Château Champion: Prestige Tour “Terroirs and Vintages”

Discover the Château Champion: Prestige Tour “Terroirs and Vintages”, a 1.5-hour private excursion in the renowned Saint-Émilion region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. Priced affordably, this tour offers an intimate look into two AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines, Château Champion and Vieux Grand Faurie, each showcased through three different vintages. Starting every Thursday at 4:00 p.m., it’s designed for wine enthusiasts eager to understand how terroir influences flavor.

The visit combines an authentic family estate experience with in-depth tasting sessions and direct conversations with the winemaker, Véronique Bourrigaud, who guides you through the estate’s nearly 300-year history. This tour is ideal for those seeking an educational, relaxed, and professional setting, especially since the estate is organic since 2018 and set in a natural, preserved environment.

Key Points

• Private tour of Château Champion and Vieux Grand Faurie in Saint-Émilion.
• Tasting of six Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vintages.
• Learn about terroirs, including clay-limestone and sandy-gravel soils.
• Meet Véronique Bourrigaud, eighth generation, and discuss wine production.
• Tour duration: 1.5 hours every Thursday at 4:00 p.m..
• Accessible for those with wheelchairs, in a family estate with nearly 300 years of history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Château Champion and Vieux Grand Faurie

The prestige tour centers on two notable properties, Château Champion and Vieux Grand Faurie, both classified as AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. You’ll visit their vineyards and cellars, gaining insight into how their distinct terroirs influence flavor profiles. The estate’s organic practices since 2018 add a modern touch to its traditional setting.

Throughout the visit, the guides explain the meaning and characteristics of different terroirs, offering a clear understanding of the soil types and their impacts on the wines. This educational aspect helps differentiate the clay-limestone soils from the sandy-gravel soils, making the tasting both informative and engaging.

The Private Tour Experience with Véronique Bourrigaud

Véronique Bourrigaud, the eighth generation to manage the estate, leads the tour. Her personal story and expertise add a warm, authentic atmosphere to the experience. She discusses the estate’s history and her approach to combining traditional and organic methods.

The small, private group setting ensures a personalized experience, allowing ample time for questions and interaction. The tour’s natural environment and family-run charm set it apart from more commercial wine experiences.

Tasting Six Grand Cru Vintages from Two Properties

The core of this tour is a guided tasting of six wines, with three vintages from each property. You taste Château Champion and Vieux Grand Faurie wines, gaining a comprehensive sense of how vintage variation and terroir influence taste.

The tastings are structured to help you identify differences in aromas, textures, and flavors, enhancing your understanding of wine complexity. Each wine is served in a way that emphasizes its unique qualities derived from the clay-limestone or sandy-gravel soils.

The Role of Terroirs in Wine Profile

A major highlight of the tour is the focus on terroirs—the soil types that shape each wine’s character. The clay-limestone terroir imparts structure and elegance, while the sandy-gravel terroir contributes lightness and freshness.

Guides explain the meaning of these terroirs and how they translate into different taste profiles. This knowledge helps visitors appreciate the complexity of Saint-Émilion wines and the art of terroir expression.

More Great Tours Nearby

Logistics and Group Size

This private group tour guarantees an intimate environment. It departs from the estate every Thursday at 4 p.m. and lasts 1.5 hours. Guests can reserve now and pay later, offering flexible booking options.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most guests, although children under 18 years are not allowed. The meeting point is at the estate itself, making it a convenient experience for visitors staying nearby.

Visiting a Family Estate with a 300-Year Heritage

The estate’s nearly 300-year history is woven into every aspect of the experience. Its family-run atmosphere fosters a sense of tradition and authenticity. Since 2018, the estate has embraced organic practices, adding a modern layer to its enduring legacy.

Guests notice the natural setting, which emphasizes authenticity and preservation. This environment offers a peaceful backdrop for learning and tasting.

The Guide: Knowledge and Warmth

Véronique Bourrigaud combines expertise with a friendly approach, making complex topics accessible. Her discussion of wine production methods and terroirs brings clarity to the tasting.

The live tour guides speak French, English, and Spanish, accommodating diverse visitors. Their professional yet warm manner ensures a comfortable, engaging experience.

Practical Information and Booking Flexibility

Reservations are flexible, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance. The duration comfortably fits into an afternoon, perfect for those exploring Saint-Émilion without rushing.

The experience provider is SCEA Bourrigaud et Fils, known for delivering quality visits. This tour stands out for its combination of historical insight, terroir education, and personalized tasting.

Comparing Similar Experiences

This tour aligns with other wine and estate visits in the region, but its focus on three vintages from two properties and the intimate setting make it particularly appealing for those wanting a deeper understanding of Saint-Émilion wines. For example, it shares similarities with tours offering tastings with tapas or visits to artisanal vinegar factories, providing a well-rounded taste of the local craftsmanship.

Château Champion: Prestige Tour “Terroirs and Vintages” – A Genuine Dive into Terroir

This 1.5-hour private experience offers a chance to get close to the heritage and winemaking process of a family estate with almost 300 years of history. The guided tastings of six vintages provide valuable insights into how soil types and vintage variations influence the flavor profile of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines.

The emphasis on terroirs makes this tour especially informative for those interested in wine artisanship and regional diversity. Combining educational content with the charm of a family estate, it creates a relaxed yet enriching experience.

While the tour is not suitable for children under 18 and not suited to those with strong fragrances sensitivity, it remains a top choice for wine aficionados wanting an authentic and personalized visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Château Champion Prestige Tour last?
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and begins every Thursday at 4:00 p.m..

What wines are tasted during the tour?
You taste six Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vintages, with three vintages from Château Champion and Vieux Grand Faurie.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 18 years are not allowed on this experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the estate accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak French, English, and Spanish.

How do I reserve a spot?
You can reserve now and pay later, ensuring flexibility in your travel plans.

Where does the tour take place?
The tour starts at the estate in Saint-Émilion, within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

What makes this estate special?
Its nearly 300-year history and organic practices since 2018 provide a unique, authentic setting for wine education.

What if I want a more comprehensive visit?
This tour offers a focused wine and terroir experience, but there are other experiences available in the region, such as full-day village tours or vinegar factory visits for a broader taste of local craftsmanship.

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