DAY 1

9:45 AM- Departure (and excitement)

How long has it been since I last had a 48-hour getaway? Imagine my excitement! First stop after leaving Bordeaux: Latresne, a charming little village. What a change of scenery in such a short time! Wandering through its streets, I stumble upon the Passage des Arts—a hidden gem with colorful shops, including a wine merchant, art gallery, and a tea room. I choose the latter.

10:30 AM- A strong coffee, please

Seated on the terrace of La Grange aux Cafés, I savor a quickly served espresso. Sébastien, who has been running the café for about a year, is also a Bordeaux-based roaster. He treats me to a new raspberry-flavored caramel, an astonishing combination that leaves my taste buds in awe. His shop is filled with loose-leaf teas, coffees, local products, and charming decor, all accompanied by the divine aroma of freshly roasted coffee.

11:30 AM- Oh Dear, a Deer!

I continued my journey through the vineyards. To my right, a sublime panorama; to my left (and no, I wasn’t hallucinating), a deer proudly posed between the rows of vines. It didn’t stay long, but it was magical nonetheless. Before I could fully thank Mother Nature, I arrived at my next stop: Château Roquefort in Lugasson. The winter sunlight beautifully highlighted the vineyard and the reflections on the truffle oaks. Clémence greeted me with a smile and led me straight to… the kitchen.

12:00 PM- Time to cook!

Chef Olivier, with his stylish mustache, handed me an apron and said, “Time to work, blogger!” So much for taking it easy! With a grin, I donned my olive-green apron (perhaps a nod to the chef’s name?) and got to work: whisking egg whites, stirring the risotto, and chopping pumpkins. Then, the chef revealed his secret weapon—the Périgord black truffle. Pulpos, don’t be jealous, but truffles were the theme of today’s menu. Lucky me—it was my day!

– The sporty option:

I started my adventure at Château Réaut with a visit to its exceptional cellars and curved vat room. Yannick Évenou, the estate’s director, introduced me to Dominique for the Bulle Verte bike tour. After taming my electric bike, I pedaled through the vineyards overlooking the Garonne, wind in my helmet. I explored the medieval village of Rions and its hidden gems with ease. The best part? The exhilarating sense of freedom with every pedal! After two hours of riding, I savored four wines from the estate.

– The cultural option:

I had heard sooo much about the Ducal Castle of Cadillac that I simply HAD to visit it for you. The building’s beauty immediately took my breath away, as did its fascinating dual history, passionately recounted by Rafaëlle. From the 17th-century “Mini-Versailles” with tapestries, chandeliers, and gilding to the women’s prison cells of the 19th century, only one floor separates these two eras. This contrast intrigued and captivated me. Afterward, I treated myself to a well-deserved snack at La Cave (just across from the castle), with a hot drink and some delicious local treats—ready for the next adventure!

©Loic Lagarde

DAY 2

9:00 AM- Breakfast with a vineyard view

Waking up to such stunning surroundings was an absolute delight! After a leisurely breakfast at Château Sigalas Rabaud in Bommes, complete with pastries, fresh juice, and homemade jams, I immersed myself in the estate’s rich history. I could have lingered for hours, but an adventure awaited!

10:00 AM- Off-road fun

At Fred’s adventure park, I tried Trottinette Tout Terrain (all-terrain electric scooters). Zooming through the Sauternes and Bommes vineyards, I felt the thrill of speed as we completed the “Tour of the Five Castles”—pure exhilaration!

1:00 PM- A whirl at The Manège 

I headed to Château de Léognan for lunch at Le Manège, where the week’s menu took me on a delicious spin. With locally sourced ingredients and chef Gaël Derrien’s masterful creations, every bite was like a delightful ride. Once fully satisfied (yes, it was as tasty as you imagine), Chantal, the owner, gave me a tour of the estate, including the serene spa area.