This is the best time to discover the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes. Country walks in the heart of these fabulous vineyards, aperitifs at sunset in ephemeral taverns or family adventures in the form of escape games in the castles... The territories of Graves, Sauternes & Barsac and Pessac-Léognan open their doors and pamper you, for exceptional moments to experience with winegrowers, restaurateurs, hosts and other passionate guides. Because more than a territory, the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes is discovered through wonderful encounters.
Experience the excitement of the vineyard in autumn
In the footsteps of the winemaker, the cellar master or the grape picker, we go behind the scenes of wine.
Live a privileged experience as close as possible to the vineyard, discover the workings of making a
renowned beverage, get your hands dirty and enjoy it...
This is what autumn has in store on the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes.
New: GRAVES AND SAUTERNES HARVEST WORKSHOPS
Want to become a winemaker for half a day? The partner tourist offices of the Wine Route
Bordeaux en Graves and Sauternes have set up harvest workshops throughout the territory. We put on our sneakers, grab our pruning shears and head to the vines to harvest the grapes from the big-name estates alongside the grape harvesters. This is a great opportunity to discover behind the scenes of great wines and to participate in this very important stage of the vineyards. Depending on the weather and the maturity of the grapes, the workshops may also take place in the cellars, which are also in full swing at this time of year. After a morning of work, we promise a friendly meal at lunchtime in the company of the winegrowers.
Prices: €59 / person with meal and
39€ / person without meal (from 14 years old).
Information on www.bordeaux-graves-sauternes.com
THE 3 WEEKENDS: FESTIVE OPEN HOURS IN GRAVES, SAUTERNES & BARSAC AND PESSAC-LÉOGNAN
It's the return of open days! The wine estates that have been making the region vibrate for years are eager to
find their visitors. Between Grands Crus Classés and family properties, epicureans will have something for their taste buds: gourmet and cultural stops, exhibitions, concerts, fun activities for children, vineyard tours, winegrowers' meals and exceptional dinners... something to delight young and old epicureans for a magical weekend. Each appellation has its dedicated weekend: in the Graves, the family estates are happy to open the ball on October 16 & 17, then it's the turn of the sweet wines produced in the heart of the Sauternes & Barsac valleys. November 13 & 14, and finally the prestigious Pessac-Léognan offer the final bouquet on December 4 & 5 at the gates of Bordeaux.
www.sauternes-barsac.com
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE WINEMAKER AT CHÂTEAUSMITH HAUT LAFITTE
Follow in the footsteps of the winemaker at Château Smith Haut Lafitte! 15km from Bordeaux, Château Smith Haut Lafitte invites you to discover its Grands Crus Classés in an intimate atmosphere. In the heart of the vineyards or in
the cellars, it is time to take part in the various works depending on the season. Alongside a cultivation manager or a cellar master, we immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of wine to discover the multiple facets of the winemaking profession.
winemaker. After all these emotions, we taste two first wines from the château alongside the professionals!
Price: 120€ / person by reservation only 2 weeks in advance
Walks in the vineyards on foot or by bike
Admire the expanse of the vineyards, stroll around the legendary castles and the relaxing river, observe the evolution of the vines throughout the seasons... By bike or on foot, you can immerse yourself in the heart of nature and enjoy a pleasant gentle stroll to discover the incredible panoramas of the region.
GUIRAUD ON A BICYCLE
Head to Château Guiraud to discover the estate responsibly. Equipped with your smartphone, you ride an electric bicycle and set off to discover this remarkable area using an application. The dedicated route takes visitors to the very heart of a world-renowned appellation, to discover the natural practices of the château and its great wines, but also to the heart of the vineyard's different points of interest and its multiple breathtaking viewpoints. Suitable for all visitors, this excursion is also possible on foot. In the middle of the vineyards, it's the perfect time to sit around the gardener's picnic, prepared for the occasion by the castle. Nothing better after a visit to the great outdoors than a tasting of the surprising wines of Château Guiraud.
PICNIC FORMAT: Visit, bicycle tour,
gardener’s picnic and wine tasting
Price: €89/person (by reservation) • Duration: 4 hours
VISIT FORMAT: Visit, bicycle tour
and wine tasting • Price: €50/person
(by reservation) • Duration: 2 hours
NEW CYCLE/HIKING LOOP FROM CÉRONS TO PODENSAC
From the Cérons SNCF station, the Tourist Office of the Pays de Cadillac et de Podensac has put together a lovely 11 km bike or walking tour in the heart of the Graves and Sauternes landscape. Using your smartphone and the free OpenRunner application, you can walk along the Garonne river, admire the stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see and enjoy the area's must-see sites. For the lunch break, stop at the Château de Cérons to enjoy a picnic using local products to enjoy in the castle park. In the shade of the magnolias, time seems to stand still. After this rural break, we continue our walk by gaining altitude at the Chavat park which overlooks the Garonne. A little further, the Château de Chantegrive and the Château de Mauves in Podensac offer a tasting of Graves wines, for a colorful break. To end this circuit to the rhythm of wine, the Maison des vins de Graves, a wine library in Podensac, offers the wines of nearly 120 winegrowers and the Maison Lillet invites you to discover the famous Bordeaux aperitif mixing wine and fruit liqueur.
www.destination-garonne.com
LES ATELIERS AU CHÂTEAU UNVEIL ITS ELECTRIC BIKES!
