Full-day Saint-Emilion: Village, Undergrounds and Châteaux

Discover the captivating world of Saint-Emilion on this full-day excursion. We’ll explore the medieval village, marvel at the underground monuments, and savor the exquisite wines of renowned châteaux. From the charming cobblestone streets to the complex flavors of Bordeaux’s finest, this immersive journey promises to leave a lasting impression. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the enchanting details that make Saint-Emilion a must-visit destination.

Key Points

• Explore the well-preserved medieval village of Saint-Emilion, with its charming stone buildings, cobblestone lanes, and the imposing Monolithic Church.
• Discover the remarkable underground network of monuments, including an intricate underground church and captivating subterranean world.
• Visit the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages, a historic 16th-century estate, and tour its underground cellars to gain insights into Bordeaux winemaking.
• Experience a guided tasting at Château Troplong Mondot, showcasing the exceptional terroir and concentrated flavors of their Merlot-based wines.
• Conclude the day with a scenic drive back to Bordeaux, having explored the village, underground monuments, and renowned châteaux of the Saint-Emilion region.

Exploring the Medieval Village of Saint-Emilion

As we wander through the quaint medieval streets of Saint-Emilion, we can’t help but marvel at the town’s rich history and well-preserved architecture.

Narrow cobblestone lanes lead us past charming stone buildings, some dating back to the 12th century. We pause to admire the imposing Monolithic Church, carved directly into a limestone cliff, and the Hermitage, a former dwelling of the town’s namesake.

Climbing the bell tower rewards us with panoramic views over the undulating vineyards and medieval rooftops.

Saint-Emilion captivates us with its timeless atmosphere and invites us to step back in time.

Discovering the Underground Monuments

After exploring the picturesque village, we venture underground to discover Saint-Emilion’s remarkable network of subterranean monuments.

We descend into the ancient catacombs and explore the intricate underground church carved into the limestone. The scale and craftsmanship of these marvels leave us in awe.

We wander through the narrow passageways of the monolithic church, marveling at the historic inscriptions and centuries-old architecture.

Beneath the quaint surface, Saint-Emilion hides a captivating subterranean world that reveals the town’s rich history and religious significance.

This underground labyrinth is a highlight not to be missed when visiting this UNESCO-listed gem.

Visiting the First Château: Château Lynch-Bages

We first visit the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages, one of the most renowned wine estates in the Saint-Emilion region.

Dating back to the 16th century, this historic château produces acclaimed Bordeaux blends.

We tour the underground cellars filled with aging oak barrels, learning about the meticulous winemaking process.

Our expert guide then leads us through a tasting of their signature wines, guiding us to appreciate the complex flavors.

We savor the bold, full-bodied reds that have made this château a benchmark for quality Bordeaux.

Leaving with a deeper understanding of the region’s winemaking tradition, we look forward to our next château visit.

Tasting the Wines of Château Lynch-Bages

Entering the cellar, the oak barrels lining the walls immediately command our attention.

As we begin our tasting, the winemaker provides key insights:

1. The wine’s nose offers notes of dark fruit, spice, and a subtle oak.
2. The palate is full-bodied with a smooth, well-integrated tannin structure.
3. The lengthy finish showcases the complexity and aging potential of this iconic Bordeaux blend.

We savor each sip, appreciating the nuances that make this Château Lynch-Bages wine a standout.

The guided tasting leaves us with a deeper understanding and newfound admiration for the craftsmanship behind this exceptional vintage.

Lunch Break in the Village

Where do we head next after the captivating wine tastings? It’s time for a well-deserved lunch break in the charming medieval village of Saint-Emilion.

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price Range	Reservations
Le Pressoir d’Argent	Fine Dining	€€€€	Recommended
L’Envers du Décor	Traditional French	€€	Not Required
Le Vieux Logis	Gourmet	€€€	Suggested
Cafe de la Place	Casual	€€	Optional

With plenty of dining options, we can savor the local cuisine and enjoy the village’s quaint atmosphere before continuing our exploration of the underground monuments and visiting another renowned winery.

Exploring the Second Château: Château Troplong Mondot

After enjoying a delicious lunch in the charming village, we’re eager to visit our next distinguished wine estate – Château Troplong Mondot.

This renowned Grand Cru Classé estate offers a captivating experience:

1. Guided tour of the historic winery and aging cellars, where we learn about the estate’s meticulous winemaking practices.
2. Tasting of their acclaimed Merlot-based wines, known for their power, elegance, and exceptional aging potential.
3. Stunning views from the château’s hilltop location, providing a panoramic vista of the picturesque St-Emilion vineyards.

With this insider’s look into Château Troplong Mondot, our appreciation for the appellation’s exceptional terroir and winemaking traditions deepens.

Savoring the Wines of Château Troplong Mondot

As we make our way to Château Troplong Mondot, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to savor their acclaimed Merlot-based wines.

Located on the limestone slopes of Saint-Emilion, this prestigious estate is known for producing bold, complex reds.

We’re guided through the cellars, learning about the estate’s meticulous winemaking practices.

The tasting begins with their signature cuvée – a harmonious blend showcasing the exceptional terroir. Its concentrated flavors of dark berries and spice delight our palates.

We also sample a selection of their single-vineyard expressions, each offering a unique interpretation of the vintage.

Leaving with a newfound appreciation, we’re ready to explore the rest of Saint-Emilion.

Returning to Bordeaux

Having savored the exceptional wines of Château Troplong Mondot, we now set our sights on the return journey to Bordeaux.

The tour bus awaits, ready to whisk us back to the city after a fulfilling day in the vineyards.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Stop for a final stroll through the charming medieval village of Saint-Emilion, admiring its underground monuments and soaking in the unique atmosphere.

2. Enjoy the scenic drive back, appreciating the rolling hills and vineyards that define this renowned winemaking region.

3. Arrive at the Bordeaux Tourist Office, where our guided tour concludes, leaving us eager to explore more of this vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be an option to upgrade this tour to a private experience based on the information provided. The tour seems to have a fixed group size of up to 25 travelers.

Can the Tour Be Modified to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour can be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions. We recommend contacting the tour operator in advance to discuss any special requirements, and they’ll do their best to cater to your needs during the wine tastings and lunch.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, so you can plan with confidence. If you need to cancel, we’ll gladly refund your payment in full.

Can Children Under 18 Years Old Join the Tour?

Unfortunately, no, children under 18 years old are not permitted to join this tour. The minimum age requirement is 18 years old, so only adult travelers can participate in this full-day wine tasting experience in St-Emilion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer an extension option. The full-day tour is set at around 9 hours, and the operator doesn’t provide any longer duration packages. We’d recommend checking other tour options if you’d like a more customized experience.

The Sum Up

Immersing ourselves in the captivating history, architecture, and exceptional wines of Saint-Emilion was a truly unforgettable experience. We wandered through the charming medieval streets, explored the awe-inspiring underground monuments, and indulged in tastings at renowned châteaux, leaving with a deep appreciation for this enchanting region’s rich heritage and winemaking prowess. This full-day journey through Saint-Emilion is a must-do for any oenophile or history enthusiast visiting Bordeaux.