The Signature Wines of Graves

Classified among the prestigious Crus Classés de Graves, the châteaux in this area belong to an elite group of estates that helped define the identity of Pessac Léognan, a terroir known for refined reds and distinctive whites. Among the most remarkable properties are Haut-Brion, a First Growth owned by Prince Robert of Luxembourg; Pape Clément, held by Archbishop of Bordeaux who later became Pope Clement V; and Smith Haut Lafitte, known for grand cru vineyards and art of vinotherapy. The experience takes place in one of these historic estates, selected according to availability on the date of your visit, but the quality and depth remain consistent. You discover how the character of the château emerges through its architecture, its setting among the vines, and the work carried out in the cellar. Victoria introduces the history of the place and principles that define its approach to winemaking, then you enjoy a tasting that shows how this corner of Graves expresses itself in the glass.

What makes this experience distinctive is how it brings you inside one of the most ancient winemaking territories near Bordeaux, where vineyards, architecture, and history have developed together for centuries. Its closeness to the city allows you to explore first-class wines and meaningful heritage without long transfers, preserving a sense of continuity between Bordeaux and the Graves region. The private environment heightens this connection. Entering a historic estate creates the conditions for understanding how history, culture, vine growing, and winemaking intertwine, offering a clear view of the practices that define the identity of the property. Victoria brings these connections into focus. As a licensed guide and internationally certified wine specialist, she links architecture, grape varieties, and local methods with the broader story of the region, offering insights that illuminate this ancient territory with precision and clarity.

Victoria Nabholz has spent nearly two decades studying the wines and heritage of Bordeaux and its surrounding landscapes. As a licensed guide and internationally certified wine expert, she connects vineyards, architecture, and regional history with clarity and depth. She leads private visits through Saint-Émilion’s classified châteaux, the historic streets of Bordeaux, the vineyards and cellars of Graves, and the wider Aquitaine countryside. Her approach is grounded in research, fieldwork, and long collaboration with growers and local producers. Victoria explains how varietals, soil, tradition, and cellar practices shape a wine’s character, and how the identity of each estate reflects the history of the region. With Victoria, you explore places at a natural pace, gaining insight into the region’s layered heritage through precise explanations, quiet observation, and genuine conversation.

Your desire to discover and taste this region through its wines.