GATHER THOSE GRAPES
The harvest season in Saint Emilion or the ”vendange” as the French call it, is an old tradition that attracts many locals and foreigners to the area. While the prestigious wine region enjoys a steady stream of visitors starting from early Spring, Saint Emilion’s harvest season in September seems to be the busiest time of the year. It’s hard labour no doubt, but it doesn’t stop the flock of mostly young locals and foreigners taking part in this beautiful tradition.
How to make the most of the harvest season
The Saint-Emilion wine harvest begins in September and is one of the best times to visit the châteaux of the region. The sun is still beaming its warmth down upon the countryside, and the vineyards are alive with activity. As you can imagine, there are numerous beautiful vineyards in the Bordeaux region to choose from, each with its own unique qualities and reasons to visit. At some, you can join in with the harvest – be warned, though, it’s hard work – whilst others simply offer expert-led tastings.
Maison du Vin de Saint-Émilion
This is the wine school of the Saint-Émilion region and the perfect place, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast, or new to the game. The oenologists at the Maison du Vin de Saint-Émilion will talk you through all the basics, as well as some of the finer points for more advanced tasters.
There are a number of short courses for you to choose from on which you’ll learn what to expect and look out for when tasting specific wines, which will steer you in the right direction for the rest of your trip.
THE SAINT-EMILION'S VILLAGE, A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Saint-Emilion is a charming medieval village located in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine area. It is a very unique site with world-famous wineries, fine wine, beautiful architecture and great monuments.
From the 9th century to the 19th century men had the will to mine the soil in order to standardize the whole architectural looking of not only the city of Saint-Emilion but also a few ones in the region (such as Bordeaux for instance).
Nowadays the extraction is over but there are still 200km of underground galleries under the village and its vineyard standing as a proof of that activity.
SAINT EMILION, THE WINE
The diversity of its wines is due to both a complex geology (sands, clay, limestone...) and a microclimate that is perfectly suitable for winemaking. Combined with the permanent care of professionals for their vines, this association of “terroirs” provides ideal conditions for the nutrition and the maturity of the different blends of grape varieties (mostly merlot, blended with cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon or malbec). These varietals allow Saint-Emilion wines to have a wide range of aromas and flavours particularly appreciated.
Furthermore, if Saint-Emilion wines are world famous it’s thanks to the hard promotion work of the Jurade, a wine brotherhood that was yet created in 1199 by John, King of England. They are now in charge of promoting Saint-Emilion wine around the world and of organizing every year the Spring Feast and the “Ban des Vendanges” (the grape harvest).
Go and appreciate the spirit of Saint -Emilion and the quality of its wines or take a winery tour and tasting led by professionals, gourmet picnics and lunches in a wine estate or during a blending lesson that will allow you to create your own wine.
If you prefer to savour your glass of wine with a nice meal, theres a lot of restaurants and quality tables d’hôtes that are waiting for you in the city and the vineyards.