The Wine Map Of Bordeaux Explained (Tips on Best Tours)

Heading to Bordeaux soon and not sure which part of the Bordeaux Wine Region to visit?

Don’t worry, in this article, I’ll break down the wine map of Bordeaux so you can choose according to the type of wine you like.

I’m only 90 minutes from Bordeaux so have spent a lot of time discovering the different wine regions. Hard life isn’t it, drinking wine for a living?

As a red wine girl myself, I love the fact that over 85% of Bordeaux wine is red and made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. And even better, there are 7,000 wineries to choose from.

So let’s dive in and break it all down so you can decide where you want to go on your trip.

A Map Of The Bordeaux Wine Region

Map of Bordeaux wine regions with color-coded areas.

Bordeaux has been producing wine for over 2,000 years and is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. It’s divided by the Gironde estuary into two distinct areas: the Left Bank and the Right Bank.

The choice between the banks often comes down to personal preference for the style of wine: robust and age-worthy from the Left Bank, or softer and more plush from the Right Bank.

Three wine glasses containing white, rosé, and red wine are arranged on a wooden barrel. Below the glasses, there is a cluster of dark blue grapes accompanied by vine leaves and a cork. The lush green landscape of a vineyard softly blurs into the background, creating a serene and inviting setting.

The Wine Map of Bordeaux Split In Two

The Left Bank in Bordeaux

Known for its gravelly soils which heat up quickly and drain well, the Left Bank is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.

This leads to structured, tannic wines with high aging potential, emblematic of the Médoc and Graves subregions.

Prestigious appellations here include Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien, home to many of Bordeaux’s famed châteaux like Latour and Margaux.

The Right Bank in Bordeaux

Dominated by clay and limestone soils, the Right Bank is more suited to Merlot and Cabernet Franc, producing wines that are generally softer and more approachable in their youth compared to their Left Bank counterparts.

This bank includes the Saint-Émilion and Pomerol appellations, which are smaller in scale but equally renowned, with celebrated estates like Petrus and Cheval Blanc.

The Six Bordeaux wine sub-regions

The region is divided into six sub-regions, each with its unique terroir and style of wine.

A historic stone church with a pointed spire rises above an expansive vineyard in Saint-Émilion, near Bordeaux. The foreground is densely filled with rows of mature grapevines under a clear blue sky, leading up to the elegant, medieval architecture of the church and surrounding buildings, creating a picturesque and tranquil scene.

Saint-Emilion

Probably the most famous of the five regions, the Saint-Emilion sub-region is located on the right bank of the Dordogne River. It’s known for its Merlot-based wines.

The limestone and clay soils of the region produce wines that are soft and fruity with notes of plum, black cherry, and spice. With its own micro-climate, it benefits from a regulated temperature and avoids the harsh winter frosts.

This makes it perfect for cultivating vines and producing vintages that don’t suffer from unpredictable weather patterns.

The four appellations of Lussac Saint-Émilion, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru represent almost 970 registered winegrowers.

Another wine found in this region is Pomerol, also made from the Merlot grape.

However, you won’t find any classification such as Cru or Grand Cru. It’s the only major Bordeaux appellation that doesn’t.

Château Margaux, a renowned wine estate, captured from its front gravel path lined with neatly trimmed hedges. The classic French architecture is highlighted by elegant columns and multiple windows with shutters, set against a backdrop of mature trees with autumn leaves. This historic building exudes a sense of tradition and luxury, characteristic of a prestigious wine estate.

Médoc

Next on the list is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world, the Médoc. It’s my favourite as it’s where you’ll find some of the heavier reds I love so much.

It’s on the left bank of the Gironde estuary and is home to some very famous wines. Names such as Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Mouton Rothschild.

The flavour of a Médoc wine can vary depending on the specific winery and vintage, but commonly you’ll find blackcurrant, often referred to as cassis.

Also, Médoc wines are aged in oak barrels, which imparts flavours of cedar and tobacco. Some may have a hint of vanilla, as well as notes of spices like cinnamon, clove, and black pepper.

Blaye Citadel in the Gironde, featuring a medieval stone gateway with a distinctive pointed turret. The structure is constructed from aged stone, displaying wear that hints at its historical significance. A cobbled pathway leads through the archway, inviting exploration into the fortress that has stood guard over the region for centuries. The clear sky and natural light enhance the texture and detail of the ancient masonry.

Blaye and Bourg

If you enjoy a nice Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon or Muscadelle, then this region is perfect for you. It’s actually two regions rather than one, Blaye and Bourg.

Located on the northern banks of the Gironde the vines grow on sand, gravel and clay-limestone soils. Classed as Bordeaux Grands Ordinaires they are less expensive than the wines in other regions.

The Côtes de Blaye are dry white wines whilst Côtes de Bourg are red.

A wooden gift box containing two bottles of Pessac-Léognan wine, one from Château Lafont Menaut and the other from Château d'Alix, both from the 2018 vintage. The bottles are nestled in straw, with a business card reading "Le Goût des Vins" placed in between them. Behind the box, a backdrop of corks and lush green foliage adds a natural, rustic charm to the scene, emphasizing the theme of wine appreciation.

