This season, let's discover the vineyard differently thanks to these itineraries combining nature escapes and gourmet escapades. On an electric scooter, in a hot air balloon, in a canoe on the Ciron... the many nature activities will tempt those who are on the move. Gourmets are seduced by the gastronomic stops.
In the evening, we get into an afterwork mood! Finally, tasting at home in the company of a traveling winemaker will appeal to fans of cocooning. Note, in the family diary, the unmissable egg hunt
Easter which takes on its full magical dimension in the vineyard. It's sparkling with new developments in the Graves and Sauternes vineyards, all the ingredients are there to take a breath of fresh air, on the outskirts of Bordeaux!
Itinerary 1 - Gourmet getaway for a day
DEPARTURE AND RETURN TO BORDEAUX: 1.5 HOURS OF TRAVEL, ALLOW 7 HOURS OF FUN!
Attention epicureans! At the crossroads of southwest gastronomy and Bordeaux refinement, we opt for this day punctuated by gourmet nuggets. From the morning, the exceptional coffee aged in barrels has its little effect, followed by a chic picnic break in three colors and a wine and chocolate pairing, which delights the taste buds... we end the day in style with a trendy afterwork !
STOP 1: CHATEAU SIGALAS-RABAUD
The day begins at 11 a.m. with an exceptional coffee break to wake up well at Château Sigalas
Rabaud, 1er Grand Cru Classé from Sauternes in 1855. Surprise! Aged in barrels, this coffee is sure to surprise you with its Sauternes aromas! In the heart of the Sauternes vineyard, comfortably installed on the intimate terrace of the castle with red shutters, we relax. The atmosphere is so peaceful here that we regret not having arrived the day before to take full advantage of the guest rooms decorated by the sparkling Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, owner of the place. The morning flies by, but before leaving we would be tempted by a little tasting of the famous sulfur-free wine! Having just left, we can't wait to come back to find out about the amazing new projects!
STOP 2: CERONS CASTLE
We continue our route towards the banks of the Garonne, to take the time for a lunch break in the bucolic setting of the Château de Cérons (AOC Graves). After a visit to the 18th century chartreuse, in the company of Xavier and Caroline Perromat, we settle down in the shade of the magnolia. Beautiful tables are set, it's time to enjoy the delicious “French style” picnics available in 3 colors. It smells like local products, carefully chosen by Caroline. When it comes to tasting, there is no shortage of choice: red, dry white or sweet white wines! Don't look at your watch, it's time for a little digestive stroll along the banks of the Garonne...
Coming soon: to discover, the new unique vintage from Château de Cérons: the orange wine deliciously named Coucher de Soleil!
Picnic: €49/person visit and tastings included - €12/child
STOP 3: CHATEAU LA LOUVIERE
It's already snack time, we rush to Château la Louvière, classified as a historic monument (AOC Pessac-Léognan) for a tasting workshop of two noble and companion products: wine and chocolate! Here, the château team shares its gourmet selection, in partnership with Tofino, of 4 chocolates from different origins, in perfect harmony with 4 wines from this André Lurton vineyard. This subtle aromatic marriage, between refinement and initiation, seduces epicureans who discover the region's wines in a different way!
25€/person
STOP 4: CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT
After a busy day, there is only one desire: to relax with a good glass of wine at the trendy “Jeudi-Vins” afterwork at the prestigious Château Pape Clément, Cru Classé de Graves (AOC Pessac-Léognan). From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the castle is adorned with a relaxed atmosphere in a chic setting. Every Thursday, its original theme. Everything is planned, the food truck is in place to satisfy your little cravings! Finally, we are so comfortable here...that after a good evening, there is no need to go far, we continue the life of the Château by spending the night in one of the 6 magnificent exceptional suites, each with its own historical charm. where French elegance reigns. For those who prefer to return home, a 20-minute journey is enough to reach the center of Bordeaux.
“Jeudi-Vins” afterwork from May to September, glass from €2.50 and plate from €5
Per night for 2 people from 200€.
Itinerary 2: Nature escape for a weekend
Fancy a colorful cocktail tinged with a natural, sporty and gourmet escape? The Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes is in turmoil. Follow the leader ! On the program: unusual activities on land and in the air, a country lunch break and of course tastings of wines from Pessac-Léognan, Graves, Sauternes & Barsac.
STOP 1: CHATEAU HAUT-BERGEY
Head to Château Haut-Bergey (AOC Pessac-Léognan) for a country lunch. Between vineyards and castle, on the grass or around a table, we experience this gourmet moment with Sylviane Garcin the owner or her son Paul Garcin! While tasting the red and white wines of the property, we embark on the history of this family of winegrowers and their commitment to leading the entire vineyard biodynamically since the 2016 vintage. Freeze frame, the idyllic setting recalls the lunch on the grass of the famous Claude Monet.
