Bordeaux châteaux tour: explore the region’s finest wines with Cathay

Bordeaux is possibly the most famous winemaking region in the world, boasting a diverse range of terroir and extraordinary wines – most of which have become the benchmark for fine wines around the world. This is in large part thanks to the wine classification system developed here, which has been considered the gold standard in winemaking for centuries. 

The mention of this region conjures up images of grand châteaux and breathtaking landscapes that evoke a total sense of awe. It is precisely its natural landscape and connection to the Atlantic Ocean through the Gironde estuary that make the region ideal for winemaking.  

Uncorking Bordeaux’s fine wines 

Spanning a vast region with diverse terroir and prestigious appellations, Bordeaux, particularly the famed Left Bank, holds allure, boasting renowned wine subregions such as Medoc, Pauillac, Sauternes, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe. These appellations are home to acclaimed châteaux that have long been part of our First class inflight wine experience. Curated to complement your dining experience, our fine wine selection includes the esteemed Château Lynch-Bages , Château Montrose and Château Branaire-Ducru . You’ll also discover the prestigious Château Lafite Rothschild , whose vintages are available on the Cathay Shop.

An immersive wine tour 

To treat you to a sensory experience you won’t forget, we’re hosting a Bordeaux châteaux tour exclusively for Cathay members from 31 August to 6 September. You’ll be whisked away to Paris, then you’ll continue your journey to Bordeaux with Air France. Luxurious accommodation for the three-day tour awaits at the 17th-century Château Cordeillan-Bages – nestled in the heart of the Médoc region, just a stone's throw away from Château Lynch-Bages, this serene retreat is the perfect place to soak in the region.  

"The best way to understand the wines you enjoy is to visit the châteaux and vineyards in person," says Jean-Charles Cazes, co-owner of Château Lynch-Bages. "Once you witness the vineyards and the surrounding landscape, you will gain a deeper understanding of the unique qualities and characteristics that define Bordeaux wines." 

Terroir master

Throughout the tour, Cathay members will be accompanied by esteemed wine professionals, including our resident wine specialist Ronald Khoo and Master of Wine Mark Pygott – one of only 416 Masters of Wine in the world. We’ll guide you through four historic châteaux: Château Lynch-Bages, Château Montrose, Château Branaire Ducru and Château Lafite Rothschild. You’ll visit vineyards where you can indulge in iconic vintages from the châteaux's cellars, and immerse yourself in the winemaking process under the watchful guidance of each château’s winemakers. Perhaps most excitingly, you’ll taste unreleased single-grape wines sourced from Château Lynch-Bages’ vineyards, gaining insight into the art of crafting a Grand Cru Bordeaux wine. 

Members will also get the rare opportunity to dine with the château owners. Partake in engaging conversations and delight in exquisite wine and food pairings alongside these experts – after all, in France, the appreciation of wine is inseparable from the culinary experience.  

"Cathay is dedicated to providing the very best experience on board for their customers, and we share that same value. We have always welcomed guests with open arms and are happy to see people’s interest in wines," says Cazes. “We look forward to showing guests a behind-the-scenes look of our winemaking process and offer a personal touch to their experience by having one of the family members host them on the tour.” 

“I want to make sure they enjoy their visit, taste the unique qualities of our wines, and for the rest of their travels, whenever they see Lynch-Bages on a wine list, I want them to have a smile on their face – it's as simple as that.” 

A wine journey to remember

As your tour draws to a close, you’ll spend an evening in Paris, providing the chance to explore attractions such as the Musée de l'Armée and savour an aperitif with the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Your stop in the French capital will bring you to you to Hôtel des Invalides, where you’ll meet with the legendary Clovis Taittinger, managing director of Taittinger, and veteran wine expert Jean-Guillaume Prats, Président of Château d’Estoublon & Vice-chairman of Château Léoville Las Cases for an enriching exchange over dinner and champagne (naturally). Upon your return, you'll receive 10,000 as a gesture of our appreciation for completing this remarkable journey with us.

Join us for an immersive wine tour through Bordeaux, where nature, terroir, and the art of winemaking blend together to create an everlasting memory. Bookings can be made from 7 June to 31 July, with an early-bird offer of 5 per cent off reservations made before 30 June.

About the châteaux 

Château Lynch-Bages: Located in Pauillac, Château Lynch-Bages was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1939. In 2017, the Cazes family renovated their wine-making facilities, enhancing their pursuit of excellence under the guidance of architect Chien Chung Pei. The 2020 vintage, the first produced in the renovated cellars, continues the estate's legacy of consistently high-quality wines that develop structure, finesse, and elegance over time.

Château Montrose: Since its founding in 1815, this winery has enjoyed centuries of prestige. Situated within the region that gives its name to the Saint-Estèphe appellation, Château Montrose is a revered winery known for producing magnificent Bordeaux wines classified as one of fourteen Deuxièmes Crus in the original Bordeaux Wine.  

Château Branaire Ducru: Located in the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Branaire-Ducru is a historic winery with a reputation for crafting elegant and expressive wines. Its vineyards boast a unique terroir, which contributes to the creation of wines that showcase the distinct characteristics of the region.

Château Lafite Rothschild: As one of only five prestigious wineries in Bordeaux awarded First Growth status in the 1855 Classification, Château Lafite Rothschild is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Based in the Pauillac appellation, this iconic estate produces exceptional wines that exemplify the finesse and complexity for which Bordeaux is renowned. A visit to Château Lafite Rothschild offers a window into the refined world of the artistry of winemaking.