I’m no runner, but a marathon that winds through the world’s most famous vineyards, with stops every few kilometres to feast on the best wine and gourmet food France has to offer, might just tempt me to strap up my gammy knee, lay off the fags and get running.
Welcome to your guide to the Médoc Marathon—an event that might just be the best food tour in France. This year, I’m not running, but I’ll be heading to Bordeaux to support some friends taking on this wondrous journey, with the goal of helping them indulge in the sensual pleasures of southwest French cuisine. Naturally, I’m hoping to sneak in a few tastes of Bordeaux myself, update my knowledge of the city, and discover if the Médoc Marathon truly is the Bordeaux food tour of my dreams.
This blog post serves as an introduction to the marathon itself and the terroir in which it takes place. My goal is to explain the significance of the vineyards those brave runners will be tasting, as well as Bordeaux’s broader role in French cuisine. Consider this post a primer for our gourmet post-Médoc Marathon recovery tour on Sunday. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or simply someone with a passion for exquisite food and wine who wants to learn about the best food tours in France, I’m sure you’ll enjoy another gourmet food tour of one of my favourite corners of France.
On The Menu
Marathon du Medoc: Running on Hallowed Ground
As you lace up your shoes and prepare to embark on the Médoc Marathon, it’s important to understand that you’re not just running through any landscape—you’re running on hallowed ground. The vineyards of Médoc are steeped in history, with each twist and turn of the marathon route offering a taste of the rich heritage and deep-rooted traditions that make this region so special. But what exactly makes this ground so sacred for wine lovers and gastronomes alike? The answer lies in a concept deeply cherished in French culture: terroir.
What Is Terroir and Why Is It Important?
Terroir is a French term that refers to the unique combination of natural factors that influence the character of a wine. This includes everything from the soil and climate to the topography and even the local flora and fauna. It’s the reason why wines from different regions—even if made from the same grape variety—can taste so distinct. In essence, terroir is what gives a wine its sense of place, its identity, and its soul.
For winemakers, terroir is everything. It dictates how the vines grow, how the grapes ripen, and ultimately, how the wine tastes. The importance of terroir cannot be overstated—it’s the foundation upon which the world’s greatest wines are built. When you sip a glass of Médoc wine, you’re tasting the very essence of the land from which it came, a liquid expression of its unique environment.
What Is the Terroir of the French South West?
The terroir of southwest France, and particularly the Médoc region, is legendary. Here, the vineyards benefit from a unique combination of gravelly soils, a temperate maritime climate, and proximity to the Gironde Estuary, which moderates the temperatures and protects the vines from extreme weather. These conditions are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other classic Bordeaux grape varieties, which thrive in the well-drained soils and warm, sunny days.
The Médoc’s terroir gives its wines their characteristic power, depth, and complexity. The gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, forcing the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients, which in turn concentrates the flavours in the grapes. The result is wines with rich, dark fruit flavours, firm tannins, and a structure that allows them to age gracefully for decades.
Beyond the Médoc, the broader southwest region is known for its diverse terroirs, each contributing to a wide array of wines and foods that are as varied as the landscape itself. From the rolling hills of Gascony to the limestone plateaus of Cahors, the terroir of the southwest is a patchwork of microclimates and soil types, each offering something unique to the region’s celebrated cuisine and wine.
So, as you prepare to run the Médoc Marathon, know that you’re doing more than just racing through a scenic route—you’re traversing a landscape that has shaped the very wines and foods you’ll be indulging in along the way. This is terroir at its finest, and it’s what makes the Médoc Marathon an experience like no other.
The Perfect Vine Experience
You will notice as you run through the vines there fruits are ready to harvest, you will smell the grapes heavy, ready to burst their juices into the presses of the famous grands cru’s of Puillac, Saint Julien and Saint Estephe. September in Bordeaux is the best time to be visiting, the temperature is dropping but the nights are still long. The best time to indulge in gastronomic adventures, deepen your knowledge and challenge your body and your pallet.
The Global Influence of Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux isn’t just any wine region; it’s the standard by which all others are measured. Ever since Henry married Ealenor in 1156 Bordeaux wines have been the regal go to of the brits.
The influence of Bordeaux wines, particularly those from the Médoc, is profound. Winemakers around the world—from the valleys of Napa to the hills of Tuscany—aspire to the Bordeaux blend, which balances power and elegance in every glass.
These wines have become symbols of luxury and refinement, celebrated in literature, art, and culture. When you participate in the Médoc Marathon, you’re not just running through vineyards; you’re immersing yourself in a tradition that has shaped the world of wine. This is what makes the Médoc Marathon more than just a race—it’s the best food tour in France, blending physical challenge with culinary delight.
