Haut-Médoc villages and vineyards
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Pauillac, Chateau Mouton Rothschild - by Management
Description
The Haut-Médoc is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for wine on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, about 60-75km north of Bordeaux along the Médoc peninsula. The area covers 4,600ha of vineyards and includes top tier appellations such as Saint Julien, Margaux, Pauillac and Saint Estèphe; the Listrac-Médoc AOC and Moulis-en-Médoc are not as famous but also produce high quality wines. The main grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot and form the base of most of the red wine blends. There are 15 communes in total dotting the countryside with Pauillac being the main town. There, visitors can see the Saint Martin's church and reed beds along the estuary, but the star attractions are the vineyards and Chateaux, many of which offer guided tours including wine tasting.
Access & Transport
The regional trains (TER) leaving from Gare St Jean in Bordeaux and headed towards Lesparre stop in Margaux and Pauillac (50-60' ride). The easiest way to visit the area is by car, driving northward from Bordeaux along the D2 or the D1215.
Instructions & Recommendations
If you are planning to visit estates, most of them will require a prior appointment (email or phone call). Note that the vineyards will look barren from late fall until early spring.
Environmental & Social
The only carbon footprint is that of your car if you drive there. Any amount spent in the area (F&B, accommodation, wine purchase) helps the local rural economy.
Conclusion
The Haut-Medoc region makes for a pleasant road trip interspaced with Chateaux visits and wine tasting. One can spend as little as half a day or a weekend there depending on personal interests. We suggest you take your time and try to stop for walks and/or visits at each of the 4 main villages/town of Margaux, Saint Julien Beychevelle, Pauillac and Saint Estèphe.
Key positive
Fantastic area for wine lovers
Picturesque and not busy with tourists (except during the Marathon du Medoc)
Key negative
No must-see highlight
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:4h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo