Located on the southwest coast of France, Bordeaux is perhaps the most famous wine region in the world, renowned for its age-worthy red wines, primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the influence of the Gulf Stream create an ideal temperate maritime climate. The region is divided by the Gironde estuary and its tributaries, the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, into three main areas: the Left Bank, the Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers.

The Left Bank, home to prestigious appellations such as Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Julien, is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in structured, tannic wines with great aging potential. The Right Bank, with appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, favors Merlot, producing softer, more opulent wines that are approachable earlier. Entre-Deux-Mers, as the name suggests, lies between the two rivers and is best known for its fresh, dry white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle. Bordeaux is also celebrated for its sweet wines from Sauternes, crafted from grapes affected by “noble rot.”