Nestled south of the city of Bordeaux, the wine regions of Graves and Pessac offer a unique journey through vine-clad landscapes where history, terroir, and tradition craft a harmonious dance of flavors and aromas.

You might not know that Graves has historic roots entwined with time and fame. In fact, this region takes the crown as Bordeaux’s oldest wine region, tracing its roots back to Roman vintners. It’s actually the birthplace of Bordeaux viticulture, echoing the ancient art of winemaking.

Pessac, harmonizing with Graves’ legacy, is home to Bordeaux’s oldest inhabited château, Château Pape Clément, where vines have been cultivated since the 13th century.

The gravel soils, combined with sand and clay, offer Graves and Pessac vines the perfect playground. These soils reflect sunlight onto the vines, aiding in ripening, while the porous nature ensures good drainage — vital for the region’s predominant grape, Cabernet Sauvignon. This complex soil composition crafts wines of unparalleled character.

Graves, situated in Bordeaux, France, owes its winemaking history to the Romans. Named for its gravelly soil (“Graves” means gravel in French), this terroir is ideal for grape-growing. By the Middle Ages, after Eleanor of Aquitaine’s marriage to Henry II of England, Graves wines gained popularity, especially in England.

Pessac-Léognan, the northern part of Graves, stands out for its wine legacy. Home to the world-famous Château Haut-Brion (Thomas Jefferson’s favorite wine estate), it’s the only estate from Graves classified as First Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. Recognizing Pessac-Léognan’s unique terroir and quality, a separate appellation was created for it in 1987, distinguishing it from the broader Graves region.

Did you know? The Graves wine region is one of the few regions in Bordeaux producing both red and distinguished dry white wines. And while Pessac is renowned for its reds, it also offers some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated dry white wines, echoing with richness and minerality.

Today, both regions are renowned for their red wines, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, and their dry white wines. The unique gravelly soils lend the wines a distinct minerality, setting them apart in the vast landscape of Bordeaux wines.

Pessac & Graves Day-Trip

9:30 am – Leave your hotel
10:00 am – Private Tasting at World-Renowned Château in Pessac
11:00 am – Visit a Grand Cru Classé Château in Pessac-Léognan
1:15 pm – Five-Start Gourmet Lunch
3:00 pm – Tour a Grand Cru Classé Château
6:00 pm – Arrive back at your hotel

A short drive south of the city are the Graves and Pessac appellations. Begin your day of exploration with a special tasting at a world-renowned property. See the secret bottle rooms and learn about the previous owner, none other than Pope Clement V!

Take a short ride to one of our favorite regions, Pessac-Léognan, for a private visit of a local favorite. Following your customized tour of the grandiose property and its magnificent private cellar, you will taste the estate’s first wine in both white and red, among others, and experience what makes Pessac-Léognan so special.

Continue your day with a five-star restaurant with an elegantly crafted traditional French lunch made with seasonal ingredients surrounded by vines and history.

For the final tour, you’ll visit a Grand Cru Classé Château and see why it is quite literally in a league of its own.