Bordeaux: Cities and Regions

City of Bordeaux Bordeaux's old town, prized for its architectural unity, is France with a British accent thanks to 300 years of British rule. Highlights include the neoclassic Grand Theater and the Place de la Bourse.

St. Emilion With its rolling vineyards, honey-colored medieval buildings, and winding cobblestone streets, St. Emilion is the region’s loveliest village. The premier crus Chateaux d”Ausone and Cheval-Blanc wines hail from here.

Northern Médoc Pauillac, home to the prestigious Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild wines, is considered the wine center of Médoc.

Southern Médoc Most of this region’s châteaux are along the winding Route des Châteaux, which runs parallel to the Gironde Estuary. The best are Châteaux Latour and Margaux (the Versailles of the Médoc).

Pessac-Léognan This region is known for the legendary reds of Chateau Haut-Brion (Thomas Jefferson once bought 125 bottles for his cellar in Virginia). Chateaux Smith- Haut-Lafite and Carbonnieux are known for their rich, aromatic whites.

Sauternes Even if you don’t usually like sweet wine, the rich, aromatic liquid gold of Sauternes might change your mind. (For less discerning palates, the sweet wines of neighboring Cadillac are quite good and much cheaper.)