Saint Emilion

Named after the Benedictine monk who took refuge in a cave in the 8th century nearby the present city, Saint-Emilion became a regular stop on pilgrimage routes. From its roots as a tiny religious settlement, the village of Saint-Emilion was the first Bordeaux region to begin exporting wine and has now grown to become one of the largest with 5,565 hectares under vine.

With the widest range of fine wines in all of the Bordeaux region, it’s easy to enjoy the spirit of Saint-Emilion through winery tours and tastings led by professionals. Elsewhere, gourmet picnics and lunches at a wine estate are a popular option while blending lessons and creating your own bottle is a memorable way to immerse yourself in the experience. You also have the option to savor your glass of wine with a nice course at a quality restaurants in the quaint medieval village.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the wine season doesn’t begin under after March. This means that the best time to visit is usually in the late spring or the end of the summer when you’ll miss the high season but still get to enjoy everything that shines about the region. While Saint-Emilion is certainly an exceptional destination in its own right, it’s also a comfortable day or weekend trip from Bordeaux, as the hub of the famed wine region lies just 45 minutes away. The medieval town is not much of a secret among wine lovers, but visitors are often surprised at the beautiful scenery, limestone architecture and fabulous cuisine. Due to the wide variety in wines and styles, popping from château to château is a wonderful way to discover the variety of approaches to wine-making.