This illustrious wine producer survived the French Revolution and the phylloxera epidemic, and is now housed in a neo-Palladian building designed by architect Louis Combes in 1812. Across 203 acres (82 hectares), the winery cultivates a range of varietals, including Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and, unusually for the region, Sauvignon Blanc.
Château Margaux is a popular stop on tours of the Médoc wine route, even though the winery is typically closed to the public. In addition to photo stops at Château Margaux, most tours of the region include expert-led tastings at other revered wineries—such as Château Lascombes, Château Dauzac, and Château Paloumey—and tend to include hassle-free transfers from central Bordeaux.
Château Margaux is located in Margaux, part of the Médoc commune. To get there using public transport, take TER services from Bordeaux’s main train station, Bordeaux Saint-Jean, to the local train station, Gare de Margaux, after which it’s a brief taxi trip away. The winery is roughly an hour’s drive north of Bordeaux proper via the D2 or D209; guided tours make getting there even simpler.
Château Margaux is open Monday–Friday, though note that tours and tastings are exclusively for wine-industry professionals. The winery is also closed during harvest time, which typically occurs in September or October.
Château Margaux produces four different wines. Its main, and most prestigious, release is its Grand Vin, which is a blend of red varietals and one of the world’s most celebrated and expensive bottles of wine. Its second wine, Pavillon Rouge, and its third wine, Margaux du Château Margaux, offer slightly more affordable ways to sample its red blends. Unusually for the region, it also flouts appellation rules to produce its Pavillion Blanc, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
