Sauternes & Château d'Yquem
Sauternes
A sweet white wine region southeast of Bordeaux, known for botrytized wines, with prestigious estates such as Château d'Yquem set among rolling vineyards.
About 45 kilometers southeast of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne, the morning mists from the Ciron River encourage grapes to develop noble rot, producing the rich Sauternes dessert wine. The Premier Cru Supérieur estate Château d'Yquem sits atop a hill. Visits are very limited and must be booked in advance. Others, such as Château Guiraud and Château de Rayne-Vigneau, offer more flexible visiting arrangements. In the village of Sauternes, the Maison du Sauternes is a place to taste and buy wine. A car or a full-day winery tour is recommended.
Opening hours
Wineries require reservations; usually Mon–Fri
Nearby sights
- Château de la Brède
- Marché des Capucins
- Basilica of Saint-Michel
- Pont de Pierre
- Bordeaux Old Town (Saint-Pierre)
- Grosse Cloche
- Porte Cailhau
- Musée d'Aquitaine