The Best Time to Visit Bordeaux Wine Country

Each season offers unique experiences in Bordeaux. Learn when to plan your visit for harvest festivities, spring blooms, or peaceful winter tastings.

The world of fine wine is as complex as it is captivating. For centuries, the great wine regions of France have developed intricate classification systems to help connoisseurs and collectors navigate the hierarchy of quality. Understanding these systems is essential for any serious wine traveler.

The 1855 Classification

The most famous wine classification in history was created for the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1855. At the request of Napoleon III, Bordeaux wine brokers ranked the region's finest estates based on reputation and trading prices. This classification, which remains largely unchanged today, divided red wines into five tiers, or "crus."

The First Growths (Premiers Crus) represent the pinnacle: Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, and Mouton Rothschild (elevated in 1973). These estates produce some of the most sought-after and expensive wines in the world.

Saint-Émilion's Living Classification

Unlike the static 1855 classification, Saint-Émilion's system is reviewed approximately every ten years. Estates can be promoted or, controversially, demoted based on current quality. This dynamic approach has made Saint-Émilion's rankings among the most debated in the wine world.

"Classification gives structure to our understanding of Bordeaux, but it should never replace the experience of tasting the wines yourself."

Planning Your Visit

When visiting Bordeaux, understanding classifications helps you prioritize which estates to visit. First Growth visits require advance booking and often substantial tasting fees, but the experience is unparalleled. Many excellent classified growths at lower tiers offer more accessible visits while still providing exceptional wine experiences.