After randomly picking up a bottle of 2018 Château Grand Corbin at a wine shop in Saint-Émilion, I coincidentally the next day ran by the chateau on a morning workout and snapped a photo.

Châteua Léoville Poyferré is one of the few chateaux that have an open walk-in tasting room, located in Saint Julien on Bordeaux’s Left Bank.

Cos d’Estournel is a unique Indian-theme Grand Cru Classé in Saint Estèphe. The accompanying restaurant is Michelin Star rated kind of place.

Located in the northern-most appellation of Bordeaux’s Left Bank, Saint Estèphe, Ormes de Pez not only makes wine but is also a wonderful and historic place to stay.

Château Franc Mayne is both a wine-making château and a bed and breakfast. The swimming pool is outstanding.

Château La Fleur-Pétrus is a neighbor of the famous Pétrus under the same ownership of Christian Moueix (family).

Château Figeac was recently promoted to a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé A in 2022. I bought a 2010 and 2015 to bring home.

Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a popular estate with great wines on Bordeaux’s Left Bank in Graves, the Pessac-Léognan appellation specifically.

Château Gruaud Larose, in Saint Julien, has both a modern and history feel. The steel lookout tower–and the wines– are simply amazing.

Château Lynch-Bages sits in the Pauillac appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, in the tiny hamlet of Bages (hence the name). Although classified as a 5th Growth, the wine often out performs its ranking and has earned the nickname ‘Super Second.’