Graves and Pessac Leognan

One of the oldest wine regions in Bordeaux, dating back to the Roman era, it also has some beautiful pine forests.

The region is divided into two main areas: Graves to the south and Pessac-Léognan to the north.

Graves is known for its gravelly soils, while Pessac-Léognan has a mix of gravel, sand, and clay. Both areas produce high-quality red and white wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

It’s home to some of the oldest and most well-established chateaux. Chateau Haut-Brion produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, a family-owned estate that has been producing wine since the 14th century.

And Chateau Carbonnieux, is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, dating back to the 13th century.

A rural scene in the Sauternes region, highlighted by a majestic church with a tall spire nestled among lush vineyards. The vine rows are bathed in golden sunlight, with dense trees in the background creating a vivid contrast. A small road winds its way past the church, where a person is seen walking, adding a sense of scale and tranquility to the idyllic landscape.

Sauternes and Barsac

If it’s sweet wine you’re after then look no further. Sauternes is the jewel in Bordeaux’s sweet wine crown. It attracts tourists from far and wide.

The climate is responsible for the richness of the Sauternes wine with its combination of morning mists and warm, sunny afternoons.

Apparently, these conditions encourage the growth of a fungus called Botrytis cinerea. Also known as noble rot, it dehydrates the grapes and concentrates their sugars, acids, and flavours.

The result is a complex, honeyed wine with flavours of apricot, peach, and honey, balanced by refreshing acidity.

Sauternes and Barsac have produced many famous sweet white wines, including Château Rieussec, Château Suduiraut, and Château Climens.

They’re typically made from a blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes, with Semillon being the dominant grape.

Entre Deux Mers

Situated between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne, “Entre Deux Mers” means “between two seas”. It refers to the location of the region between the two rivers.

The wines are generally known for their lightness and crispness, with a range of fruity and floral flavours. White wines from the region are often described as crisp and aromatic, with notes of citrus.

The red wines tend to be medium-bodied with a range of fruity and herbaceous flavours.

The red varieties produced here are called Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior. I have to say I’m not really a fan as I find them too bland. I favour heavier reds such as Malbec.

Some of the best-known châteaux in Entre Deux Mers include Château de Reignac, well-known for its red wines, Château Haut-Sarpe, known for producing both red and white wines, and Château Roquefort, known for its sweet wines made from the Muscadelle grape.

3 Great Tours & Tasting on the Bordeaux Wine Map

There are plenty of wine tours you can take if you’re staying in Bordeaux. Almost too many to choose from but the wine tours below are ones I’ve done myself so I can highly recommend them.

No 1. Saint Emilion Tour & Wine Tastings

Forget about driving on this full day small group tour of Saint Emilion. Tour the beautiful village and visit to wine chateaux for tastings cellar tour. It’s the perfect way to spend the day! Pick up from Bordeaux.

Check prices and availability for the Saint Emilion Wine Tour >>>

No 2. Private Tour & Wine Tastings of the Médoc

This tour is private and completely personalised to you and your party. You’ll explore the region and visit three chateaux for tastings. My recommendation is to go to winemaking villages such as Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac.

Check prices and availability for the Médoc Wine Tour >>>

No. 3 Saint Emilion Electric Bike Tour with Lunch & Tastings

If you want something a little bit different you’ll love this electric bike tour of the Saint Emilion wine region. Take a leisurely ride around the countryside stopping at a vineyard for lunch, with a few tastings thrown in.

Check prices and availability for the Electric Bike Tour >>>

FAQS: Bordeaux Wine Route

What is the best wine region in Bordeaux?

The Médoc region is often considered the best wine region in Bordeaux, known for its prestigious châteaux and high-quality red wines. This region stretches from the city of Bordeaux up the left bank of the Gironde estuary, famous for producing powerful, long-lived red wines predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

What is the difference between Bordeaux and Médoc?

Bordeaux refers to the entire wine region encompassing various sub-regions within southwestern France, producing a wide range of red, white, and dessert wines. Médoc, on the other hand, is a specific sub-region of Bordeaux located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, primarily famous for its full-bodied red wines made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon.

What are the three major varietals of Médoc?

The three major grape varietals of Médoc are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These varietals are the backbone of the region’s red wines, offering a range of flavors from robust and tannic to soft and fruity, contributing to the complexity and aging potential of Médoc wines.

Should I visit Médoc or St. Emilion?

Choosing between Médoc and St. Emilion depends on personal wine preferences and interests in historical landmarks. Médoc is ideal for those interested in prestigious châteaux and predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. St. Emilion offers a charming village experience and is known for its Merlot-dominated wines, providing a different style and setting. Both regions offer unique experiences for wine enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts On The Wine Map of Bordeaux

If you’re staying in Bordeaux a day trip to some of the vineyards for a tour and tasting is a must.

You could even stay at one of the wine chateaux near Bordeaux as there are a few that have accommodation as well.

If you’re in Bordeaux in June then the Bordeaux Wine Festival is a great way to get to know the wine of the region.

There are also some great places within Bordeaux city for wine tasting if you don’t want to venture too far. And my favourite was the La Cité du Vin.