Key Points

Price: The tour costs $46 per person for an engaging 1.5-hour session.
Location: It takes place just 3 minutes from Saint-Émilion in a cellar housing over 500 Bordeaux wines.
Experience: You taste 5 wines, including wine directly from the barrel and from an amphora to compare influences.
Educational Focus: The tour emphasizes winemaking principles and blending techniques, making it ideal for those curious about wine craftsmanship.
Accessibility: The cellar is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible; however, wheelchair users cannot participate.
Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation allowed up to 24 hours in advance.

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The Unique Setting of the Cellar Near Saint-Émilion

This tour begins at an exceptional wine cellar located just 3 minutes from Saint-Émilion, offering a convenient yet immersive experience. The cellar is notable for hosting over 500 Bordeaux wines, making it a rare destination for wine enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. The environment is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the tasting, and the space is designed for small or private groups, providing an intimate atmosphere.

The cellar’s design sets it apart as a unique regional venue, giving visitors a chance to explore specialized Bordeaux wines in a setting that emphasizes tradition and craftsmanship. This proximity to Saint-Émilion also allows for easy inclusion in broader wine or sightseeing plans.

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Exploring the Estate and Its Bordeaux Wines

The tour starts with a guided walk around the estate, providing insights into the history and winemaking techniques used at this location. The guide in French explains the estate’s background, offering context for the wines you will taste later. Visitors learn about the estate’s history, establishing a connection to the region’s wine traditions.

Following the estate review, the focus shifts to the cellar’s aging process. Guests are led to a dedicated tasting area inside the cellar, where the sommelier guides the group through a tasting of 5 wines. The estate prides itself on having a regionally unique cellar, which enriches the experience by showcasing Bordeaux’s diversity.

Sampling Wines Straight from the Barrel and Amphora

A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to taste wine directly from the barrel, offering a fresh perspective on wine aging and influence. This rare sampling allows a clear comparison with wine from an amphora, illustrating how different containers can impact flavor and texture.

The amphora, a traditional vessel, introduces a different winemaking influence, providing a distinct tasting experience. This comparison helps deepen understanding of how winemaking techniques affect the final product and allows connoisseurs to appreciate the nuanced differences.

The Educational Focus on Winemaking and Blending

This tour puts a strong emphasis on learning about the principles of winemaking and blending. The guide explains how different techniques and containers influence the final wine, making it ideal for those wishing to expand their wine knowledge.

By understanding blending principles, visitors can better appreciate the complexity behind Bordeaux wines. The approach is hands-on enough to demystify the process, transforming wine tasting into an educational journey that turns wine into a language anyone can learn.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

Guests are instructed to head directly to the Crus & Châteaux wine cellar on the property for the start of the experience. The tour is designed for small or private groups, making it a perfect choice for a more personal setting or special occasion. The duration is 1.5 hours, fitting comfortably into a day of sightseeing or wine touring.

Because the tour is live-guided in French, some knowledge of the language can enhance the experience, though the intimate setting helps keep things engaging regardless. The private or small group format ensures personalized attention throughout.

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Accessibility and Comfort Considerations

The cellar is air-conditioned, which is especially useful during warmer months. Visitors are encouraged to bring a jacket to stay comfortable during the tasting. The venue is wheelchair accessible for most visitors, except wheelchair users, who are unfortunately not able to participate due to the environment.

Other practical restrictions include no baby strollers or carriages, and strong fragrances or bare feet are not permitted, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment for all.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers flexible booking options, including reserve now and pay later, allowing visitors to secure their spot without immediate payment. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind in case travel plans change. This arrangement makes it easier to plan your wine experience without pressure.

Comparing This Tour to Other Bordeaux Experiences

While this specific experience focuses on five wines with the unique element of barrel and amphora tasting, other similar experiences include vineyard tours, full-day Bordeaux wine explorations, and more extensive tastings. Links to comparable experiences are available, such as vineyard walking tours, afternoon tastings, and guided visits of Saint-Émilion.

This tour stands out for its intimate environment and focus on winemaking techniques, especially the use of amphora and direct barrel tasting, which are less common in standard tastings.

Final Thoughts on the Saint-Émilion Origin Tour

This $46, 1.5-hour experience offers an educational and sensory journey into Bordeaux wines, emphasizing blending and aging influences. Its proximity to Saint-Émilion and the exclusive cellar setting make it a compelling choice for wine enthusiasts seeking a personalized and insightful tasting.

The limited mobility of wheelchair users and restrictions on stroller access are notable considerations, but the air-conditioned environment, small-group format, and the unique tasting elements provide strong value. Whether you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge or simply enjoy a relaxed, educational tasting, this tour delivers a memorable experience.

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Saint-Émilion: Origin Tour – Tasting of 5 wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You receive a guided estate tour and tasting of 5 wines, including wine straight from the barrel and from an amphora.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts 1.5 hours, making it a concise yet immersive activity.

Where does the tour start?
Guests meet directly at the Crus & Châteaux wine cellar on the estate.

Is the tour suitable for all visitors?
The cellar is air-conditioned, but wheelchair users cannot participate. No baby strollers or strong fragrances are allowed.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start.

Is there flexibility in booking and payment?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning your trip.