Wine Tourism in Bordeaux
Experience an authentic wine-tasting journey in Gironde, at the heart of Château Gigault.
As the world capital of wine tourism, Bordeaux attracts more than six million visitors each year, drawn by the renown of its wine appellations, centuries of tradition, and unique landscapes shaped by the estuary and vineyards. Here, every traveler finds something to enjoy: from the prestigious Premiers Crus of the Médoc to the limestone terraces of Saint-Émilion, including the smooth, amber-hued Sauternes. But there is also a lesser-known Right Bank that reveals a different side of Bordeaux—one that is more intimate and authentic.
It is in the heart of this unspoiled region, in Mazion, that you will find the Château Gigault. This 18th-century family-owned estate, nestled in the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, offers a wine tourism experience that goes far beyond a simple cellar tour. Imagine strolling through the vineyards alongside the vineyard manager, tasting future vintages straight from the barrel with the cellar master, or joining in the excitement of the September harvest. At the end of the day, all that’s left is to return to the elegance of the estate’s guesthouse, uncork a bottle of our Cuvée Viva and enjoy the absolute tranquility of the vineyard.
This is how we see wine tourism: an authentic experience, seen from the inside.
Wine Tourism at Château Gigault: A Quick Overview
- Family-owned winery, appellation Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
- 15 hectares vineyards with an average age of over 30 years
- Four vintages: Château Gigault, Cuvée Viva, Cuvée Nature and Chardonnays
- Winemaking guided by Stéphane Derenoncourt, a consultant for more than 140 estates worldwide
- Guided walks through the vineyards, private cellar tours, barrel tastings, vertical tastings
- The grape harvest is open to participants from September through October (depending on the vintage)
- Private cottage that can accommodate up to 15 guests : 8 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 12-meter pool
- 50 minutes from the city of Bordeaux, 1 hour from Saint-Émilion and Royan
- Rated 5/5 on Airbnb
What Makes Bordeaux the World Capital of Wine Tourism
Bordeaux’s preeminence is not due solely to its history—even though four centuries of Grands Crus Classés, the legendary 1855 classification, and the maritime routes that captivated London, New York, and Amsterdam would be enough to justify it. It is also a matter of geography. It is the story of the confluence of the Dordogne and the Garonne, giving rise to the majestic Gironde estuary. It is these soils of clay, limestone, and gravel that, kilometer after kilometer, form a mosaic of unique terroirs under a temperate Atlantic climate, ideal for slow ripening and the expression of wines of remarkable complexity and longevity.
For travelers, the Bordeaux wine region is a land of contrasts and discoveries. On the Left Bank, the prestigious communes of the Médoc—Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe—are home to the grand châteaux and Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated vintages that define Bordeaux in the global imagination. On the Right Bank, the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the lesser-known vineyards of Pomerol bring out the best in Merlot to produce wines of immense richness. But it is in the more tranquil appellations of Fronsac, Bourg, and Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux that a more intimate and authentic wine tourism experience awaits, far off the beaten path.
It is precisely in the heart of this hidden side of Bordeaux that the Château Gigault. A sense of discretion that makes the experience all the more enriching.
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux: The Right Bank’s Best-Kept Secret
Located on the right bank of the Gironde River, Blaye faces the Médoc, separated from its famous neighbor by the four-kilometer-wide estuary. Here, the history of winemaking predates the 1855 classification by several centuries: the Romans were already growing vines here, and the citadel, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was partly built to monitor the precious wine trade on its way to the ocean.
The soils around Blaye offer a fascinating geological diversity. At Château Gigault, this terroir is truly remarkable: a veritable mille-feuille of earth, with alternating layers of clay and limestone. This unique characteristic gives rise to wines of rare elegance, characterized by soft tannins and a unique salty minerality, quite different from the gravel soils of the Médoc. Walking through the vineyards alongside Jocelyn Lebihan, the estate’s technical director, one immediately understands how the richness of this soil translates, with precision, directly into the glass.
