Saint Emilion Village Visiting Chateaux & Wine Tasting

Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux’s renowned wine region, the charming village of Saint Emilion beckons visitors with its historic chateaux and renowned wine tastings. A guided exploration through this medieval town unveils family-owned wineries where local winemaking traditions come to life. Savor the flavors of 5-6 exquisite wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of the region. This immersive experience offers not only a feast for the palate but also a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Bordeaux’s wine industry.

Key Points

• Guided exploration of the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint Emilion, including its Romanesque architecture and panoramic views from the Monolithic Church.

• Scenic drive through the picturesque Bordeaux countryside and vineyards, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and historic chateaus.

• Visits to family-owned chateaus and cellars, with opportunities to taste 5-6 renowned wines from the Saint Emilion appellation.

• Optional cheese tasting to complement the wine experience and provide a deeper understanding of the local culinary traditions.

• English and French-speaking guides lead the 6-hour tour, which includes transportation, guided tours, wine tastings, bottled water, and snacks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors a guided experience exploring the charming medieval village of Saint Emilion, renowned for its wine production.

During the 6-hour tour, guests will enjoy a scenic drive through the French countryside and vineyards, followed by a visit to local chateaus and wine tastings.

The tour is led by English and French-speaking guides and includes transportation, guided tours, wine tastings, bottled water, and snacks.

Wheelchair users should note the tour isn’t suitable for them. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and pets aren’t allowed.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting from the 6 All. de Tourny in the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, the tour takes visitors on a scenic drive through the French countryside and vineyards. Upon arrival, the group explores the historic village, including a visit to a local church for panoramic views. The highlight of the itinerary is the guided tours of family-owned chateaus and cellars, where guests learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and sample 5-6 different wines. An optional cheese tasting is also available to complement the wine experience. Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides engaging historical insights.

| Highlights | Details |

| — | — |

| Scenic Drive | Countryside and vineyards |

| Village Exploration | Medieval architecture, church views |

| Chateau Tours | Family-owned, winemaking traditions |

| Wine Tasting | 5-6 different wines |

| Cheese Tasting | Optional addition |

| Knowledgeable Guide | Historical insights |

Scenic Drive Through French Countryside and Vineyards

After exploring the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion, the tour takes visitors on a picturesque drive through the idyllic French countryside and renowned vineyards.

The scenic route showcases:

1. Lush, rolling hills blanketed in rows of grapevines, creating a patchwork quilt of verdant hues.

2. Quaint country roads winding through pastoral landscapes dotted with historic chateaus and farmhouses.

3. Breathtaking vistas of the Dordogne River Valley, offering panoramic views of the region’s natural beauty.

This immersive journey provides a glimpse into the heart of Bordeaux’s legendary wine country.

Exploration of Medieval Village and Local Architecture

As visitors arrive in the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion, they’ll find themselves immersed in a living time capsule, where the past seamlessly blends with the present.

Exploring the maze of cobblestone streets and alleyways, they’ll discover Romanesque churches, historic monasteries, and ancient fortifications. The centerpiece is the imposing Monolithic Church, hewn directly from the rock, offering panoramic views from its bell tower.

Winding cobblestone streets reveal Romanesque churches, historic monasteries, and ancient fortifications, with the Monolithic Church’s panoramic views from its bell tower.

Along the way, visitors can admire the local craftsmanship, from traditional stonemasons to modern artisans showcasing their wares in quaint boutiques and galleries.

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a captivating glimpse into France’s rich architectural heritage.

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Visit to a Church for Panoramic Views

Visitors will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Saint-Émilion region as they ascend the bell tower of the Monolithic Church.

The church, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, features:

1. A 68-meter bell tower offering 360-degree vistas of the medieval village, surrounding vineyards, and the Dordogne River.

2. Intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the exterior walls, providing insight into the town’s rich history.

3. A unique monolithic design, with the entire structure carved out of a single block of limestone, a testament to the engineering prowess of its builders.

After exploring the church, guests can continue their immersion in the region’s cultural heritage.

Guided Tour of Chateaus and Cellars

Following the exploration of the Monolithic Church, guests embark on a guided tour through the prestigious chateaus and wine cellars of Saint-Émilion.

They’ll discover the winemaking process, from grape to bottle, with knowledgeable local experts. Visitors explore historic cellars, learn about barrel aging, and witness the intricate art of blending.

The highlight is the opportunity to sample 5-6 renowned wines from the region, perfectly paired with local cheeses.

This immersive experience provides an insider’s look at the traditions and expertise that have made Saint-Émilion a world-class wine destination.

Wine Tasting and Optional Cheese Tasting

After exploring the historic chateaus and learning about the winemaking process, guests move on to the highlight of the tour – the wine tasting.

The tour includes tasting 5-6 different wines from the region, allowing visitors to sample the unique flavors and characteristics of Saint Emilion’s renowned vintages.

The wine tasting is accompanied by:

1. Knowledgeable commentary from the guide, who provides insight into the local winemaking traditions and the specific grapes and techniques used.

2. An optional cheese tasting, which pairs perfectly with the robust red wines.

3. Bottled water and light snacks to cleanse the palate between tastings.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour provides comfortable transportation for guests in the form of a car or van, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience throughout the excursion.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the medieval village and chateau locations may present accessibility challenges.

The medieval village and chateau locations may present accessibility challenges, making the tour unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Guests will meet at the BNP Paribas Bank gate, which serves as the convenient starting point for the tour.

While the tour includes guided visits and tastings, participants should wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the exploration of the historic Saint Emilion region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Children on the Tour?

The tour is not specifically designed for children, but they are welcome to join. However, some activities like wine tasting may not be suitable for minors. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their policies regarding children.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Dressing in layers is advised, as some of the tour activities may take place in cooler cellar environments.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Wine Tasting?

The tour doesn’t have any specific dietary restrictions for the wine tasting. However, guests with allergies or special dietary needs should inform the tour operator in advance so they can accommodate them accordingly.

Can I Purchase Wine During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase wine during the tour. The tour includes a guided tasting of 5-6 wines, and there’s the option to purchase additional bottles from the chateaus visited for an extra cost.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize the experience, allowing you to spend more time exploring the chateaus, tasting additional wines, or adding a cheese tasting.

The Wrap Up

Enjoy the rich wine heritage of Saint Emilion. Wander the charming village, tour historic chateaux, and savor exquisite wines that capture the region’s unique terroir. This immersive experience offers a feast for the senses and a deep dive into Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your visit with an optional cheese tasting.

You can check availability for your dates here: