Looking down onto the Place du Marché from the balcony of the Place du Clocher in St-Emilion’s historical centre.
Nestled amid the rolling hills of the Bordeaux wine region, the small, picturesque town of St-Emilion is steeped in history and revered by wine enthusiasts around the globe. Here, the art of winemaking is not merely a trade but a sacred tradition passed down through generations, shaping the identity of this enchanting destination.
The story of this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the first planting of vines back in Roman times. Over the ensuing centuries, monks meticulously tended the vineyards, perfecting the art of winemaking and laying the foundation for the prestigious wines that bear the town’s name.
Today, St-Emilion is more than just a wine destination – it’s a pilgrimage for wine lovers, drawn to the region’s rich cultural heritage and profound connection to the land. What makes it stand out from the other wine regions in Bordeaux is that rare combination of spectacular wines, gastronomic sophistication and absorbing heritage. So whether you’re savouring a glass of a grand cru classé or exploring the underground cellars of a historic château, each moment spent in St-Emilion is a journey of discovery and delight.
Landmark experiences
Among the seven villages and two small towns that make up the wider St-Emilion appellation, the town of St-Emilion itself stands out for its centuries-old architectural wonders, vibrant ambience and wealth of charming wine boutiques and quality restaurants. Be sure to take some time to thoroughly immerse yourself in this historic enclave and explore its most important and beautiful landmarks.
The monolithic church of St-Emilion, a marvel of ancient craftsmanship (built in the 11th and 12th centuries), houses underground chambers adorned with cryptic carvings and sacred chapels hewn directly into the limestone cliffs. Nearby, the collegiate church boasts exquisite Romanesque and Gothic architecture (built in the 12th-15th centuries) and features a flamboyant 13th-century Gothic cloister, where visitors can admire intricate frescoes depicting scenes of local history and religious significance.
Don’t miss the steep streets, or tertres, in the town centre. These four ruelles (‘lanes’) are natural slopes transformed into pathways with irregular cobblestone paving. And wander through the bustling market hall, located at the corner of the square near the monolithic church, whose Gothic arches and mouldings date back to medieval times, when the market housed grain traders.
Across the cobblestones, Le Cloître des Cordeliers presents a fascinating fusion of past and present.
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The historic cloisters (pictured, above), built during the 14th century, now serve as the backdrop for wine production, and visitors can witness the process of creating sparkling wines (atypical for the region) using the traditional method. The cloisters offer hour-long tours that include a horizontal tasting of its sparkling wines in the renovated tasting room (€15 per person, 4pm daily). Even if you’re not taking a tour, this would be a great place for a sparkling break, especially on hot days.
Exploring the wines
Credit: Ian Shaw / Alamy Stock Photo
But let’s not forget, it was St-Emilion’s renowned red wines that brought you here. So, for wine tasting purposes, I highly recommend leaving the centre to explore some of the region’s wineries.
Unsurprisingly, wine lovers are spoiled for choice, with more than 100 châteaux offering a range of experiences, from traditional wine tastings to wine and cheese pairings, cooking classes and vineyard explorations. At Château Rol Valentin, for example, you can enjoy a two-hour ‘wine glass shape’ workshop (€36 per person) and discover the effect of the size and shape of a glass on your perception of the wine contained within.
For a truly immersive experience, visit Château Fleur Cardinale,…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/wine/st-emilion-a-wine-lovers-guide-531748/
