Sauternes & Barsac Open Days 2026 (14–15 November): How to Go From Bordeaux
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On 14 and 15 November 2026, around 50 châteaux in Sauternes and Barsac open their doors to the public, free and with no booking needed. If you’re in Bordeaux that weekend, it’s one of the best wine days of the year. Here’s how it works and how to get there without driving.
THE SHORT VERSION
- When: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, 11am to 6pm.
- Where: around 50 estates across five villages: Barsac, Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues and Preignac.
- Cost: free entry, no reservation.
- From Bordeaux: about 40 minutes by car.
- With a private driver: half day from €280, full day from €560, up to 4 guests.
What happens during the open days
Sauternes is famous for its sweet white wines, and this is the weekend the whole appellation opens up. Classified growths and small family estates alike offer free tastings, cellar visits and time with the winemakers. There are also workshops, walks through the vines, activities for kids and food served at several châteaux.
Most of the welcome is in French, but plenty of winemakers speak some English, and I’m happy to help with the conversation.
How to get there from Bordeaux
The estates are spread across five villages, and public transport won’t take you from one château to the next. The easy way is a private driver in Bordeaux: I pick you up at your hotel or Airbnb, take you from château to château at your pace, and bring you back. Nobody has to stay sober for the drive home, and there’s room in the trunk for the bottles you’ll want to take home.
| Formula | Price |
|---|---|
| Half day about 4 h | from €280 |
| Full day about 8 h | from €560 |
Prices cover the car (a Lexus RX 450h hybrid) and your English-speaking driver, for 1 to 4 guests. Larger groups on request.
One weekend, limited availability
Tell me which day, what time you’d like to leave and how many you are. I’ll confirm availability quickly.
Tips for the weekend
- Start at 11am. It’s quieter early, and winemakers have more time to talk.
- Three or four estates is plenty. Sweet wines are rich, so pace yourself.
- Eat at a château. Several serve food over the weekend.
- Wear proper shoes. Paths and vineyards can be wet in November.
- Try Barsac too. Often a little fresher and livelier than Sauternes.
Can’t make that weekend? Sauternes can be visited all year round by appointment. See my Graves & Sauternes wine tour or read how a private wine tour in Bordeaux works.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the châteaux?
No. During the open days, entry is free at participating estates and no reservation is needed. Only your driver needs booking.
Where can you pick us up?
At your hotel, Airbnb or anywhere in Bordeaux, and even at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport or Gare Saint-Jean if you arrive that morning.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. There are activities for kids, and I’ll have the right child seat or booster in the car.
Régis Chauffepied · Founder and driver, REGIS DRIVE · Bordeaux
I’m a bilingual private driver and I spend most of my days in the Bordeaux vineyards. See my wine tours or call me on +33 6 73 58 15 12.
