10 Best Saint Emilion Wineries to Visit – Recommended by a Local Wine Guide
There are approximately 800 wineries in Saint Emilion, France. Most wineries are small family-owned estates with vineyards as small as 5 to 15 acres.
Wine production in Saint Emilion dates back to gallo-roman times. From the 12th to the 15th century, Saint Emilion has been producing wines that were exported to England.
For your Saint Emilion wine tour, I suggest picking a top-rated winery or an intimate tasting experiences with a winemaker himself.
Here is the list of my favorite wineries to visit in Saint Emilion.
Click on a picture to find out more about each estate.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Pavie
Top-rated wines, Tours & tastings
Why to visit?
- Classified Saint Emilion 1st Grand Cru Classe A, Chateau Pavie is one of the top four wineries in Saint-Emilion. A wine tour to Chateau Pavie is one of the rare opportunities to visit one of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux and in the world.
- Excellent views over the famous terraced vineyards and the Dordogne valley from the top point of the vineyards.
- At Chateau Pavie, everything is impressive and luxurious – wines, interiors, cellars, and the tasting room.
- Watch my video about a visit to Chateau Pavie.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau La Gaffeliere
Top-rated wines, Tours & tastings, Wine shop, No reservation tasting
Why to visit?
- Chateau La Gaffeliere is classified as Saint Emilion 1st Grand Cru Classe B. The estate is one of the top wineries in Saint-Emilion.
- Besides its excellent wines, in my opinion, the chateau has the most attractive fermentation room in the whole Bordeaux wine region.
- Chateau La Gaffeliere is easily accessible by foot from the town of Saint Emilion and the train station.
- Guided wine tastings are available at the winery boutique.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Grangey
Tours & tastings, Wine shop
Why to visit?
- If you like first-hand experience at a small family chateau, young winemakers Franck and Elodie will show you around their small but modernised winery.
- At Chateau Grangey you will enjoy lovely scenery of Saint Emilion wine country away from crowds.
- Excellent wines – do not miss the 2015 Chateau Grangey.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Tour St Christophe
Accomodation, Wine & food pairing, Tours & tastings, Wine shop, No reservation tasting
Why to visit?
- Excellent, diverse wines and a great value for money at this small winery.
- Usually the generous tastings include both Saint Emilion and Pomerol wines from Chateau Tour Saint Chirstophe’s sister properties.
- Beautiful views from a high point of the Saint Emilion wine region.
- The hospitality at Chateau Tour Saint Christophe is exemplary. You will get a private personalized tour experience guided by friendly staff.
- Wine boutique and souvenir shop with all wines of the Kwok family.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Mangot
Workshops, Wine & food pairing, Tours & tastings, Wine shop, Picnic
Why to visit?
- Chateau Mangot is a family winery that is placed out of the way in a beautiful valley. I always enjoy a scenic drive to Chateau Mangot.
- Very diverse Saint-Emilion wines of top quality. Besides Saint-Emilion and Cote de Castillion reds you will find their popular M de Mangot white and rose.
- The winery offers a romantic picnic in the garden with view of vineyards.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau de Pressac
Top-rated wines, Tours & tastings, Wine shop, Remarkable architecture
Why to visit?
- Hands down, the best of view in Saint-Emilion from the hill.
- The impressive historic castle of Chateau de Pressac was built on the place of the old chateau where the final accords of the Hundred Years War were signed in 1453.
- Unique wine blend for Saint-Emilion, which is a combination of all local black grape varieties.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Villemaurine
Top-rated wines, Wine & food pairing, Tours & tastings, Wine shop
Why to visit?
- You will be impressed by the underground cellars under the vineyards of Chateau Villemaurine. Spooky, but extremely entertaining. Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes.
- The chateau is conveniently located within the walls of Saint Emilion.
- I recommend to select a private tour with wine-food pairing, as public tours can be crowded due to the winery’s proximity to the town.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Coutet
Organic wines, Tours & tastings, Wine shop
Why to visit?
- Enjoy authentic experience at a small family vineyard at Chateau Coutet.
- The chateau uses sustainable agriculture practices and produces internationally acclaimed wines.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau de Ferrand
Accomodation, Kids' activities, Workshops, Wine & food pairing, Tours & tastings, Wine shop
Why to visit?
- The highlight of the chateau visit is tasting from a barrel guided by an experienced sommelier.
- The new tasting of Chateau de Ferrand is impressive as well as their tasting offers and workshops.
Rated 5 out of 5
Chateau Franc Mayne
Accomodation, Tours & tastings, Wine shop
Why to visit?
- The underground cellars of Chateau Franc Mayne are definitely worth a visit.
- The views of the Dordogne valley are some of the best in the area.
Enjoy your Bordeaux wine tour!
For more Bordeaux travel tips see my guide on How To Visit Wineries in Bordeaux.
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