Wine Tours Côtes-de-bordeaux

Côtes de Bordeaux is a unique appellation created in 2009 that brings together five distinct subregions on the Right Bank and in Entre‑deux‑Mers. It includes Blaye, Castillon, Francs, Cadillac, and Sainte‑Foy, each with its own terroir and winemaking character. Covering around 12,000 hectares and supporting nearly 950 producers, this appellation crafts wines that are elegant, fruit‑driven, and outstanding value. While the region leans heavily toward red wines, it also offers approachable whites and occasional sweet styles. Representing roughly 10 % of Bordeaux’s total output, Côtes de Bordeaux blends tradition with modern accessibility.

Touring Côtes de Bordeaux offers an immersive combination of small châteaux visits, scenic vineyard walks, and cellar tastings. Many wineries are family-run estates tucked along gently rolling hills near the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of Merlot-based reds and lighter white wines in a relaxed, educational setting. The subregions of Castillon and Francs often pair wine experiences with walks in limestone-rich vineyards, while Blaye and Cadillac offer river views and historic fortifications. Sustainable practices and hands-on cellar tours bring winemaking stories to life.

Local cuisine in Côtes de Bordeaux mirrors the approachable style of its wines, with a focus on hearty regional flavours. Classic oak‑matured reds pair beautifully with grilled meats, braised beef, lamb stews, and hearty wild game dishes. The white wines, crisp and aromatic, complement seafood, shellfish from the Gironde estuary, and creamy freshwater fish preparations. You’ll also encounter Montbazillac-style sweet whites in Cadillac, which match desserts, foie gras, and fruit tarts. Local markets frequently feature regional cheeses, charcuterie and freshly baked bread to enjoy alongside wine tastings.

Merlot is the dominant grape in Côtes de Bordeaux red blends, imparting plush fruit and silky texture. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc frequently feature as supporting varieties, adding structure and aromatic complexity, and smaller amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère may also be included. White wines are crafted from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle, occasionally blended with Colombard or Ugni Blanc. This versatile mix allows producers to create wines that range from fresh and youthful to more structured and ageable.

Spring and early summer bring lush growth to the vineyards of Côtes de Bordeaux, offering ideal conditions for wine tours and vineyard photography. As harvest approaches in September and October, many estates open doors for grape‑picking demonstrations, seasonal tastings of emerging vintages, and festive events. The mild off‑season winter months provide a quieter, introspective ambiance in cellar environments, perfect for cozy tastings in troglodyte‑style caves. Autumn, especially harvest season, is the highlight, combining hands‑on winemaking insight with gastronomic pairing opportunities.

Base your visit in the historic town of Bordeaux or charming Libourne and plan day trips to each of the five Côtes de Bordeaux subregions. Begin with Castillon and Francs for limestone hilltop vineyard visits and in‑depth tastings. Then head north to Blaye for reds framed by the Gironde’s river scenery and fortified citadel views. Cadillac offers sweeping slopes along the Garonne and occasional sweet wine producers. Pair these wine excursions with local food stops—restaurants or markets serving regional dishes. For active travelers, combine vineyard exploration with cycling routes and château visits for a truly immersive wine journey.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in Côtes-de-bordeaux is around €23. Depending on the experience, prices range from €6 to €40. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Côtes-de-bordeaux:

• Château Pillebois
• Vignobles Meynard
• Clos Vieux Rochers
• Château Dauphiné-Rondillon - Vignobles Darriet
• Chateau Clarisse
• Château Guibeau
• Château de Pressac
• Vignoble Pestoury

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Côtes-de-bordeaux:

• Explore an Organic Family Vineyard with Wine Tasting at Vignoble Pestoury
• Discovery Tour & Tasting at Château de Pressac
• Tour of the estate, Wine & Cheese Tasting at Vignobles Meynard
• Tour and Wine tasting at Château Pillebois in Côtes du Castillon
• Visit & Gourmet Wine Tasting experience at Vignobles Meynard
• Barrel Cellar Discovery and Wine Tasting at Château de Malherbes
• Vineyard Tour & Wine tasting experience at Clos Vieux Rochers
• Visit & Barrel Wine Tasting at Château Clarisse