Chateau la Garde (2025 Regional Best Of Wine Tourism winner for Wine Tourism Services) is a perfect example, recent soil studies revealed 27 different types of terroir just on this one estate. They have also explored their biodiversity. Working with la LPO (French league for protection of birds) they identified 56 different species of birds, 33 butterflies, 17 dragon flies, 10 bats and 5 rare amphibians. All this despite being so close to the city.
The old and the new
Expressing this diversity through wine making was behind the design of the new vat cellar opened in 2021. But it was also an opportunity to create a new approach to wine tourism. 140 years separate the old and the new, the original cellars date back to 1881 with the original facade beautifully integrated into the ultra-modern, completely transparent glass and stainless steel building. The ‘tronconic’ stainless steel vats, alternating between upright and inverted, offer a stunning backdrop as well as an on-point wine making tool. A vast underground barrel cellar can age up to 2000 barrels of wine from the property.
The chateau team are excited to share all these discoveries and innovations with visitors and offer a multitude of ways to do so. The whole renovation project has been designed with sharing the place and the philosophy in mind.
Inside and out
The special tanks preserve the diversity of the terroir, each one dedicated to an individual plot and this same diversity is shared with guests, in the vines but also in the glass.
The Mosaïc tasting shares 6 wines from 6 different soils, expressed through the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties. It’s a brilliant introduction to the palette of wines that all come together as the Château La Garde ‘Grand Vin’. It’s an experience guests can take home with them thanks to a special, limited edition case of these wines, with labels inspired by the vineyard designed by local artist, Jean-Baptiste Besançon.
There’s also a unique opportunity to taste across the diversity of the whole of Bordeaux. Chateau la Garde is one of the wineries owned by Bordeaux Maison Dourthe and you can taste wines from other iconic terroirs of the region from their portfolio. Alongside Château la Garde, discover Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Château Le Boscq from Saint-Estèphe and Château Belgrave, Grand Cru Classé 1855, Haut-Médoc.
Keeping it green
The property uses no herbicides nor insecticides in their desire to help their biodiversity flourish. They see their HVE certification as just the beginning of their eco-responsible journey. This biodiversity is also on the visitor menu.
Working with La Bulle Verte, they have created an individualised exploration of the vines and the natural environment thanks to an easily downloadable app. Adventurous guests will discover the streams, the lake and forest as well as the vines. 11 specific sites of natural interest, all identified with the help of the LPO, are illustrated and explained via video in an immersive experience that takes you on a 1.5km walk into the natural world of birds, bats and butterflies and how the property is protecting them.
On the label
They are so proud of this preserved environment, they’ve put it on the new label! Since the 2023 vintage, the label illustrates both the natural environment, the old cellar and the new, bringing together their modern approach with a respect for their history, both natural and ancestral.
Diversity of experiences
The château welcomes guests for informal get togethers, gala dinners and educational wine workshops. Le Salon Mosaïc above the old 19th century cellar enjoys views from one of the highest points of the appellation across the 54 ha vines fanning out behind the property. There’s a cosy salon next door for more informal get togethers whereas the stunning new vat cellar is an impressive back drop for larger gatherings, presentations and gala dinners.
Home from home
The elegant chartreuse, the traditional style of Bordeaux chateau, offers three reception rooms, for more intimate conferences, meetings, lunches and dinners with a salon opening onto the gardens. The Chartreuse is the perfect place to experience the gastronomic talent of their chef with creative wine and food matching using local produce. You can even try your hand at creating some local specialities under the chef’s guidance. Or just enjoy a platter with your wine in the gardens.
Social
Open air cinema evenings on the lawn in front of the chateau and Sunday brunch with a ‘braséro’ are other relaxed and convivial ways to discover the property.
Château La Garde offers a myriad of authentic and fun experiences outside and in to share their passion for the place with both confirmed wine lovers and explorers. All this just a stone’s throw from Bordeaux.
Author: Wendy Narby - Insider Tasting Photos credits: ©Château La Garde Video credits: ©fakhry_nader et ©schz.Farah