With over 600-years of expertise, this estate produces sophisticated white wines that respect local terroir and biodiversity.

From its grounds overlooking the hillsides beside the Loire river, visitors can discover the Château’s natural viticulture and vinification techniques.

Through a guided tour of the vines, a visit to the cellar and an introductory wine tasting, inquisitive visitors can uncover the secrets behind the four prestigious cuvées that make Château de Tracy one of the finest winemakers in the Pouilly-Fumé region.

Why the switch to organic? 

I ran a phytosanitary company back in the 1990s, and this was when I realised that the world was heading towards a disastrous future. I’m a humanist winemaker, so when I became the Mayor of Correns, I suggested that we become France’s first organic winemaking village. To my immense surprise, every single winemaker made the switch, mostly so they could continue with small-scale production.

Is winemaking the only organic farming in Correns?

Everyone rapidly switched over to organic production: from a goatherd (in the communal forest), to a market gardener, a bee-keeper, growers of medicinal herbs, a chicken farmer/egg producer, and more. The village followed suit, with sustainable buildings, renewable energy and a school canteen.

I personally think that learning to read and write is as important as eating well. How our children will feed themselves in the years to come will decide the future of the planet, so it’s important that they learn about production, consumption and waste.

How would you assess the switch to organic production?  

Ecotourism and wine tourism have grown, with the opening of places to stay and the launch of activities that have brought in extra income. My vendors and I spend a lot of time teaching visitors about organic farming, because they are very curious.

Local producers have also found marketing opportunities through short supply chains, but one of the most important achievements has been stemming the exodus of young people from the village. The average age of those on the cooperative’s board of directors is 35-40, compared to 55 in the rest of the department, and there are still lots of new arrivals. Our village is being revitalised and is growing (restaurants, events, concerts, etc.).

I encourage tourists to visit our producers and find out how organic production is creating new techniques and technologies.

It all started in the Bordeaux vineyards in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in 1863, when Henri de Sigalas purchased Château Rabaud, signalling the beginning of the family's wine business. Although most of the property was sold at the beginning of the 20th century, the charterhouse and upper part of the estate were kept by the descendants. The vines continue to flourish today on this gentle, southward-facing slope thanks to the family’s historical expertise, which is rooted in respect for the soil and biodiversity.

Steeped in tradition, the family spirit that characterises Château Sigalas Rabaud is reflected not just in this charming mecca for Sauternes but also in the warm welcome given to visitors. Oenophiles and the simply curious are encouraged to enjoy an authentic experience as they discover the prestigious cuvées made on the estate. Fun activities are also put on to help you unlock the secrets of making wine the family way: a treasure hunt in the vineyards, a quiz, a sensory workshop for children and a tasting for parents – they’re all on the agenda of this comprehensive introduction to wine-making open to all ages.

Just as the château’s parkland is a real adventure playground, so the property’s magnificent setting invites you to enjoy a spot of relaxation. Under the red parasols on the terrace, it’s great just to allow yourself a little bit of peace and quiet to take in the view with a glass of Sauternes in your hand! At dinner time, the château’s whites reveal all their aromas and subtleties in the pleasant dining room of the seventeenth century charterhouse.

Three fine wines are served to accompany the menu alongside delicate food and wine pairings to the delight of foodies.

If you’d like to extend this easy-living interlude, the estate boasts four comfortable and coquettishly-decorated bedrooms where you can spend the night. In the calm and relaxed atmosphere of the vineyard, the snug family home is the ideal cocoon for recharging your batteries while you’re in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

When you push open the doors of Château Sigalas Rabaud, you discover a wine estate on a human scale, where the family is at the heart of a philosophy that champions the vines as a way of life. You’d be making a mistake if you didn’t savour the experience!

Starting from Bordeaux, you’ll follow the picturesque paths that run along the left bank of the Gironde estuary, treating yourself to a getaway through the very heart of Médoc’s vineyards and wine estates.

Escorted by a guide, Ophorus will take you on a minibus tour along the legendary Route des Châteaux. As you travel over this discovery trail, you’ll fall in love with the beauty of the estates and under the charm of the wine-growing landscapes, passing through the home of several prestigious local appellations: Margaux, Pauillac, Saint Julien and Saint Estèphe.

The programme includes three visits in all to châteaux classified as Grands Crus or Crus Bourgeois. 

The wine-growers will host you in the friendly atmosphere of their cellars and storehouses, where they’ll talk about their know-how and the history of the surrounding vines with great enthusiasm. They’ll also introduce you to the specific character of a terroir influenced by the nearby ocean and pine forests, as well as the specificities of the region’s grape varieties and famous appellations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wine-lover, you will be able to hone your expertise before being initiated into the art of tasting at a guided workshop.

At lunch time, you’ll see for yourself that the vineyards here aren’t just home to great wines – they’re also home to fine food! Enjoy a break in Pauillac, where you can make your epicurean experience last that little bit longer, treating yourself to a meal that gives top billing to regional products. This relaxing and restorative interlude may also be the ideal opportunity to taste some food-wine pairings, including the locality’s exceptional cuvées and the great flavours of the local dishes.

In short, on this excursion through the heart of the vineyards you’ll immerse yourself completely in the milieu and traditions that have earned Médoc wine its reputation. By the end of this day spent strolling through the vineyards and learning about the vines, these superb wines will have revealed all their secrets to you. You’ll leave with your mind and taste buds full of the most wonderful memories!

Starting from Strasbourg or Colmar, Ophorus invites English-speaking wine-lovers to come and discover these riches as you roam across the picturesque hinterland.

You’ll be warmly welcomed at family-owned properties on the Wine Route of Alsace, where the owners will introduce you to their wines. Terroirs, grape varieties and  delicious aromas – the wines of Alsace will reveal their full character at every tasting.

You’ll also pass through charming villages along the trail as you dive into the heart of the region’s heritage and history. In short, this programme really is devoted to the art of fine living!