and a château built in 1872.
One of Bordeaux’s most unique chateaux visits, with its unusual winery and vineyard enclosed within the city.
One of Bordeaux’s oldest properties which was founded in the 13th century by Benedictine monks, the tour includes vintage cars.
Historically significant 1st growth and the possibility to also visit and taste the wine of La Mission Haut-Brion.
Sauternes
14th-century chapel, old wooded vertical presses plus a friendly Franco-American owner.
Biodynamic 1st growth, including barrel tastings and a tour of the herb drying room.
Small, family owned 1st growth where visits are with the owners.
The only 1st growth supérieur and the greatest sweet wine, with impressive views of the appellation from its vineyards.
An organic 1st growth with biodiversity in the vineyards and a long, tree-lined driveway.