While the medieval town of Saint-Émilion captivates with its architectural history, its true wealth extends far beyond its ramparts, where the rolling vineyards create a landscape unlike any other in the world. The Saint-Émilion appellation is a constellation of wine estates: it boasts over 800 châteaux, ranging from small family-run vineyards passed down through generations to ultra-modern properties designed by renowned architects. For guests staying at Les Hôtes de Saint-Émilion II, immersing oneself in this oenological world through estate visits is the ultimate experience for a truly memorable stay.

When planning your visits, it's beneficial to explore a variety of estate styles to appreciate the diversity of the appellation. On one hand, the region is home to absolute legends of excellence, such as Château Cheval Blanc and Château Pavie. These estates offer high-end, often architecturally focused tours, showcasing futuristic cellars designed by acclaimed architects like Christian de Portzamparc. On the other hand, and this is often where the most memorable experiences are made, Saint-Émilion abounds with "family-run" estates (Grands Crus or Grands Crus Classés) such as Château Coutet or Château Troplong Mondot. In these human-scale estates, the welcome is often personalized, sometimes even provided by the winemaker themselves, offering an intimate and passionate perspective on the work of the land.

The range of wine tours and packages has expanded considerably to suit all tastes. Those who prefer a more independent experience can opt for classic tours combining walks through the vineyards, visits to the wineries, the underground limestone quarries where the barrels age, and guided tastings of several vintages. For a more active experience, we highly recommend electric bike tours through the vineyards: a gentle and eco-friendly way to connect the Châteaux while admiring the beauty of the UNESCO-listed landscapes. Finally, for the more discerning palates, many estates offer introductory workshops on blending (where you create your own wine) or vertical tastings comparing the same wine over several decades. From our apartments in the village center, the nearest vineyards are just minutes away: feel free to contact our team so we can help you plan your ideal tasting itinerary.

By Nargiz Djabbarov

The Saint-Émilion Host Team