Saint Emilion & Pomerol Full Day INDIVIDUAL Wine Tour

Saint Emilion, located about 45 minutes east of Bordeaux, has roots dating back to the 8th century when a Benedictine monk established a hermitage there.

Saint Emilion is in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France, within the Gironde department, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) east of Bordeaux. This medieval village sits atop a limestone plateau and overlooks vineyards known for producing robust red wines, primarily featuring Merlot grapes. It is a popular destination for day trips from Bordeaux.

Saint-Emilion is celebrated worldwide for its red wines, predominantly featuring the Merlot grape. The village itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as part of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion for its unique cultural landscape devoted to winemaking. Its rich history and architecture, including the underground monolithic church, add to its charm.

Saint Emilion is rich in history, with notable attractions including the impressive Romanesque church in the old town center. The medieval streets and buildings are well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past. As you explore, you'll find stunning viewpoints with panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. Additionally, the village's primary historical attraction lies underground, with a network of tunnels spanning over 120 miles, remnants of the quarries that provided stone for construction until the 19th century.

Unlike other wine tasting sessions, Bordeaux tastings emphasize quality, elegance, and aroma rather than quantity. At each winery, you typically taste their premium wine and secondary labels. Owners may also offer wines from their other Bordeaux estates. Expect to sample 2 to 4 wines per winery. In the village, you can taste wines from various Bordeaux regions, typically ranging from 4 to 8 wines. Wines can be purchased and shipped internationally.

The Saint-Émilion classification system ranks the top wineries in the Saint-Émilion wine region of Bordeaux. Established in 1955, it assesses wine quality, winery reputation, and vineyard terroir. The classification includes Premier Grand Cru Classé (subdivided into A and B) and Grand Cru Classé categories, with around 60 wineries in the latter. It is reviewed and updated approximately every decade, with the most recent update in 2022.

Unfortunately, Petrus is not open to public visits; only wine merchants or professionals in the wine trade may have access. However, we offer tours within the Pomerol appellation, and if you're interested in Pomerol wines, we can arrange a Private Bordeaux Wine Tour to visit wineries in that area.

Situated on the right bank of the Garonne River, Saint Emilion is renowned for its red wines, predominantly made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. These wines are celebrated for their complexity and elegance, with flavors that range from plums and strawberries to cherries, and that can develop into dried and stewed notes over time. Oak aging is common, adding nuances of vanilla, toast, and nutmeg.

Absolutely! Our Saint Emilion wine tour is tailored to accommodate enthusiasts at any stage, whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned expert. Our knowledgeable guide will provide valuable information on the winemaking process, the unique characteristics of the Saint Emilion terroir, and the distinctive qualities of its wines, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all participants.

Yes, we are happy to arrange and pre-book visits to wineries in Saint Emilion. While most wineries are open to visitors, prestigious estates like Chateau Cheval Blanc and Petrus do not accommodate tours. We will confirm Chateau reservations after you book your private wine tour.

No, lunch is not included in the half-day tour. However, our guide can provide recommendations. The full-day tour includes a complimentary lunch in Saint Emilion village or a picnic in a vineyard.

Saint-Emilion has over 700 wineries across about 5,500 hectares (13,500 acres). The finest wineries are found in the Saint Emilion Grand Cru section. Not all Grand Cru wineries offer a great visitor experience, but some of the best include:

• Château Ferrand: A family-owned Grand Cru Classé.
• Château Bellefont Belcier: A Grand Cru Classé near Château Pavie,
• Château fleur Cardinale: A Grand Cru Classé
• Château La Croizille: A family-run Grand Cru Classé
• Château Faugeres: A family-owned Grand Cru Classé.
• Château Camensac: A family-owned Grand Cru Classé…

While the small-group tour cannot be fully customized, you can tailor aspects such as choosing specific wineries or adding activities during our private Saint Emilion Wine tours.

Yes, most wineries on the Saint Emilion wine tour offer wines for purchase. Whether you're a connoisseur or a wine enthusiast, you'll have the opportunity to bring home some of Saint Emilion's finest bottles.

To ensure a personalized experience, our Saint-Emilion wine tour is limited to small groups, with a maximum of 8 participants.

Due to the wine tasting focus, the tour is not ideal for families with children. However, non-drinkers are welcome to join, and the pricing remains the same.