If you are planning a visit of Bordeaux wine country, you will most likely be going to the Médoc on the Left Bank or to Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank, the two most prestigious wine regions in the Bordeaux area.
As you may know, not all famous Bordeaux vineyards, are open to the public. However, many excellent classified growth Medoc wine estates can be visited if booked well in advance.
You can either explore the best grand cru classé wineries on your own or join a wine tour.
I have created a guide that will help you to create your self-guided Medoc tour and explore on your own in a rental car.
If you need help creating your Medoc wine tour, contact me for a wine tour booking service.
Some Bordeaux wineries are easy to book through resources like Getyourguide and Viator.
Interactive Map of Bordeaux Vineyards
Best 10 Wineries to Visit in Saint Emilion
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Medoc Wine Region
Which are the best wineries to visit in Médoc?
These are my recommendations of the best Médoc wineries to visit.
Why to visit?
- The 2nd Grand Cru Classe winery, Château Gruaud Larose is one of the top wineries in the Medoc
- The grounds and the winemaking facilities are stunning.
- You get to see one of the oldest wine bottles kept in the Medoc, the vintage of 1815.
- The winery has a unique observation tower. From high above, you will see the vineyards of Saint Julien, Haut-Medoc and Pauillac. The waters of the Gironde estuary are visible on a clear day.
- The château offers interesting vertical tastings of old vintages.
Why to visit?
- Chateau Lafon Rochet, 4th Grand Cru Classe, has an interesting terroir. The estate is bordering the famous Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
- The winemaking facilities are state-of the-art and the wine tours are excellent.
- The chateau is one of the few offering the barrel tasting experience.
Why to visit?
- The 2nd Grand Cru Classe, Château Pichon Baron is one of the most popular and highly regarded wineries in the Medoc. Besides excellent wines, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate has an impressive castle.
- The tour will take you through centuries of the family history of the former chateau owners.
- The cellars and the tasting rooms have been recently renovated.
- The château offers excellent vertical tastings.
- They are open on Sundays.
Why to visit?
- A beautiful and classic Margaux winery.
- Thomas Jefferson visited Bordeaux in 1787 and marked Château Marquis de Terme as one of his favourites.
- At Château Marquis de Terme offers excellent guided tours and wine and food pairings.
- You can also rent a bike and explore the beautiful Margaux wine country.
- There is a nice restaurant on the premises.
Why to visit?
- Another Margaux winery with a remarkable story of Russian-American wine writer and merchant Alexis Lichine.
- Besides the excellent red wines, the chateau makes some Sauvignon Blanc whites.
- Château Prieure Lichine has an impressive tasting room and a boutique with all possible wine souvenirs.
Why to visit?
1855 Grand Cru Classe – 2nd Growth, Cos d’Estournel is known for its remarkable architecture in Indian style. You will not miss the pagoda towers of Cos D’Estournel as you drive in Saint-Estephe.
Cos d’Estournel is known for its powerful and extravagant wines. The wines are often at the top of the world’s best wines lists. Several recent vintages of Cos D’Estournel have been given 100 Parker points and highly rated by other wine critics.
La Maison D’Estournel onsite offers accommodation and houses a gastronomic restaurant.
Why to visit?
- Château Pedesclaux is a modern winery on the banks of the Gironde.
- You will be impressed with the facilities that use pumpless winemaking.
- I find the fist and the second wine of the château are a great value for money.
Chateau Lascombes, Margaux
Why to visit?
- Château Lascombes is a beautiful 2nd Grand Cru Classé estate with a long history of winemaking.
- This estate has one of the most impressive castles in the Medoc.
- Check out their excellent vertical tastings at the château.
Château Leoville Poyferre, Saint-Julien
Why to visit?
- Some of the top Saint-Julien wines are made by Château Leoville Poyferre.
- The château offers a number of interesting tastings. Have you tried pairing red dry wines with chocolate?
- This winery is one of the few in the Médoc that accepts drop-in tastings.
- Château Leoville-Poyferre organizes light snacks in their courtyard which can be a good option for a quick lunch in the Médoc.
I am a wine travel advisor in Bordeaux and can help you organize your wine tour itinerary in Bordeaux. Contact me or book my wine tour planning service.
