How to visit a Bordeaux vineyard with children
UNESCO-listed landscapes and high-tech cellars make Bordeaux a prime destination for families. While wine tasting remains strictly for adults, most estates now offer child-friendly activities that introduce young visitors to vineyard culture without alcohol.
With a little preparation, it’s easy to combine learning, enjoyment, and safety in a memorable family day out.
The legal framework
By law, alcohol tasting is prohibited under the age of 18 in France. However, touring wine estates is entirely permitted under parental supervision. Many estates offer house-made pasteurized grape juice or other alcohol-free beverages so that children can take part in the tasting ritual in their own way.
Truly kid‑friendly estates
Some estates go the extra mile to welcome families. Château La Fleur de Boüard is a pioneer in this space, offering a bilingual game booklet, a shaded picnic area by the fountain, and estate-produced grape juice served like a fine vintage.
Other wineries are following suit:
- Château La Fleur de Boüard: game booklet, estate grape juice, shaded picnic area.
- Château d’Agassac (Médoc): digital ‘Knights & princesses’ trail.
- Château Kirwan (Margaux): mini sensory maze in the gardens.
- La Cité du Vin: ‘5 senses of grapes’ workshop (from age 6).
Activities that keep little ones engaged
To keep kids engaged, interactive activities are key. Before lunch, children are encouraged to participate in hands-on sensory experiences: safe grape-picking with mini plastic secateurs, aroma identification with hidden scent vials among the vines, and a grape juice workshop that includes stomping, bottling, and designing custom labels.
Some wineries also offer aroma-and-spice matching games or pony and e-scooter rides between vineyard rows.
Practical tips for parents
To ensure a smooth outing, planning matters. Guides at Château La Fleur de Boüard recommend arriving before 10 a.m. to enjoy the morning cool, and finishing with a picnic on the grass. Bring water bottles, sun hats, and sunscreen as shade is limited.
A baby carrier is useful for areas with stairs. Limiting visits to no more than two properties helps avoid overstimulation. Also, plan for snacks—some estates sell canelés or artisanal chocolate on site.
What about teens?
From age 14 and up, teens often enjoy a more active or tech-savvy approach. The estate offers an e-bike tour connecting Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, wine-themed geocaching via smartphone, guided photo sessions at Instagram-worthy vineyard spots, and even an escape game inside a historic vat room.
We answer your questions
What’s the minimum age to visit?
Most estates welcome children from age 3 with adult supervision.
Do kids need a ticket?
Often free under age 6, with reduced rates of €8–12 for ages 6–17.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, in the vineyards. Some underground cellars may require folding it.
How long is a typical family tour?
About 1 hour and 15 minutes, including tastings for adults and grape juice for children.
