Assemble your own wine cuvée in the vineyard

Discover the Unique Experience of Assembling Your Own Wine Cuvée in Saint-Emilion

This private wine workshop in Saint-Emilion offers a hands-on opportunity to assemble your own wine cuvée with expert guidance. Priced at $90.07 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours, the experience combines vineyard visits, winery tours, sensory exercises, and personalized blending. The tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn winemaking secrets in a warm, country setting just a short drive from the charming village of Saint-Emilion.

A notable feature is the inclusion of pickup service from Libourne station for up to 4 people, making transportation convenient. Participants leave with their own 75 cL cuvée, crafted to their taste preferences, adding a memorable, tangible souvenir of their time in Bordeaux’s famed wine region.

Key Points

• Personalized wine blending guided by an experienced oenologist
• Approximately 3 hours in a private, country setting near Saint-Emilion
• Includes vineyard walk, winery tour, sensory exercises, and crafting your own cuvée
• All materials provided, including glasses, wines, and snacks
• Optional full-day booking with lunch and on-site cooking
• Pickup from Libourne station available for groups up to 4

Location and Setting of the Vineyard Workshop

The tour departs from Gare Saint Emilion, located in the heart of the Saint-Emilion wine region. The workshop takes place at La Mondette, a vineyard estate located about 15 minutes from the village of Saint-Emilion. The setting offers a relaxed country vibe, perfect for an intimate, educational experience away from crowded wineries.

Participants begin with a welcome coffee before heading out on a small walk through the vineyard. During this walk, the guide explains the estate’s terroir, vineyard practices, and the types of grapes used for production. This introduction sets the tone for understanding the wine’s origin before moving into the cellar areas.

Vineyard Walk and Estate Tour

The vineyard walk provides an insider look at the estate’s terroir. The guide discusses the different grape varieties and the influence of the land on wine flavors. This part of the experience emphasizes local viticulture and helps guests appreciate the connection between vineyard practices and the final product.

Following the walk, a short tour of the winery and barrel cellar introduces red winemaking principles. This segment covers fermentation, aging, and the importance of barrel selection. Visitors gain a clearer picture of how wine transforms from grapes to bottles, which enhances their understanding during the blending activity.

Sensory Exercises and Professional Tasting

Before blending, participants receive knowledge on professional tasting techniques. The guide provides a small support booklet and leads exercises designed to sharpen sensory analysis skills. You’ll learn to identify aromas, textures, and flavors, all of which are crucial for crafting a balanced cuvée.

This section is not just educational but also fun, as it prepares guests to make confident blending decisions based on their personal palate preferences. The exercises help demystify wine tasting for newcomers and deepen appreciation for nuances in different wines.

Creating Your Personal Cuvée: The Heart of the Workshop

The central activity is assembling your own wine blend. Using various grape varieties and winemaking techniques available at La Mondette, each participant guides the process according to their taste preferences. The expert guide assists with blending options, ensuring a balanced and harmonious final product.

Throughout this process, you’ll be guided to adjust proportions and consider wine structure, aroma, and flavor. The workshop culminates with each person leaving with their own 75 cL bottle of personalized cuvée, a tangible souvenir of this hands-on experience.

Additional Offerings: Full-Day Option and On-Site Lunch

For those interested in an extended day, there is the possibility to book a full-day experience that includes lunch on site. The host offers to prepare a meal, adding a culinary touch to the winery visit. This allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper engagement with winemaking and oenology.

Logistics: Transportation, Group Size, and Booking

The meeting point is at Gare Saint Emilion, from where the host provides air-conditioned transportation to La Mondette. The tour is private, meaning only your booked group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.

Booking is recommended 15 days in advance on average, with the tour operating daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The minimum participation requirement is not specified, but the tour can accommodate up to 4 people for pickup from Libourne station.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others in Bordeaux

Unlike typical wine courses or large group tastings, this authentic workshop is led directly by an oenologist who shares know-how from the vineyard to the bottle. The hands-on blending activity stands out as a true craft experience, not just a tasting. The setting at La Mondette offers a personalized, country ambiance, perfect for those seeking an immersive and educational introduction to winemaking.

On top of that, the full process from vineyard walk to blending allows participants to understand the complexities of red wine production, making the experience as much about learning as it is about creating a memorable bottle.

Cost and Overall Value

For $90.07, guests receive a comprehensive, private session that lasts about 3 hours. This includes all necessary materials, a vineyard tour, sensory exercises, and the opportunity to craft and take home their own personalized cuvée. The hands-on nature and expert guidance provide a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in wine craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts on the Vineyard Blending Workshop in Saint-Emilion

This private, hands-on workshop offers a rare opportunity to participate directly in the winemaking process. The expert guidance of Baptiste ensures a rich educational experience that balances practical skills with enjoyment. The personalized bottle makes this a unique souvenir and a meaningful addition to any wine lover’s collection.

While it is a shorter, 3-hour activity, the quality and intimacy of the experience make it especially suitable for those eager to learn about wine in a relaxed, country environment. The option to extend with lunch adds further value for guests wanting a full-day immersion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the workshop is designed to be accessible for all levels, with guidance on wine tasting and blending techniques.

How long does the experience last?
The typical duration is around 3 hours, covering vineyard walk, tasting exercises, and blending.

Can I leave with my own wine?
Absolutely. Participants leave with a 75 cL bottle of their own personalized cuvée.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup from Libourne station is available for groups up to 4 people, using an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers guided estate visit, vineyard walk, sensory exercises, blending activity, glasses, wines, snacks, and materials.

Can I book a full-day experience?
Yes, a full-day option with lunch is available if booked in advance, with the host taking care of meal preparation.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 15 days ahead for availability, but bookings can be made earlier depending on demand.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it is a private activity for your group only, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I participate if I am not of legal drinking age?
The activity is intended for adults, as it involves wine tasting and blending.

This assemble-your-own wine cuvée experience in Saint-Emilion offers an authentic and educational peek into winemaking. With the chance to craft, taste, and take home a personalized bottle, it makes for an engaging journey into Bordeaux’s wine world.