12 km south of Bordeaux, we get on our electric bike alongside Pascale, a wine professional in AOC Pessac-Léognan, who takes us to discover the vines and wine in the middle of the beautiful castles of the appellation. We discover the Grand Crus Classés and the family estates, the picnics at the castle and the properties certified organic or high environmental value under the passionate eye of Pascale who shows us in detail the specificities and the beauty of this incredible wine region.
The best part: bikes are brought directly to the tram or bus terminal and trailers are available for young children!
Price: €89/person • Duration: 3 hours
NEW: COUNTRY WALK ON “LES CHEMINS DE MALARTIC”
To discover agroecology, head to “Les Chemins de Malartic”, a walk in the heart of the Malartic estate alongside the Bonnie family and their team. From the farm to the castle, there is a whole ecosystem to discover; the woods and secret clearings, the famous gravel ridge of the property, the flowering fallows, the labeled gardens... It's a real immersion in the vineyard! At the bend of this pleasant country walk, we meet Hali and
Goliath, the estate's Percherons and their companion chickens, geese, guinea fowl and goats. We discover the philosophy of the house: respectful of the environment through its agroecological practices and its biodiversity and we admire the emblematic places of the production of Malartic which are the vat room and the cellar but also the gardens of the 4 seasons. To end the visit in style, we taste wines from the estate accompanied by a
gourmet plate under the covered terrace of the castle to immerse yourself one last time in the world of the Malartic estate.
Price: €29/person, including 2 wines & gourmet plate
Duration: 1h30 • Kids Friendly
Escape game
There's nothing like an unusual getaway to discover the secrets of renowned castles and their vineyards. Treasure hunts, game area… we learn while having fun in the castles of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes.
CHATEAU JOUVENTE: ON THE JOUVENCEAU TRACK
Want to discover a castle in an unusual way? Château Jouvente invites you to discover its
domain through the treasure hunt “Sur la piste de Jouvenceau”. Going with the family to the heart of the vineyard along a fun route is something to delight young and old alike. We grab our game kit and set off in search of sparse clues to discover the heritage of the estate, its cellars, its vineyard and its wines! Be careful, you have to collect as many clues as possible to be able to answer the questions correctly and win the jackpot! As a reward, treats for the children, and for parents a tasting of the estate's wines. We're salivating in advance!
Price: free for children, €7 for adults
CHATEAU DE PORTETS: INVESTIGATION IN THE TRACKS OF THE 15 BARONS
25 km from Bordeaux, at the Château de Portets, the stones of Graves have disappeared! The young adventurers must put on their investigator's costume to hunt for clues in the footsteps of the 15 barons; questions, QR codes to decipher, puzzles to solve... Throughout the investigation we discover the history of the castle through the testimonies of the people who lived there. With the help of a roadbook and an investigator's kit (clues and tools), the whole family can participate. After 2 hours of investigation full of twists and turns, it is time to taste a wine from the estate, and for the youngest, some tasty fruit juices.
Price: €15 / adult and €12 / child (from 6 to 12 years old)
Conditions: Children from 6 years old,
subject to favorable weather conditions
Duration: 1h30 - 2h
CHATEAU RAYNE-VIGNEAU: THE SWEET ESCAPE
It is 1940, in Bommes near Sauternes, the owner of Château de Rayne Vigneau has just discovered a deposit of precious stones on his prestigious vineyard. In the dining room of the property, you must discover the stone that will give the excellence of 1er Grand Cru Classé in 1855. Armed with observation, logic and team spirit, everyone must work hand in hand. hand to seize the stone before the owner returns. Adrenaline and fun await you to familiarize yourself with the estate and its wines!
Price: from 25€/person and 20€/child
Conditions: From 4 to 8 people, by reservation
Duration: 1h30, tasting included
Enjoy the Indian summer for lunch outdoors
This fall, we're taking advantage of the gentle rays of the sun to stroll on a terrace, in the grounds of a castle or among the vineyards. Rather tavern, terrace or picnic? Enjoy a good meal in a rural atmosphere or at the table of a Grand Cru Classé, there is something for everyone.
