The Best Of Wine Tourism

ZOOM les lauréats 2011 du concours Best of Wine Tourism en Gironde

The 2010 Best of Wine Tourism prize winners in the Gironde :

Wine tourism services

Château Pape Clément  – Pessac

Under the impetus of owner Bernard Magrez, one of the best known châteaux of the Pessac Leognan appellation has exceptional areas for hosting both private and professional events – the Orangerie, Barrel Cellar and Pavillon du Prélat – with a team fully on hand to organise everything from catering to logistics.
www.pape-clement.com

Château Giscours  – Labarde

Located in the Margaux appellation, this magnificent château has been showing how events organisation should be done for many years now. 2,500 m² of terraces, 800 m² of reception rooms, 700 m² of tasting rooms… facts, figures and an expertise in hosting ready to satisfy the most demanding of clients.
www.chateau-giscours.fr

Millésima

One of the rare merchants in Bordeaux to welcome visitors to a breathtaking wine cellar (housing more than 2.5 million bottles) and give them an insight into the history of local wine trading. Millésima also has several areas for hire to organise tasting sessions and private functions. www.millesima.com

Art and Culture 

Château d’Arsac  – Arsac

This Médoc château manages to continually innovate, particularly thanks to its displays of art works by international artists and its resolutely modern architectural choices.
www.chateau-arsac.com

Accommodation

 Château de Môle  – Puisseguin

A combination of old-world elegance and modern comforts… this estate, comprising five individually decorated guest rooms, a spa and saunas, also gives guests the chance to taste its own wine and to visit its wine cellars. A haven of peace at the heart of the Puisseguin Saint-Emilion appellation.
www.chateau-de-mole.fr

Château Gayon

Built in the 13th century, this château harbours a pavilion of guest rooms with a swimming pool. The highly devoted owners pay particular attention to welcoming visitors, sharing their knowledge of the Gironde with wholehearted enthusiasm.
www.chateau-gayon.com

Architecture, Parks and Gardens

Château de Sales

Built in the 16th century, Château de Sales is one of the largest (at 46 hectares) and one of the few classically proportioned estates in the Pomerol appellation. Approach it along a long, sweeping driveway lined with plane trees and large gardens featuring numerous bamboo plants. www.chateau-de-sales.fr

Château Castera  – Saint-Germain d’Esteuil

Recently restored, this estate harks back to mediaeval times and welcomes visitors in an enchanting décor: a manor house, French-style gardens and extensive woodland.
www.chateau-castera.com

Château du Tertre

It has taken ten years to renovate this estate and turn it into a stunning setting – worthy of the finest properties in Tuscany… with guest rooms giving visitors the opportunity to extend their stay.
www.chateaudutertre.fr

Sustainable wine tourism practices

Domaine de Cantemerle  – Saint-Gervais

Certified in sustainable agriculture, this property stands out through its traceability, the minimal use of vineyard treatments, recycling and energy conversion. This commitment draws an increasing number of visitors every year.
www.domaine-cantemerle.com

Château Guibot La Fourvieille  – Puisseguin

The owner of this 41-hectare estate cultivates its vines in keeping with sustainable agricultural practices. Well worth a visit for a clearer understanding of what these bring to wine and the environment.
www.vignobleshenribourlon.com

Innovative wine tourism experiences

La Winery  – Arsac

The brainchild of Philippe Raoux, who owns Château d’Arsac, La Winery is an unrivalled wine tourism complex in France. Nestling in 26-hectare grounds, an architectural space designed like an “upside-down” warehouse invites visitors to learn more about the world of wine notably through thematic tasting sessions, including a specific one done “blindfolded” with the aim of defining the visitor’s Wine Sign®. La Winery also boasts a 1,000m² boutique selling some 16,000 French and foreign wines.
www.winery.fr

Agence des Grands Crus – Bordeaux

This receptive travel agency specialises in organising weekends on the theme of Gironde wine, good food and lifestyle. Close working relations with the châteaux and their owners guarantee the quality of tailor-made events.
www.agence-des-grands-crus.com

Château de Villegeorge  – Avensan

The owner was awarded the “Terra Vitis” label in 2003. This quality certification unites French vinegrowers who commit to producing high-quality wines while protecting the environment. Don’t miss: an automatic treatment centre that manages non-conforming products at every stage of the production process.
www.marielaurelurton.com

Le Quatuor de Listrac  – Listrac-Médoc

Four estates in the Listrac appellation – Château Fourcas Hosten, Château Fourcas Dupré, Château Fonréaud and Château Lestage – have joined forces to offer visitors a complete tour of every aspect in the winemaking process, lasting a day. This tour can be enjoyed by car or by bicycle.
www.fourcas-hosten.com

Les Médocaines

Introductions are no longer necessary of the Médocaines, these four trailblazing female vinegrowers in the organisation of thematic days in the Médoc. Come to the prestigious estates of Châteaux du Taillan,  Loudenne, Paloumey and La Tour de Bessan to take part in “wine and food marriages”, “blending” and “harvesting” workshops.
www.lesmedocaines.com

Source: Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry.