Cru of the Haut-Medoc - Left Bank
For generations, Bordeaux has been known as the most famous winemaking region in the world. As France’s largest AOC the region can be intimidating and complex. Today’s experience will focus on a small coastal strip running up the eastern side of the Gironde estuary, home to its most prestigious vineyard area called the Haut-Médoc. Here you will enjoy visits and tastings at two of Food &Wine Trails’ favorite chateaux along with a sumptuous wine-paired lunch prepared by an estatechef.
Your first stop of the day is Château Phélan-Ségur located in Saint-Estèphe. Although not a Classed Growth, this Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel is known for its elegant and balanced wines. The estate, a harmonious ensemble of 19th century buildings, including its magnificent interior courtyard and main building, is surrounded by 172 acres of vineyards.
Tour the beautiful grounds and enjoy a tasting of their wines considered by writer, James Molesworth of Wine Spectator, to be the “backbone of Bordeaux.” Then enjoy a multi-course lunch prepared by the resident chef and paired with the estate wines.
After lunch you will travel a short distance to the region of Pauillac, often described as Bordeaux’s most prominent wine producing appellation.
The impressive Château Pichon Baron awaits you. Although the vineyards were originated by Pierre Desmezures de Rauzan in 1689, the estate was founded upon the marriage of de Rauzan’s daughter to Baron Jacques Pichon Longueville in 1694. The current château, built in 1851, with its fairytale architecture, boasts a spectacular view of the estuary. Classified as one of fifteen Second Growth Grand Crus in the original Bordeaux Classification of 1855, their wines are known by collectors worldwide. Your visit will include a tasting of three of their vintages before you depart back to the ship.