Country lunch (starter, main course, dessert)
79€/person - 30€/child under 12 years old
3 packed lunch options (fresh, gourmet
or the sea) 30€/person - 15€/child
STOP 2: AT THE WIRE OF THE CIRON
No time to take a nap, the start is given in Bommes in the heart of the hilly landscapes of Sauternes.
Hop on, climb on an all-terrain electric scooter to take on the illustrious castles of the Sauternes appellation. Equipped with a helmet, let's go, we follow Fred, the guide, who knows the area like the back of his hand, for an original, sporty and joyful visit to this magical vineyard. Rest assured, a stop is planned in the Grands Crus Classés in 1855 for a tasting of this precious nectar!
From €36 for loops of 1h30 to 3h by reservation. Accessible from 12 years old.
Bonus: Just 15 minutes away, sailing enthusiasts can board a canoe in the heart of an exceptional natural heritage along the Ciron, so emblematic of the region!
STOP 3: CHATEAU D’ARCHE
From the scooter rental, a 5-minute journey is enough to explore the vineyard in the air. Let's board a hot air balloon! We enjoy this magical interlude at the Hôtel du Château d'Arche, 2nd Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes in 1855, perched on the heights of the village of Sauternes. Here we are, flying over the Sauternes vineyards, with an unparalleled view of the vines. We get our eyes full, the magic happens, many castles pass by... our gaze falls on Yquem, the mythical! Departure from Château d'Arche...arrival...according to the magic of the wind! Once back down, we happily taste the property's Sauternes wines with the château team who generously share the secrets of the place. After this beautiful Jules Verne escape, we relax at the Relais du Château, in one of the 9 classic and romantic style rooms which offer a breathtaking view of the vineyard. With a sparkling glass of Sauternes in hand, we relax in this 17th century building, thinking about tomorrow's day which continues on the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes...
Night for 2 with breakfast,
a hot air balloon flight and a tasting
exceptional wines €630/couple.
STOP 4: CAZENEUVE CHATEAU
After an enchanting night, we continue the getaway! On the way to a captivating visit to the Château de Cazeneuve to the south of Graves and Sauternes. We welcome the accessibility of the upper floor, after 10 months of work, of the sumptuous Château de Cazeneuve, jewel of the Dukes of Albret, classified as a historic monument. One of the towers, collapsed in the 18th century, was renovated with an elevator to allow PRM access to the first floor of the castle. This tower allows you to reach the covered walkway and “wow” what a breathtaking view of the listed park! The visit is full of historical anecdotes, we wander between the extraordinary reception rooms, the chapel, the cellars and even the grotto of Queen Margot, where it is whispered that here she secretly received her lovers... Grandiose and unavoidable ! This project, supported by the DRAC Aquitaine, received in 2019 the “National Grand Prize for making the Castle accessible” from the Foundation for Historic Monuments.
Visit to the castle + park 11€50/person,
7€/child from 5 to 12 years old
Unusual tasting - In confined mode: the tasting level!
We put ourselves in cocoon mode at home. Benjamin Gutmann, owner of Château Jouvente (AOC Graves) comes to our landing while respecting barrier gestures. We share a friendly and atypical moment with the property's red and white Graves wines. To experience it is to adopt it! This new form of warm tasting is already a real success. The bonus: this experience is possible in Bordeaux, in South Gironde and also in Paris.
Stop Nature Architecture: new cellars at Château Haut-Bailly!
We lift the veil on the long-awaited new cellars of Château Haut-Bailly, Cru Classé de Graves (AOC Pessac Léognan), designed by architect Daniel Romeo. Started in 2018 under the direction of Chris Wilmers, this major project is a true architectural feat. Perfectly integrated into its environment, we love the green roof which intertwines with the natural landscape. We admire the new winemaking, aging and storage unit while enjoying a breathtaking view of the vineyard! Visits from spring 2021.
Easter with family
Looking for ideas to spice up the traditional Easter weekend? As a family, we follow the ringing of the bells which distill their magic here and there in the castles of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes. The little gourmets go on an egg hunt in the vineyard while the adults indulge in the pleasure of tasting. Each castle has its own egg hunt! Many of them open their doors and their enchanting world to families.
EASTER TREASURES AT MONGENAN CHATEAU
A unique Masonic temple, a remarkable garden and an 18th century museum: this is the enchanting setting for this egg race organized at the Château de Mongenan in the heart of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes. At the end of their hunt, the brave participants are welcomed with a snack and a draw for the famous Louis d'or en Chocolat treasure! Adults, for their part, taste white and red wines from Graves.
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
