Wine hotels in Bordeaux are second to none. Here, you get to stay in centuries-old properties in vineyards that are not only steeped in history, but also home to some of the best wines in the world.
Bordeaux is home to some of the world’s first Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and its cuttings have travelled the world and even found itself grown on the other end of the globe in Australia. Needless to say, red wine is what this French port city does best. The red wine here is normally medium to full-bodied, have earthy and fruity aromas, and high in tannins. In fact, the famed tannins are what make the wines in Bordeaux age so well, that it can keep for decades and still be so precious.
But enough of the wines. Bordeaux as a port city is also a stellar destination of its own. The English-style Jardin Publique de Bordeaux is a gorgeous park to take a stroll in, and the Musée d’Aquitaine (Museum of Aquitaine) is a great place to brush up on Bordeaux history and its prehistoric traditions as well as look at historical artefacts from the Aquitaine region. Then, hit up Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street at Rue Saint Catherine, filled with over 250 stores and cafes.
However, you can’t visit Bordeaux and not go on a wine tour. When you stay at one of these wine hotels in Bordeaux, you can already be sure that it’s on the itinerary. Some of these hotels even offer wine-centric spas, because you too, would want to age like fine wine.
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If money can buy you happiness, then you should wager it for a stay at the Château Cordeillan-Bages. After all, it’s home to one of the most prestigious wine-growing estates in the Medoc region. This 19th-century building is a perfect mix of contemporary and traditional, built from local gold stone. In fact, this boutique hotel only has 28 rooms and suites, all of which comes with large, open terraces. Within the grounds is a 25-metre long heated pool, should you prefer to lounge by it with a glass of wine, after your many wine touring activities like bespoke wine tours, vineyard picnics, and even blending your own Bordeaux vintage.
You’re already familiar with cult French brand Caudalie. Its call to fame is its use of wine grapes in its skincare products, so where better to have a spa hotel than in Bordeaux itself? Les Sources des Caudalie prides itself on its vinotherapie spa, which comes with a host of grape-related treatments so your body too, can age like fine wine. There is a choice of 61 rooms and suites, alongside a Michelin two-star restaurant in the grounds of the hotel. Other activities you can indulge in during your time there include a walk through the vineyard and exploring the eco-friendly underground cellar, forest bathing, and a healthy vegetarian lunch after.
To be where the best vines are—specifically, where the Premiers Grands Crus Classes or first growth vines are, you should be staying at the Hotel & Restaurant Lalique – Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. The building’s original 13th-century wall towers still remain, and the terracotta roof tiles and stone walls add to the whole character of the hotel and winery. There are only 10 rooms and three suites on the property, hence it’s extremely exclusive. However, you cannot miss out on Restaurant Lalique and have one of your most extravagant meals during your time in Bordeaux. It’s no wonder that the restaurant is Michelin-starred.
First things first: this chateau hotel is absolutely gorgeous. Repurposed from a 19th-century castle set on seven acres of immaculate Aquitaine countryside grounds, the Chateau Hotel & Spa Grand Barrail is a modern fairytale dream come true. However, it’s anything but old and stuffy. Most of the rooms are located in the modern, villa-style wing near the pool. The views from the rooms are of the vineyards or parkland. Speaking of the pool, you will definitely want to lounge by it with a glass of champagne in hand. Within the grounds is also a spa with a steam room, sauna, and an indoor jacuzzi. Here you can also select grape-based spa treatments to further indulge yourself. Be sure to dine in the in-house restaurant that serves gourmet French food and comes with a Michelin-recommended wine list.
Château du Tertre
With roots dating back to the 12th century, Château du Tertre is certainly a historical building to stay in. It only has five luxurious rooms for you to choose from, making sure that your stay is customised, warm, and stately. Not to be missed of course is the outstanding swimming pool with the chateau as its backdrop. Meanwhile, the vineyard within its grounds is stunning, and its winery outstanding. Margaux wine is what Château du Tertre does best, so definitely try some of them out.
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Written by
PohNee Chin
Editor, Kuala Lumpur
Poh Nee is the editor and writes about travel and drinks. When she's not living out her holiday dreams via Google Earth and sipping on an Old Fashioned down at the local bars, you can find her snug at home bingeing on Netflix and mystery fiction.
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