Saint-Emilion: Visit of the Village & Château With Wine Tasting

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Bordeaux, the medieval town of Saint-Emilion beckons with its captivating blend of history and winemaking prowess. Visitors who embark on this guided tour will uncover the village’s architectural gems, from the iconic Collegiate Church to the winding Romanesque streets. But the real draw lies in delving into the region’s exceptional terroir, as a winery visit promises a chance to savor the award-winning vintages that have made this UNESCO-listed wonder a global destination for oenophiles. With an insider’s perspective on the deep-rooted connection between the land and the renowned Saint-Emilion wines, this immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion, known for its Romanesque architecture and winemaking heritage.
• Visit a renowned local winery to learn about the region’s unique terroir and taste exceptional wines.
• Enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming narrow streets and iconic landmarks like the Collegiate Church.
• Gain an insider’s perspective on the deep-rooted connection between the land and the winemaking process.
• Experience a personalized and intimate tour with a small group.

Tour Overview

This tour offers a delightful combination of a guided walking exploration of the picturesque medieval village of Saint-Emilion and a visit to renowned local wineries to learn about the region’s renowned terroir and taste exceptional wines.

You’ll explore the charming, UNESCO-listed streets of Saint-Emilion, uncovering its rich history and captivating architecture.

Then, you’ll head to acclaimed wineries where you’ll go behind the scenes to discover the vine-to-glass process from passionate winemakers. During tastings, you’ll savor the complex flavors that make this region’s wines so sought-after.

This small-group tour, limited to just 8 people, ensures a personalized and intimate experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned van, a guided tour of a winery with a tasting of 3 wines, and a guided walking tour of the Saint-Emilion UNESCO World Heritage village, along with informative brochures. However, it excludes personal expenses and gratuities.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Transportation by air-conditioned van	Personal expenses
Guided tour of a winery and tasting of 3 wines	Gratuities
Guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion UNESCO World Heritage village
Informative brochures

This tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing you to fully learn about the rich history and renowned wine culture of Saint-Emilion.

Meeting Point and Transportation

Travelers can meet at Olala Bordeaux, located 2 ter Mably street in the center of Bordeaux, which is accessible by Tramway Lines B, C and D (Stop Quinconces).

This convenient meeting point makes it easy for everyone to gather before embarking on the tour.

The guided experience will then take you by air-conditioned van to explore the medieval village of Saint-Emilion and its renowned wineries.

At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped back off at the same meeting location, so you can continue your adventures in Bordeaux.

The tour’s transportation is all taken care of, allowing you to sit back, relax, and fully learn about the beauty and flavors of the Saint-Emilion region.

Guided Tour of Saint-Emilion

Upon arriving in Saint-Emilion, you’ll embark on a guided walking tour that immerses you in the village’s well-preserved medieval charm and rich winemaking heritage.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the narrow, winding streets, pointing out the iconic landmarks and sharing tales of the town’s storied past.

You’ll meander past the impressive Collegiate Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the intricate Romanesque architecture that defines the village’s historic core.

Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Saint-Emilion’s terroir and how the region’s unique soil and climate have shaped its renowned wines.

The guided tour offers an intimate, insider’s perspective that brings the essence of this enchanting wine town to life.

Winery Visit and Tasting

Next, travelers head to a local winery, where they’ll explore the art of winemaking and savor the region’s renowned vintages.

At the winery, an expert guide leads them through the fascinating process – from grape to glass. They’ll explore the cellars, learn about the unique terroir, and discover the meticulous techniques that make Saint-Emilion wines so special.

The highlight, of course, is the tasting. Swirling, sniffing, and sipping, guests savor three distinctive wines, each offering a unique flavor profile that reflects the winery’s expertise.

It’s an immersive experience that deepens travelers’ appreciation for the skill and passion that goes into crafting these acclaimed, world-class vintages.

Exploring the Village

After the winery visit, the group strolls through the charming medieval streets of Saint-Emilion, marveling at the village’s well-preserved architecture and rich history.

They meander past limestone buildings, some dating back to the 12th century, and stop to admire the impressive Monolithic Church, a massive underground church carved right into the rock.

The guide shares fascinating insights, explaining how the village’s terroir and microclimate have shaped its winemaking heritage.

As they climb the iconic Bell Tower, the panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards are simply breathtaking.

The group explores the quaint shops and cafés, sampling local delicacies and soaking up the village’s peaceful, timeless ambiance – a true highlight of the Saint-Emilion experience.

Terroir of the Region

As the group explores the charming village of Saint-Emilion, they can’t help but notice how the unique terroir of the region has shaped the winemaking heritage.

The limestone-rich soils, microclimates, and centuries-old viticultural practices all come together to create the renowned wines of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The guide explains how the limestone-based soil provides excellent drainage and imparts a distinct minerality to the grapes. The warm days and cool nights also contribute to the development of complex flavors.

The group listens intently, realizing that the story of Saint-Emilion’s wines is deeply rooted in the land itself. They can’t wait to taste the fruits of this exceptional terroir.

Tour Details

The tour kicks off with a comfortable van ride from the central meeting point in Bordeaux, transporting the small group of 8 travelers to the enchanting village of Saint-Emilion.

Along the way, they’ll catch glimpses of the rolling vineyards that blanket the countryside, eagerly anticipating their immersion in the winemaking heritage of this celebrated region.

Once in Saint-Emilion, the group will embark on a guided walking tour, exploring the medieval streets and learning about the unique terroir that gives the local wines their renowned character.

After the village tour, it’s off to a nearby winery where you will go behind the scenes, discovering the vine-to-glass process from the winemakers themselves before savoring a tasting of the château’s finest offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?

Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own wine to the tasting. The tour is designed for you to sample the local wines from the wineries you’ll visit. The winemakers want you to experience their unique terroir and production methods during the tastings.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, so travelers can wear whatever’s comfortable. The tour’s pretty casual – just dress for strolling through the medieval village and visiting wineries. As long as you’re neat and tidy, you’ll fit right in.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, the tour company will notify participants as soon as possible and offer a full refund or chance to reschedule. They’ll work to accommodate you and ensure you still enjoy the experience.

Can I Purchase Wine at the Winery to Take Home?

Yes, you can purchase wines at the winery to take home. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to sample several wines and then can buy your favorites to enjoy later. The winemakers welcome the opportunity to share their exceptional vintages with you.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

There don’t seem to be any special discounts for seniors or students on this tour. However, the group size is limited to 8 people, so you’ll enjoy a personalized experience. It’s best to check with the tour provider for any current offers.

Recap

This captivating tour immerses you in the medieval charm and winemaking heritage of the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion.

Uncover the iconic Collegiate Church, wander the narrow streets, and visit a local winery to savor exceptional wines that showcase the region’s terroir.

It’s an intimate insider’s perspective on this enchanting wine town and the deep-rooted connection between the land and its renowned vintages.