Itinerary and stops along the Bordeaux wine route

The Bordeaux wine route is a tourist trail that takes you into the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards.  On this tour, you will learn about wine, and be introduced to winemakers and the gastronomy and cultural heritage of this region.  The development of wine tourism has created a unique opportunity to discover wine while exploring a region.  But before leaving, it's important to carefully plan your itinerary, making sure to add moderation into your day, especially if you're driving!

Starting from Bordeaux, many routes will take you across this great wine-growing region of Bordeaux, whose wines are renowned around the world.

STOP 1: THE VILLAGE OF SAINT-EMILION

The magnificent medieval town of Saint-Emilion, designated as a UNESCO "Cultural Heritage" site, is one of the most famous wine-producing areas in the Bordeaux region. The village has an important architectural and religious heritage which is reflected in its  small cobblestone alleyways and picturesque scenery, but it is also renowned for its wine heritage (the famous Saint-Emilion vineyards) as it produces some of the most popular wines in the world.

Among the attractions to visit in this pretty village, the monolithic church is undoubtedly the most impressive: carved out of the rock, the vaults rise up to 20 meters high. For guided visits and theme tours to discover more about the village, along with a list of the many activities available, go to or contact the Saint-Emilion tourist office, located in place des Créneaux.


Visit their St.-Emilion website for more details: http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk/

STOP 2: LIBOURNE

Situated in the Gironde department, Libourne is located at the confluence of the Dordogne and the Isle Rivers. Its region is renowned for the good quality wines it produces. Traveling to this region offers a perfect opportunity to visit its vineyards. There is no lack of tourist attractions: châteaux, vineyards, historical buildings and markets.

While Saint-Emilion represents the jewel in the crown, the vibrant city of Libourne is the central hub of the region. The second northern city of Guyenne, after Bordeaux,  for a long period time, Libourne has a ambiguous relationship with Bordeaux:  "goddaughter" of this Aquitaine capital, it is also its rival in trade and tax law.

For more information, go to the website:  http://www.ville-libourne.fr/192-discovering-libourne.html

STOP 3: DETOURS TO SAUTERNES

A small commune with just over 700 inhabitants, Sauternes is bordered on the north by the Garonne River. Sauternes gains its reputation from its sweet white wines produced using a technique unique in the world: its microclimate allows the growth of a fungus called "noble rot": Botrytis cinerea. This fungus It is responsible for the overripening of the grapes which increases the sugar concentration. It's wineries include internationally renowned prestige wines like Château d'Yqem, the only Premier Cru Supérieur (Superior First Growth) chosen in the official classification of Bordeaux wines in 1855. This little village in the heart of the wine-growing region will enchant you with its special charm.

STOP 4: SAINTE-FOY-LA-GRANDE


Sainte-Foy-La-Grande, the oldest of the bastide towns of Gironde and located in central Foyen country, was founded in 1255 on the banks of the Dordogne River. Also called "Porte du Périgord", the Pays Foyen is in the heart of the AOC vineyards of Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux. The bastide town is located along the Dordogne River which offers many different activities (canoeing, boating, walking and swimming in the summer).

After exploring this little village, we recommend visiting the winemakers' house to discover and taste rich and complex wines that will tantalize even untrained palates.

Go to:  http://www.tourisme-dordogne-paysfoyen.com/en/tastings/maison-des-vignerons-de-sainte-foy

STOP 5: CASTILLON-LA-BATAILLE

This town owes its name to the battle which, in 1453, put an end to the devastating 100 Years' War. Before the creation of Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) (Controlled Designation of Origin) in 1935, the wines produced in this region were sold for a long time under the name "Près Saint Emilionnais". Today the appellation of this region is "Castillon - Côtes de Bordeaux".

During this stop, we recommend visiting La maison du vin (House of Wine). The staff will greet you and help you to discover the wines of the appellation and the numerous tourist activities offered around the vineyard: visit the cellars, explore the vineyards on horseback or by canoe, enjoy wine tasting...

MAISON DU VIN CASTILLON CÔTES DE BORDEAUX:  6 Allée de la République, 33350 Castillon-la-Bataille: https://www.castillon-cotesdebordeaux.com/la-maison-du-vin/

You now have all the information you need to discover some of the 57 appellations côntrollées of the Bordeaux vineyards. On the program:  wine, cultural and gastronomic discoveries, all at the heart of a rich wine region. The list is of course not exhaustive and we recommend customizing your trip according to your personal interests and tastes.

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