The legendary entry of château Guiraud
You cannot go wrong! Château Guiraud, the oldest estate in the Sauternes appellation, is an emblematic property in the region. When you arrive, you will discover this magnificent path of plane trees which immediately bewitch us and we already start to slow down the step… To visit Guiraud is to immerse you in a bucolic framework where the vegetable environment calms its visitors.
Biodynamy: the success of development
Wine and food pairing at Château Guiraud
Wine lovers and connoisseurs are more and more keen to discover these new initiatives which are being carried out in the heart of our great wine-growing regions. Discovering ancient techniques rehabilitated by passionate men, considering the importance of each element that surrounds us, are experiences that attract more and more wine consumers around the world. These values are an integral part of the wine tourism experiences at Château Guiraud, essential values for discovering the world of biodynamics and the daily philosophy that accompanies it.
The estate and its 100 hectares of vines are renowned for the success of its bio-viticulture® through a real concept of ecosystem balance: replanting of hedges to promote integrated pest management, insect hotels, nesting boxes, conservatory, natural purification plant, biodiversity of vine plants, organic gardens… For a long time, the property’s managers have integrated the importance of listening to its environment, to maintain and develop the vine’s natural ecosystem.
What about the oenotouristic offer?
By offering to their consumers tourist activities closely linked to their viticulture, Château Guiraud promotes the work of its producer in the right way.
A wonderful Sauternes estate worth visiting
The wine tourism team has developed a diverse choice of activities so that the château can respond to all demands! Take an aromatic journey through the tasting of 3 vintages of Château Guiraud to discover the mysterious evolution of their first wine. If you wish to glimpse the diversity of regional products, choose the tasting visit “Sauternes et Fromages” (“Sauternes and cheeses“), an unfailing value of French gastronomy.
Highlighting the environmental practices used at the estate is an essential value that can be found in each of the château’s services, but the team is above all keen to share a unique and privileged moment with its guests on the occasion of a convivial experience based on sharing!
Interview with Clémence Planty, Communication Manager at Château Guiraud
Château Guiraud and its vines
WTB: What are the strengths of your property to offer wine tourism activities?
Clémence Planty:
“Coming to Château Guiraud, 1er Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is discovering a quality wine tourism welcome. During the international competition organized by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry “Best of Wine Tourism”, the property has been awarded several times: in 2008 and in 2016 under the “Oenotourism development of environmental practices” category; in 2011 for the “Property services” award.
Our hospitality is flawless, and our investment is significant: the property has been open to the public for over 30 years, a garden among the vines has been specially created to illustrate environmental practices to visitors. In 2017, the visitor tour has been reviewed to improve the comfort and experience of our guests. The latest project was launched in February 2018 with the opening of our restaurant, named La Chapelle de Guiraud.”
WTB: Do you work with local actors (restaurants, hotels, or others)? If so, what does it add to your offer? What are the benefits for the quality of your service?
Clémence Planty:
“We have opened our own restaurant to extend and enhance the Guiraud experience. In La Chapelle, guests can find everything nature can offer. Our restaurant helps us to insist on this eco-friendly notion where we share with our visitors the interest and importance of consuming local products.”
Bottles of sweet wine produced by Château Guiraud
WTB: Do you have a little story about your estate?
Clémence Planty:
“The main guideline always present at Château Guiraud is the true relationship between people. At the beginning of the 20th century, Raymond Oliver, chef at the restaurant “Le Grand Véfour” of the Palais Royal; was considered for a long time as one of the best chefs in France; the first to be broadcasted on television. His success was considerable and he never forgot his Bordeaux origins and his love for sweet wines. He wrote: ‘My joy is at its highest when I find a bottle of Château Guiraud. I suddenly find the alley of plane-trees, the Virginia creeper vine, the sound of the shaft chain; and my blues melts in nostalgia and my nostalgia in tenderness’.”
Raymond Oliver, Cuisine pour mes amis, Albin Michel, Paris, 1976
WTB: What would you like the visitors to remember when they leave?
Clémence Planty:
“The tasting, because it is a memorable and almost legendary moment of the visit where body and spirit are linked. It is a powerful time that will forever remind you the experience you spent at Château Guiraud. ‘We all become friends at Château Guiraud’.”
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