Wind your way through the vineyards on a wine route holiday in the Médoc

The Médoc, a land of contrasts and character, is the birthplace of some of France's most exceptional wines. The gravelly soil, made up of croups of gravel (clusters of more or less thick gravel) or clay-limestone, ensures good water drainage. This allows water reserves to build up deep down, which specialists believe is good for vines.

The climate is also favourable, with mild winters and hot summers. The same is true of the topography: the proximity of the Landes forest protects the vineyards and acts as a filter against the sea breeze. Vines also benefit from the proximity of the Garonne river.

From Bordeaux to the Gironde estuary, the D2 departmental road winds its way through vineyards, sumptuous châteaux and famous appellations such as Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. Like the Alsace wine route in eastern France, this route has become a must for wine lovers and those wishing to discover a vineyard up close.

Along the D2, around 10% of the estates open their doors to visitors, whether for a tour of the vineyards, a tasting of vineyard products or even lunch on the premises. You can stop off at some of the most famous châteaux in France and the world, such as Château-Mouton-Rothschild.

Some châteaux offer an original tasting session in the dark, an insight into the work involved in blending wines, or even a subtle match between food and wine over lunch or at a picnic. In Gaillan-en-Médoc, the Uni-Médoc cooperative stands out with a sound and light show in a huge cellar containing more than 3,500 barrels.

And for a family visit, some châteaux even include activities and educational trails for children to discover the vines!

The Médoc vineyards, renowned for their unique terroir, produce a powerful, elegant red wine. A few estates produce white wine, but the volume is tiny (1%). Most of the Médoc's great wines are made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. They are sometimes blended with Cabernet Franc and more rarely with Petit Verdot.

Médoc red wines are renowned for their finesse and red fruit aromas. On the palate, the balance is remarkable. The older the wine, the more intense it becomes.