Private Wine Lovers - Super St Emilion - behind the scenes visits top chateaux and medieval town

Overview

St Emilion is called the 'hillside of a 1000 châteaux' and you will get a great insight into the famous classified properties and their wines contrasted with the smaller producers here. Despite the famous names here (such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton) this atmospheric place is still dominated by small family run places (these I call the SIPs - Small Independent Producers). We will visit 2 châteaux of contrasting terroirs and styles including one Grand Cru Classé (one of the top in the area) where you will meet the owner and winemaker . I am an insider here. My partner makes Grand Cru wine here. I will delight in sharing with you the key sites and the gossip! We will have time to visit the picturesque St Emilion village founded in the 9th century We will visit the small neighbouring appellation of Pomerol too where the iconic Petrus is located. Lots to see, taste and great passionate people to meet in my home town!

Itinerary

1. SIP

   The days are normally 9 to 6.30pm with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or boat within the city of Bordeaux. I like to visit three properties per day of a range of styles to show you some of the different aspects involved in Bordeaux vine growing and wine making. Most of my favourite properties are still family-owned, most are classified and all produce great wine. I like to include if possible a smaller independent producer (SIP) where we can meet the winemaker to see the 'other side' (there are 7000 properties in Bordeaux and only around 200 of them belong to the elite group called the Grand Cru Classé). St Emilion (Right Bank) is a beautiful wine region with its vineyards planted on rolling hills around its medieval village. The properties are smaller here and many are still family-owned. It is known as 'the hill of a thousand châteaux' and it is important to visit some contrasting styles from the classified property where we go under the vines in limestone caves and another, which has been ‘organic forever’ and is run by the 14th generation of the same family today who we would meet. We will have time to visit the fascinating medieval town and its cobbled streets and pass through Pomerol where Bordeaux’s most expensive wines are found including Petrus. I will be organising your individual itinerary. Twenty-five years as a wine professional in the region enables me to open doors and offer you a unique insider’s authentic view of Bordeaux. It will be a fun, informative experience you will never forget and quite different to the other wine tours of Bordeaux available. Also note that what I charge is all inclusive (tailor-made organising and advice, third party insurance, accompanying on the day by expert wine guide, pick-up and drop-off from Bordeaux centre, transport, chateaux visit and tasting fees) except meals. Please advise if you have any particular Bordeaux favourites yourself or areas of special interest.

Pickup

Pickup included.

How to use your ticket

• Best to contact via email: nicolle@sip-wines.com

What to know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• It can get chilly in the cellars so a light jacket or shawl is recommended
• Dress code is smart casual

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 75984P1

Activity offered by SIP Wines via Viator.