Why visit
Margaux is the largest of the six communal appellations of the Médoc. It covers more than 1,500 hectares across the communes of Arsac, Labarde, Margaux-Cantenac and Soussans.
The appellation has 21 of the 61 Grands Crus Classés of 1855 and has been an AOC since August 10, 1954. Four grape varieties are grown: merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon.
The vineyards sit on gravel rises, bordered to the east by the Gironde estuary marshes and to the west by the forests of the sandy Landes plateau.
Margaux and Cantenac have formed a single commune, Margaux-Cantenac, since January 1, 2017. It lies about 32 km and 45 minutes by car from Bordeaux. The Maison du vin et du tourisme is on place de la Trémoille.
Visiting the estates
Most estates in the appellation list visits by appointment. Book ahead, including at Château Prieuré-Lichine, which accepts visits with or without an appointment but where booking is better.
Margaux estates that take visitors| Estate | Visits | Tasting from |
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| Château Prieuré-Lichine (4th growth) | With or without appointment | €15 ($16) |
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| Château Angludet | Appointment | From €15 ($16) |
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| Château Cantenac Brown (3rd growth) | Appointment only, Monday–Friday | — |
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| Château Boyd-Cantenac (3rd growth) | Appointment only, daily | — |
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| Château Desmirail (3rd growth) | Appointment | — |
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| Château d'Issan (3rd growth) | Appointment only, private visit and tasting | — |
|---|
Château Prieuré-Lichine charges €15 ($16) for two wines and €18 ($19) for three. One wine at €12 ($13) is for groups only. Its opening hours differ between November 1 and March 28 and between March 29 and October 31.
Château Angludet runs tasting tours at €25 ($27), €40 ($43) and €50 ($54), with a basic price from €15 ($16). It has a shop on site.
Château Cantenac Brown receives visitors Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2–6 p.m. Château Boyd-Cantenac is open Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Château d'Issan offers a private visit and tasting, by appointment only. Château Desmirail has a shop on site.
Château Kirwan and Château La Tour de Bessan also take paid visits by appointment, and both have a shop on site.
When to go
Châteaux in the Margaux appellation receive visitors all year.
Château Cantenac Brown is closed on public holidays and from December 23 to January 2. Confirm hours with the estate before a winter visit.
The Margaux Saveurs festival is held on the third weekend of November.
Before you go
- Public transport is thin once you leave the station. Bus 705 (Bordeaux–Pauillac) can stop at Margaux-Cantenac.
- Several estates visit only on weekdays, and some close on public holidays.
- Bordeaux-Mérignac airport is 35–40 minutes from Margaux.
- A car-free day trip from Bordeaux is possible: the TER from Bordeaux Saint-Jean takes 45 minutes, and Château Ferrière is a 16-minute walk from the station.
- Spit as you taste, and choose a designated driver if you are driving.
Margaux Cantenac station is on the TER Bordeaux – Le Verdon-sur-Mer line, and the tourist office says a taxi or rental car is available on request.
