La Cité du Vin – Bordeaux – is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the undisputed wine capital of the world.
This UNESCO world heritage city is blessed with many amazing architectural wonders and is also known in French as “Port de la Lune” or Port of the Moon because of its crescent moon-shaped waterfront that curves along the Garonne River.
Home to the most revered vineyards of the world, this vibrant cultural city is an absolute must-visit and a sacred pilgrimage for all wine lovers.
The world-renowned grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc are native to the region. Bordeaux is also the perfect gateway to visit the famous “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” wine-growing appellations of France.
The Left bank area is situated to the west and south of Gironde Estuary, which divides into the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
While most of the wines here consist of blends, Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape variety, capable of producing more tannic and powerful-structured wines.
The Médoc is the spotlight of this region and home to all first growths (premier cru classés) but one -according to the historic 1855 Classifications.
To the north of Dordogne, the Right bank is famous for the exclusive Pomerol and the older Saint-Émilion appellations.
Here, Merlot is widely planted on limestone surfaces with less gravel and more clay. Other grape varieties are used as blending components to create wines with softer tannins and richer in flavour of fruits.
Below we list down five unique chateau experiences (travelling from the Left to the Right), suitable for both casual wine hobbyists and serious connoisseurs.
Château Cos d’Estournel (La Maison d’Estournel Hôtel)
Starting from the Left, at the edge of the Saint-Estèphe region, the well-known Château Cos d’Estournel and La Maison d’Estournel Hôtel provide a decadent and complete château experience for all visitors.
This wine estate shares its borders with the legendary first growths, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild, which are situated in the neighboring Pauillac appellation, just a few kilometers to the south.
“La Maison d’Estournel,” or simply “The Home of Estournel,” is the residential estate adorned with elegantly decorated yet homely rooms.
Among them, the stylish junior suite terrace at the upper floor offers a perfect vantage point of a sunrise over the vineyards, rivalling any other views in the region.
Take our word for it, you will find it extremely challenging to leave this suite.
If you manage to do so, you will be rewarded with a unique experience.
Just a short drive away, you can tour the distinctive oriental architecture of the château itself and its modern winemaking estate, culminating in a delightful tasting of its wines.
Needless to say, we had the best overall wine tasting experience.
Back at the hotel, the estate also features a stunning vineyard-facing in-house restaurant that offers a sumptuous and unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant’s Michelin level food and plating are prepared using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, and the expertly crafted dishes are designed to perfectly complement the estate’s world-renowned wines.
Guests can enjoy their meals in the restaurant’s elegant dining room or on the terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.
With its exceptional food, exquisite wines, and stunning setting, La Maison d’Estournel is a must-visit destination for food and wine enthusiasts from around the world.
Château La Tour Carnet
Keeping to this side of the river and moving south to the region of Saint-Laurent-Médoc, La Tour Carnet is another hidden gem begging to be explored.
Albeit not a wine powerhouse like Estournel, this estate presents all the rustic charms of a medieval castle and much more.
As you make your way down the long and isolated driveway, flanked by the vast vineyards, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another time.
Upon reaching the end of the driveway, you’ll be greeted by a meticulously groomed garden that is enclosed by a rustic metal gate that appears to be from a different era.
As if the medieval experience wasn’t already complete, you’ll be required to cross a drawbridge that spans a moat in order to arrive at your palace for the evening.
And to top it all off, (if you are lucky) a majestic resident albino peacock will be standing tall atop your palace gate, serving as your guard for the night.
Entering the palace is an awe-inspiring experience, with its timeless beauty and enchanting charm.
The sense of grandeur and opulence is palpable, making one feel like royalty. It is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on anyone who visits.
We spent a night in this château and had the experience of a lifetime.
Château Hôtel Grand Barrail
Crossing the rivers, we arrive at the heart of the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion, specifically at the site of an 18th-century Bordeaux monastery, formerly owned by Château de Figeac.
The name “Château Hotel Grand Barrail” establishes a strong connection to the history of the place and its surroundings – the Bordeaux monastery was referred to as “Grand Barrail.”
This estate serves as an ideal base for exploring other renowned châteaus of Saint-Émilion (such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone and Château Angélus), the neighbouring commune of Pomerol (Château Pétrus and Château Le Pin) as well as the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city itself.
During our stay, we had the pleasure of exploring Château La Gaffelière and Château Pavie; the latter an esteemed Premier Grand Cru Classé A property, based on the Saint-Émilion classification.
And if you are still not satisfied after a full day of decadent wine tastings (like us), you can continue to indulge in an apéritif at the amazing outdoor terrace of the estate, which provides stunning views of the sun setting over the park and surrounding vineyards.
Followed by a wonderful dining experience of southwestern French cuisine in one of the exquisite dining rooms.
Before retiring for the night, take a stroll around the picturesque estate.
This presents a perfect opportunity for avid photographers to capture the enchanting magic of the well-lit château and its mirror-like reflection in the nearby pond.
Château Troplong Mondot
Staying in Château Troplong Mondot is a luxurious and unforgettable experience.
Settled upon a hilltop, the château dominates the surrounding unique terroir and offers a commanding view of the historic Saint-Émilion village.
The charming estate offers a selection of personally tailored wine tours and beautifully appointed guest rooms, each of which has been thoughtfully decorated to provide a tranquil and comfortable environment for guests.
During our time here, we were lucky enough to stay in a room with arguably the best bedroom view that any estate in this area could offer – with views of the UNESCO village, idyllic vineyards and gorgeous sunset.
Château Troplong Mondot also boasts a Michelin starred restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix, which serves exceptional cuisine paired with the estate’s own wines.
The restaurant’s menu showcases the best of the region’s local produce, diners can enjoy their meals in the elegant dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards.
Overall, staying at Château Troplong Mondot is a truly indulgent experience that combines the best of French hospitality, culinary excellence, and wine culture in the heart of the Right Bank Bordeaux.
Impeccably penned,
TROPLONG MONDOT NE S’EXPLIQUE PAS : TROPLONG MONDOT SE VIT.
TROPLONG MONDOT CANNOT BE EXPLAINED: IT NEEDS TO BE LIVED.
This is indeed true.
Château de Ferrand
The last but not least on this list, the minimalistic Château de Ferrand is where art and architecture meet wine.
The story begins in the early 18th century, philantropist Elie de Bétoulaud wanted to pay tribute to his beloved Sun King Louis XIV and so he built this estate to reflect the elegance and joy of Versailles (not the scale of course!).
Located at an elevated position in the Saint-Émilion wine region, this château still retains its exterior medieval and charming facade; but progressive modernisation works both in viticulture and architecture have begun ever since the turn of the 21st century, elevating them to their current Grand Cru Classé status.
The theme is stone, wood and leather – the spacious “La Chambre du Parc” personifies this perfectly and for book nerds who are always thirsty for knowledge, this room is populated with all materials related to French culture.
This estate excels on exclusivity, you have the option to reserve a dining experience at the table of a Grand Cru Classé.
You can also privately hire the living room and dining room of this 18th-century manor house.
We had the pleasure of joining a private Grand Cru Classé Workshop – this experience comprises a vertical wine course, tasting the château’s vintage from 2014 to 2019, complete with amuse-bouches.
All set in the most charming tasting room we have ever been – just divine.
Embarking on a Bordeaux wine tour is an enchanting journey that indulges the senses, weaving together the region’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite wines.
From the prestigious châteaux to the hidden gems, this oenophile’s paradise promises an unforgettable experience that will leave every wine enthusiast with a profound appreciation for Bordeaux’s timeless winemaking tradition.
Voyage Grande 