Guide · Wine
Visit & Wine Tasting
Our Favourite Châteaux
While the term “château” is used here primarily to describe a wine estate and its wine, the fact remains that many estates have a “real” château.
From large mansions to sumptuous Renaissance buildings, from the “Versailles of the Médoc” to oriental palaces, they’re everywhere!
We suggest you take your car on a tour of this architectural diversity, which is unique in the world.
Would you fancy visiting a wine cellar in one of the 600 chateaux we have in the Médoc?
Discover how the estate produces its wine, learn about the architecture and the history of the chateau, and even take a walk in the vineyards within the different grape varieties.
Except when it is clearly announced “without an appointment”, a visit to a chateau is always by reservation.
Explore and book multiple experiences (tastings, workshops, meals…) to live in Medoc and Bordeaux wineries directly via our partner ruedesvignerons.com.
Saint-Estèphe
Lafon-Rochet
4th Grand Cru Classé in AOC SAINT-ESTEPHE
Château Lafon-Rochet, the 4th Grand Cru Classé in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, is a 40-hectare wine estate in a single block.
You’ll see this beautiful property set amidst the vines, where an elegant ochre-coloured chartreuse first astonishes, then seduces.
Le Crock
Situated on the Marbuzet plateau between the prestigious Châteaux Cos d’Estournel and Montrose, the vineyard covers 32 hectares of gravelly terroir.
The most recent renovations included the vat room in 1999 and the barrel cellar in 2010. Today, Château Le Crock benefits from the expertise of Château Léoville Poyferré (2nd Grand Cru Classé 1855): the same owners and the same oenologist since 2000.
Its wines have a complex tannic structure, a beautiful dark red colour, exceptional structure and great aromatic finesse, with great ageing potential.
Tronquoy-Lalande
Château Tronquoy-Lalande is one of the oldest vineyards in the Saint-Estèphe appellation. Completely renovated in 2006, the estate combines the charm of its original 18th-century buildings with the modernity of its technical facilities.
Its 30-hectare vineyard, planted in a single block of deep clay gravel, produces two Grands Vins: a Red and a White with a unique, assertive character. Since 2021, the estate has been committed to organic viticulture certification.
Médoc & Haut Médoc
Castera
Come and discover one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, with its 14th-century medieval tower, 19th-century domestic chapel and fabulous parkland populated by century-old trees. The estate tells the story of 1,000 years with a rare elegance. Follow in the footsteps of Montaigne and La Boétie, discover the life of a Médoc estate and get up close and personal with the wine – that’s the experience we offer you with our guided tours and our Escape Game.
Hourtin-Ducasse
Plant infusions, grassed vines, energy independence, natural shearing and fertilisation with our Landes sheep, blue tit and bat nest boxes, lightweight glass bottles for a reduced carbon footprint, blind blending, alcoholic fermentation in barrels, music therapy… and new experiences every year. Why do we do this?
Firstly, we are convinced that we are improving the quality of our wines in this way; the last 34 vintages have received 145 awards. Secondly, we want to protect the richness of our terroir for a future that will continue to tell the story of the excellence of Haut-Médoc; our choices are related to this. Finally, we want to leave our 7 children a quality environment that will allow them to blossom fully in these wonderful professions of the vine, on a planet as healthy and generous as possible.
And then, for us, to welcome people to the vineyard is to make them love our wines as much as we love them, by sharing our convictions but also the truth of our daily life… and our wines. See you soon!
Loudenne
Château Loudenne is the famous “Pink Château” of the Médoc, renowned in the 1920s for its glamorous parties and the many celebrities who stayed there.
Situated on the banks of the Gironde estuary, Château Loudenne is one of the Médoc’s most endearing sites, with a reputation that goes back 400 years.
Dating back to the 17th century, the château boasts a 19th-century Victorian winery set in extensive grounds with breathtaking views over the Gironde Estuary, and a collection of rare old English roses. Private port with access for pleasure boats and cruises. Visits and tastings free of charge and without reservation for individuals. Wine and picnic sales at the estate. Temporary table at the château, prestigious tasting lunch on the château terrace. Marked route through the kid-friendly vineyards.
Clos Manou
Clos Manou is owned by two enthusiasts who vinified their first vintage in 1998. In 15 years, the vineyard has grown from 12 acres to 18 hectares, with a philosophy: produce the best, emphasise quality at all costs, both in the vines and in the wine; always seek a balance between all the ingredients that make up the winegrower’s craft; know how to draw on tradition as well as modernity.
The vines are cultivated according to the precepts of organic farming, with careful, reasoned care. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinified at low temperature. Extractions are made by pumping over in the concrete vat and only by manual punching down in the wooden vat.
Tour de By
Château La Tour de By welcomes you for a guided tour of the old vat room, a collection of wine-making and cooperage tools.
You will be offered a tasting of several wines and vintages.
Visitors are free to stroll around the vineyard and admire the panoramic view over the Gironde estuary from the majestic Tour de By, a former lighthouse dating from 1825.
Pauillac
Pédesclaux
5th Grand Cru Classé in AOC PAUILLAC
The extensive work carried out to restructure the vineyards and convert them to organic farming, together with the gravity-fed winery designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, allow the magic of the terroir to shine through. The superb architecture is a blend of stone, metal, glass and steel.
Pichon Baron
2nd GRAND CRU CLASSÉ IN AOC PAUILLAC
During your visit, discover this château with its two emblematic turrets, built by Baron Raoul in 1851 and boasting unrivalled romanticism and charm. Since then, the 19th-century château has been magnified by a mirror of water stretching out at its feet.
You’ll have the chance to learn more about the vineyards on an outdoor tour of the estate’s vineyard plots.