On this side of the Bordeaux wine region, wine tourism emphasizes a decidedly personal, intimate approach, a far cry from the standardized tours of the grand châteaux on the Left Bank. The people who welcome you are the very ones who craft the wine. It is this shared authenticity that makes the experience unique and memorable.
Immersion and the Art of Living: Discover the Château Gigault Experience
Our experiences are designed for those who want to go behind the scenes and get a firsthand look at life on a large estate. Here, there are no cookie-cutter tours: every moment is led by the estate’s own artisans, who share their daily lives and expertise with you.
- A Day in the Vineyards — a guided tour through our 15-hectare estate to explore the unique geology of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, our environmental commitments, and the secret behind our 30-year-old vines, which give our wines their depth.
- Behind the Scenes in the Wine Cellar with Jocelyn Le Bihan — From the sorting table to the heart of the barrel cellar, follow the grapes’ journey and discover the secrets behind the production of our four vintages. For our guests staying at the guesthouse, the experience continues with an exclusive tasting straight from the barrel.
- Vertical Tasting of the Cuvée Viva — Guided by our cellar master, take a journey through time across several vintages to appreciate the evolution, complexity, and remarkable aging potential (up to 20 years) of this cuvée, which is aged for 12 to 15 months in barrels.
- In the midst of the grape harvest (September–October) — Experience the excitement of the vineyard by harvesting grapes alongside our team, then follow the grapes to the winery for the crucial stages of sorting and pressing. The most vibrant and authentic experience in Bordeaux.
- Food and Wine Pairing Workshops — a culinary journey to discover how the estate’s three vintages bring out the best in the finest produce of the Gironde and the Southwest, from oysters from the Arcachon Basin to lamb from Pauillac.
- An artistic interlude with Daphné Verley — To add a creative touch to your stay, we offer an eight-day ceramics workshop focused entirely on creating Mexican candelabras.
The Wines: What You'll Be Tasting
The wines of Château Gigault are produced under the supervision of Stéphane Derenoncourt, one of the world’s most sought-after winemaking consultants and a creative force at more than 140 wineries worldwide. The four wines express the estate’s terroir in three distinct styles.
- Château Gigault (100% Merlot) — a classic Bordeaux, juicy and smooth, with notes of morello cherry and floral hints.
- Cuvée Viva (100% Merlot) — the prestige cuvée, aged 12 to 15 months in oak barrels, elegant and full-bodied, with an aging potential of up to 20 years. Acclaimed by the French and international wine press. The wine to take home and open on a special occasion, in five years.
- Cuvée Nature (70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc) — no added sulfites, with intense blueberry aromas and a mouth-watering acidity derived from the limestone. The most direct expression of the estate’s terroir, and the wine that sparks the most conversation at the table.
- Gigault's Chardonnays (100% Chardonnay) — a fresh, mineral-driven profile with notes of lemon and honeysuckle. Slightly oaky and buttery on the palate.
The estate’s wine cellar is available to guests staying at the cottage, offering the perfect setting to discover these wines right where they were produced. The four vintages are also available for purchase via the webshop, with delivery throughout France and to select international destinations.
Staying at the Estate: The Wine Country Cottage
To experience wine tourism in Bordeaux at its very best is to fall asleep and wake up right in the heart of the vineyards. It is precisely this promise of a break from it all that the private guesthouse at Château Gigault delivers. This 18th-century mansion, featuring eight bedrooms This charming venue is available exclusively throughout the year to groups of guests (up to fifteen people) seeking a getaway from it all.
Here, forget the conventions of traditional hotels: no front desk, no concierge service, and no lines at breakfast. Luxury lies elsewhere: in a fully equipped kitchen perfect for sharing special moments, a 12-meter pool bordered by rows of vines, four bikes ready for your morning trip to the village to pick up croissants, and a cellar generously stocked with the estate’s own wines. Your hosts? They are the estate’s very own artisans. By their side, you’ll feel the pulse of the property: the morning mist rising from the Gironde, the distant echo of tractors, and the enchanting scents of fermentation wafting from the cellar.
