Château d'Yquem

Bordeaux, France

• No.9 The World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025

The hallowed name of Yquem has become a byword for the very finest sweet wines in the world, its older vintages sought out by devoted disciples with a mix of awe and glee. You'll learn why at this serene estate, once owned by a medieval King of England, which began its current incarnation in 1593. Its 113 hectares of vineyards yield only a modest amount of juice from grapes affected by noble rot – a fungus with fabulous potential given the right conditions – hand‑picked over multiple rounds of the vines to capture each berry at exactly the right moment. Its doors only opened to the public in 2016, offering 90‑minute walking tours and three types of tasting, including an 'Anthology' experience featuring one of recent history's finest vintages, 2001.

Key Information

• Opening times: Mon – Sun: 10:00 – 12:30, 13:30 – 18:30
• Signature wine: Château d'Yquem
• Wines produced: Sweet,White
• Grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
• Tasting options
• Time from airport: 1 hour from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport 
• Visit Château d'Yquem's website

Location

La Fatigue, Sauternes, Bordeaux, 33210