Chateau La Tour Blanche, Sauternes

Producers of Sauternes 1er Cru with a winemaking school

featured in Vineyards & estates Updated 1 September 2022

Located at the heart of the Sauternes Appellation, this estate boasts a beautiful 18th-century chateau surrounded by a large vineyard where Sémillon, Sauvignon and Muscadelle varieties grow.

The chateau was built in the 18th century, while its wine was classified at the top of the Premier Crus in 1855. At the beginning of the 20th century the owner, Daniel Iffla (a.k.a. Osiris) bequeathed the property to the nation under the condition that a wine school was created on site. Nowadays, this estate is home to the prestigious 'La Tour Blanche School of Viticulture and Oenology', opened in 1911.

They produce a white Premier Cru Classé wine, together with two other white wines and a red that combines grapes of the Merlot and Malbec varieties. All the fruits are hand picked.

Visitor comments

"I really can't forget the taste of this sweet white wine... I'm haunted by the taste since long after we were there... regret not buying a bottle since we never found better white wine which is so naturally sweet in out entire tour of France. .. Lovely ambience and knowledgeable English speaking guides." - Trip Advisor
"This chateau has a great product range and caters well for non-French speaking visitors. My guide (Claire) was magnificent. She offered honest opinions on each wine type and endeavoured to answer all questions. Top class experience. My only regret was travelling by bicycle, which meant I couldn't purchase more wine." - Trip Advisor

When to come

The estate can be visited all year round from Monday to Friday (except on public holidays), 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00. The visit includes a tour of the vineyard and the winery, concluding with a wine tasting. They also organise gourmet visits with pairings of wine and food, and visits with lunch.