Bordeaux

There are striking wines, and then there are striking vineyards which have become landmarks in their own right thanks to their innovative design.

For those avid wine travellers who are planning to taste their way through the vineyards of Europe this year, here are a few Lazenne favourites which have to be seen to be believed. Can you squeeze them into your itinerary?

A few weeks ago when touring Graves, a region of greater Bordeaux in southwestern France, we pulled up to a magnificent property called Chateau de Cérons. The chateau is located within the tiny appellation of Cérons, a hidden gem of an appellation often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Sauternes. It is located 35 km from the city of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Garonne River.

We came across a wonderful vineyard near Saint-Emilion, in Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse called Château Bernateau. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes of rolling vines that have been honoured by the World Heritage designation, this small domaine has been family owned and operated for the past eight generations. We had the pleasure of meeting Karine Lavau, who together with husband, Pierrick, own and operate the vineyard along with its sister domaine Château Tour Peyronneau. The two vineyards are farmed organically, and are classified as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru producing some delicious wines.