Oh, the joys of Saint-Émilion! This medieval wine village is one of our favorite places in the entire Bordeaux region. It’s like stepping into a medieval wine wonderland woven with Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, where every vine and cobblestone has a story to tell. Take an unforgettable walk through a picturesque village on its world-famous limestone plateau!

Saint-Émilion is more than a small town; it’s a true blast from the past, weaving tales of fine wines that date all the way back to Roman times. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, each stone and cellar here sings songs of the old world, telling stories of the seamless relationship between humans and vines.

World-famous Limestone Terroir

Nestled by the Dordogne River, just down the road from Libourne, Saint-Émilion’s vineyards live on top of one-of-a-kind terroir; a mix of limestone, clay, and gravel, under the caress of a gentle maritime breeze, allowing the wines to sing their heart out, in a blend of structure, scent, and sophistication.

Little known fact: The cobblestone streets of Saint Émilion were actually paved with ballast stones left behind from ships, replaced for barrels of fine wine. Since the ballast stones were no longer needed, they were used to create roads and passages throughout the region. Today, these same stones pave three of the steep inclines that join upper to lower Saint Émilion.

Saint Émilion isn’t just fabulous terroir, it’s home to legendary wine estates. We love the unique topography of world-famous wine producers like Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, where wines reach a new pinnacle of elegance and intricacy… not to mention price. This is where Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes play their sweetest tunes, delighting our senses with hints of red berries, plums, truffles, and smooth tannins.

Local Insights & Hidden Gems

• Stroll Through History: Explore the medieval brilliance of Saint-Émilion, discovering its grand monolithic (underground) church and lovely cloisters.
• A Culinary Journey: Dive into the rich local cuisine, pairing a delicate “magret de canard” with an aged Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé.
• Secret Cellars: Explore some of Saint-Émilion’s many underground cellars and enjoy the lingering essence of aging fine wines.

Neighboring appellations like Lussac-Saint-Émilion and Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion are often overlooked but produce fabulous wine from excellent properties. We have a soft spot for Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion, just north of town on a picturesque hill – as well as Pressac, on the plateau East of Saint-Emilion, overlooking a sea of vineyards.

Touring Saint-Émilion is like waltzing through time, interacting with the terroir, and savoring flavors like nowhere else. Even today, it’s a harmony of the ancient and contemporary, where each sip is a dance with eternity, and every whiff is a breath from the timeless past.

Saint Émilion Day-Trip

9:00 am – Leave Bordeaux
10:00 am – Private tour of Medieval Saint Émilion & Guided tour of Underground Saint Émilion
12:00 pm – Lunch at a Michelin Chef Restaurant
2:00 pm – Visit a Grand Cru Classé Château
3:30 pm – Horizontal tasting at a Local Cavistes
5:00 pm – Sightseeing Panoramic View of St-Émilion Vineyards
6:00 pm – Return to Bordeaux

A short drive over the river and onto the limestone plateau that has been covered in grapevines since the Romans planted them 2,000 years ago. Head straight into the heart of the world-famous wine village for what feels like a trip back to medieval France.

Begin by learning about the monk after whom the city was named, Saint-Émilion, before discovering the unique underground architecture constructed over centuries on a Private Walking Tour.

After learning all about the village and cellars, head to a delicious lunch at one of the most popular restaurants in the area, owned and operated by a Master Chef and his delightful wife. This power couple of restaurateurs create a culinary experience that you’ll never forget.

Continue your tour with a private visit of a breathtaking 600-year-old convent. This convent has survived untouched for seven centuries, celebrating winemaking, an exceptional terroir, and the great tradition of the Classified Growth wine estates of Saint-Émilion.

Take some time to explore the village and visit the many shops and historical locations. See for yourself why many call this town the “Disney World of Wine.”

Meet back up for a quick stop at a local wine merchant to taste the difference in Saint-Émilion wines with a horizontal wine tasting of local blends and special vintages.

Finish your day with a spectacular view from a place that made history as the site of the surrender of the English to the French after the Battle of Castillon, ending the Hundred Years War.

Now, you’re a Saint Émilion expert and have a new appreciation for this wine-famous region! Ready to see it for yourself? Join us on a Bordeaux Wine Vacation!