Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classé Cheese & Charcuterie Visit

Exciting Wine and Food Experience in Saint-Emilion

The Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classé Cheese & Charcuterie Visit offers an engaging peek into some of France’s most esteemed wine production. This 1.5-hour tour takes you to two distinguished wineries, both classified as Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés, featuring a blend of traditional and modern winemaking styles. Priced affordably, it includes tastings of three wines and a delightful pairing of local cheese and charcuterie on an outdoor terrace, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Saint-Emilion vineyards.

The tour’s highlights lie in its combination of learning about wine and food pairing while enjoying panoramic vineyard views. It caters to those interested in both the craftsmanship behind Bordeaux wines and the pleasures of regional gastronomy. Be aware that the experience does not include vegan options, but vegetarians can substitute charcuterie with hummus. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users, limited to small groups of 10 participants, which ensures a personal touch.

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Key Points

• Visit two Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classés wineries—one traditional, one modern
• Taste three wines with expert commentary on winemaking techniques
• Enjoy cheese and charcuterie paired with your wine on an outdoor terrace
• Learn about food and wine pairing from knowledgeable guides
• Tour duration is 1.5 hours, with flexible starting times and small groups
• Meeting point is La Croizille winery, with scenic views and easy access from Saint-Emilion

Visiting Two Distinct Wineries: Classic and Modern Styles

The tour begins at La Croizille, a winery distinguished by its orange, black, and white exterior, which signals its modern approach. Here, visitors explore a cutting-edge cellar where advanced technology and innovative viticulture techniques shape the wine. This contrasts with the traditional winery, located at Château Tour Baladoz, a charming limestone building that embodies the classic architecture of Saint-Emilion. This dual visit offers a balanced picture of winemaking, from age-old methods to contemporary innovations.

Both wineries are classified as Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés. The traditional winery produces region-specific wines with authentic cellar atmospheres, while the modern winery emphasizes current technology in wine production. This variety helps visitors appreciate the diversity within Saint-Emilion’s wine scene and understand the different approaches that influence flavor profiles.

The Scenic Meeting Point at La Croizille Winery

The tour departs from La Croizille, easily identified by its distinctive exterior. This location is the meeting point where the guide greets participants and provides a brief overview before heading to the wineries. The guide communicates fluently in French, English, and Spanish, ensuring a smooth experience for international visitors.

Reaching the meeting point from Saint-Emilion is straightforward: it’s about 3 km away, which takes approximately 4 minutes by car, 11 minutes by bike, or 30 minutes on foot. From Bordeaux, the journey is around 45 km, roughly 45 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train. The proximity makes this tour accessible for those staying in Saint-Emilion or nearby Bordeaux.

The Guided Tasting of Three Wines

At both wineries, the guide leads a commented tasting of three carefully selected wines. This includes a variety of styles, possibly ranging from the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru to Margaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, White, or Rosé, allowing a broad exploration of Bordeaux’s offerings. The commentary covers winemaking techniques, regional characteristics, and flavor distinctions, enriching the tasting experience.

The tasting is conducted in a relaxed setting, often with stunning vineyard views visible from outdoor seating areas. The small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere, ideal for asking questions and gaining insights into the wines’ origins and styles.

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Cheese and Charcuterie: A Tasty Finale on the Terrace

To cap off the experience, visitors enjoy a plate of local cheese and charcuterie paired with a glass of your chosen wine. Options include Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Margaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, White, or Rosé, giving flexibility based on preference. The outdoor terrace offers a beautiful setting to relax and take in the panoramic vineyard vistas.

For vegetarians, the charcuterie can be replaced with hummus spread, catering to non-meat eaters. Unfortunately, vegan options are not available, as all boards include cheese and charcuterie. The outdoor seating area emphasizes the immersive nature of this tasting, blending gastronomy with scenic beauty.

Practical Details: Meeting, Accessibility, and Group Size

The tour begins at Château Tour Baladoz, a charming limestone building. Guides are available in multiple languages, and the small group size of up to 10 participants ensures personalized attention. This limited size fosters comfortable interactions and a more relaxed pace.

For those concerned about accessibility, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind and flexibility when planning.

Timing and Pacing of the Tour

While the tour lasts 1.5 hours, the actual visit includes exploration of two wineries, a guided tasting, and a cheese & charcuterie session. The pacing is generally well-balanced, with enough time to enjoy each element without feeling rushed. The outdoor terrace experience is a highlight, providing an authentic and scenic conclusion to the tour.

Start times vary depending on availability, so checking current schedules is recommended. The experience suits visitors looking for a focused, intimate, and informative wine and food tasting in Saint-Emilion.

Reviews Highlight the Personal Touch and Scenic Views

The overwhelmingly positive reviews note passionate guides, beautiful scenery, and good value. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the experience engaging and accessible. Several reviews mention stunning views from the outdoor terrace, adding a memorable element to the tasting.

Some reviewers highlight walks to the wineries, which take around half an hour under the sun, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. The small group setting and personalized explanations notably enhance the experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, and those seeking scenic vineyard views. It’s suited for visitors who enjoy guided tastings, learning about wine production, and sampling regional delicacies in a relaxed outdoor setting. While accessible and intimate, those with mobility concerns should note the walking involved. The tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into Bordeaux’s wine craftsmanship, perfect for a short, enriching visit to Saint-Emilion.

The Sum Up: A Well-Balanced Wine & Food Tasting

The Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classé Cheese & Charcuterie Visit delivers a compact, quality experience that combines wine education, delicious regional flavors, and breathtaking vineyard vistas. Its small group size, expert-guided tastings, and scenic outdoor setting make it a memorable addition to any Saint-Emilion itinerary.

While it lacks vegan options and involves some walking, the overall value and intimate character make it a highly recommended choice for those interested in Bordeaux wines and regional gastronomy. This tour offers a taste of both tradition and innovation in Saint-Emilion’s wine scene, making it an engaging and flavorful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included or do I need to arrange my own?
Transportation is not included; you’ll meet at Château Tour Baladoz or La Croizille depending on the arrangement. The meeting point is accessible from Saint-Emilion by car, bike, or foot.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegetarians can substitute charcuterie with hummus. However, vegan options are not available as all boards include cheese and charcuterie.

How long in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to reserve as early as possible since the tour is limited to small groups of 10 and has flexible start times.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication during the experience.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby