I chose Bordeaux because I wanted to understand Old World wine—what makes Left Bank blends so structured (hello, Cabernet Sauvignon), while the Right Bank Merlot expresses such velvet elegance. Taking a bus from Paris was seamless… until I tried following Google Maps in the maze-like streets. Thankfully, an Uber rescued me. My hotel wasn’t smack in the center—just four tram stops away. The trams? Modern, app-friendly, clean, and full of genuinely polite locals.
The city center? Breathtaking. A grand fountain, a grand plaza, and, of course, the iconic Le Entrecôte. I joined the queue 15 minutes early and devoured every bite of their timeless steak-frites. It felt like stepping back in time—without losing the present moment.
I spent an 11-hour day immersed in wine things — hitting the Right Bank first, with lush stops in Saint-Émilion, where legend says the compassionate baker-turned-hermit Émilion gave food to peasants—giving the town its name. Our guide, James, was a living encyclopedia as we strolled through vineyards owned by Château Pavie, Château Figeac, and Château Chauvin. We then ventured to the Left Bank’s Margaux region, sipping at Château Dauzac and marveling at the architectural beauty of Château Margaux.
Did you know? In Bordeaux, being labeled “Château” isn’t just fancy—it means the wine must be produced on-site, visible to the public, and—ideally—on Michelin-starred wine lists. The famous 1855 Classification (ordered by Napoleon III for the World’s Fair) still guides prestige: Premier Cru (First Growth) châteaux like Château Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, and Haut-Brion remain legendary—plus sweet wine dark horse Château d’Yquem earned the top spot in Sauternes. St.-Émilion’s system, more democratic and dynamic, is reviewed every ten years, with new estates earning Premier Grand Cru Classé A or B status—and yes, Château Pavie and Figeac are currently elite A-listers.
My day wasn’t over. I fell in love with the immersive Wine Museum—floors of aroma labs and interactive films that kept me engaged for four hours—and the food hall just across was equally divine.
Bordeaux isn’t always front-page hype, but that’s exactly why it’s so beautiful. The elegance, the history, the accessibility—it all makes me want to come back a million times.
