Pessac-Léognan is the closest appellation to Bordeaux and the easiest to access from the city. You can even reach a few properties on the tram. 

It is the Northern part of the Graves appellation and has joined forces with Sauternes and Barsac to create a wine route covering more than 50 kilometres, 52 villages, 7,300 ha of vines and over 100 properties to choose from. 

Wine makers are so happy to welcome visitors back again after the COVID hiatus and you can find them all on one website, Bordeaux-Graves-Sauternes.com. Here you can pick and choose from wine tastings and chateau visits and other more eclectic experiences. 

Below are a couple of suggested itineraries including some of my favourites. You can design your own, personalised itinerary from the site – let me know which ones you choose.

If you only have one day.

First stop: Morning coffee!

Just 40 minutes from Bordeaux centre you will be in Sauternes. Start your day with a coffee at 1st growth Château Sigalas Rabaud. Not just any coffee, a coffee made from beans aged in an ex-Sauternes barrel, adding more delicious flavours to your morning pick-me-up. Stay on to discover the chateau, the cellars and of course the wine. Try the non-sulphur wine served on the terrace overlooking the vines.

Alternatively, you could come down the night before and enjoy coffee for breakfast, the chateau has a few beautiful guest rooms.

Second stop: Picnic chic.  

From Sauternes, head back in the direction of Bordeaux, stopping at Château de Cérons in the Graves. Admire the architecture of this beautiful 18th century chateau with the owners, Xavier and Caroline Perromat, and then enjoy a picnic in the shade of the ancient magnolias accompanied by white, red, rosé and sweet wines of the property. Perhaps try their brand new Orange Wine.

Third stop: French teatime

Château la Louvière is another classified historical monument, this time in Pessac-Léognan. Working with chocolate maker Tofino, they have selected four different chocolates to taste alongside four different wines from their estates on the appellation. Discover the differences in the wines based on their terroir and how the chocolate enhances their diversity. Before leaving, enjoy the park around the beautiful and perfectly restored neoclassical château. 

Fourth stop: Aperitif.

At the end of the afternoon relax with a glass of wine at classified growth Château Pape Clément. If you are here on a Thursday evening, a food truck will be on hand to help you finish your gastronomic day.  

You are now only 20 minutes from the centre of Bordeaux, but if it’s all too exhausting you can stay over in one of the six sumptuous suites in the château. 

A weekend away. 

First stop: a walk in the park. 

Spend the morning at beautiful Château Malartic La Gravière. Amongst the many experiences they offer is a walk through the grounds to discover their unique eco system, farm and the Château. You’ll discover it’s not only the chateau and vineyard that is classified, but also the woods. You’ll finish your visit with a tasting of the red and white wines of the property on the elegant ‘terrasse’ of the chateau. Do pick up a copy of their beautiful new book The Four Seasons of Malartic, full of recipes and stories.

Second stop: Lunch 

Carry on south to Château Smith Haut Lafitte for lunch. Amongst the vines, you’ll find, Les Sources de Caudalie, a 5-star palace hotel. You can keep it simple by lunching at the relaxed Rouge bistro for a light lunch or call in at La Table du Lavoir for a locally sourced gastronomy or live in up in Michelin star style at La Grande Vigne. Pop into the Caudalie Spa, if you don’t have time for wine-based beauty treatment pick up some of the Caudalie beauty products. Wine inside and out. 

Third stop: head in the clouds

All aboard a hot air balloon at Château d’Arche for a magical flight above the famous names of Sauternes. Back on solid ground, tour Château d’Arche, taste the wine and enjoy dinner. As well as a classified sauternes producer, the château is a country hotel. You can stay overnight here in one of the nine rooms. 

Day Two 

Work up an appetite

In Bommes, hop on an electric scooter to discover the rolling hillsides of Sauternes. You will ride past the famous names of the appellation with your guide and stop off for a tasting at one of the classified chateaux on the route. 

If you fancy a little more exercise, try your hand at canoeing along the Ciron River. The picturesque Ciron is famous for its influence over the unique microclimate of the region; an important element in producing the delicious, sweet wines.      

Second stop: Crystal lunch

At Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey owner Silvio Denz has created a unique universe of wine and crystal.  Visit the cellars, see the crystal barrel, and then dine in the Michelin star Lalique restaurant. Here you can discover how the wines of Sauternes and Barsac perfectly compliment the most elegant of menus.

Third stop: Back to the future 

Your final visit of the day will be Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé in Pessac-Léognan. As well as the beautiful property, you will visit the brand-new cellars created by architect Daniel Romeo. This cellar was designed to perfectly integrate with the natural environment and is carbon efficient, thanks to its planted roof. The unparalleled views over the vines show how the vineyards remain at the very heart of the wine making. After the visit, enjoy your last Graves tasting of the day.

Don’t want to leave yet? You can stay on at the sister Chateau le Pape, just a stone’s throw away. They have five ensuite rooms, a beautiful pool and deck where you can enjoy the last hours of your Graves, Sauternes and Barsac weekend, glass in hand.

An version of this post was first published on the Great Wine Capitals Blog

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