Discover the Wines of Sauternes region of Bordeaux

The Sauternes wine region is famous for the high quality sweet white wines that are produced here. The most famous winery of the region is Chateau d’Yquem that was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines. Sauternes wines are made in great majority with Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes to which are added in much lesser amounts Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris.

The wines of Sauternes are produced thanks to the action of a fungus, Botrytis Cinerea that causes the grapes to rot. This process is called the noble rot when it comes to take place on healthy grapes and under a favorable climate.

The local climate of Sauternes during the summer time is usually composed of morning mist followed by warm and dry afternoons which has the effect to dry the grapes, reduce the water content and concentrate the sugar. The result is the making of an intensely sweet, gold colored wine with strong aromas of honeysuckle, blossom and stone.

From Bordeaux, reach Château d'Yquem & the Sauternes wine region

Your private half‑day tour begins with pickup at your accommodation in Bordeaux and a scenic drive through the vineyards of Graves and Sauternes. On arrival at Château d’Yquem, a member of the estate welcomes you for an in‑depth discovery of the property, its history and its unique terroir.

During this private tour, you typically:

Walk through the vineyards and learn how climate, soils and grape varieties contribute to the style of Yquem.
Visit the winemaking facilities and cellars, discovering the demanding selection, pressing and long aging processes.
Gain insight into Yquem’s heritage, iconic vintages and the philosophy behind its legendary sweet wines.

At the heart of the experience is a revealing tour and tasting that elucidates the dialogue between two epochs of Yquem. The visit concludes with a guided tasting of two vintages: Château d’Yquem 2016 and Château d’Yquem 2010, allowing you to compare expression, maturity and balance across these two years. After the tasting, your driver‑guide will take you back to Bordeaux.

After the visit, we will transfer you back to Bordeaux.