From architects to designers, painters and sculptors, many artists have helped to fashion the cultural and artistic identity of Nouvelle-Aquitaine over the years.

Who hasn’t heard of the Bordeaux wine region? Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s wine country has an international reputation. But far from the hustle and bustle of the major wine tourism sights there are hidden corners just waiting to be explored. So what are we waiting for, let the fun begin!

The Bordeaux wine region has its fair share of famous châteaux and world-renowned wine estates! To guide you towards some of the smaller, hidden gems, here’s a selection of some truly authentic and inviting wine experiences.

In Saint-Émilion, the Cloître des Cordeliers showcases its sparkling wines in the calm of its troglodyte cellars. Located beneath a listed cloister and a lush garden, the ancient vaults are the perfect place to relax and learn more about this special wine.

You’ll also find underground passageways at the Citadel of Blaye, which you can explore to uncover the secrets behind this fortress, designed by the famous architect Vauban. Follow this with a visit to the citadelle's museum for a deep-dive into the heritage of one of Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s most iconic and UNESCO-listed towns.

In Entre-deux-mers, visit the Cabane dans les Vignes for a stunning view of the vineyard. This intimate location offers wine tasting sessions and an introduction to winemaking and is an excellent place to enjoy the very best in local produce.

Another haven of peace and quiet can be found at île Margaux on the Gironde estuary. Wander among the vines and discover the five grape varieties that thrive on this island's exceptional terroir. Visit the cellars to sample wines from the Médoc and enjoy a timeless wine experience.

Enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas at La Petite Guingette, a cosy wine bar in Graves and Sauternes complete with a beautiful garden, comfy chairs and a relaxed atmosphere.

Whether it’s on the covered terrace or beside the fireplace, be sure to visit the wine bar at the Boutique Hôtel this winter for a wine tasting in a delightful setting. Spend time with the establishment’s sommelier and sample Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s wines along with some gourmet platters in the heart of Bordeaux.

Just a few of the hidden gems in Nouvelle-Aquitaine that you can visit for a slice, or a glass, of the good life!

Château du Clos de Vougeot is closely associated with the winemaking heritage of the Bourgogne region, so after a visit to the castle, why not join one of its renowned wine and food related sensory experiences.

A combination of guided château tour and olfactory-tasting workshops, these three packages allow you to discover the heritage and special characteristics of the local wine terroirs knowns as ‘climats’.

The sensory experiences follow a food and wine pairing theme and include a guided tasting of "tastevinés" crus accompanied by finger food prepared by the château's chef.

The Plaimont vineyard boasts an expertise and way of life steeped in living traditions, With its warm and welcoming spirit, it invites curious guests to discover its wines.

Guided tours are run throughout the year introducing the vineyard to beginners and experienced wine lovers alike.

From the unmissable St. Mont Monastery to the region’s iconic châteaux, not forgetting the grape varieties typical of the local appellations, join us as we dive into the wine-growing culture of the South-West.

There are also thematic workshops where you can learn all about harvesting, blending or food pairings.

With its wine and gastronomic heritage, Plaimont reveals all the secrets of its terroir!

Summer is here, and with it comes a cocktail of fun! In keeping with this festive spirit, Bordeaux and its wine region invites you to discover the wealth of wine, heritage and cultural attractions it has to offer.

Make no mistake: you’ll never be bored in the wine region of Bordeaux.  All year long the calendar is filled with a wide choice of events for you to enjoy. When the warmer weather arrives, the region is the perfect place for a summer break.

The wine region is filled with activities to suit every taste: hikes, cycling trips, marathons, visits to heritage attractions, open-air events, and more. Close to Saint-Émilion, July is a good time to attend the largest event in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, The Battle of Castillon. 450 people take part in this historical re-enaction in a scenic open-air location. With its stunts and pyrotechnics, there’s something to keep old and young alike entertained.

Summer is also festival time, and the region keeps this tradition alive with a wide selection of concerts! At the gateway to the Entre-Deux-Mers region, the Jazz 360 festival fills the wine region with the sound of jazz for five days. On a different note, the Grands Crus Musicaux event brings the world of wine and classical music together in prestigious châteaux settings.

With a busy programme with around 100 events, the city of Bordeaux’s cultural season  is a biennial festival that runs from  June to August, this year it is untitled Liberté!. For two months, locals and visitors can enjoy exhibitions, shows and entertainment with friends, alone or with their families, both in and around the city.

Don't forget that the Bordeaux region is a land of taste sensations with a host of gastronomic events to savour. Why not enjoy a gourmet evening beside the estuary during the Music and Cook and Wine festival? In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, enlivened with free concerts, local producers and winemakers from the Médoc are on hand to introduce their delicacies and wines. Along the same lines, over in Bourg, the “La Nuit du Terroir” night market showcases local gastronomy in the Parc de l’Esconge.

Rémy Martin, situated in the outstanding vineyards of Grande Champagne, will show you how its subtle eaux de vie are made.

The Rémy Martin cognac house invites you to its historic venue to enjoy a unique tasting experience and a fine meal.

Its renowned peak, lanes, château, the Tour des Fiefs... A daring and original way to visit Sancerre as you shoot up into the sky!

Meet Sonia on board the Vent d’Anges hot-air balloon and prepare yourself for a special experience as you soar above the Sancerre terroir.

Once you return to terra firma, discover the subtleties that this terroir has to offer at the Maison des Sancerre. Find out more about the “Terres Blanches” and “Caillottes” soils, which instil the appellation’s wines their unique characteristics.

Contine your trip with Sonia as you end the day on a different high at Raimbault-Pineau wine estate, sampling their Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Coteaux du Giennois wines!