Are you looking for a unique way to experience the best of Bordeaux? Look no further than its vineyards! Whether you’re an experienced wine connoisseur or just someone who wants to get their feet (or grapes) wet, getting your grapes stomped in one of the best vineyards in Bordeaux is sure to be a memorable experience.
We go in-depth on the Best Bordeaux Vineyards, the best time to visit Bordeaux Region, and how to take full advantage of wine guides, tastings and more.
Château Pape-Clément: The Oldest Planted Vineyard in Bordeaux
Château Pape-Clément is one of the most iconic vineyards in the Bordeaux area, having been planted in 1300. It is a 60-hectare haven of peacefulness, located on the outskirts of Bordeaux and built in a neo-Gothic style. The grapes grown here are carefully selected to ensure quality, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Gris.
This vineyard is unique in its harvesting heritage, having celebrated its 700th vintage in 2020. Owned by wine magnate Bernard Magrez and serving as a boutique hotel, Château Pape-Clément is a great place to experience the old world charm of Bordeaux wines and explore the ancient art of winemaking.
From traditional grape stomping to professional wine guides to explore the surrounding region, this vineyard is an ideal destination for all types of travelers looking to explore the best wineries in Bordeaux.
Exploring the Wine Industry with a Professional Wine Guide
Exploring the wine industry in Bordeaux with a professional wine guide is an invaluable experience. From Chateau Pape-Clément, the oldest planted vineyard in Bordeaux, to Château de Pitray, where Merlot and Cabernet Franc have been grown for over 600 years, a professional wine guide will provide you with an inside look into the history of the region.
Learn about the five classic red Bordeaux varietals and taste each one alongside learning about the unique grape stomping tradition in Bordeaux. You will also get to explore some of the most notable wineries in the area, such as Château Mouton Rothschild and VAL, which have been producing high-quality wines for many years.
With the help of a professional wine guide, you will be able to appreciate not only the age-old craftsmanship but also gain a better understanding of the dedication and humanity that goes into producing these world-renowned wines.
The Best Time to Visit Bordeaux: What to Expect During Harvest
The best time to visit Bordeaux is during the annual grape harvest season, known as Trgatev. Starting in mid-September, the harvest marks a beautiful transition of the region to its autumnal colors and is an ideal time to explore the best wineries in Bordeaux.
Most of the prestigious wine region wineries start harvesting grapes in September, with some starting as early as August and ending as late as October. It’s a great opportunity to witness the unique grape stomping tradition and taste five classic red Bordeaux varietals from Château Pape-Clément, the oldest planted vineyard in Bordeaux, or Château de Pitray, specialists in Merlot and Cabernet Franc for 600 years.
If you’re looking for an even closer look into the wine industry, take a tour with a professional wine guide who can explain the predominant grapes varietals found in Bordeaux and take you on a tour of a Provençal farm to experience the ancient art of wine making.
Exploring the Best Wineries in Bordeaux for All Travel Styles
Exploring Bordeaux’s wineries is a great way to experience the region’s renowned wine culture. From high-end châteaux to boutique wineries and even wine hotels, there is something for all kinds of travelers. Château Pape Clément is a great place to start – it’s the oldest planted vineyard in Bordeaux and produces some of the most exclusive wines in the region.
For a more modern experience, Wine Cab offers private tastings in a modern cellar, or there is Château La Croizille with its selection of outstanding wines. Château Ferran is also worth visiting for its excellent value wines that are perfect for dinner parties. If you want to experience the unique grape stomping tradition, visit Château de Pitray where they have been producing Merlot and Cabernet Franc for 600 years. Finally, don’t miss out on Le Saint-James’ annual grape harvest where you can taste their home-produced wines.
Château de Pitray: Merlot and Cabernet Franc Specialists for 600 Years
Château de Pitray is a stunning winery located just 8km from Saint-Emilion. With an astonishing 600 years of ownership by the de Boigne family, this winery specializes in Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, and is widely considered one of the best wineries to visit in Bordeaux for all travel styles.
The winery also grows Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which add complexity and depth to their red wines. For those looking to get a unique taste of Bordeaux wine culture, Château de Pitray offers a grape stomping experience that’s sure to be remembered for years to come.
The Predominant Grapes Varietals in Bordeaux: A Closer Look
Bordeaux’s vast and varied wine region is known for its red and white grape varieties. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot are the five classic red varietals of Bordeaux. Each varietal offers its own unique flavor profile and contributes to the complexity of a great Bordeaux blend. Merlot grapes are ready to harvest before Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, while Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle are the two principal grape varieties used to make white Crémant de Bordeaux.
These grapes have been grown in the region for centuries, with the Left Bank’s gravel soils providing the perfect environment for Cabernet Sauvignon. Explore the best wineries in Bordeaux for all travel styles, or take a tour of a Provençal farm and experience the unique grape stomping tradition first-hand. With so many vineyards to explore, there is something for everyone in this charming wine region!
Taste the Five Classic Red Bordeaux Varietals
If you’re looking to experience the unique taste of Bordeaux’s classic red varietals, look no further than Château Pape-Clément, the oldest planted vineyard in the region. This famous chateau is renowned for its Merlot and Cabernet Franc wines, and offers a professional wine guide to help you explore the industry firsthand.
With their help, you can enjoy a tasting of the five classic red Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and occasionally Carménère. Each grape contributes its own unique characteristics to the blend’s flavor profile, creating a truly distinct experience for all who visit. And don’t forget to check out Château de Pitray if you’re looking for a special Merlot or Cabernet Franc! Their 600-year history in winemaking speaks volumes about their expertise.
A Tour of a Provençal Farm: The Ancient Art of Wine Making
Take a tour of a Provençal farm and experience the ancient art of wine making. Learn how grapes are cultivated and how wine is made, plus stomp grapes in enormous antique oak barrels that are waist-high. Discover the unique grape stomping tradition that has been going on in Bordeaux since 1893.
Tour a traditional 18th-century Bordeaux winery, sample two of the wines in production and visit the Grand Cru Classé Chateau wineries that have been producing some of Bordeaux’s most famous wines for centuries.
Explore the picturesque fortress city of Les Baux de Provence to learn more about the renowned wines made in this region. With its delicate wines, historic sites, and prestigious chateaus, a tour of a Provençal farm is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
The Harvest: A Time of Humanity and Dedication
The harvest in Bordeaux is a time of celebration and dedication. During September and October, wineries across the region take part in ‘les vendanges’, the annual grape harvest.
This is the culmination of months of hard work for the vineyard and winemaker’s savoir-faire, as they strive to create some of the world’s most prestigious wines.
The timing of the harvest is determined by the ripeness of the grapes, and visitors can experience the unique grape-stomping tradition in Bordeaux. It’s also an opportunity to explore some of the world’s most famous chateaux and any visit will reveal the rich heritage and history of this region.
The harvest is a time when humanity, hard work and dedication come together to produce some of France’s finest wines.
Experience the Unique Grape Stomping Tradition in Bordeaux
Experience the unique grape stomping tradition in Bordeaux and immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest and most cherished traditions. Château Pape-Clément is the oldest planted vineyard in the region, where visitors can take part in their 700th vintage harvest. For even more of a unique experience, visit Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Sauternes and get your feet wet in an old-fashioned grape stomping competition.
Take a tour of a Provençal farm, learn how grapes are cultivated and how wine is made, PLUS enjoy festivals, open cellars, wine trails and old-fashioned grape picking all over the region during wine harvest.
The predominant grapes varietals in Bordeaux are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot – you can taste them all at Le Saint-James’ annual grape harvest and create your own special blend at Wines of Garnacha’s special events.
