9 Best Sights in Bordeaux and the Wine Country, France

Most of the great vineyards in this area are strictly private, although owners are usually receptive to inquiries from bona fide wine connoisseurs. One, however, has long boasted a welcoming visitor center: Mouton Rothschild, whose eponymous wine was brought to perfection in the 1930s by that flamboyant figure Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Wine fans flock here for visits lasting from 1 hour, 45 minutes to 2½ hours. Depending on the tour, your visit might include a trip to the cellars, the chai (wine warehouse), and the museum, including a display of wine labels. There, is of course, a wine tasting at the end. Prices depend on the length of the tour and the wines sampled. Visits are by appointment only; be sure to reserve at least two months in advance.

One of the region's most famous wine-producing châteaux is actually within the city limits: follow N250 southwest from central Bordeaux for 3 km (2 miles) to the district of Pessac, home to Haut-Brion, producer of the only non-Médoc wine to be ranked a premier cru (the most elite wine classification). It's claimed that the very buildings surrounding the vineyards create their own microclimate, protecting the precious grapes and allowing them to ripen earlier. The white château looks out over the celebrated pebbly soil. The wines produced at La Mission–Haut Brion (Domaine Clarence Dillon), across the road, are almost as sought-after. Visits are by request only and should be booked at least two months in advance.

Named for the prayer-signaling church bells that can be heard from its vineyards, this fabled château is a premier grand cru property.

Just south of the town walls, Château Ausone is an estate that is ranked with Château Angelus as a producer of St-Émilion's finest wines.

Lafite Rothschild is among the most resonant names in the wine world. Even by the giddy standards of the Médoc, Lafite—owned by the Rothschild family since 1868 and a recorded producer since 1234—is a temple of wine making at its most memorable. Prices may be sky-high, but no one fortunate enough to sample one of the classic vintages will forget the experience in a hurry. Tours are offered by appointment only on weekdays at 2 pm and 3:30 pm (email for a spot and be sure to do it far in advance); a tasting is included at the end. Too bad you can't visit the family château on the grounds—its rooms are the defining examples of le style Rothschild, one of the most opulent styles of 19th-century interior decoration.

This classically elegant 17th-century château is actually a facade for a sleek and modern operation. Historically considered an underperformer according to its second grand cru classification, Château Lascombes welcomes novices, wine lovers, and professionals to take a free guided tour of the vineyards and cellars followed by a tasting (by appointment only).

Tastings and tours at the renowned Château Latour are typically free, but very selective—you have to be a serious taster, accompanied by a guide or professional in the wine trade, and you will be expected to make a purchase. Reservations are also required, and these must sometimes be made a month in advance.

Housed in a magnificent neoclassical building from 1810, Château Margaux is recognized as a producer of premiers crus, and its wine ranks with Graves's Haut-Brion as one of Bordeaux's five finest reds. As with most of the top Bordeaux châteaux, visits and tastings are by appointment only. While there's no charge for these, appointments are reserved for serious seekers accompanied by professionals in the trade.

It is said that in some years the wines of Château Palmer (classified as a third cru) can rival those of neighboring Château Margaux (a premier cru). Now operating according to a biodynamic philosophy, it accepts visitors at no charge on weekdays by appointment.