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Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion: Bordeaux's Urban Vineyard

Discover Bordeaux's only urban vineyard, a historic estate blending tradition with modern winemaking in a Philippe Starck-designed winery, offering exceptional wines and immersive tours.

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Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, a historic estate dating back to the 16th century, stands as Bordeaux's only urban vineyard. Unlike most châteaux requiring a significant journey, Les Carmes Haut-Brion is easily accessible within the city limits, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern winemaking. The estate boasts a contemporary winery designed by Philippe Starck, contrasting beautifully with the original vineyard and château. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in tastings of their esteemed wines. With its rich history, architectural beauty, and exceptional wines, Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion provides an unforgettable Bordeaux experience without venturing far from the city center. A visit here offers a convenient and immersive glimpse into the world of fine wine, making it a must-see for any wine enthusiast visiting Bordeaux.

A brief summary to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Local tips

  • Book your visit in advance, as tours are by appointment only and can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Consider taking public transport; the château is easily accessible by tram and bus from the city center.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the tour, as you'll be walking through the vineyards and winery.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as part of the tour is outdoors.
  • Allow ample time for your visit to fully enjoy the tour and wine tasting experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux city center, take Tram Line A to the François Mitterrand stop. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk (850 meters) to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion. Alternatively, transfer from Tram Line A at the Saint-Augustin stop to Bus 41 and ride for three stops to the Docteur Rocas stop, which is right outside the gate of the château. A single tram or bus fare is approximately €1.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Bordeaux city center to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion typically costs between €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific location of your starting point within the city center. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

  • Walking

    If you are near the city center, walking to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is an option. From the city center, it is approximately a 30-40 minute walk. Follow Rue des Carmes. Note that the walk is not direct and may involve some navigation through residential areas.

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Discover more about Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion, nestled within the city of Bordeaux, presents a captivating blend of history, innovation, and exceptional winemaking. Its story began in 1584 when Jean de Pontac, lord of Haut-Brion, gifted a vast mill, meadows, and vines to the Grands Carmes, a Carmelite order. For over two centuries, the congregation cultivated the land, gradually establishing the estate's reputation. The name "Carmes Haut-Brion" emerged as the estate expanded its holdings within the Haut-Brion vineyard. After the French Revolution, the estate was confiscated and sold to Léon Colin, whose descendants, the Chantecaille-Furt family, maintained ownership into the 21st century. In 2010, Patrice Pichet, a real estate executive, acquired Les Carmes Haut-Brion, ushering in a new era of investment and modernization. Pichet's passion for wine and design led to the construction of a state-of-the-art winery, designed by Philippe Starck and Luc Arsène-Henry, completed in 2015. This architectural marvel seamlessly blends with the historical landscape, creating a unique and visually stunning environment. The estate's vineyard spans 7.6 hectares, planted with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaking at Les Carmes Haut-Brion is a meticulous process, emphasizing whole berry vinification and gentle extraction techniques. The estate also experiments with whole cluster fermentation to enhance freshness and minerality in the wines. The result is a range of elegant and complex wines that reflect the unique terroir of Les Carmes Haut-Brion. A visit to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is an immersive experience, beginning with an exploration of the estate's history and heritage. Guests discover key sites of the château before venturing into the vineyards. The tour continues in the winery, where the secrets of wine production are revealed. Each floor of the building showcases a different stage of the winemaking process. The experience culminates with a guided tasting of a vintage of the Grand Vin des Carmes and a vintage of C des Carmes Haut-Brion. The estate's commitment to sustainability is evident in its ISO 14001 certification for environmental management. Practices such as horse-drawn plowing, manual harvesting, and careful parcel selection demonstrate a dedication to preserving the land and producing wines of exceptional quality. Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and modern vision of Bordeaux winemaking. The blend of historical legacy, architectural innovation, and exceptional wines makes Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion a truly unique destination. It's a place where visitors can connect with the past, appreciate the present, and savor the future of Bordeaux wine. Visiting Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion offers a convenient and enriching experience for those seeking a taste of Bordeaux without venturing far from the city center. Its accessibility, combined with its unique urban vineyard setting and commitment to quality, makes it a must-see for any wine enthusiast visiting Bordeaux. The opportunity to explore a historic estate, witness cutting-edge winemaking techniques, and taste exceptional wines all within the city limits is an experience that sets Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion apart from other Bordeaux châteaux. The blend of history, architecture, and wine creates a memorable and immersive experience for every visitor. Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is more than just a winery; it's a living testament to the enduring legacy of Bordeaux winemaking. Its unique location, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality make it a true gem within the city of Bordeaux. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, a visit to Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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