Saint-Emilion has to be the most attractive and historic wine village in the whole of Bordeaux, with its dramatic position and medieval centre. It has a rich history and traditions including the formal celebrations at the beginning and end of the grape harvest – Fête de Printemps (Spring Festival) in June and Ban des Vendanges (Vintage Festival) in September every year under the auspices of the Jurade de Saint-Emilion, the local wine guild. Saint-Emilion is registered as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
The wines here are usually dominated by the Merlot grape (60%), Cabernet Franc (30%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) – hence although part of the Bordeaux appellation they are quite distinctive in character as most of Bordeaux favours the Cabernet Sauvignon grape as the predominant varietal. St Emilion wines tend top age well, and can command very high prices – although there is plenty of more affordable wine available. The wines can be a bit to0 tannic when young. The appellation of Saint Emilion has over 100 chateaux, many of which welcome visitors for a tasting.
See the offical website and visit the Maison des Vins de St Emilion
For good advice and some organised visits see the official tourist office at www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com
For a quieter stay outside the inevitably busy town, you could try 18th Century mansion of Chateau Latour Ségur at Lussac, which offers suites and a Spa in luxurious surroundings, with pool and hot tub etc – about 9km north-east.
The town lies some 35km east of Bordeaux city and a little further from Bordeaux(Merignac) international airport.
- B&B Les Logis du Roy B&B in the centre of the village
- Hotel Au Logis des Remparts right in the heart of the village
- Château La Rose Perrière at Lussac B&B
Hotels and other accommodation in and around St Emilion including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering including
By train to Bordeaux (from London or Paris) TGV
see our Top 30 vineyard B&Bs in France
find cheap flights and plane tickets from Booking.com
somewhere to stay, a ferry, a train or car hire?
stay on a French vineyard – over 250 vineyards featured across France – hotels, B&B, self-catering 
Discover more from FrenchDuck.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.