Bordeaux Wine Country is renowned for its high-quality wines, beautiful scenery, and historic sites. Located in the southwest of France, Bordeaux Wine Country is one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world, covering an area of 90,000 hectares.
One way to explore Bordeaux is to take part in a guided tour with a professional expert who can show you the best vineyards of each region, and such a tour can be found here. Alternatively, you can self-drive through some or all of these wine regions at your own pace. There are packages available for hire vehicles including experienced guides and self-guided itineraries if required.
Exploring the Vineyards and Wineries
Visiting a winery is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in this area. Take a tour, savor a leisurely lunch, and taste samples of the region’s famous wines. If you don’t want to go all-in on a winery tour just yet, consider starting with a self-guided tour of one of the many vineyard trails – there are St Emilion, Margaux, and Médoc routes available for walking or bike touring that take in some stunning areas of countryside.
Exploring outside of Wine Country itself can also be an enlightening experience for wine enthusiasts. Head south to Bergerac or Saint Émilion for some amazing examples of monolithic architecture surrounded by vineyards; venture east to Sauternes where white grapes are late-harvested from September through November each year; or head towards the ocean for an exploration of terroir at Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, two appellations that overlook Gironde river estuary system more than 100 kilometers north of Bordeaux city center.
No matter what type of exploration you choose to undertake during your time in this country, expect amazing views coupled with fascinating vineyards and incredible wines you won’t find anywhere else—making it an unforgettable experience to add to your bucket list!
Food and Drink Experiences in Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s gastronomy offers memorable experiences for every kind of traveler, from Michelin-starred restaurants that showcase local specialties like foie gras, confit duck, and cassoulet to small cafes serving Muscadet wines paired with freshly harvested oysters from nearby Arcachon Bay. Don’t forget to visit bustling food markets throughout the region such as Bordeaux’s famous “Halles de Bacalan” food market for an all-you-can-eat, feast for the eyes — and tastebuds!
It isn’t just about its renowned red wines – visitors can explore unique spirits like white Armagnac or Cognac as well as fortified sweet beverages such as Sauternes or Barsac made from Semillon and Sauvignon grapes. In addition, craft beer breweries have taken root throughout the region offering small-batch artisan beers from porters to pale ales. Of course, no trip is complete without visiting one of Bordeaux’s many châteaus – historic wineries set amongst pristine vineyards offer interactive tastings of their classic wines allowing you not only to sample world-renowned vintages but also gain a deeper understanding of what makes this legendary region so unique.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking & Cycling: The Country has trails to please every level of hiker or biker. From leisurely strolls through lush vineyards to more challenging paths up steep hillsides, there’s something for everyone. If you don’t have your own bike or gear, many companies in town offer daily rentals so you can experience some of Bordeaux’s most beautiful spots at your own pace.
Water Sports: For those looking for more active ways to explore this paradise, there are plenty of opportunities for water sports like canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding down the Garonne River or Lacanau Lake. Spend an afternoon out on the water, taking in scenic views as you drift along serenely, or even try your hand at a spot of fishing!
Shopping and Sightseeing
When it comes to shopping, there are many options to choose from. From the premium stores at Place du Palais to the small shops at Allées de Tourny, there is something for everyone. To get the best deals, try visiting the local markets like Quais des Chartrons or La Grande-Poste which feature clothing, food stalls, and souvenirs created by talented local artisans.
For those who love exploring new places, Bordeaux offers a range of amazing sights that should be on every enthusiast’s list of must-see attractions. The Place de la Bourse should be the first port of call with its imposing fountains reflecting off the nearby Miroir d’Eau mirror pool – one of the largest in Europe! Then take a tour around some of Bordeaux’s finest châteaux such as Château Gruaud-Larose or Château Pape Clément and exceptional vineyards like Castillon in Margaux or Saulon la Rue in Saint Emilion.
Accommodation Options in Bordeaux
Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay, a romantic getaway, or hoping to find an affordable option for your family vacation, you’ll find great possibilities in the region.
Hotels: This is the most commonly chosen accommodation in Bordeaux wine country. From four and five-star luxury hotels to smaller budget hotels and boutique establishments, you can enjoy all sorts of amenities such as on-site dining, spa services, and fitness centers.
Vacation rental properties are becoming increasingly popular among travelers heading to this destination. These self-catering apartments offer more space and privacy than a traditional hotel room, allowing for more flexibility and comfort during your stay. Many rentals have fully equipped kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances, making it easy to prepare meals that fit into your schedule.
Chateaux: There are dozens of chateaux dotting the vineyards around Bordeaux that can be rented out by those looking for a unique experience in the heart of the French winemaking country. These properties may offer private pools or terraces with stunning views so you can soak up the summer sun while exploring everything this picturesque region has to offer. Most chateaux feature luxury amenities like king-size beds and bathtubs so you can truly indulge during your stay in this special part of France.
Bed and breakfasts: If you’re looking for something cozy and romantic during your visit to Bordeaux, consider staying at one of the many bed & breakfasts located throughout the area. At these charming properties, you’ll find comfortable rooms decked out with antique furnishings as well as delicious homemade breakfast waiting for you each morning when you wake up!
Tips for Visiting Bordeaux Wine Country
Whether touring picturesque vineyards or exploring charming villages, visitors to Bordeaux Wine Country should prepare for the trip by researching all of the unique places and experiences the area has to offer.
To ensure that you make the most out of your time in Bordeaux Wine Country, here are some useful tips:
Know What You Want to See: It is important to plan out your route in advance so you don’t miss anything. Make sure to research all that this beautiful area has to offer before you go. You will also want to make sure you know roughly how long each excursion could take so that you can plan appropriately.
Do Your Wine Research: Bordeaux produces some of the best wines in the world, and you want to be prepared when tasting them. Research different wines from different countries before buying or going on tastings so that you’re familiar with what it is that you enjoy and what it is that you are looking for.
Go To Local Markets: Along with wine tastings, visiting local markets allow tourists a great opportunity to sample regional specialty products, such as cheeses, fruits, and vegetables – all while experiencing French culture firsthand! Also, be aware of special deals on bottles and cases when shopping in grocery stores as prices can vary greatly depending on what region they come from.
Spice up Your Palate: Make sure that your palate does not become overly used to one certain type of wine over your trip by varying styles or types from day to day or region to region. You never know what type of flavor combinations might surprise you!
Conclusion
There is so much to do in this region that it’s hard to know where to start! From touring the impressive chateaux and vineyards, to tasting some of the world’s best wines, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region. If you want a little bit more adventure, take a trip on one of the many tours available or go hiking through some of the picturesque vineyards. No matter what you choose to do, make sure you enjoy every moment!