Yes, it is possible to visit Château Margaux, one of the iconic wineries of Bordeaux.
While this famous first growth estate is prioritising visits by wine professionals, the lovers and collectors of Château Margaux wines can get a visit appointment as long as they ask for a reservation early enough.
My Médoc Wine Tour Guide could be helpful in creating your self-guided tour.
Where is Château Margaux?
Château Margaux is located near the village of Margaux north of Bordeaux in the Médoc wine region on the left bank of the Garrone river.
The best way to reach Château Margaux is by car. When in the village of Margaux, you will find the winery just by the church of Saint Michel. Parking is located inside the yellow gate.
You will find the reception of Château Margaux behind the parking area to the left of the main building.
Address: Chateau Margaux, 33460 Margaux
Tel : +33 (0) 5 57 88 83 83
How to Visit Château Margaux?
Contact Château Margaux through their website to request an appointment. It is important to book your visit several months in advance. If you plan to visit Bordeaux in the summer, I recommend asking for a visit as early as December or January.
Another option would be to join a private wine tour or use my wine tour planning service and request a visit to Château Margaux.
The visit of Château Margaux is currently offered free of charge.
When is Château Margaux Open?
Château Margaux is open Monday through Friday. The estate is closed on weekends, public holidays, in August and during the harvest.
What Is Included in the Visit of Château Margaux?
The visit lasts approximately one hour. It is important to be on time.
You visit will start in the small museum of Château Margaux.
You will then walk by the famous gate and continue on to the modern vinification room of Château Margaux, the Nouveau Chai designed by Norman Foster.
This architectural gem is serving during the harvest as a receiving and sorting facility. After the most rigorous selections the juice transforms into wine in these stainless steel vats.
As you walk through the estate, you will also see the historic 19th century vinification room with large oak vats with some still in use.
On the lower level, you will be shown two vast cellars where the wines are aged in new oak barrels waiting for their time to be bottled.
Under the vineyard there is a 70-metre-long Vinothèque. This is an underground storage for the collection of Château Margaux bottles. The mass of the concrete helps to naturally regulate temperatures and provide optimal conditions for the precious wine and does not require cooling.
Wine tastings of the first wine at Château Margaux are mostly offered to professionals.
What if You Cannot Get an Appointment at Château Margaux on Your Date?
It is not always easy to get a reservation at Château Margaux.
If you plan to visit Bordeaux wineries on a weekend or did not request your visit soon enough, I have some suggestions.
Firstly, you can always stop by the famous plane alley and the gates to see the famous estate and take a photo. Please note that you must park within a designated parking behind the yellow walls.
Secondly, during the estate working hours, you are welcome to visit the château museum located to the right of the main building. No reservation is required.
Finally, there are several other grand cru classé wineries that can be available to visit in Margaux.
To help you with your Bordeaux wine tour planning, here is the map of the Médoc wineres.
These Médoc wineries can be easily booked online:
Château Haut-Breton Larigaudière
For more information on planning a self-guided Médoc tour see these resources:
