Château Lynch-Bages — Winery in Pauillac

The estate lies at the entrance to Pauillac, on a fine gravel hill overlooking the Gironde estuary. Originally owned by the Irish Lynch family, it was bought by the Cazes family in 1939, and it has since become one of the best-loved châteaux in the whole Médoc. Open Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 18.00, by appointment only. There are various tasting formats, from €75 per person: an introduction to tasting, the Médoc appellations, the art of blending, the great terroirs of Bordeaux, and food and wine pairing. Beginners and connoisseurs alike are well served. The estate's bistro is housed in the restored village, with a wine list of more than 1,800 wines put together by head sommelier Arnaud Le Saux. An Enoline system lets guests taste up to eight red wines by the glass in different measures, perfect for comparing without ordering a bottle straight away. An ideal lunch stop on a day's drive through the Médoc. Two minutes' drive from the château is COMO Cordeillan-Bages: a 19th-century château with 28 rooms, turned into a luxury hotel by the Cazes family and now part of COMO Hotels. The restaurant is run by chef Fabien Ferré, one of the youngest chefs ever to hold three Michelin stars. Guests get special access to Château Lynch-Bages for tastings and tours. Pool, gym and sauna.