Saint-Émilion: Vineyard Walking Tour and Tasting

Saint-Émilion’s Château Haute-Nauve offers an immersive two-hour walking tour that delves into the estate’s winemaking heritage. Visitors can explore the expansive vineyards, fermentation cellar, and barrel aging process, learning about the estate’s sustainable farming practices and production techniques. The tour provides a tasting experience of the renowned Grand Cru and estate-grown wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling varieties. With insights into the family-run operation’s diversification efforts, such as organic and biodynamic farming, this tour promises a comprehensive understanding of the region’s winemaking traditions. What’s more, the tour’s accessibility and language support ensure a seamless experience for all guests.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Walking Tours In Saint Emilion.

Key Points

• Explore the expansive vineyards of Château Haute-Nauve, learning about grape varietals and sustainable farming practices.
• Discover the winemaking process, from fermentation to barrel aging, and learn about the artistry and technology involved.
• Savor a tasting of four distinct wines from the Château Haute-Nauve estate, including two Grand Cru appellations.
• Gain insights into the captivating history and sustainability initiatives of the family-run estate.
• Experience the picturesque rolling hills and scenic vistas that make the Saint-Émilion region renowned for its wines.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The vineyard walking tour and wine tasting in Saint-Émilion typically lasts for 2 hours and is conducted in a small group limited to 8 participants, with a tour guide providing commentary in both French and English.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing for greater accessibility.

Participants will walk through the vineyards of Château Haute-Nauve, learning about the wine production process from vine to bottle. They’ll also visit the winemaking facilities, including the fermentation cellar and barrel cellar, witnessing the technology involved in wine production.

The tasting experience includes four different wines from the Château Haute-Nauve estate, with two of the wines holding the prestigious Grand Cru appellation.

Walking the Vineyards

Participants begin their journey through the expansive vineyards of Château Haute-Nauve, where rows of grapevines stretch out as far as the eye can see.

Under the guidance of the knowledgeable tour guide, they’ll explore the various grape varietals and learn about the estate’s sustainable farming practices. Along the way, they’ll pause to admire the rolling hills and scenic vistas that make this region so captivating.

The guide points out the intricate details of vine training and canopy management, offering insights into the crucial role these techniques play in producing the estate’s celebrated wines.

As they wander deeper into the vineyards, participants gain a newfound appreciation for the meticulous care and attention required to cultivate these grapes from which the renowned Saint-Émilion wines are born.

Wine Production Process

After exploring the vineyards, participants then venture into the winery’s modern facilities to witness the wine production process firsthand.

They step into the fermentation cellar, where stainless steel tanks and temperature-controlled environments facilitate the transformation of freshly harvested grapes into robust, flavorful wines. The tour guide explains the intricate science behind each stage, detailing how the winemakers carefully monitor factors like yeast activity, temperature, and oxygen levels to coax out the desired aromatic and textural profiles.

The group then moves on to the barrel cellar, where they observe the aging process that imparts additional complexity and depth to the wines.

Throughout the tour, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and technology involved in crafting the region’s renowned vintages.

Tasting Experience Offered

The tasting experience allows visitors to savor four distinct wines from the Château Haute-Nauve estate, including two with the prestigious Grand Cru appellation. Guests delight in exploring the subtle nuances and complex flavors that define the renowned Saint-Émilion wines.

Wine	Appellation
Château Haute-Nauve Red	Grand Cru
Château Haute-Nauve White	–
Château Haute-Nauve Rosé	–
Château Haute-Nauve Sparkling	Grand Cru

The tasting showcases the estate’s commitment to quality and diversity, offering a comprehensive introduction to the region’s renowned terroir and winemaking traditions.

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Highlights of the Tour

Amidst the picturesque vineyards of Château Haute-Nauve, tour-goers explore the family-run estate’s captivating history and sustainability initiatives. Through insightful commentary from the knowledgeable guide, participants uncover the meticulous attention to detail that defines the estate’s winemaking practices, from vine to bottle.

Savoring the subtleties of Saint-Émilion’s renowned wines, with a tasting of the estate’s Grand Cru offerings.

Gaining insights into the estate’s diversification efforts, including their focus on organic and biodynamic farming.

Discovering the family’s commitment to preserving the land, reducing waste, and embracing renewable energy sources.

Booking and Cancellation

Owing to the tour’s popularity, prospective guests are advised to reserve their spots promptly, as availability is limited.

To accommodate flexible schedules, the booking system allows visitors to reserve now and pay later. On top of that, the tour operator offers a hassle-free cancellation policy, granting full refunds to those who cancel up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled event.

This gives guests the freedom to plan their itinerary with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed without penalty.

With the tour likely to sell out, interested parties are encouraged to secure their spots as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion.

Accessibility and Group Size

This tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with limited mobility to participate and fully experience the winemaking journey.

The group size is kept small, capped at 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable tour guide who provides commentary in both French and English.

The intimate group size allows for:

1. Ample time for questions and discussions with the guide.
2. Easier navigation through the vineyards and winemaking facilities.
3. A more immersive and tailored experience for each guest.

This accessibility and exclusivity create an enriching and memorable tour, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the world of Saint-Émilion’s family-run winemaking estate.

Language Support

During the tour, the guide provides commentary in both French and English, allowing visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds to fully engage with the winemaking experience.

This dual-language approach ensures that all participants, regardless of their native tongue, can actively follow along and gain a deep understanding of the estate’s history, production methods, and the nuances of Saint-Émilion wines.

Whether you’re a French speaker or an English speaker, the guide’s seamless transitions between the two languages guarantee that everyone in the small group can ask questions, share observations, and enjoy the rich cultural and viticultural heritage of this renowned wine region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Purchase the Wines Tasted During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can typically purchase the wines tasted during the tour. The tour includes samples from the Château Haute-Nauve estate, and the winery often offers visitors the opportunity to buy the featured wines directly.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour duration. The tour operator may offer an extended option for an additional fee, allowing participants more time to explore the vineyards, winemaking facilities, and enjoy a more comprehensive tasting experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tasting?

The tour provider doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the wine tasting. However, they’d likely accommodate common dietary needs like vegetarian or gluten-free options if requested in advance. It’s best to check with the tour operator before booking.

Can We Bring Our Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own camera equipment to capture the scenic vineyards and winemaking facilities during the tour. The tour guides encourage guests to take photos throughout the experience.

Is It Possible to Combine This Tour With Other Activities?

Yes, it’s often possible to combine this type of vineyard tour with other activities in the area. Travelers may be able to include a visit to nearby historical sites, explore the town of Saint-Émilion, or add a meal at a local restaurant.

Recap

The Saint-Émilion vineyard walking tour at Château Haute-Nauve offers an immersive experience, showcasing the estate’s sustainable farming practices, wine production techniques, and diverse offerings.

Visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and savor a selection of the renowned Grand Cru and estate-grown wines.

The tour provides a unique insight into the region’s winemaking heritage and the family-run estate’s diversification efforts, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: