Savour the taste of some of the world's finest wine at Château Pape Clément, a historic estate in the Pessac district of Bordeaux. The Gothic-style building is set in expansive gardens and surrounded by a variety of vines. Embark on a tour of the estate and find out about the gravelly soil that gives the Graves region its name and the wine its distinctive flavour.
Admire the castle, which is named after Pope Clément V, the former archbishop of Bordeaux and the owner of the vineyards at the start of the 14th century. The head of the church continued to manage the estate along with his ecclesiastical duties. Entrepreneur and wine enthusiast Bernard Magrez bought the building and grounds in the 1980s, making the wine popular on the world stage.
Walk through the park area and examine the building's Gothic exterior. Note how the pale stonework rises to meet a crenelated roof. Next to the castle is the Gustave Eiffel-designed Pavillon du Prélat glasshouse, which is used as a stylish events venue for conferences and receptions. Find artwork and colourful flower beds spread throughout the grounds.
Take an expert-led tour of the vineyards and the castle. The tour route takes you around the fields where the wine is grown and into the vat room and cellars. Learn about the processes behind making wine and discover what makes Pessac's grapes unique.
End with a tasting session in an elegant boutique, where you can sample the wines you have just seen being made. Try one of the different grape varieties grown at the château, including cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sémillon and muscadelle.
Visit the castle on a daytrip or live luxuriously by staying here overnight. Five rooms are available as accommodation and exude a typically French atmosphere. Indulge in picnics on the grounds as well as private tours during your stay.
To get to Château Pape Clément, ride the bus to the Pont de l'Orient stop. Regular buses serve central Pessac and Bordeaux. Several tours are available daily, but reservations are required so you’ll have to plan in advance.
