Château Balestard La Tonnelle: the Origins Tour

Château Balestard La Tonnelle’s "The Origins Tour" offers a captivating glimpse into the estate’s rich history and renowned winemaking traditions. Guests embark on an immersive journey, exploring the picturesque vineyards and historic cellars while learning about the time-honored techniques that have been honed over generations. The tour culminates in a tasting of the estate’s exquisite wines, allowing visitors to savor the essence of this renowned region. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the region’s heritage, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Discover the secrets that have made Château Balestard La Tonnelle a renowned name in the world of fine wine.

This experience made our list of the 16 Best Tours In Saint Emilion.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the family-owned Grand Cru Classé vineyard, which has a winemaking tradition dating back to 1647.
• Exploration of the property’s historical elements, including a 15th-century watchtower and the panoramic terrace with 360-degree views of Saint-Emilion.
• Insight into modern winemaking processes through visits to the vat room and the architect-designed, bioclimatic barrel cellar.
• Tasting of two red wines, including the estate’s Grand Cru Classé, on the panoramic terrace.
• Wheelchair accessibility and free on-site parking provided for a comfortable and accessible experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Château Balestard La Tonnelle offers visitors a guided tour of their Grand Cru Classé vineyard, which has been managed by the Capdemourlin family since 1647.

The tour is priced from $16.70 per person and lasts for 1 hour, with small groups limited to 8 participants. Available in both French and English, the tour includes a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can also choose the "reserve now & pay later" option. The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the vineyard, vat room, and barrel cellar.

Experience and Itinerary

The guided tour at Château Balestard La Tonnelle includes a visit to the vineyard, vat room, and barrel cellar. At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting of 2 red wines, including a Grand Cru Classé, on the 360° panoramic terrace with stunning views of Saint-Emilion.

Experience	Details
Vineyard Visit	Explore the family-owned Grand Cru Classé vineyard.
Vat Room	Learn about the winemaking process in the modern, architect-designed cellar.
Barrel Cellar	Discover the estate’s historical features like the 15th-century watchtower.
Tasting	Savor the flavors of 2 exceptional red wines on the panoramic terrace.

The tour lasts 1 hour and is limited to small groups of 8 participants. Visitors should arrive 5 minutes early, as late arrivals may result in tour cancellation.

Highlights and Features

The panoramic terrace spans an impressive 400 square meters, offering visitors 360-degree views of the picturesque town of Saint-Emilion.

The estate’s cellar, designed by an architect, was built in 2019 with a bioclimatic approach.

Visitors can also admire the 15th-century watchtower and the iconic limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion, both historical features that showcase the property’s rich heritage.

As a family-owned estate with a winemaking tradition dating back to 1647, Château Balestard La Tonnelle provides guests with a truly immersive experience, blending the past and present in an idyllic setting.

Guided Tour and Tasting

Visitors embark on a guided tour that takes them through the vineyard, vat room, and barrel cellar of this historic estate. The tour concludes with a tasting of two red wines, including a Grand Cru Classé, on the 360° panoramic terrace overlooking the picturesque town of Saint-Emilion.

Tour Highlights	Details
Vineyard Visit	Explore the Grand Cru Classé vineyard managed by the Capdemourlin family since 1647.
Vat Room	See the modern, architect-designed bioclimatic cellar built in 2019.
Barrel Cellar	Discover the estate’s winemaking tradition in the 15th-century limestone cellar.
Wine Tasting	Savor two exceptional red wines, including a Grand Cru Classé, on the panoramic terrace.

Late arrivals (over 20 minutes) may result in tour cancellation, so guests are advised to arrive 5 minutes early.

More Great Tours Nearby

Panoramic Terrace and Views

After exploring the vineyard, vat room, and barrel cellar, the tour culminates on the property’s 360-degree panoramic terrace.

Spanning 400 square meters, this architect-designed terrace provides breathtaking views of the historic town of Saint-Emilion. Guests can admire the limestone plateau and 15th-century watchtower from this vantage point.

The terrace’s bioclimatic design, completed in 2019, ensures a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.

Following the guided tour, visitors can savor the estate’s Grand Cru Classé wines while taking in the sweeping vistas.

This panoramic finale offers a memorable conclusion to the Château Balestard La Tonnelle tour.

Architect-Designed Bioclimatic Cellar

Consistently, the estate’s architect-designed bioclimatic cellar, completed in 2019, embodies the family’s commitment to sustainable winemaking.

The cellar’s innovative bioclimatic design maximizes energy efficiency by leveraging natural ventilation, geothermal temperature regulation, and solar panels. This eco-friendly approach ensures the wines are crafted in an environmentally responsible manner, without compromising quality.

The cellar features:

• Advanced temperature and humidity controls to maintain optimal conditions for aging the wines
• Specialized lighting that minimizes energy consumption
• Gravity-flow system that reduces the need for pumps and protects the delicate grape must

This state-of-the-art facility seamlessly blends tradition and technology, allowing the Capdemourlin family to preserve their winemaking heritage while embracing a sustainable future.

Historical Significance and Tradition

For over 350 years, the Capdemourlin family has meticulously cultivated their prized vineyards in Saint-Emilion. This storied estate boasts a rich winemaking heritage dating back to 1647.

Perched atop the limestone plateau, the 15th-century watchtower stands as a testament to the estate’s historical significance. Generations of the Capdemourlin family have dedicated themselves to preserving the land and traditions that have made Château Balestard La Tonnelle a revered Grand Cru Classé vineyard.

Today, visitors can enjoy this timeless legacy, exploring the estate’s architecture, cellars, and exceptional wines that embody the essence of Saint-Emilion’s celebrated terroir.

Accessibility and Amenities

Château Balestard La Tonnelle aims to make the estate accessible to all visitors. The property offers wheelchair accessibility, ensuring everyone can explore the grounds and facilities.

Free on-site parking is available, making it convenient for guests to arrive by car. While no food or drinks are allowed during the tour, visitors can take advantage of the shopping opportunities at the property’s boutique.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Free on-site parking
• Shopping available at the property’s boutique

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Chateau?

Yes, visitors can purchase wine directly from the chateau. The property includes a boutique where guests can buy the wines they tasted during the tour after their experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no dress code for the tour. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing. The focus is on enjoying the wine tasting and learning about the chateau’s history, not on formal attire.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Groups or Students?

Yes, there are discounts available. Groups of 4 or more receive a 10% discount per person, and students receive a 15% discount with valid ID. Reservations for these discounts must be made in advance.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to Consume During the Tour?

No, outside food and drinks are not allowed during the tour. The tour policy prohibits bringing your own consumables to ensure the best experience for all guests.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The website states "No food or drinks allowed during the tour," which suggests the policy does not permit bringing pets. For the comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted.

Sum Up

The "Château Balestard La Tonnelle: The Origins Tour" offers a captivating journey through the estate’s storied past and winemaking traditions. Guests enjoy the vineyards, historic cellars, and architectural marvels, culminating in a tasting of the region’s finest wines. This immersive experience showcases the estate’s dedication to quality and sustainable practices, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: