Saint-Émilion's history goes back to prehistoric times and is a World Heritage site,
with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow
streets.
The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the
2nd century AD. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the
bountiful vine.
The town was named after the monk Émilion, a travelling confessor, who settled in
a hermitage carved into the rock there in the 8th century. It was the monks who followed
him that started up the commercial wine production in the area.
Saint-Emilion can be likened to an amazing open-air museum. It also has more than
70 hectares of underground galleries dug out of solid limestone as well as a remarkable
monolithic church. These constitute some of the town's most striking features.
The
above are by no means all that is of interest in Saint-Emilion. There are Romanesque
monuments and vestiges tucked away in the back streets which seem to defy the passage
of time. The stone is a soft ochre colour, and somehow symbolises the town's spirit.
We invite you to share in this spirit.
Saint-Emilion is the ideal place for either
a relaxing stroll or a closer look at the town's fascinating buildings. Whatever
the reason, you are sure to feel welcome.
Saint-Emilion wines are renowned and enjoyed
around the world, but not all of them are grands crus. Wine has always been of paramount
importance to the town. Hard work, draconian regulations and the ability to work
together have ensured Saint-Emilion's prosperity and independence through the centuries.
Wine flows in the town's veins... It is as much a part of Saint-Emilion's image as
its famous monuments…
Vines grow all around the town: they are inseparable from the
landscape and seem to have sculptured it, providing infinite variety and character.
Châteaux and vineyards are everywhere. They reflect centuries of history and generations
of hard work. There is someone behind every bunch of ripe, purple grapes, and behind
every vine leaf
