No trip to Bordeaux would be complete without visiting the world famous vineyards and tasting some of the best wines on the planet.

There are, of course, plenty of wine-related places to visit in the locality, including the famous first growths Château Lafite, Latour and Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac, Château Margaux in (erm) Margaux, and Château Haut Brion in Pessac Leognan.

If the 'come hither' appeal of Merlot-driven wines is your thing (and you never got to see the film 'Sideways') then the tiny village of Pomerol is a must-see, and we would recommend going to Vieux Château Certan and L'Eglise Clinet (amounst others), but please make appointments first. On the road to Pauillac there is a place called La Winery which is open until 7pm and has a good selection of wines to buy sourced from all over France.

With its wine and artisan shops, and al fresco dining options, a day in St Emilion, a mediaeval walled city, is also highly recommended. We would also suggest a visit to Le Hameau de Bages (the Bages Hamlet) which is a revitalised and reinvigorated village concept dreamt up by the Cazes family of Lynch Bages fame Château Haut Brion in Pessac Leognan. They have recreated a village community which had ceased to exist.

The Cazes family owns Lynch Bages, Les Ormes du Pez and Villa Bel Air in St Morillon among others.

There is also the brand new wine exhibition and experience centre, the 'Cité du Vin' in Bordeaux, which is well worth a visit.

Winery visits

Find out about our network of vignerons and available excursions nearby