The Bordeaux Wine Route
44°50′N 0°35′W
- Days
- 5
- Distance
- 160 km
- Pace
- Easy
- Waypoints
- 6
- Est. budget
- $3 200 pp
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- F
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- M
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May to October; harvest in late September and October
Five days between the left and right banks: the great châteaux of Pauillac and Margaux, the medieval hill town of Saint-Émilion and the honeyed sweetness of Sauternes. Taste, walk the gravel and learn why Bordeaux is the benchmark.
THE ROUTE, STOP BY STOP
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1
Bordeauxtown · Day 1
The elegant port city on the Garonne.
Tip Visit the wine museum, La Cité du Vin.
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2
La Cité du Vintasting room · Day 1
A spiralling museum devoted to wine civilisations.
Tip Finish with a tasting on the rooftop belvedere.
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3
Saint-Émilionvineyard · Day 2
A UNESCO hill town surrounded by Merlot vineyards.
Tip Book an underground cellar tour.
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4
Margauxvineyard · Day 3
Perfumed, elegant reds on the left bank.
Tip Ask about the estate’s second wine.
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5
Pauillacvineyard · Day 4
Home to several First Growths on gravel soils.
Tip Lunch at a riverside bistro on the Gironde.
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6
Sauternesvineyard · Day 5
Misty valley of noble rot and golden dessert wine.
Tip Pair a glass with Roquefort and ask to see the botrytised grapes.
Scenic drive notes
Distances are modest but châteaux are spread out. Tours are by appointment, often with a minimum notice of several days. Hire a driver or join a small-group tour for tasting days.
GPS points are approximate.
Tasting-room etiquette
Reserve every château visit. Dress for cool cellars. Spit if you are tasting many wines — it is normal and expected. Never touch the bottles on display.
Where to stay
Châteaux-hotels in the Médoc, townhouses in Saint-Émilion and central Bordeaux.
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