Food & Wine
Bordeaux wine tours: the Médoc, Saint-Émilion and the city on the Garonne
Bordeaux is the name of both a city and the world’s most famous wine region. Here is our guide to a Bordeaux wine trip, from the châteaux of the Médoc to the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, with the wine hotels we would stay in.
Morning mist lies low over the Médoc vineyards, and behind the rows of vines the châteaux rise with towers and slate roofs. A few hours later you are sitting in an old stone town across the river, with a glass of red on the square in Saint-Émilion. Bordeaux is the wine region everyone has heard of, and it is easier to visit than many think.
The city of Bordeaux makes a great base, with elegant 18th century façades along the Garonne and the wine museum La Cité du Vin. From here the main wine districts are less than an hour away. Here is how to plan your trip, and the hotels we recommend.
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How to plan a Bordeaux wine trip
The Left Bank: the Médoc with Margaux and Pauillac, known for cabernet sauvignon and grand châteaux.
The Right Bank: Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, known for merlot and a beautiful medieval town.
South of the city: Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes, for red, white and sweet wines.
Book your visits: many châteaux only receive visitors by appointment.
Get a driver: or book a wine tour so everyone can taste.
The city of Bordeaux
Central Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with long quays, the Place de la Bourse and the Miroir d’eau reflecting pool. La Cité du Vin is a modern museum about the wines of the world, with a tasting bar on the top floor. The city also has a lively restaurant scene and great wine bars.
Hôtel La Zoologie
A design hotel in Bordeaux
Hôtel La Zoologie: design in the city
La Zoologie is a design hotel in Bordeaux, close to Place de la Victoire and the restaurants of the centre. It has a green courtyard and a relaxed style.
A good choice for combining city life with day trips into the vineyards.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at Hôtel La Zoologie
Pessac-Léognan: just south of the city
Pessac-Léognan sits close to the city and makes both red and white wines. It has châteaux with long histories, and it is a short drive back to Bordeaux.
Les Sources de Caudalie
A wine hotel in Martillac
Les Sources de Caudalie: a wine hotel with vinotherapy
Les Sources de Caudalie lies among the vines by Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Martillac, a short drive south of the city. It is known for its vinotherapy spa and timber buildings that feel like a small village by a lake.
A wine hotel for combining tastings with a spa and great food.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at Les Sources de Caudalie
The Médoc and Pauillac: the châteaux of the Left Bank
Along the Médoc wine route, famous names such as Margaux, Saint-Julien and Pauillac follow one another. The châteaux are grand and elegant, and many welcome visitors for tours and tastings by appointment.
COMO Cordeillan-Bages: in the heart of Pauillac
Cordeillan-Bages is a small luxury hotel in a 17th century manor among the vineyards of Pauillac. Some of Bordeaux’s most famous châteaux are its neighbours.
For staying in the heart of the Médoc and waking up to vines outside the window.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at COMO Cordeillan-Bages
Saint-Émilion: the medieval town of the Right Bank
Saint-Émilion is a medieval town on a limestone hill, surrounded by vineyards that are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has an underground monolithic church, steep narrow streets and plenty of wine shops.
Hôtel de Pavie
In the heart of Saint-Émilion
Hôtel de Pavie: views over Saint-Émilion
Hôtel de Pavie is in the middle of Saint-Émilion, looking out over the rooftops and the vineyards. Its restaurant and terrace are among the loveliest places in town on a summer evening.
A hotel for staying in the medieval town itself and walking to the wine bars.
Book your wine trip: See rooms at Hôtel de Pavie
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
The harvest usually runs through September and October and is an atmospheric time to visit, although some châteaux are busy with the work. Spring and early summer are great for wine trips, and the city of Bordeaux is lively all year.
When should you book your hotel?
Spring and autumn: popular, especially in Saint-Émilion.
Big wine fairs in the city: prices rise, so book early.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you are planning far ahead.
Frequently asked questions about Bordeaux wine tours
Where should you stay on a Bordeaux wine trip?
Stay in the city for restaurants and nightlife and take day trips. To stay among the vines, Les Sources de Caudalie in Pessac-Léognan, Cordeillan-Bages in Pauillac and Hôtel de Pavie in Saint-Émilion are great choices.
What is the difference between the Left Bank and Right Bank in Bordeaux?
The Left Bank, with the Médoc and Graves, is known for wines based on cabernet sauvignon. The Right Bank, with Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, is known for wines where merlot dominates.
Do you need to book tastings at Bordeaux châteaux?
Yes, most châteaux require an appointment. Book well ahead, especially for the most famous names.
What is La Cité du Vin?
La Cité du Vin is a wine museum in Bordeaux with interactive exhibitions about wine from around the world, and a tasting bar with city views on the top floor.
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
Spring and autumn are best for wine trips, with comfortable temperatures. The harvest is usually in September and October.