3 Architectural Wineries to Visit in France

Modern buildings with curves that blend seamlessly into the landscape: this is the challenge facing the architects designing the wineries of the future. These creative engineers are certainly not lacking in imagination; indeed, their buildings impress with their understated elegance and sensuality.

Château La Dominique

The wine cellar at this Saint-Emilion château underwent a makeover in 2013, enlisting the services of Jean Nouvel. This renowned architect has, after all, designed the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Fondation Cartier, and the Philharmonie de Paris: needless to say, this wine cellar was in good hands. The result? A complete renovation featuring shades of red and light wood. From the vineyard, you can see a long extension of the building clad in glossy plastic. Inside, the atmosphere is very modern, with remarkable attention to the spaces and their perspectives.

Our tip: Take advantage of the simply furnished outdoor area to enjoy a glass of the château’s wine.

Romanin Castle

Head to Provence to discover Château Romanin. The 58-hectare estate (42 hectares of vineyards, 4 of olive trees, and 2 of almond trees) unfolds before you between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Eygalières. Upon arrival, you’ll be speechless at the sheer beauty of the surroundings. This 13th-century château is nestled among vineyards, mountains, and woods. Inside, you’ll discover an exceptional space: a wine cellar built using techniques employed in Gothic cathedrals. With its soaring ceilings and details of surgical precision, you won’t know where to look first. In short, it’s a place steeped in history set in a sumptuous landscape—it’s well worth the detour!

Don't miss out: take a stroll through the olive grove under the southern sun—relaxation guaranteed.

Château Cheval Blanc

In 2011, Christian de Portzamparc designed the winery for the legendary Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion. The winery for Bernard Arnaud’s vineyard was completely redesigned and built entirely of concrete. The architect, of Moroccan origin, chose fluid curves that give the building its elongated shape: the Cheval Blanc canopy was born. Viewed from the outside, the winery is striking at first glance but then blends harmoniously into the landscape. Inside, concrete is everywhere. The vats are impressive in both size and number, while the room housing the aging barrels feels warm thanks to the use of light-colored concrete.

Don't miss it: take a stroll at dusk along the path formed by the arches of this winery.

Ballande and Méneret Logistics Warehouse

Located in the heart of Bordeaux between La Cité du Vin and the Musée du Vin et du Négoce, this logistics warehouse stands out in the southwestern city. Resembling a UFO with its almost too-perfect rectangular shape, this concrete block transforms at night, lighting up with orange dots: a guaranteed spectacle! Inside, no fewer than 4 million bottles are stored across the 10,000 square meters of available space.

Bonus tip: Take a stroll around this building after dark, in the pine forest that surrounds it!