Welcome to the offbeat tracks of Bordeaux’s Right-Bank, in between Libourne and Saint Émilion, where Fronsac and Pomerol play an almost-secret tune of undiscovered delicacies. Right here, wine lovers wander (and stumble upon) the silent whispers of Merlot vines, revealing wines with a kind of grace and depth you never knew existed.

Much like other appellations on Bordeaux’s Right-Bank, Fronsac and Pomerol’s wine-rich landscapes are alive with the echoes of their historic Roman roots. Pomerol shines in quiet sophistication, while Fronsac, once the wine star of the 18th century, is making a fabulous comeback, urging wine lovers to re-explore its delicious creations.

Most importantly, Fronsac and Pomerol share their symphonic Merlot-happy terroir of clay and limestone, creating an intricate dance of flavors. On each side of the Dordogne River, the gentle maritime climate nurtures the grapes, delivering wines with a delicate balance of refinement and richness.

Pomerol, though small, is all about silent luxury. It’s where wine-producing legends like Château Pétrus and Château Le Pin create world-famous (and very expensive) reds that sing of black cherries, truffles, and smooth tannins, offering a taste of discreet opulence.

Pomerol’s viticultural roots also stretch back to the Romans, but it took until the late 19th century for its wines to garner wider attention. The 20th century was transformational for Pomerol, particularly with the global acclaim of wines from Château Pétrus. Now, Pomerol stands as one of Bordeaux’s premier regions, celebrated for its opulent, Merlot-centric wines.

Local Fact: Unique to Bordeaux, Pomerol lacks a formal classification system, relying instead on its reputation for quality.

Fronsac, with its rolling hills and timeless allure, is home to intimate, family-driven estates like Château de la Dauphine and historical locations lik Château de la Rivière. Here, every bottle tells a story of commitment and passion, unfolding the layered notes of dark berries and earthy richness.

Fronsac’s wine heritage dates back to Roman times. Gaining popularity in the Middle Ages, its wines became favorites among European courts in the 17th and 18th centuries. The 20th century posed challenges like vine diseases and global conflicts, causing a decline in its prominence. However, today’s Fronsac is experiencing a renaissance. Known for its robust, Merlot-driven wines, modern Fronsac is capitalizing on its unique terroir and focusing on quality.

Both regions, situated on Bordeaux’s “Right Bank”, have, over the years, carved out distinct identities, with Merlot being the star grape, making them cherished destinations for wine enthusiasts.

In addition to Fronsac and Pomerol, satellite appellations hold a piece of the regional soul; Lalande-de-Pomerol offers friendly, elegant reds, and one of our personal favorites, Canon Fronsac, reveals a dance of dark fruits, spices, and earthly goodness. 

Pomerol & Fronsac Day

10:00 am – Leave Bordeaux
11:00 am – Visit a Historic Château in Fronsac
12:00 pm – Traditional Charcuteries and Cheeses Lunch
1:30 pm – See Château Pétrus and Château Cheval Blanc
2:00 pm – Visit a Grand Cru Château in Pomerol
5:30 pm – Return to Bordeaux

A day on the right bank of the Garonne River. Ride through the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation to Fronsac, known as the “historical cradle of great Bordeaux wines”, where your guide will accompany you to a magnificent winery and defensive fortress. Explore this impressive château perched on the top of a hill, overlooking the Dordogne valley, and their immense 500-barrel cellar with secret passages and underground passageways.

Enjoy traditional French charcuteries and cheeses paired with old-vintage wines for lunch on the terrace of the château, quite literally under the vines.

After lunch, visit a family-run property in Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol, where you’ll meet the owners and tour their estate. Thanks to their unique terroir, these rich regions produce Merlot grapes that age as impressively as the Cabernet Sauvignon, offering powerful, long-aging, and seductive wines.