Day trip to Bordeaux

[Waiters Friend]

G'day

A small group of us is currently a couple of hours' drive from Bordeaux, and we are looking for recommendations for places to visit as a day trip:

1. I am aware cellar doors don't operate in the same fashion as in Australia (generally). However, can you recommend places that do?
2. Are there wineries that also offer lunches?
3. What are the 'must see' places to go?

All help and suggestions appreciated.

Cheers

Allan

[simon1980]

Golly, impossible to do in one day. First choice is probably left bank or right bank. For dramatic Chateaux, left bank is the way...

I'm sure there are people on this forum that can do much better than I, but here are a few ideas from when we went:

Drive through Margaux, st Julien and Pauillac, and take many photos!
Lynch Bages was the most "set up for tourism" winery...but you still really had to book. We actually just rocked up, and they did everything they could to get us on a tour one minute later. And let us try the 2000 vintage. We liked them very much.
Our favourite was langoa Barton. Leoville Barton operates from the same chateau. Contacted in advance, and no issues to have a free tour, just for us. They let us try the 2005, and the 08 from barrel. Loved it.
Palmer did a good visit too...again ask in advance.
I understand Pontet Canet is well set up for many visitors, and of course the wine has started getting very good...

My must see places were: Margaux, Palmer, the two Pichon's and Langoa. St Emillion is also very lovely. Sorry, can't help on food.

Hope that helps a little...but am sure others are a lot more experienced than I, and can provide a list of real gems!

simon1980

[Polymer]

Waiters: None of the places I've been to in Bordeaux operate like they do in Australia...although some might. Most will require appointments and none I've been to will actually sell you anything. I think this is starting to change a bit in France though because some other regions are starting to sell stuff...

[Peter NZ]

Waiters: None of the places I've been to in Bordeaux operate like they do in Australia...although some might. Most will require appointments and none I've been to will actually sell you anything. I think this is starting to change a bit in France though because some other regions are starting to sell stuff...

While I generally agree re not being able to purchase in Bordeaux, I did find a couple of exceptions last year -- Figeac had some wine for sale (can't recall specifics) & Suduiraut had most vintages from the past 20 - 30 years available. (Purchased 750ml of the 1988 -- an anniversary wine for us -- for circa 50 Euros.)

Cheers
Peter

[daz]

Allan, I hope French protocol didn't prevent your group visiting at least several Bordeaux wineries, tasting some wines. From the pics you sent, the chateau looks like a perfect place for bacchanalian frolics. Look forward to hearing more of your European sojourn, am sure you and everyone with you are having fun, a great time.

Cheers

daz

[Polymer]

Waiters: None of the places I've been to in Bordeaux operate like they do in Australia...although some might. Most will require appointments and none I've been to will actually sell you anything. I think this is starting to change a bit in France though because some other regions are starting to sell stuff...

While I generally agree re not being able to purchase in Bordeaux, I did find a couple of exceptions last year -- Figeac had some wine for sale (can't recall specifics) & Suduiraut had most vintages from the past 20 - 30 years available. (Purchased 750ml of the 1988 -- an anniversary wine for us -- for circa 50 Euros.)

Cheers
Peter

Nice...that would be great. I think they're starting to see they can actually sell a bit more...and with better margins...Plus people actually do want to buy stuff....

[Waiters Friend]

Thanks everyone

We made it to the festival in St Emilion, but to be honest, I am wondering what all the fuss was about. There were a few people in town, and there was an obvious tourist vibe, but everyone was there to sight-see and to have lunch. No festivities, no wine tastings, and the surrounding chateaux were all closed, out to Pomerol. Well, it WAS Sunday.

Nevertheless, we had a great time, and a bottle of Chateau Larose 2009 with lunch. We also bought a few bottles, but mostly left bank (Cabernet dominant) or Graves, as compared to right bank (where St Emilion fits in, and Merlot dominant).

Lovely country however. I am amazed that every square metre not built upon is planted to vine.

Ce la vie

In the meantime, we are becoming much more canny with our purchases. We are remaining mostly in the E25-50 per bottle range, and we have created a 'shelf of honour' in the chateau for notable wines. Best so far is a 1990 CHateau La Tour Haut Moulin (2 bottles so far) and we are managing to share a bottle of champagne most days. Veuve, Laurent Perrier, etc available from supermarche around E32. Bargain!

Cheers

Allan