A playful nod to the rich history of Gironde winemaking, each room pays tribute to an icon of the region: Margaux, Haut-Brion, Larcis Ducasse, Yquem, Couhins, La Violette, Latour, Pontet-Canet. A bold choice that reflects the estate’s deep roots in the region’s culture.
Highly rated by a review from 5/5 on Airbnb Praised by travelers from across Europe and around the world, this prestigious residence is available exclusively for stays of one week or longer. It offers the perfect setting for professional retreats, themed getaways for enthusiasts, birthdays, or family reunions for those wishing to experience Bordeaux from the inside.
Explore the Bordeaux Wine Region
Château Gigault is the perfect base from which to explore the greater Bordeaux wine region. Our location on the Right Bank of the Gironde places you at the heart of the region’s wine country: the prestigious châteaux of the Médoc on the opposite bank, the Saint-Émilion plateau, and the vineyards of Sauternes are all easily accessible for a day trip.
Just six kilometers from the estate, the medieval citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect spot for a lovely morning stroll, followed by lunch by the estuary with breathtaking views of the Médoc vineyards. Saint-Émilion, a medieval town with cobblestone streets and irresistible charm, is about an hour’s drive away; it promises a memorable afternoon exploring limestone cellars, tasting rooms, and the famous artisanal macarons. Finally, the city of Bordeaux itself awaits you with its world-renowned restaurants and the must-see Cité du Vin, with its 18th-century architecture designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is less than fifty minutes away.
For visitors wishing to explore the jewels of the Médoc, the famous Route des Châteaux winds its way across the peninsula from Bordeaux to Pointe de Grave. Along the way, it reveals the majestic gates of legendary estates such as Margaux, Latour, Lafite, and Mouton Rothschild. Treating yourself to a day immersed in the heart of these Grand Cru Classés, then returning in the evening to the tranquility and personalized hospitality of Château Gigault, captures the very essence of Bordeaux wine tourism: a perfect balance between prestige and authenticity.
What Our Guests Say
Rated 5/5 on Airbnb by guests from all over Europe and beyond.
«A magnificent vineyard estate, even more beautiful than the photos. Christophe is a very friendly host who’s always available. The building is truly exceptional and tastefully decorated. We spent Christmas week there with 15 people. It doesn’t get much better than this!»
- Gregory ★★★★★ Airbnb
« The house, with its pool, gym, living rooms, terrace, gardens, kitchen, utensils, dishes, bikes, ping-pong table, stereo, TV room, refrigerator, wine cellar… is truly enchanting. Very, very comfortable. We really enjoyed our week there. And the kids even more so.»
- Luis ★★★★★ Booking.com
«We had a wonderful stay at Château Gigault! There were 15 of us, including 9 children, and we all loved it. Bikes to pick up morning pastries at the bakery, a beautiful pool to spend the days relaxing, a barbecue for cooking, comfortable rooms for everyone, a lovely park for the kids, and delicious wine from the château. 10/10—we’ll be back someday!»
- Amelia ★★★★★ Airbnb
Ready to experience wine tourism in Bordeaux from the inside?
Château Gigault is available for exclusive group stays throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is wine tourism doing in Bordeaux?
Wine tourism in Bordeaux has two distinct facets: from prestigious, meticulously planned tours along the legendary Château Route in the Médoc to intimate encounters at family-owned estates on the Right Bank. At its finest, a wine journey invites you to share a glass with those who craft the wine, to tread the grapes during harvest time, and to discover the unique landscape that gives birth to the world’s greatest wines. At Château Gigault, wine tourism comes into its own: you stay at the heart of a bustling estate, live to the rhythm of a family-run vineyard, and leave with a deeper sense of connection rather than just tasting notes.
