Discovering Saint-Emilion & Pomerol

Saint-Emilion and Pomerol are without doubt two of Bordeaux’s most celebrated appellations. The clay and limestone soil of the area lends itself perfectly to the Merlot and Cabernet Franc varietals which make up the vast majority of vines here.

The appellation of Saint-Emilion is one of Bordeaux’s most prolific with over 800 wine producing châteaux, including some of the region’s best-known names such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone, Château Pavie and Château Figeac. By contrast, Pomerol is much smaller but no less significant in the world of wine, being home to the likes of Petrus and Le Pin, along with numerous lesser-known estates producing top-tier wines.

This itinerary devotes three full days to discovering Bordeaux’s right bank while also allowing time to enjoy the picturesque village of Saint-Emilion.

Day 1 ~ Arrival in Bordeaux

Upon your arrival in Bordeaux, you will be welcomed by a member of our team at Bordeaux–Mérignac airport or Bordeaux Saint Jean train station. From there, you will be taken by private transfer to your accommodations in the world famous winemaking region of Saint-Emilion. Take the time to settle into your accommodations before enjoying an aperitif overlooking the historic village of Saint-Emilion followed by a welcome dinner for you and your party.

Day 2 ~ Saint Emilion

You will spend your first full day exploring the appellation of Saint-Emilion, with its 800-plus wineries, with two private visits and exceptional tastings, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon allowing for plenty of time to appreciate the nuances of each estate. Lunch will typically be a private estate lunch to showcase the wines of the estate. Some of the famous names you might visit include Château Figeac, Château Pavie and Château Troplong Mondot. During the harvest season in September and Ocotber, we often organize private harvest experiences for our clients at the estates in Saint-Emilion where you can get hands on picking the grapes and tasting the fresh juices directly from the vat.

Day 3 ~ Pomerol

Your second day on Bordeaux’s right bank will be devoted to the understated but highly prized vineyards of Pomerol where you will find some of the right bank’s biggest names including Petrus, Le Pin, Vieux Château Certan and Château Lafleur. Pomerol is the smallest of Bordeaux’s appellations, accounting for less than 1% of region’s total vineyards. Nevertheless, this tiny appellation with its famous blue clay packs an almighty punch. Two more private visits and special tastings will provide a deep-dive into this fascinating and very unique appellation. A private lunch in the dining room of a Pomerol château is the perfect way to become acquainted with this very special area.

Day 4 ~ Small independent producers and the village

This morning you will be introduced to the ‘real Bordeaux’, the small independent producers who have been working their vineyards for generations to produce exceptional, lesser-known wines that often can’t be found outside of France. You will get to hear what it is really like to be a small producer, including the challenges, in one of the world’s top fine wine regions.

After lunch, you will head into the medieval village of Saint-Émilion where you will be hosted for fascinating private tour to orient you to this ancient village and its rich history. You will wander along the ancient city walls and explore the cloisters and other remnants of historic monasteries and convents. You’ll visit the underground cave where the village’s namesake monk once lived, the Trinity Chapel dedicated to this now Saint with its medieval frescos, and one of the world’s largest monolithic churches and catacombs to round-off the day.

At the end of the day, your driver will take you to your point of departure.