Médoc Wines: A Love Affair with the Vine
Let’s dive into what makes this event so extraordinary—the terroir. The Médoc region, a jewel of Bordeaux, is the home of some of the world’s most iconic wines. As you make your way through the Médoc Marathon, you’ll pass through vineyards that have been producing these legendary wines since the 17th century. The rich, full-bodied reds of Médoc are celebrated worldwide for their complexity and depth, making them a key highlight of this Bordeaux food tour.
While the tradition of Bordeaux wines stretch back to the Roman times, the Médoc was land created by Dutch traders who drained swamps to create vineyards closer to the river making the wine easier to transport, creating it’s unique terroir which is protected from the Atlantic, yet still warm thanks to the river and the climate.
These wines are not just a drink; they’re an experience, a journey through centuries of winemaking tradition. The vineyards of Médoc are where the magic happens—where grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are transformed into something truly special. When you sip a glass of Médoc during the marathon, you’re tasting the history and sophistication that have made Bordeaux wines a global benchmark.
The Medoc Marathon 2024 Wines you Have to Taste
I’ve made a list of all the tasting stops during your Medoc Marathon, compared the tasting notes, my own bank of knowledge and spent hours scouring the internet to come to the conclusion: it would be foolish to miss any of the tasting stops.
Don’t worry, they won’t be pouring you buckets of merlot like at your local pub. You will be handed tiny tasters that will be not only a moment of respite but a burst of flavour. The enjoyment of this wine will only be enhanced as you stand in front of the chateau, surrounded by vines catching your breath and tasting some of the best wines in the world.
OK, I get it, I’m a chef not a runner – so I should also take into account I have no idea what it’s like to run that far at the same time as drinking that much. I have chosen a few of the chateaus to showcase here that I think you should deffinately taste. They are either exceptional estates, have amazing historical status or everyone is just raving about their wine.
Stop
Chateau
Appellation and Classification
Tasting Notes
Tasting Stop 1
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande
Puillac – Grand Cru Classé
A wine that when drank old is just pure hedonism in a glass. Rich and opulant with dark velvety fruits that last for a long time in the mouth. Say things like “wow, this is everything I want a Pauillac to be.” You may find the tannins harsh if the bottle hasn’t been treated well, if the tannins are big, say “delicious and with time it will become even more refined.”
Tasting Stop 2
Château Beychevelle
Saint Julien – Grand Cru Classé
With a big flowery, fruity nose and a smooth long lasting taste. This chateau produces full-bodied yet smooth wines that are characteristic of the Saint Julian appellation. Say things like “the problem with this wine is I know it will be amazing in 20 years time, but it will never last that long in my cave”
Tasting Stop 6
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
Pauillac – Grand Cru Classé
An ancient vinyard that goes back to the middle ages and still has the same land as it did in 1855. Considered one of the best Puillac wines that regularily wins awards. Expressive and rich with notes of plum and a deep cigar nose. Say things like “I love the density of this wine”
Tasting Stop 9
Château Clerc Milon
Pauillac – Grand Cru Classé
Situated between two of the best medoc wines – Lafitte and Mouton it has incredably old vines giving exceptionally complex and tasty wines. This Chateau makes rich and smoky Bordeaux’s with big opulant fruity tastes. Say things like “wow, the tannins are so elegant in this wine”
Tasting Stop 10
Château Lafite Rothschild
Pauillac – Grand Cru Classé
One of the first premieres grand cru and oldest chateau – made famous by british buyers like sir Richard Walpole. Unmissable stop at a chateau that makes stunning wines from start to finish. Predominantly made from Cabernat Sauvignon grapes grown on ancient vines. Many describe their wines as perfection. Say something like “I can’t believe I am getting a chance to taste such a prestigious wine”
Tasting Stop 12
Château Lilian Ladouys
Saint Estephe – Cru Bourgeois Exceptionelle
Organic vinyards and more modern and brighter wines. This chateau makes brighter fruitier fresher wines for this region and has a very modern approach. Say something like “wow, such a nice change from the old fashioned wines we have tasted today”
Tasting Stop 16
Château Haut-Marbuzet
Saint-Estephe – Crus Bourgeois Exceptionelle
This chateau makes some of the highest rated and best wines from Saint-Estephe. Jay McInerney describes the wine’s relationship to its neighbors as “if a bikini-clad Juliette Binoche crashed a meeting of the French Academy.” The wines made here are unmissable and you should say things like “I can see why you win all the awards” as you are served a glass.
Tasting Stop 20
Château Montrose
Saint-Estephe – Grand Cru Classe
Critics have rated this as the best available among Saint-Estephe wines: the 2023 vintage was given a score of 98 by The Wine Advocate. The chateau makes deep dark purple Bordeaux’s with a big nose and complex palette. Say something like “I see you’ve been saving the best to last”
If there is one thing that makes this one of the best food and wine tours in France it is that all of this wine is included in your ticket. Drink up and keep running!
