Château Haut-Bailly

Léognan, France

Château Haut-Bailly's winemaking roots burrow deep into Bordeaux's illustrious soil. Grapes have been cultivated here since at least 1461 – though the estate's golden age began in earnest when it was purchased by Alcide Bellot des Minières in the late 19th century. Nicknamed 'the king of winegrowers', he oversaw construction of the chateau itself, a Bordelais beauty of stone, shutters and dormers; and in 1905, he planted the extraordinary tangle of vines beneath its windows, encompassing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, malbec and carménère. Modern monoculture, this is not. With all that history on display, you'll hardly notice the estate's newest installation – but that's the point. Built in 2021, the contemporary wine cellar melts into the landscape, camouflaged by a biodiverse garden that sweeps across its roof. Visits are private and appointment-only, and can be rounded off with a sumptuous meal at the chateau's own Table Privée. Still reluctant to leave? Bed down among the vines themselves: rooms are available both inside the chateau and at nearby La Chartreuse Haut-Bailly, a gorgeous guest house with its own pool.

Key Information

• Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9am-12.30pm and 2-5.30pm
• Signature wine: Château Haut-Bailly
• Wines produced: Red
• Grape varieties: Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, malbec, carménère
• Tasting options
• Time from airport: 25 mins from Bordeaux Airport 
• Visit Château Haut-Bailly 's website

Location

48 Rue de la Liberté, Léognan, 33850