Saint-Émilion: 2 hours – Visit of the vineyard, the cellar and tasting

Explore a Family-Owned Vineyard in Saint-Émilion

The Saint-Émilion: 2 hours – Visit of the vineyard, the cellar and tasting offers an authentic glimpse into a family vineyard with four generations of history. Priced at $28.91 per person, this tour provides a well-paced, immersive experience that highlights the wine-making process from vine to bottle. With a duration of approximately 2 hours, it’s ideal for visitors seeking a concise but comprehensive introduction to Saint-Émilion wines. The tour departs from Château Haute-Nauve in France, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized and engaging atmosphere.

This experience is highly rated, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 27 reviews, and is booked on average 24 days in advance. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start. It’s especially appealing for those who value expert guides, authentic vineyard visits, and tasting four different wines, including two from the prestigious Grand Cru appellation.

Visiting Château Haute-Nauve: Four Generations of Tradition

The tour begins at the Château Haute-Nauve, located just 3 km southeast of Saint-Emilion. The estate has been in the same family for four generations and was part of the Saint Emilion cooperative cellar since the 1930s. In 2009, the owners decided to become independent, starting to vinify their wines directly at the property.

This family history adds a warm, personal touch to the experience. The guides, Marie-Anne or Florent—a mother and son team—lead the walk through the vineyards, sharing stories about their heritage and the evolution of the estate. Visitors learn about the estate’s commitment to sustainability, tackling challenges like crop freezes and embracing diversification.

A wind turbine and a 6-meter-high wine bottle are visible landmarks on the property, symbolizing innovation and tradition. This setting offers a genuine sense of continuity and passion that makes the visit more meaningful.

Touring the Vineyards and Vine Plots

The first stop of the tour is the vineyard itself, where guides explain the specificities and characteristics of the Saint-Émilion appellation. The walk takes visitors through different plots of vines, revealing how vineyard work changes throughout the seasons. This offers insight into the estate’s cultivation practices and how they maintain quality across varied terrain.

Visitors gain an understanding of the family’s approach to viticulture and how they adapt their techniques to address environmental challenges. The vineyard’s layout, along with the family’s history, highlights a strong dedication to quality and tradition.

Visiting the Winery and Cellar

Next, the tour moves inside to the winery, where the process of wine production is demonstrated. The guides lead explanations about fermentation, pumping, and pressing—key steps in transforming grapes into wine.

The tour concludes in the barrel cellar, where visitors observe different aging methods used to develop the wine’s flavors. This part of the visit emphasizes the craftsmanship involved in creating wines that reflect the estate’s unique terroir and heritage.

Wine Tasting of Four Château Wines

The highlight for many is the guided tasting of four Château wines. Included are two wines from the Grand Cru appellation, showcasing the estate’s higher-quality offerings. Guests have the chance to sample these wines in a relaxed setting, gaining appreciation for the nuances that distinguish each bottle.

This tasting provides a perfect opportunity to connect the insights gained from the tour with actual flavors, reinforcing a deeper understanding of the estate’s style and quality.

Practical Details and Meeting Point

The tour starts at Château Haute-Nauve, located at 1 Haute Nauve, 33330 Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, France. It ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics simple. The mobile ticket system facilitates easy entry, and the tour is accessible to most travelers, including those with service animals.

Booking is straightforward, with most people reserving their spot about 24 days in advance. The tour’s small group size ensures a more personalized experience, while the free cancellation policy offers peace of mind—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

The Guides: Marie-Anne and Florent

The guides, Marie-Anne and Florent, are praised for their expertise and friendly approach. Visitors appreciate Florent’s engaging storytelling, especially his ability to communicate in English. The guides emphasize the estate’s history, sustainability efforts, and winemaking techniques, making the experience both educational and personable.

Reviews highlight that Florent in particular is “the man” for delivering an enjoyable and informative tour, with many describing the experience as “fantastic” and “highly recommended”.

Overall Experience and Value

At $28.91, this tour offers excellent value for an authentic visit to a family vineyard with comprehensive insights, a vivid vineyard walk, and a tasting of high-quality wines. The 2-hour duration balances depth and efficiency, making it suitable for visitors on a tight schedule.

The positive reviews, full of praise for the knowledgeable guides and delicious wines, reinforce the tour’s reputation as a must-do activity in Saint-Émilion. The personalized service and intimate setting make it particularly appealing for those interested in family-owned estates and sustainable practices.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers seeking an authentic, family-driven wine visit. It’s ideal for those who want a guided, educational experience without the crowds, and who appreciate quality wines from a prestigious appellation.

It’s also a good choice for English speakers, thanks to the guides’ ability to communicate clearly and engagingly in English.

Final Thoughts on the Château Haute-Nauve Tour

The Saint-Émilion vineyard and cellar tour at Château Haute-Nauve stands out for its personal touch, rich family history, and focus on sustainability. The guided walk through the vineyard, combined with in-depth explanations of the winemaking process, makes this a truly informative experience.

The wine tasting of four different wines, including two from the Grand Cru, provides a satisfying conclusion. While the tour is brief, it delivers a comprehensive snapshot of a family estate’s approach to winemaking, making it perfect for those wanting an authentic Saint-Émilion experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

What is included in the experience?
Guests enjoy a guided visit to the vineyard and wine cellars, plus a tasting of four Château wines.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It is designed for most travelers, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides are able to provide explanations in English, making it accessible for international visitors.

Is this tour good for wine connoisseurs?
Yes, with the inclusion of two Grand Cru wines, it offers a quality tasting experience that appeals to wine enthusiasts.

This well-rated, affordable, and personalized tour of Château Haute-Nauve offers a genuine taste of Saint-Émilion’s wine culture, perfect for your next visit to the region.