Haut Bages Libéral
5th Grand Cru Classé in AOC PAUILLAC
Since 2007, organic viticulture, biodynamic viticulture, agroecology and agroforestry have become the owners’ best allies, allowing Château Haut-Bages Libéral to finally express the true nature of its terroir through the production of Great Living Wines. The vineyards of Château Haut-Bages Libéral, located on the historic Bages plateau, are in direct proximity to the Gironde Estuary.
Saint-Julien
Gruau Larose
2nd Grand Cru Classé in AOC Saint-Julien
Château Gruaud Larose is located in the Saint-Julien terroir.
The 82-hectare vineyard has been classified as a 2nd Grand Cru since 1855.
The aromas and bouquets of Château Gruaud Larose stem from the identity of its Médoc soil, its tannins and its terroir.
From the top of the tower, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Médoc coast, its vineyards and the estuary. You’ll then discover some of the secrets of this Grand Cru Classé by exploring the magnificent cellars and vats. The tour ends with a visit to the underground installations, followed by a tasting of the estate’s two wines.
Beychevelle
4th Grand Cru Classé in AOC Saint-Julien
Château Beychevelle has a soul forged by three centuries of history… The elegance of its classic architecture makes it one of the jewels of the Médoc. Under Henry III, Beychevelle was the stronghold of the all-powerful Duke of Epernon, and according to legend, ships passing in front of his castle had to lower their sails as a sign of allegiance. Hence the name Beychevelle meaning “Lower Sail”.
The legend that surrounds Château Beychevelle is the inspiration behind the new winery, and the world of sails, boats and, more broadly, travel guided architect Arnaud Boulain in its creation.
With its innovative technology and architecture featuring cubic shapes and large windows, the new winery reinforces the precision work already underway.
Margaux
Marquis d'Alesme
3rd Grand Cru Classé in AOC Margaux
As soon as visitors pass through the chateau’s enchanting gates, they know that they are in for nothing less than a magical experience. Cast yourself head first into this dreamlike, hybrid world: an architectural blend of French classicism and exotic, fantastical Asian stylings. Trace the path of the Marquis d’Alesme, and experience the singular world of this Margaux Grand Cru Classé.
After a quiet break in the confines of the Hameau salon, the tour carries on to the winery buildings, with a guided visit of the vat-house and cellars. The chateau’s remaining secrets are revealed in the tasting room, the ideal setting for an unforgettable sensory experience.
Marquis de Terme
4th GRAND CRU CLASSÉ IN AOC Margaux
Château Marquis de Terme is more than just a wine: it’s a legend. A legendary wine can only tell good stories, and Château Marquis de Terme’s story is rich in successive owners who have made it a 4th Grand Cru Classé 1855.
The estate’s wines are quite simply spellbinding: their velvety tannins and fleshy harmony will stay with you for a long time. During a tour of the estate (which can even take the form of a bike ride or a food and wine matching workshop), you can get a glimpse of the 40 hectares of Margaux AOC, the work of the men and their unique know-how, before facing the tasting of the vintages: intense moments, simply sublime!
Dauzac
5th GRAND CRU CLASSÉ IN AOC Margaux
The morning mist glides over the pond in a white sheet, the vines bask in the sun, the tall foliage rustles in the park and the heavy gate opens on to a splendid Carthusian monastery… This is not a visit, it’s an encounter, an encounter with one of the oldest wine estates in the Médoc: Château Dauzac.
Since the 12th century, vines have been grown on these lands, a natural terroir sublimated by the men of Dauzac who produce this 5th Grand Cru Classé Margaux 1855. The vineyard covers 49 hectares in the Margaux and Haut-Médoc appellations. In this reservoir of biodiversity, shaped by a unique and ancestral know-how, terroir and nature are respected, and the estate’s beehives produce a sweet, luminous honey.
Experience
Have a look at one of these two websites and discover an even larger selection.
More than a Visit
Visit’O Châteaux weekend
The Visit’O Châteaux weekend is an opportunity to take advantage of a selection of châteaux which offer you much more than just a visit!
Châteaux Experiences
Want to live an experience in a wine estate? This list is made for you! Wine or blending workshop, picnic in the vineyards, aperitif in the cellar… There is something for everyone!
Wine Cellars
Maison du Vin de St-Estèphe
It is on the church square that you will discover the Maison du Vin de St-Estèphe.
Your visit will be the opportunity for a free and commented tasting from April to October. There you can discover all the wines of the appellation at château prices, exhibitions all year round and the starting point for visiting the vineyards and properties of the appellation.
Aux Trésors des Vignes
The Médoc and the Hauts Médoc rub shoulders with the few 200 crus from the Bordeaux region and many regional products. But the offer does not stop there because all the wine-growing regions of France are represented as well as a wide range of foreign wines.
For lovers of spirits, look no further, the largest choice of Medoc, it’s still there…
More than 150 whiskies, more than 120 rums and mixed rums, more than 15 different gins as well as the appropriate tonics, cognacs, armagnacs, eaux de vie and the prices are very wise.
Finally, all the beers produced in the region but also a selection of more than 70 craft beers.
Maison du Tourisme et du Vin de Pauillac
Go through the door of the Maison du Tourisme et du Vin de Pauillac to discover all that our beautiful region has to offer!
There you will find a Vinothèque with one of the largest choice of wines from the 8 Médoc appellations, in consignment by unit and at Château price (to take away or to send). A shop offers a wide choice of souvenirs, gastronomic products from the Médoc, tableware and around the sommelier. By watching a small 12-minute film free of charge, wine making in Médoc will no longer hold any secrets for you.
The free olfactory journey “the game of aromas” allows you to discover the aromatic universe of wines.
Chez Patrick
Grocery shop, fine selection of local products, wines and Champagne Thuillier!
Montreal sur Mer
Nature wine cellar, craft beers, sourdough bread.
