“Dans le Nez du Vin” tour Aromas & Faults in Saint Emilion

Explore the Aromas & Faults in Saint-Émilion with “Dans le Nez du Vin” Tour

For those curious about the secrets behind fine wines, the “Dans le Nez du Vin” tour at Château Palais Cardinal offers a unique sensory experience in Saint-Émilion. Priced at just $23 per person and lasting 1.5 hours, this tour combines a guided vineyard visit, an interactive olfactory workshop, and a guided tasting of three vintages. With a supplier rating of 4.9, it stands out as a popular choice for wine enthusiasts eager to sharpen their noses and learn about wine faults in a friendly setting.

This experience is perfect for those wanting a fun, educational tour that emphasizes smell recognition and wine knowledge. While the price is accessible, visitors should note the 1.5-hour duration and expect a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for sensory exploration. The tour’s highlight is the olfactory game with Jean Lenoir’s “Le Nez du Vin” box set, which makes learning about wine aromas engaging and memorable.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $23 per person for 1.5 hours of wine discovery.
• Location: Takes place at Château Palais Cardinal in Saint-Émilion, France.
• Main Activities: Combines a vineyard tour, olfactory workshop, and guided tasting.
• Unique Feature: An interactive aroma game using “Le Nez du Vin” aroma vials, including wine faults like oxidation or cork taint.
• Special Gift: The best noses during the workshop receive a complimentary bottle of Château Palais Cardinal or Château Haut Boussit.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and conducted in English and French.

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Visiting Château Palais Cardinal in Saint-Émilion

The tour begins at the Château Palais Cardinal, located in the heart of the Saint-Émilion region. This estate offers a beautiful panoramic view of the vineyards from its tasting room, making the setting ideal for both learning and relaxing. The estate’s family-run atmosphere adds a personal touch to the experience, as guides explain the winemaking process from harvest to bottling.

The estate showcases various production areas, including a latest-generation stainless steel vat room, a traditional barrel cellar, and an amphora aging room. Visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at how tradition and innovation come together in crafting their wines.

Detailed Itinerary: From Vineyards to Tasting

The first 30 minutes involve a guided tour through the estate’s vineyards and production facilities. Visitors learn about the grape varieties and cultivation philosophy, gaining insight into the estate’s artisanal approach.

Following the tour, the focus shifts to the olfactory workshop. Here, participants test their sense of smell with three aroma vials representing typical red wine aromas such as fruit, wood, and spices. The workshop also includes three vials illustrating wine faults like oxidation, cork taint, and reduction. This part of the experience encourages fun guessing games, with prizes awarded to the best noses.

Finally, a guided tasting of three carefully selected wines allows visitors to connect their new aroma knowledge with actual wines. This tasting emphasizes the work of the winemaker and offers a practical understanding of wine’s sensory qualities.

The Olfactory Workshop: Playing with Wine Aromas

The “Le Nez du Vin” aromatics set is at the heart of this experience, making it interactive and engaging. Participants smell vials with familiar fruits, spices, and wood notes, then write down their guesses. The competitive element — identifying who has the most accurate nose — adds a fun dimension, with prizes of bottles of Château Palais Cardinal or Château Haut Boussit.

The workshop emphasizes learning about wine faults, an aspect often overlooked in casual tastings. Recognizing oxidation, cork taint, or reduction helps deepen understanding of what can go wrong in wine production and storage.

Guided Tasting of Three Saint-Émilion Wines

The final part involves tasting three wines from the estate. These wines are carefully selected to illustrate different vintages and winemaking styles, providing a comprehensive tasting experience. The commented tasting helps participants appreciate the nuances of each wine, from aroma profiles to texture.

The estate’s heritage as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru adds prestige to the tasting, with two of the wines being classified Grand Cru. Guests leave with a better understanding of the regional characteristics and the art of wine blending.

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The View from the Tasting Room

One of the notable features of this tour is the 360° panoramic view of the vineyards from the estate’s tasting room. This scenic outlook enhances the overall experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the landscape that influences the wines. The picturesque setting is ideal for photography and adds to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Practicalities and Accessibility

The tour includes a guided walk through the vineyards, the vat room, and cellars. It is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring that a broad audience can enjoy the experience. The languages offered are English and French, making it accessible for a diverse group.

Participants can reserve in advance with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund. Payment is flexible, allowing booking now and paying later.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sensory-focused experience suits wine enthusiasts wanting to refine their sense of smell and learn about wine faults in a fun, interactive setting. It is also ideal for beginners interested in wine tasting but looking for a more engaging approach. The affordable price and short duration make it a great introduction to the Saint-Émilion wine region.

Final Thoughts on the “Dans le Nez du Vin” Tour

The “Dans le Nez du Vin” experience at Château Palais Cardinal offers value for money, blending education, fun, and spectacular views. The olfactory game is a highlight that sets it apart from standard tastings, giving practical skills that can be applied when tasting wines elsewhere.

While limited to 1.5 hours, the tour is well-paced and rich in content, making it suitable for those seeking a memorable sensory introduction to wine. The low price point coupled with the high guide rating reflects its popularity and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $23 per person.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts 1.5 hours, including vineyard visit, workshop, and tasting.

What is included in the tour?
Participants enjoy a guided vineyard tour, an olfactory workshop with aroma vials, and a guided tasting of three red wines from the estate.

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English and French.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

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

Will I get to taste wine faults?
Absolutely. The workshop includes identification of wine faults like oxidation, cork taint, and reduction.

What do I receive if I am one of the best noses?
The top participants during the aroma guessing game receive a complimentary bottle of Château Palais Cardinal or Château Haut Boussit.

Are the wines tasted local to Saint-Émilion?
Yes, the wines are from the estate in Saint-Émilion, including two Grand Cru wines.

What else can I buy at the estate?
Optional purchases include wines, honey, and local products at the estate shop.

How do I reserve my spot?
Reservations can be made in advance, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

This “Dans le Nez du Vin” tour in Saint-Émilion offers a pleasant mix of education and fun, perfect for those eager to understand wine aromas and faults in a beautiful setting. The affordable price, interactive activities, and stunning views make it a noteworthy choice for a short but impactful wine experience.

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