THE GUINGUETTE OF CHATEAU MERIC AND SING THE BIRD
A large tavern in the middle of the vineyards with concerts and molky games under the colored light bulbs? We love ! Meet at the La Méric tavern a stone's throw from Bordeaux, in a relaxed atmosphere, in the heart of the Graves vineyard for fun evenings with friends. This tavern designed for conviviality offers organic and local drinks from producers who respect the environment.
Hours: Thursday: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Saturday: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
THE NEW LAFAURIE TERRACE
Want to savor world cuisine in a grand château? Today, we have lunch at the Terrasse de Lafaurie at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, Premier Grand Cru Classé Sauternes in 1855. The Hotel & Restaurant Lalique invites visitors to discover world gastronomy in the pleasant square courtyard of the castle. There is a choice of two starters, two main courses and two desserts, as well as French specialties complemented by the wine list of head sommelier Adrian Cascio. Chef Alejandro Moyo, faithful collaborator of star chef Jérôme Schilling for 6 years, prepares his gastronomic wonders before the eyes of gourmets. A real world tour for our taste buds!
Prices: full menu (starter, main course, dessert) for €42
starter/main course for €35 * • main course/dessert for €27
PICNIC AT CHATEAU LA TOUR BLANCHE
After a long day full of emotion, why not let yourself be tempted by a picnic at sunset, in the heart of the vineyards? We board a golf cart towards Château La Tour Blanche, Grand Cru Classé. During the visit to the estate, we discover the history and manufacturing secrets of this vineyard committed to the environment and biodiversity, in total harmony with nature. Then, it's time to gain height: we reach the belvedere which overlooks the estate and offers us an exceptional 360° view of the Sauternes. While admiring the touching spectacle of the setting sun, we enjoy a tasty picnic (pokebowl or chef's box) and enjoy the present moment! What more could you ask for?
Price: €49 / adult and €30 / child • Duration: 3 hours
Castle life is yours!
How would you like to sleep in the heart of the vineyards in a wine château?
A dream panorama when you wake up, a princely atmosphere, a cocooning stay…
The châteaux of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes promise a royal stay!
ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO CHATEAU PAPE-CLEMENT
Want a romantic getaway that feels like castle life? Head to Château Pape Clément and its exceptional Bordeaux vineyard. We take advantage of a stay on this prestigious estate of character to discover its heritage, its cellars, its incredible park and its charming rooms with pretty names like “Égrégore” the elegant, “Tempérance” the distinguished or even “Mon Seul Dream » the adventurer. Meet for a dream night in a prestige suite accompanied by a bottle of champagne. The next day, we enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the magnificent lounges of the castle then a picnic in the gardens. To end this dream stay in style, it's time to embark on a tour of the estate followed by a wine tasting!
“Romantic getaway” offer:
1 day/1 night from €359 including tax for 2 people
(including 1 breakfast, 1 bottle of champagne, 1 picnic, visit & tasting at the property)
SAUTERNAIS WEEKEND AT THE RELAIS DU CHATEAU D’ARCHE
Want to escape for a weekend? We settle down at the Relais du Château d'Arche in one of the charming rooms of the estate and enjoy the carefully prepared dinner. The next morning, we wake up to the soft light of the sun while enjoying a delicious breakfast before setting off to discover the estate and its wines. Then, it's time to hop on the electric bikes and set off on an adventure in the middle of the Sauternes landscape and its vineyards. Want to relax? The estate offers an additional massage to end this day full of emotions in a little cocoon. In the evening we once again enjoy a delicious dinner and a good night's sleep in Wonderland.
Price: €480 for 2 people (including 2 nights, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, visit & tasting at the Château
Arche and electric bike ride)
Conditions: massage at an additional cost, reservation 3 days before the desired date, offer valid until December 2021.
NOVELTY
Golf fans? Château d'Arche gets closer to the golf world and offers you a tailor-made stay thanks to its golf simulator. Incredible playing sensations, world-famous courses, incredibly fluid gameplay, all the data monitored with unerring precision... enough to enjoy a real stay in the world of golf!
Price: from 260€ / night for two people
REUNION WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS AT THE GÎTE CASTÈL-LAMOTHE
Head to the new exceptional gîte Castèl Lamothe! Château Lamothe Despujol invites you to relax. Completely renovated, it offers a large living space under an exposed 18th century framework. Here, there is everything to please: an open kitchen, a large dining room-living room, a relaxation area with games room and billiards table and a beautiful bathroom. But above all, a south-facing living space opening onto a charming shaded terrace and its garden furniture to share friendly moments with loved ones. A cocooning stay to discover this wonderful estate with its vineyard, its cellars and its wines.
Price: High season from €1,600 per week
4 bedrooms for 10 people located at Château Lamothe-Despujols
Press contacts
Johanna Renaux - Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes 06 48 04 99 14 - gravessauternes@gmail.com
Yacine Diallo - southern hemisphere agency 06 78 64 97 07 - y.diallo@agencehemispheresud.com
