One of my most popular Bordeaux wine tours is to Saint-Emilion.
Saint-Emilion is a charming town on the right bank of the river Dordogne, less than an hour away from Bordeaux.
Its history goes back to the 8th century. Surrounding Saint-Emilion are the world-renowned vineyards such as Chateau Pavie, Chateau Angelus, Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Ausone, and about 800 other wineries.
Since 1999, Saint-Emilion and the vineyards are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy the views of the vineyards from the high point of Saint-Emilion, walk the cobbled streets, and taste the best of Bordeaux wines in the atmosphere of a Medieval town.
To experience the best of what Saint-Emilion has to offer, you must stop at one of the local wine bars.
Keep in mind that some of these places are operating on a restaurant license, so you may need to order a little appetizer plate which I am sure will complement local wines nicely. A plate of smoked duck meat or some Comte cheese will go well with the Right Bank wines of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol.
The wine and Champagne bar and lounge tucked away from the crowds with a cozy courtyard terrace. A good selection of wines by the glass.
Sous la Robe offers tapas, cheese plates, foie gras, smoked meat, and fish plates which pair well with the wine.
We enjoyed the friendly and professional service by Charles and Dany.
I recommend booking a table, especially for the live music nights. Inquire about the Wine Tasting offer.
Open every day from 4 pm.
21 rue André Loiseau
Phone: +33 5 57 24 56 80
Book by phone or through the Facebook page.
L’Envers du Decor which can be translated as “behind the scenes” is a bistro which for 30 years had been functioned as a clubhouse for the local wine industry.
It is located in the upper part of town just by the Bell Tower, the tallest tower in Saint-Emilion.
In 2017, L’Envers du Decor was acquired by the Perse family, owners of first-growth Château Pavie, and Saint-Emilion luxury hotel L’Hostellerie de Plaisance.
Mr. Perse decided to preserve the informal atmosphere of a wine bar where locals and tourists can have a casual glass and a quick meal. The menu is overlooked by Ronan Kervarrec, a chef who was just awarded two Michelin stars, however, the bistro is very reasonably priced.
The wine list of L’Envers du Decor is impressive. I would suggest stopping here if you want to share a bottle of excellent Bordeaux. A good selection of wines by the glass is also available.
The back of the restaurant opens to a courtyard by the walls of the 12th-century Collegiate Church of Saint-Emilion.
Open every day for lunch and dinner and the wine bar can be open in between as well.
9 rue du Clocher, Saint-Emilion
reservation@envers-dudecor.com
Phone: +33 5 57 74 48 31
A glass of bubbles in the cozy and quiet garden of the 14th-century Franciscan monastery – how does that sound to you?
I love this relaxing place. You can order a glass or a bottle of local white or rose sparkling Cremant de Bordeaux aged in the underground cellars of the old Cloister de Cordellieres, and enjoy it in the garden with a standard picnic basket or with your selection of cheeses, meats and/or vegetable spreads and a fresh French baguette.
There is also a wine bar and a restaurant onsite. You can do a visit of cellars – inquire at the souvenir shop counter.
Open every day during the summer season.
2 bis rue de la porte brunet, saint-emilion
Phone: +33 5 57 24 42 13
Chai Pascal is a truly authentic restaurant with a great selection of Saint-Emilion wines and delicacies of southwest France to match.
Chai Pascal is open every day throughout the year.
37, rue Guadet, Saint-Emilion
Phone: +33 5 57 24 52 45
Reservations also accepted through their website.
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
This Saint-Emilion Grand Cru winery is less than a mile away from the walls of Saint-Emilion. It is possible to get there by walking.
Have a picnic with a glass of wine, lunch or dinner at the chateau. You can also see the vat room and the cellars and visit the wine boutique.
A wine tasting is another option. The family produces red wines at several properties around Saint-Emilion and the sparkling Cremant de Bordeaux in Entre-Deux-Mers.
The chateau is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Reserve through the website.
Finally, not a bar, but a terrace at a winery with a breathtaking view where you can taste great wines.
Although a few tasting options of wine may be offered, I recommend to taste the local Chateau La Croizille, a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru produced right here at the property.
You can also have a tasting of 3 wines representing Bordeaux. Taste wines paired with some food and enjoy one of the best views in Saint Emilion. You can book your tasting here.
If you are interested in visiting two wineries and learn about the traditional versus the modern Bordeaux wine-making, consider the winery tour. Book your winery visit here.
The chateau is also offering a picnic lunch option and a unique wine class with barrel samples tasting, which is an unforgettable experience.
You will need a car to reach the chateau from Saint-Emilion. It is located in Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, about 10 minutes drive from Saint-Emilion.
Enjoy your wine tasting in Saint-Emilion! Check out other Bordeaux travel tips in my Bordeaux guide at All Wine Tours.
To taste the wines at Bordeaux wineries join our private wine tours to Saint-Emilion, Margaux, Pauillac, Haut- Medoc, Pomerol, Pessac-Leognan, and other Bordeaux wine regions. We are going to the best Bordeaux chateaux.
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