For anyone interested in doing this tour as a self-guided food tour or wants to see my notes on the chateaux – here is the Google Map of Just the Chateau’s on the 2024 Medoc Marathon. If you are looking for tasting notes on all the Medoc Marathon Chateau’s in a run handy format then drop me an email on tours@eatlikethefrench.com
The Allure of the Food Stops: A Culinary Seduction
What truly sets the Médoc Marathon apart as the best food tour in France are the gourmet food stops. OK, I may be biased. My parents retired to Bordeaux when I was 16 and the south west has some of my favorite foods in the world.
As you run through the scenic landscapes of Bordeaux, your senses will be tantalised by the aromas of seared foie gras, the salty tang of oysters, and the rich, earthy flavours of truffled cheeses. These stops are designed not just to refuel you, but to seduce your palate with the very best of southwest French cuisine.
Throw away your first world privalage veganism and celebrate all that hard work with a snapshot of the region’s culinary heritage. Here in the south west of france, food is about indulgence—slow-cooked dishes rich in flavour, paired perfectly with the bold wines of Médoc. This isn’t just about keeping you going; it’s about elevating the marathon experience to something truly unforgettable. Every bite, every sip, is a reminder of why the Médoc Marathon is the ultimate Bordeaux food tour.
Why the Médoc Marathon Is the Ultimate Food Tour
When I wrote about making the best food tours in Paris, I discussed how anything that is hard to get access too makes it immensely better. It’s hard to get access to this wonderful food tour; for those of you running this, you have the privalage to not only have the fitness and courage of a marathon runner but you managed to get a ticket and can afford the trip. I take my hat off to you. Many people can only dream of the experience you are about to have running the Medoc Marathon.
You don’t need me to remind you that the Médoc Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a gastronomic journey, a celebration of the finest pleasures France has to offer. It’s where the physical challenge of a marathon meets the hedonistic delights of a gourmet food tour, all set in the breathtaking landscape of Bordeaux wine country. This is the best food tour in France because it engages all your senses, rewarding every mile with a taste of something extraordinary.
So, to my friends running in a few weeks, this is your guide to the Médoc Marathon—the best food tour in France and the ultimate Bordeaux food tour. Next up, I have a blog post on what you should eat on your trip to Bordeaux! But for now remember, you’re not just participating in a marathon; you’re embarking on an epicurean adventure through the heart and soul of French cuisine and wine. Lace up your shoes, prepare your palate, and get ready to be swept off your feet by the Médoc Marathon—an experience that will leave you craving more. À votre santé!
What is the Médoc Marathon?
The Médoc Marathon is a unique marathon that takes place in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France. Considered one of the world longest Marathons. It’s famous not only for its scenic route through the vineyards of some of the world’s most prestigious wine estates but also for the music, entertainment and of course gourmet food and wine stops along the way. A race that celebrates both athleticism and indulgence.
Why is the Médoc Marathon considered the best food & wine tour in France?
The Médoc Marathon combines the excitement of a marathon with the pleasures of a gourmet food tour, making it one of the most unique experiences in the world. The barrier to entry is high and the rewards even higher. Runners have the opportunity to taste the finest wines from the Médoc region, paired with local delicacies like foie gras, oysters, and cheeses. This blend of physical challenge and culinary delight is why the Médoc Marathon is often hailed as the best food tour in France.
What foods are served at the Médoc Marathon?
The food stops along the Médoc Marathon route offer a variety of gourmet foods that are specialties of the southwest of France. Participants can enjoy foie gras, oysters, entrecôte (a classic Bordeaux steak), truffled cheeses, and this year Ice cream. These stops are designed to provide both nourishment and a taste of the region’s culinary excellence.
What makes Médoc wines so special?
Médoc wines are renowned for their deep, complex flavours and are produced in one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. The first ever to be classified as grand cru in 1855. The Médoc region is known for its rich, full-bodied red wines, primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. The history, tradition, and unique terroir of the Médoc contribute to the exceptional quality of these wines, making them a favourite among wine enthusiasts globally.
How does Bordeaux influence the world of wine?
Bordeaux is considered the gold standard in winemaking, influencing wine production around the globe. The Bordeaux blend, which typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, has been emulated in wine regions such as Napa Valley and Tuscany. Bordeaux wines, especially those from the Médoc, are celebrated for their balance, complexity, and elegance, setting the benchmark for fine wines worldwide.
Today this prestige is continued thanks to the superb wine making courses at the University of Bordeaux. Bordeaux continues to be at the forefront of the development of wine making techniques, technology and viticulture techniques.
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