What wine-tasting experiences are offered at Château Gigault?
During your stay at Château Gigault, plan your days however you like: explore the vineyards on a guided walk, discover the secrets of the barrels during a barrel tasting with Jocelyn Le Bihan, or step back in time with a vertical tasting of our Cuvée Viva. In the fall, get right in the thick of things by participating in the grape harvest. To enhance your experience, our food and wine pairing workshops as well as Daphné Verley’s ceramics classes are also available. All our activities can be easily booked directly with the estate.
How do you plan a wine-tasting trip to Bordeaux?
To explore the Bordeaux wine region most effectively, the best approach is to choose a single base and take day trips from there. Staying at Château Gigault in Blaye places you right in the center of this regional map: the great terroirs of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, the legendary Route des Châteaux du Médoc, and the city of Bordeaux are all easily accessible. From the estate, you can spend a full day on the Route des Châteaux or set aside an afternoon to explore Saint-Émilion, before returning to the tranquility of the property for dinner, a glass from our cellar in hand.
When is the best time of year for wine tourism in Bordeaux?
Each season offers a unique perspective on wine tourism in Bordeaux. Spring gently awakens the vineyards, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll among the first buds. Summer invites you to relax and enjoy the good life, with leisurely lunches in the shade, moments of relaxation by the pool, and blazing sunsets over the Gironde estuary. The period of grape harvest (September and October) is undoubtedly the most vibrant: the winery comes alive, the grapes are brought in, and guests at Château Gigault have the privilege of joining the harvest team amid the golden hues of autumn. Finally, winter reveals a more intimate magic; through the holiday season, the estate offers a warm and serene retreat, ideal for recharging your batteries in the best possible setting.
Is wine tourism in Bordeaux suitable for people who don’t drink wine?
Absolutely. Beyond the vineyards, Château Gigault offers, above all, an authentic immersion in the French art of living. Relaxing by the pool, bike rides, exploring the citadel of Blaye or the coastal town of Royan, browsing local markets and bakeries, and enjoying long, leisurely lunches are what make all our guests happy. Here, wine is merely the backdrop; the true experience lies in the pleasure of unplugging, soaking in the atmosphere of the place, and fully living in the moment.
How far is Château Gigault from the major Bordeaux appellations?
Château Gigault is about 50 minutes from downtown Bordeaux, an hour from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, 45 minutes from the southern end of the Médoc Castle Route, and 90 minutes from Sauternes and Barsac. The citadel of Blaye is six kilometers away. Royan on the Atlantic coast is 45 minutes away. The estate is located in Mazion, 33390, Gironde.
Is Château Gigault suitable for group stays?
Absolutely—our guesthouse was designed with hospitality and large gatherings in mind. Available for exclusive use with its eight bedrooms accommodating up to 15 guests, the estate offers the perfect setting for wine-tasting getaways with friends, corporate seminars, birthdays, or family reunions. Our team will be happy to design a custom program for you: private tastings, cellar tours, guided walks through the vineyards, or gourmet meals. We tailor every moment to your preferences, whether your guests are seasoned connoisseurs or are discovering the Bordeaux vineyards for the very first time.
How to Contact Us
Château Gigault is located in Mazion, 33390, Gironde. The estate is located on the right bank of the Gironde estuary, within the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.
- From downtown Bordeaux: about 50 minutes by car
- From Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport: about an hour's drive
- From Paris: A 2-hour ride on the TGV to Bordeaux Saint-Jean, then a 50-minute drive
- From Saint-Émilion or Royan: about 1 hour
Electric vehicle charging station (level 2) available on site. Free parking.
Stay in touch
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Contact us
- Château Gigault - 33390 Mazion, France
- Tel: +33 5 57 32 62 59 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email : christelle@chateaugigault.com
- Website : chateaugigault.com
- Follow us on @chateaugigault on Instagram and LinkedIn