Tucked away in the heart of Saint-Émilion, the Artisanal Vinegar Factory of Château Coupelle d’Ertan offers a unique opportunity to take in the art of vinegar-making. Led by the estate owners, this 30-minute guided tour unveils the intricate processes behind their flagship red wine vinegar and Grand Cru wine. From grape harvesting to fermentation and aging techniques, visitors gain valuable insights into the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this family-run operation. But the real treat lies in the private tasting that follows, where palates are treated to the exceptional flavors that have made this destination a must-visit for oenophiles and vinegar enthusiasts alike.
Key Points
- Tour the artisanal vinegar factory at Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru in Saint-Émilion, led by estate owners with a private tasting of flagship products.
- Learn about grape harvesting, fermentation, and aging techniques during the 30-minute guided tour, which starts from $10.88 per person.
- Enjoy a personalized experience with flexible booking options, including pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours.
- Explore the history and production methods of red wine vinegar, and purchase products directly from the on-site shop.
- Benefit from wheelchair accessibility, a separate entrance to skip the line, and an overall hassle-free experience.
Activity Overview
Visitors can explore the artisanal vinegar factory at Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru in Saint-Émilion.
The tour lasts 30 minutes and costs from $10.88 per person. Guests can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund.
The guided tour is led by the estate owners, offering a private tasting of their flagship products, including handcrafted red wine vinegar and Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru wine.
Visitors can learn about grape harvesting, fermentation, and aging techniques. The experience is wheelchair accessible, and guests can skip the line through a separate entrance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Libourne.
Experience Highlights
The guided tour is led by the estate owners, providing visitors with a private tasting of the factory’s flagship products, including their handcrafted red wine vinegar and the renowned Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru wine.
Visitors will enjoy a private tasting led by estate owners, featuring the factory’s flagship red wine vinegar and Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru wine.
Visitors will have the opportunity to:
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Learn about the grape harvesting, fermentation, and aging techniques used to create the artisanal vinegar.
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Engage in exclusive interactions with the owners for a personalized experience.
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Explore the history and production methods of the estate’s red wine vinegar.
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Enjoy scenic views along the way, enhancing the visit.
Accessibility and Logistics
The artisanal vinegar factory is wheelchair accessible, and visitors can skip the line through a separate entrance.
Booking options are flexible, allowing for convenient scheduling. The experience is designed to be accessible and hassle-free, so guests can fully enjoy the tour and tasting.
Whether you’re interested in the history and production methods or simply want to enjoy the scenic views, the factory offers a personalized and enjoyable visit.
Visitors can purchase the estate’s flagship products, including the handcrafted red wine vinegar and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wine, to savor the flavors long after the experience.
Educational Insights
As visitors explore the artisanal vinegar factory, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the history and production methods of the estate’s renowned red wine vinegar.
The educational insights on offer include:
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An in-depth look at the grape harvesting process and its importance in vinegar making.
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An explanation of the intricate fermentation techniques used to achieve the desired flavor profiles.
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Insights into the aging and maturation stages that imbue the vinegar with its distinctive character.
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Exclusive interactions with the owners, who share their passion and expertise.
This personalized experience provides a unique window into the world of artisanal vinegar production.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyPurchase Opportunities
Visitors have the opportunity to purchase a variety of products directly from the Château Coupelle d’Ertan estate. This includes their flagship artisanal red wine vinegar, as well as the estate’s renowned Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru wine.
Guests can taste these local products during the visit and decide which ones they’d like to take home. The estate’s scenic views and exclusive interactions with the owners make the purchasing experience even more memorable.
Whether you’re a vinegar enthusiast or simply looking for high-quality local products, the on-site shop provides a convenient way to extend your visit and bring a taste of Saint-Émilion back home.
Grape Harvesting and Fermentation
Harvesting the grapes at Château Coupelle d’Ertan is a meticulous process overseen by the estate’s experienced team. The grapes are hand-picked at the optimal ripeness, ensuring their quality and the complex flavors that will be infused into the vinegar.
The fermentation process is equally crucial:
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The grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice.
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Wild yeasts initiate the fermentation, transforming the sugars into alcohol.
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The wine is then aged in oak barrels, allowing the flavors to develop and mellow.
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The final step involves the acetification, where the alcohol is converted into the desired red wine vinegar.
Aging Techniques
After the grapes are fermented, the red wine vinegar undergoes a meticulous aging process at Château Coupelle d’Ertan.
Stored in oak barrels, the vinegar matures for a minimum of six months, allowing the complex flavors to develop. The owners closely monitor the temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal conditions for the natural oxidation and esterification reactions.
This slow, patient approach results in a depth of character and a smooth, balanced acidity that’s the hallmark of their artisanal vinegar.
Visitors can observe the aging cellar and learn about the nuances of this time-honored technique.
Flagship Products
At the heart of Château Coupelle d’Ertan’s offerings are their flagship products – the handcrafted red wine vinegar and their renowned Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru wine.
The heart of Château Coupelle d’Ertan’s offerings are their handcrafted red wine vinegar and renowned Grand Cru wine.
During the guided tour, visitors can expect to:
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Sample the artfully crafted red wine vinegar, which undergoes a meticulous aging process for a rich, complex flavor.
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Taste the Château Coupelle d’Ertan Grand Cru, a quintessential Saint-Émilion wine with notes of dark fruit and oak.
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Learn about the winemaking techniques that give these products their distinct character.
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Engage directly with the estate owners for an authentic, personalized experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Factory Open on Weekends?
The factory is open on weekends, offering guided tours and tastings. Visitors can explore the estate’s production methods and purchase the artisanal red wine vinegar and Grand Cru wine directly from the owners.
Do They Offer Discounts for Large Groups?
They offer group discounts starting at 10 people, providing a 15% reduction on the regular per-person price. Reservations are required in advance to take advantage of the group rate.
Can Visitors Purchase Products Online After the Visit?
Yes, visitors can purchase the estate’s products online after their visit. The winery offers flexible ordering options to enjoy their handcrafted red wine vinegar and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wine even after the tour.
How Long Has the Family Owned the Vineyard?
The family has owned the vineyard for generations, though the exact duration is not specified. Visitors can purchase the estate’s products, including the signature red wine vinegar and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wine, directly from the on-site shop after the tour.
Are There Any Food Options Available On-Site?
There are no on-site food options available. The visit focuses solely on the artisanal vinegar production and tasting experience, providing an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process directly from the estate owners.
Recap
The Artisanal Vinegar Factory at Château Coupelle d’Ertan in Saint-Émilion offers a unique opportunity to learn about the intricate processes of winemaking and vinegar production. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, taste the estate’s flagship red wine vinegar and Grand Cru wine, and appreciate the scenic views. With wheelchair accessibility and flexible booking, it’s a delightful and hassle-free adventure suitable for all.
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