Discover the Wines of Sauternes region of Bordeaux
Embark on a captivating journey into one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world—Sauternes, the jewel of Bordeaux's sweet white wine production. Known for its golden, intensely aromatic wines, the region is most famously home to Château d’Yquem, the only estate awarded the prestigious classification of Premier Grand Cru Supérieur in the historic 1855 Bordeaux classification.
Sauternes wines are crafted primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with small additions of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris. What makes these wines truly exceptional is a natural process involving the Botrytis Cinerea fungus, also known as noble rot. Under ideal climatic conditions—misty mornings followed by warm, dry afternoons—the grapes gradually dehydrate on the vine, concentrating their sugars and developing rich, honeyed flavors.
At the legendary Château d’Yquem, you'll enjoy an in-depth “Discovery Tour”, beginning with a walk through the historic grounds and vineyard. A guide from the estate will introduce you to the complex and highly selective harvesting process that can require multiple passes through the vines, hand-picking only those grapes at the perfect stage of noble rot.
Continue into the estate’s technical facilities, where you’ll gain insight into the delicate vinification and aging processes that contribute to Yquem’s unparalleled reputation.
Your visit concludes with a guided tasting, featuring at least one emblematic vintage such as the 2016 Château d’Yquem—a wine of extraordinary balance, richness, and elegance.
After your visit, sit back and relax as your driver returns you to Bordeaux, leaving you with memories of an unforgettable encounter with one of the world’s finest wines.
Inclusions: Yquem Discovery Tour, Wine tasting, English-speaking driver/guide, Travel in premium, spacious vehicles
Duration: approx. 4 hrs
