Bordeaux château open days 2026: Your Guide to a Day in the Bordeaux Vineyards

gregcecile
3 days ago
3 min read

Every spring, the Bordeaux wine region throws open its cellar doors. For one weekend, châteaux across the Médoc, the Presqu'île and the Côtes de Blaye welcome visitors for tastings, winery tours and conversations with the winemakers themselves. It's a rare chance to go behind the scenes of Bordeaux wine production — often free or for just a few euros. Here's our guide to making the most of it from the B&B.

The Late March 2026 Events

Three major events take place over the same weekend, 27–29 March:

The Médoc Open Châteaux (28–29 March) brings together dozens of estates along the famous Route des Châteaux. From Margaux to Saint-Estèphe, you'll pass through some of the world's most prestigious appellations. Most properties offer free entry with tastings included.

The Presqu'île Open Châteaux (28–29 March) covers the Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg appellations. Less crowded than the Médoc and often more intimate, these estates offer a warm welcome and wines that are frequently excellent value.

The Challenge International du Vin in Bourg (27–28 March) is one of France's oldest wine competitions. The town of Bourg-sur-Gironde celebrates with tastings, entertainment and a festive atmosphere along its riverside quays.

How to Plan Your Day

By car, the Médoc is best explored along the D2, the "Route des Châteaux." Allow half a day to drive up towards Pauillac, stopping at 3 or 4 estates along the way. The drive from Bordeaux takes about 45 minutes to reach Margaux.

For the Presqu'île, allow 30 to 45 minutes towards Bourg or Blaye. It's the perfect chance to combine wine and heritage: the Citadelle de Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is well worth a stop on its own. Plan a lunch break in the village before heading out to visit châteaux in the afternoon.

Without a car, organised day trips departing from Bordeaux include transport, a guide and tastings — a stress-free way to experience the region.

Budget: Entry is often free, and tastings range from €0 to €10 depending on the estate.

The Appellations to Explore This Weekend

Médoc: from Margaux to Saint-Estèphe This is the flagship destination for the Open Châteaux weekend. Following the D2 from Bordeaux, you drive through some of the world's most celebrated wine appellations. The grand crus classés tend to be invitation-only, but many crus bourgeois and artisan producers open their cellars for impressive tastings — at far more accessible prices.

Côtes de Bourg and Côtes de Blaye (30–45 min) On the Right Bank of the Gironde, these appellations offer a wilder, more unspoilt face of the Bordeaux wine region. The wines of Bourg — often powerful merlots — deserve to be far better known. And after tasting, a walk along the ramparts of the Citadelle de Blaye is a must: the views over the estuary are spectacular.

Our Weekend Tip

Head out to the vineyards in the morning, then come back in the late afternoon to wander through Les Escales du Livre (27–29 March), Bordeaux's literary festival held in the Sainte-Croix neighbourhood — a 5-minute walk from the B&B. Author talks, book signings, debates: the perfect complement to a day in the vines.

The next morning, no early alarm needed: a homemade breakfast will be waiting at your door — muesli, pastries, orange juice — before another day of exploring.