Gironde escapade to discover the wines of Bordeaux

A stay in Bordeaux and its surroundings is always a good opportunity to taste its great wines. Saint-Émilion, Pauillac or Margaux are all appellations that are well known to wine lovers and accompany aperitifs and other gastronomic moments with family and friends. But beyond the pleasure of tasting these precious beverages, which are renowned throughout the world, a trip to the Gironde is also a wonderful opportunity to stroll through the vineyards, admire the châteaux and buildings that make up the estates and talk to the professionals about ancestral practices. Bordeaux and its surroundings are an excellent place to visit for wine tourism enthusiasts, and the pleasure of the palate is undoubtedly enhanced by the pleasure of the eyes

Meeting the most beautiful Bordeaux estates and wines

There are some Bordeaux estates that are almost impossible to introduce. Château Pichon-Longueville and Château Margaux are at the top of the list. And why not go and meet some lesser known, but equally prestigious places. Head for Château du Tertre to discover a thousand-year-old property overlooking a 52-hectare estate. Bought by a Dutch businessman in 1997, the investments have allowed the estate to regain its nobility and the Bordeaux wines offered are world renowned since they were classified in 1855 as the^5th Grand Cru Classé of Margaux. The property is simply sublime and the place offers refined guest rooms, with a sumptuous swimming pool in the garden as a bonus

In Saint-Émilion, Château de Fonplégade is an elegant 18th century building set in the heart of an 18.5 hectare estate. The owners have worked tirelessly to revitalise the vines and restore the monument as well as the cellars. Surrounded by ancient Roman furrows, there is also a 13th century fountain which gave its name to the château and was used to quench the thirst of pilgrims in the past. As far as wine is concerned, the hosts are proud to be among the first to have implemented organic farming on the mythical right bank of Bordeaux

Located in the southwest of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, Château Lafon Rochet cannot leave anyone indifferent with its bright yellow face. Visitors are always welcome to discover the building and the cellars of an estate that remains family-owned, and to take part in a tasting. It is here in the Médoc, at one of the most prestigious estates in the world, that two wines are offered. One is made from the oldest vines on the estate and the second is more affordable, so that the pleasures of wine are available to everyone

We now head for Château Siaurac, also on the right bank of Bordeaux, between the communes of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. After crossing an alley of hundred-year-old trees, we discover a magnificent 19th century château planted in the middle of a 46 hectare estate. There is also an orangery, an 18th century wood and a romantic 15-hectare park in which it is pleasant to stroll. Fruity, round and supple wines, full-bodied wines with notes of black cherries and spices, the wines produced call for joyful meals to come around a red meat, and delight the most demanding palates

A picnic with Bordeaux wines in Bourran Park

What could be more authentic in Bordeaux and its surroundings than to sit on a pretty blanket on a sunny day with delicious food and good wine? For this, head for the town of Mérignac and the Bourran Park. Created by the landscape gardener Le Breton in 1884, its 18 hectares reveal a beautiful castle, which is also home to the Ecole supérieure du professat et de l'éducation, and whose surrounding areas are a wonderful place for a picnic with family or friends. There are exotic species, a lake dotted with islands, a bucolic bridge and birds. You can also discover all the botanical wealth of the park by following the dedicated path

After having made a generous salad, a cake and having taken care to buy some Bordeaux canelés, the picnic can be accompanied by a Château Peyrabon for red wine lovers, a Clos des Lunes "Lune d'argent" for dry white wine lovers or a Sauternes for the aperitif or dessert for those who appreciate the softness and the sweetness of Bordeaux white wines