Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a Bordeaux wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation, ranked among the Crus Classés for red wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1953 and 1959. The winery and vineyards are located south of the city of Bordeaux, in the commune of Martillac.
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Review: Château Smith Haut Lafitte – 2 out of 5 Stars 1 star for the stunning estate, 1 star for the guide — and that’s where the positives end.
On my third day in Bordeaux, I was staying at Les Sources de Caudalie, just a short walk from Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Given the beautiful setting, I was excited to visit the estate for a wine tasting.
The property is stunning — a true visual delight. But from the moment I arrived, the hospitality fell surprisingly short. The front desk staff were cold and unwelcoming. When we arrived on time for our reservation, we were told abruptly to wait “until my colleague comes,” with no warmth or explanation. I honestly thought I had misunderstood something, but my friend confirmed she felt the same discomfort.
After waiting 15 minutes, I went back to ask if we had been forgotten. The response, again, was indifferent. Our guide finally arrived — friendly and professional — and immediately brought a sense of ease to the experience. Unfortunately, before we could even begin, one of the front desk staff interrupted with a blunt “First, you pay,” which felt jarring and ungracious.
We had booked The Masterclass Workshop but misunderstood the pricing — €810 per group of 12, not per person. Since there were only two of us, we would have had to cover the full amount. Thankfully, our guide helped us change to the A Taste of Paradise package (€209), more suitable for a small group. Still, the cost felt high compared to other wine tastings in the region.
Even after that, the reception team’s attitude remained cold, making us feel unwelcome in a place that should feel special. I appreciated the professionalism and kindness of our guide — she took us to the tower for a vineyard view, shared the château’s fascinating history, and led us through the cellars with enthusiasm.
We tasted three wines: • Les Hauts de Smith 2020 • Château Smith Haut Lafitte Grand Cru Classé 2018 • Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2022
The wines were lovely — though the tasting pours were extremely small. Not that I expected large servings, but having done multiple tastings in Bordeaux by this point, this was noticeably minimal. That, combined with the earlier friction, made it hard to fully enjoy the experience.
And for anyone wondering — if you look at my other reviews, including my stay at Les Sources de Caudalie and my dinner at La Grand’Vigne, you’ll see I’m not one to criticize lightly. This review comes solely from the experience I had — no bias, just honest disappointment.
If the hospitality had matched the beauty of the place, this could have been a highlight....
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A Journey Through Excellence at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte - Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is not just a vineyard; it's a testament to the storied tradition and refined artistry of Bordeaux winemaking. From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in an atmosphere that speaks volumes of its rich heritage and commitment to quality.
The wine tasting experience at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is unparalleled. Each wine is a masterpiece, showcasing the depth, complexity, and elegance that Bordeaux is renowned for. The knowledge and passion of the team enhance this experience, making it not only informative but also truly captivating.
The beauty of the estate is breathtaking. Walking through the vineyards, one can't help but feel a deep connection to the land and the meticulous care that goes into every bottle. The chateau itself is a blend of historical charm and modern sophistication, mirroring the fusion of traditional methods and innovative techniques in their agricultural practices.
What truly sets Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte apart is the story behind their agricultural methods. Their dedication to sustainable practices and respect for the environment is evident in the quality of their wines. It's a remarkable journey through the history and future of winemaking.
Visiting Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is more than just a wine tasting; it's an immersive experience into the heart of Bordeaux's wine culture. A resounding five stars for an...
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Great place,
If you are looking for a winery that is open when the other ones are close. This is the one for you.
The chateaux is nice and has a lot of features. If you are looking for tatsing the wines they have different level of tasting. First one starting at $20 then all the way to $50 per peeaop per tasting.
If you would prefer having just a glass of wine and enjoy the scenwrs you can walk across the wines and go to there little pub. You will be then able to enjoy a glass of wine.
The winwrw also has a spa and a hotel atracatt to it. It as unfortunately a little commercial fell but the winery is open and every one was nice, friendly band knowledgable about the wines and the propeepr
Highly recommend. We...
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