The wines

Saint-Émilion is famous for its wines. The Romans planted vineyards here as early as the 2nd century.

The quality of the wine is due to the limestone geology and a microclimate that is perfect for winemaking. This association of “terroirs” provides ideal conditions for merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and malbec.

The Jurade, a wine brotherhood created in 1199 by King John of England, is in charge of promoting St-Émilion wine around the world and of organizing the annual Spring Feast.

Saint-Émilion is named after a monk who arrived in the little village in the 8th century, in search of a quiet simple life. He decided to make it his home and settled in a cave carved into the rock there.

After he performed a few miracles, he became famous in the region and the town became a religious centre and an important landmark for pilgrims following the Camino de Santiago pilgrim way to Spain.

The cave of St-Émilion inspired the construction of the most impressive monument in St-Émilion, which is a monolithic church tower, carved from one stone. There are many other monuments, each with their own story.