Written by Tom Hooker

If you love wine as much as we do, then you’re probably familiar with the fantastic reputation (and taste!) of French wine. Put in a few simple words, the combination of soils, types of grapes, and vinification methods they follow in the French Republic may very well result in the best wines on Earth. But like everything else, there are levels to this; so to try the best wine in France, you’ll have to plan your trip accordingly, spend some time in the right areas, and even organize a few tastings with the top makers in the country. Not sure where to start? Well, fret not! We’ve put together a list of four regions in France where you’ll be able to try some world-class wines at every single stop. And don’t worry, we won’t limit ourselves to cities either—we’re taking a deep dive and exploring the towns and villages best known for their wine. Let’s get to it!

Preparing a wine tour around France? We know exactly where you should start. The world of wine is now so big, it’s time to upgrade it to universal status. Yet there’s only a handful of countries that are able to produce truly excellent wine and thus have a revered wine culture. France may just be the most powerful nation in the Wine Universe and it makes sense—it’s a pretty big country with a wide range of terroirs, and it’s full of small villages that have been perfecting winemaking for eons. All of this makes it even more impressive that Bordeaux is now unilaterally recognized as the top wine city in the French Republic, making it the best in the Wine Universe. 

Bordeaux: Brief History and Legacy 

First off, let’s start with a quick lesson for those who need it—if you want a neat little trick to help you say “Bordeaux” in English, it’s basically pronounced the same as “bore-dough.” Now, let’s set the scene and learn a bit about the history of the city. Like many other cities in France, Bordeaux was founded by the Roman Empire. The settlement was given the name of Burdigala, and it quickly became a major trading port. This is where it gets crazy—Bordeaux’s winemaking tradition actually starts during this period as well. And while the region’s winemakers had been at work since then, they didn’t burst onto the global scene until the Middle Ages when France opened up Bordeaux to the rest of the world. In short, this resulted in an almost secluded wine culture that reinvented its own unique style and process over and over again until, well, perfection.

The Wine in Bordeaux: Just How Good Is It?

Bordeaux wines are known for their complexity and strong character, which is attributed to the region’s diverse terroirs. Many producers also believe that Bordeaux’s proximity to the Atlantic Coast of France also helps because of the rich minerals deposited across the area’s many vineyards. All in all, the perfect combination of climate, tradition, and passion for wine makes Bordeaux the best place in France to begin your vino tour. And as the title suggests, Bordeaux has a reputation for red wines, but you’ll also be able to savor famed dry whites and rosés all in one of France’s most beautiful and historic cities. The list of wines you have to try should definitely include:

• Bordeaux Supérieur: Literally translating to Superior Bordeaux, this type of wine is a local specialty made from a variety of grapes including Merlot, Cabaret Sauvignon, and Malbec among others. That said, Supérieur wines have to meet much stricter production methods than conventional Bordeaux Rouge.
• Entre-Deux-Mers: Entre-Deux-Mers is not only the name of a subregion in Bordeaux but also the title of the wine from this area. This white wine is among the best local treats you can savor as it provides a crisp and refreshing sensation thanks to its Sémillon and Muscadelle grape varieties. 
• Medoc: Another emblematic set of reds from the Bordeaux region, Medoc wines like Saint-Julien, Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe are known for their character, elegance, and fantastic aging potential. This wine is a great choice if you’re looking to ship a few boxes back home!
• Bordeaux Rosé: Rosés from Bordeaux may not have the same reputation as its red and dry white wines, but they certainly carry the same degree of preparation and creativity. Part of the reason is that Bordeaux rosé makers use a technique known as “saignée,” which involves using some of the red wine fermentations to make a pink sparking wine. 
• Graves Blanc: Graves Blanc is a white wine that comes from the Graves region in this part of France. A white wine with tropical and floral notes, Graves Blanc wines are known for their complex aroma that’s the perfect pairing for a white fish dish. 

Iconic Vineyards and Best Wine Castles in Bordeaux

As we mentioned earlier, Bordeaux has been building its wine reputation since before the Middle Ages. The region’s long-standing wine production tradition has actually evolved in a slightly different manner, and this has affected its classifications compared to similar places in France. The Grand Cru classification, which is the most prestigious level, usually specifies the plot of land where the grapes were grown. However, this is not the case for wines from Bordeaux. In these instances, the Grand Cru classification refers to the actual castle where these wines were produced. This can help unveil more details about each wine that comes from this area. Iconic wines in Bordeaux are almost always produced in castles even today and many of these welcome visitors throughout the year. Here’s a list of chateaus you should check out while in Bordeaux. 

