A UNESCO Heritage Site since 2007, the romantically named Port de la Lune, after it’s crescent moon shape, won this accolade thanks to the beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century architectural heritage at its heart. The best way to experience it is from the water. The river Garonne runs through the city and an evening dinner cruise is the perfect way to enjoy the water front – if you can drag your eyes away from your loved one.
After this introduction to the elegance of the city, it’s time to visit the larger region and it’s vineyards. Before you do, take an hour or so together to learn all the secrets of the wine world at La Cité du Vin (Special Achievement Best Of Wine Tourism award in 2019). Your visit will finish with a tasting on the 8th floor, with more breath-taking views of the city to share.
Right bank wonder
Start your exploration in Saint Emilion, the cobbled streets of this medieval city are the perfect place for a romantic stroll. Known for its wonderful red wines, there’s a lesser-known secret wine here – Crémant de Bordeaux. Share some bubbles at the very site where it is made underneath the ancient arches and in the gardens of the 14th century Les Cordeliers (Best Of Wine Tourism winner in 2022).
Heart Warming
Choose an original tasting, why not with chocolate, always a heart-warming experience. The elegant Château Grand Corbin offers a tasting of its wines paired with locally made chocolate. Or perhaps a tea-time tasting at Château de Ferrand where the wine is served alongside homemade savouries and sweets.
Spend a night in the region in one of the many beautiful chateaux rooms, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Château Belfond Belcier (Best Of Wine Tourism winner in 2023) is surrounded by beautiful gardens that run down to the vines and away towards the Dordogne, or Chateau Beauregard in nearby Pomerol. The story has it that the Guggenheim family fell so deeply in love with this 18th century chateau, they copied and rebuilt it, stone by stone, on the East coast of the USA.
Between two seas.
The next day, cross the Dordogne River and drive through the beautiful vineyards of the Entre deux Mers. This lesser known region of Bordeaux is a hidden local secret of wonderful value wines and ancient chateaux and fortified villages. Stop for a tasting at Château Thieuley where their ‘Made with Love‘ wines with their heart designed labels, are made to celebrate a love story. You’ll also see the stunning architectural gems of Château Le Grand Verdus (Best Of Wine Tourism winner in 2023) and Château Camarsac.
Then drive to Cadillac, and stop for tasting at Château Biac in Langoiran, or have lunch at La Cabanne dans les Vignes in Tabanac, two places that offer the most stunning views of La Garonne Valley.
A sweet night in the south
Cross over to left bank on one of the metal ‘Gustave Eiffel’ bridges, either at Cadillac or Langoiran. You’re now in the Graves, the very origin of fine wine in Bordeaux. Call in to Château de Cérons (Best Of Wine Tourism winner in 2025), where, plunged into the darkness of one of the oldest, original cellars of Bordeaux, you’ll be immersed in the beautiful story of a drop of water that makes it all the way from the Pyrenean mountains to here where they create the stunning sweet Elixir the region is known for. Enjoy lunch in the park and take a stroll down to the river following the self-guided trail which takes you through orchards, vines and secret passageways to the banks of the river.
Continue further south to the heart of Sweet Wine production, you’ll see the majestic Château d’Yquem tower over the region, surrounded by the jewels of classified growths. Spend the night in the lovely Chateau Sigalas Rabaud (Best Of Wine Tourism winner in 2022). The smallest of all the properties in the appellation, family owned you’ll be sure of a warm welcome in one of their beautiful guest rooms. The next morning start your day on the sunny terrace with a coffee aged in Sauternes casks and a view over the pool and vines.
Travel in style
Choose a romantic way of discovering the region. Make an original and unforgettable choice of a motor bike side-car, an old 2CV, a presidential Citroen DS or even electric bicycles. Transport can be romantic too.
The Fairy tale
On your final day, explore the fairy-tale châteaux of the Médoc. Discover the turrets and water features of Château Agassac, or further north in Pauillac at Château Pichon Baron. Call in for lunch on the terrace of Château Marquis d’Alesme in the heart of the village of Margaux. This well-kept secret terrace is surrounded by a herb garden and serves a delicious lunch to accompany their beautiful wines. After lunch, stroll through the stunning Chinese inspired cellars
For your last night, stay in one of the guest rooms of the ‘Versailles of the Médoc’, Château Beychevelle whose majestic gardens run down to the Gironde Estuary.
Say I do
If the weekend goes according to plan, we can recommend some lovely chateaux for a future vineyard wedding too.
Author: Wendy Narby – Insider Tasting Photo credits: @Château Beauregard \ @Château Beychevelle \ @Château Grand Corbin \ @Château Marquis d’Alesme \ @Château Sigalas \ @Château Thieuley