Map of Bordeaux wine region

Margaux in Médoc (1 on the map)

The Margaux appellation was the first Bordeaux area cultivated for vineyards. There is evidence that the Romans planted grapes in the area almost 2,000 years ago. Skipping ahead close to 1700 years, Margaux had already earned its well deserved reputation for producing great wine. That reputation caused Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States to visit different chateaux in the region, including Chateau Margaux.

Chateau Margaux is a famous vineyard of 262 hectares in Margaux. It produces one of the most prestigious Bordeaux wines, which bears the same name. Chateau Margaux is a "first grand cru classé" according to the official Bordeaux wine classification of 1855. It shares this rare distinction with Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion.

Pauillac in Médoc (2 on the map)

Pauillac is the aristocrat of the Médoc. It boasts 75 percent of the region’s First Growths, with Grand Cru Classés representing 84 percent of production. Pauillac's First Growths each have their own unique characteristics.

Chateau Mouton Rothschild is a wine estate located in Pauillac. With its high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Mouton Rothschild can produce a decadently rich, fleshy and exotic wine. Originally known as Chateau Brane-Mouton, its red wine was renamed by Nathaniel de Rothschild in 1853 to Chateau Mouton Rothschild. In the 1920s it began the practice of bottling the harvest at the estate itself, rather than shipping the wine to merchants for bottling elsewhere.

Saint-Emilion (5 on the map)

The medieval Saint-Emilion village is half an hour away from the city of Bordeaux. Set in the countryside, it is one of the loveliest French villages. Saint-Emilion is very famous with wine lovers who appreciate its Grand Cru wine. Saint Emilion is one of Bordeaux's largest winemaking appellations. Awarded Unesco world heritage status in 1999, the medieval town is well preserved and lovely. It offers visitors a good mix of history, excellent food and wine. Some of the churches date back as far as the 12th century.

Chateau Cheval Blanc, a wine estate in Saint-Emilion, is one of only four Saint-Emilion wines to receive the highest rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé, along with Chateau Angélus, Chateau Ausone and Chateau Pavie. Cheval Blanc's vineyards (Merlot 39%, Cabernet Franc 57%, Malbec 3%, Cabernet Sauvignon 1%) enjoy a variety of soils: gravel, clay and sand. Cheval Blanc produces the most famous Cabernet Franc-based wine in the world.

Bordeaux city (8 on the map)

Centre of a legendary wine growing region, this vibrant and sophisticated city is a top gourmet and culture destination.

In the last decades, it has shed its image of a Sleeping Beauty, pedestrianized boulevards, restored its 18th century architecture, created a tram public transport system and reclaimed the former industrial docks along the river.

Half the city is now World Heritage site. World-class architects have designed striking new buildings: the Herzog & de Meuron stadium, decanter-shaped La Cite du Vin and the Bosc bridge across the River.

Bordeaux’s setting on the river has made it a top harbor for centuries. The ideal base for exploring the chateaux of Medoc and St Emilion, Bordeaux is 45 minutes from Arcachon Bay, famous for its seafood, oysters and beaches. The Basque Country and Spain are 2 hours away and in 3 hours you can be on the Pyrenean ski slopes.

Bordeaux city facts