• Known for a wide range of Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines, Château Margaux is a mythical wine producer from Bordeaux. To visit this castle you’ll have to take a 45-minute drive, but once there you’ll be able to visit some of France’s most revered cellars and oldest vineyards. 

• The Château Lafite Rothschild is the furthest castle on this list in terms of distance from Bordeaux, but this castle may be the best place to try the region’s hailed Grand Cru Classé wines. Plus, you also get to immerse yourself in the history of Pauillac, which has its own appellation in the French wine classification system. 
• Château Haut-Brion is one of the oldest castles in Bordeaux and it’s actually located in the city. Depending on where you’re staying, you can get there in a few minutes! However, the real magic begins once you enter the gates and discover the picturesque vineyard nestled in between the city’s hustle and bustle. 
• Château Smith Haut Lafitte is located just outside of the southern part of Bordeaux, which gives local and international visitors easy access to excellent white and red wine. The most special part about the Smith Haut Lafitte castle is that you can actually book a night of luxury accommodation and organize an entire experience centered around vineyard tours and wine tastings. 
• Château Lynch-Bages is also located in Pauillac, about an hour away from the city and it’s known for its full-bodied, robust red wines. All red wine lovers that come to Bordeaux should carve out some time to visit this castle as it offers beautiful grounds, cellars, and vineyards that focus mainly on vin rouge production. 

Events, Attractions, and Festivals: What to Do Between Tastings

Looking for things to do between wine tastings and castle tours? Here are a few options you can enjoy while in the Capital of Red Wine. 

• If wine is much more than an amazing drink to you, then you should visit La Cité du Vin. In simple terms, this is a cultural center and museum dedicated to wine, its history, and its impact on Bordeaux. The building itself is an architectural wonder that’s located on the banks of the Garonne River and provides a unique experience for true lovers of vino culture. 
• Port de la Lune is also perched on the banks of the Garonne, just over a mile from La Cité du Vin. Also known as the Port of Moon, this area is a waterfront UNESCO World Heritage site that offers Bordeaux’s best: 18th-century architecture, iconic bridges built by the likes of Napoleon, and one of the world’s largest reflecting pools in Miroir d’eau just a short stroll away.
• Known as the longest shopping street in Europe, Rue Sainte Catherine is truly an overload of the best kind. From lively buskers playing classic tunes to food stands selling European fast food classics like kebabs, this pedestrian street is about a mile in length and features some of the biggest fashion brands in France—the perfect location to pick up accessories for your next castle wine tasting. 
• Did you notice that bell tower piercing the Bordeaux skyline? That’s La Flèche Saint-Michel or St. Michael Basilica and it has been standing for more than 500 years. As soon as you walk in, your eyes will immediately gravitate to the image of St. Michael slaying a dragon, but the best views are reserved for those brave enough to climb the second-tallest bell tower in France. 
• Celebrated all over France on the 21st of June, Fête de la Musique (known as Music Day or Make Music Day) is a sight like no other. Whether you’re a musician, aspiring artist, or simply love music, you’ll be blown away by this celebration which basically asks locals to play music and organize gatherings in public spaces like parks and plazas during the whole day. 

Planning Your Trip to the Capital of Red Wine

Bordeaux is located in the southwestern part of France and booking a flight there is relatively straightforward. Now, when it comes to finding the best wine spots in the region? The list we provided in this article is a great starting point, but you may need some guidance depending on your palette and overall preference. And who better to provide guidance than locals who live in Bordeaux and know exactly where to look for the best reds? With ALLMYNE, you can connect instantly with local guides who love wine and not only know the culture in Bordeaux but also grew up in it. Plus, you can use ALLMYNE during your trip to store your favorite pics, do a bit of doodling in a journal you can turn into a printed keepsake, and keep notes of your favorite spots. All of your memories can be made into a high-quality album at the end of your trip with just a few taps!

Get Ready for the Finest Reds in France

Bordeaux is known as the capital of wine—even to French people!—and that reputation may be selling it a little bit short. Great food, fantastic attractions, and the tastiest wines perhaps of the whole continent—it’s difficult to imagine how a trip to one of France’s most iconic cities can go wrong, especially when you have the wise words of a local wine enthusiast literally in your back pocket.