Côtes de Bourg, colloquially known as Bourg or Bourgeais, is a distinctive wine appellation nestled along the right bank of the Gironde and Dordogne rivers, north of the city of Bordeaux. Its vineyards spread across fifteen communes, shaped by a landscape of rolling hills and river vistas. With deep historical roots stretching back to Roman times, the region combines maritime climate influences, estuarial air, and a rich diversity of soils—clay, limestone, gravel, sand—to create wines that balance Bordeaux structure with an approachable, fleshy character. This is a place where tradition and terroir converge in every glass.

Exploring Côtes de Bourg offers a wine tourism experience rooted in authenticity and landscape. Visitors can wander vineyard trails that undulate through clay-limestone hills and gravelly slopes, encountering views over the Gironde estuary. Tasting is often done in smaller, relaxed cellar settings where local hospitality shines. Heritage sites, riverside walks, and markets in the town of Bourg itself provide cultural counterpoints to wine discovery. The region is invitingly unhurried, allowing visitors to connect with the story behind each wine.

Culinary tradition in Côtes de Bourg is hearty and refined, reflecting Bordeaux’s seaside and rural influences. Think grilled meats or slow-cooked stews lifting smoky or earthy notes; freshwater and estuary fish prepared simply; late-season mushrooms and root vegetables enhancing depth. Rich, creamy cheeses and dense breads stand up well to the region’s plush, Merlot-dominant reds. On occasion, lighter whites with citrus and floral energy pair beautifully with seafood or fresh salads, creating a balance with the fuller red wines.

Merlot dominates the vineyards of Côtes de Bourg, giving wines a lush, fruit-forward core. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc play supportive roles, contributing structure, herbal notes, and aromatic complexity. Malbec is included in some blends to deepen color and add tannic grip. White wine production is very limited but makes use of varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle, Colombard, and Sauvignon Gris, allowing occasional expressions of freshness and light floral character amidst the primarily red-focused terroir.

Seasons unfold with nuance in Côtes de Bourg. Spring brings budbreak and gentle warmth tempered by estuarial breezes. Summer ripens fruit steadily across clay and gravel soils, offering peak vineyard views and tasting conditions. Autumn is harvest time, a festive season charged with activity in cellars and villages alike. In winter, the vines rest as the landscape quiets; it’s a time for cellar visits, tasting past vintages, and tracing how terroir reveals itself with time.

Begin your journey in the town of Bourg-sur-Gironde to take in its riverside charm and gentle wine culture. Then venture into the surrounding communes—walking or cycling through vineyard paths—to experience soil variation and scenic hills. Time your visit to coincide with local wine fairs or harvest events for a vividly rooted experience. Include relaxing estuary walks or a visit to nearby heritage sites for contrast with tasting sessions. The region thrives on balance—historic depth, natural beauty, and approachable wines.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Bourg:

• Château Beaulieu
• Château Puybarbe
• Chateau Monichot Organic wines

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Bourg:

• Discover Château Beaulieu
• Complete Wine Tasting experience at Château Puybarbe
• Discover Organic Wines of Château Monichot in Côtes de Bourg