A Private Day in Saint-Emilion: Explore Wines & Charm

Pick up in Saint Emilion

This morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Bordeaux.   

Meet your English speaking guide who is an Expert on Bordeaux Wines

In the morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Saint Emilion. Meet your English speaking guide who is an expert on Bordeaux Wines. Your driver / guide is also a certified guide which means that he or she is licensed to conduct tours in historical villages such as Saint Emilion and has access to monuments and museums that are not accessible to those that do not possess this licence.

Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of your private wine tour with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to discover the vineyards of the Saint Emilion wine producing region. 

Travel in a spacious Mercedes minivan

Your private Saint Emilion wine tour will take place in one of our very spacious Mercedes Minivans. This vehicle can take up to 8 persons. All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system that allows you to hear the commentary of your driver/guide no matter where you are seated. Also, there is free Wi-Fi access on all tour vehicles. Bottled water is also available in all our vehicles. 

Wine & History combo on a St Emilion full day tour 

This private full day small group wine tour packs a lot of delights. On this exclusive private tour to St Emilion organized by Ophorus, you will have several options such as tasting delicious Bordeaux wines and visiting the most important landmarks. Add to this the rich historical attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage site and you see why this full day option makes for such a great tour.

Depart from Saint Emilion

Discover the picturesque countryside plains and rolling hills of the right bank wine producing area. This is the heart of Bordeaux's famous wine region, where many vineyards carry the Saint Emilion AOC designation. Each of these local wineries produce vintages with distinct soil features backed by a long winemaking heritage. The wines produced here are a blend of Merlot grapes with deep, bold flavors, along with other local grape varieties, especially Cabernet Franc and, to a lesser degree, Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Combine Saint Emilion vineyards tour with Pomerol and Visit 3 Wineries 

This option is a perfect choice for both novice and wine connoisseurs alike who want to experience 2 very different appellations of the right bank. By choosing this option, you will participate in 2 visits and wine tastings in the Saint Emilion appellation (as in option 2) to which we will add 1 visit & wine tasting in the Pomerol appellation. 

Pomerol is located right next to the Saint Emilion appellation. The south and west part of the appellation have sandier soils compared to the slightly heavier soils in the east, which include a certain proportion of clay. It is in this eastern section, on the marginally higher land where Pomerol meets Saint-Émilion, that the best wines are produced. 

Three of the most highly regarded Pomerol producers – Pétrus, Lafleur and Le Pin – are located here. Merlot is the dominant grape in Pomerol and plays a large part in making the wines rich, smooth and approachable at an early age, while also being capable of extended aging. Cabernet Franc is also often present, adding structure and an element of savory spice. These characteristics mean Pomerol wines are much sought after on the international market.

The combination of two different appellations will allow you to dig deeper into the notion of 'terroir' which is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. This is where the expertise of our guides will show all its importance as you benefit from their knowledge to better comprehend this essential french notion when it comes to wines.

Private visit of the underground monuments of Saint Emilion

Probably the highlight of Saint Emilion village, is the underground Monolithic Church. The foundation of the church is built directly into the limestone of the rocky site, a rare construction feat. 

From the history of the founding monk of the village, to the digging of the surprising monolithic church, the visit will enable you to discover 4 monuments : the hermitage of Émilion, the Trinity Chapel and its medieval paintings, the catacombs as well as the underground church. Our certified licensed guides have the authorization to conduct private tours in this monument so just follow your guide and learn about the history and heritage of Saint Emilion. 

The legend of Emilian 

The first indications of human settlements in the area date back to the Roman Empire, but the story of Saint Emilion starts in the eighth century AD. At that time, a monk from Brittany, fleeing persecution in his hometown of Vannes sought refuge in one of the natural caves near the settlement of Ascum Bas.

Although he lived the simple and secluded life of a hermit, Saint Emilion allegedly performed several miracles from his Aquitaine hideaway. Soon, his renown spread far beyond the town and region, bringing pilgrims and disciples from far afield to visit him. The small settlement grew fast as it became a religious center. 

After Saint Emilion died, his followers made sure he would be remembered by giving the town of Ascum Bas the new name of Saint Emilion.Much later, monks developed more intensive and widespread vineyards. This is when the reputation for Saint Emilion wines started building towards what it is today. 

The rich Merlot-based blends of these fertile plains have given local wines a great appeal, and several wines produced in chateaux near Saint Emilion have been given the highest possible awards under the French appellation wine rating system.