This fall, American Friends embarked on a wonderful trip to the famed UNESCO village and wine region of Saint-Émilion. Our guests enjoyed private access to the premiere crus wine-producing properties and invitations to tour the estates and dine with the families.
Our voyage was punctuated with remarkable highlights.
Monday, October 21: Our trip began with a tour and tasting with Monsieur Édouard Moueix at Château Bélair-Monange, who described the history of the property and provided a tour of the magnificent chai and exceptional terroir. We were treated to a special visit to Château Angelus and the chorus of the château’s bells as they chimed the Star Spangled Banner and the Marseillaise! We would like to thank the Vauthier family as Château Ausone graciously opened its doors and galleries to our guests in a rare and exclusive opportunity.
In the evening, American Friends Board Member and owner of Château Fonplégade, Madame Denise Adams, shared her unprecedented and creative hospitality with a tour of this exquisite property, the story of the château’s restoration and her team’s dedication to perfecting the estate wines. Afterwards, we enjoyed a sophisticated apéro dînatoire in her residence.
Tuesday, October 22: We began the day with a visit to the fifth child within the Domaine Clarence Dillon wine family, Château Quintus. Next, we had a delightful tour of the cellars and a tasting at Château Canon before a harvest lunch in the vineyard hosted by Mme. Sylive Cazes at Château Chauvin.
An outstanding highlight of this year’s trip was Monsieur Pierre Lurton’s guided visit of the elegant Château Cheval Blanc. He graced us with a tour of the estate and delighted us with his wine-making philosophy before hosting our guests for a private dinner in the château.
Wednesday, October 23: Our day was filled with Premier Grande Cru Classé A with visits to Château Pavie, Château Figeac, and a private lunch offered by the JEAN family at the Couvent des Jacobins. We enjoyed a rare opportunity to participate in topping off a 30-year-old vintage of Couvent de Jacobins in the center of Saint-Émilion village and a tour of the historic quarries, once excavated to build Libourne or Bordeaux and stretching under the entire region of Saint-Émilion.
It was quite a privilege to experience the historic and exceptional property of Château Canon La Gaffelière with the von Neipperg family. We ended the day with our gracious hosts, an extraordinary tour of the vineyard, chai, and a private dinner with the family in their residence. We are thankful for the family’s impeccable hospitality and the opportunity to share exceptional wines from their many domains.
Thursday, October 24: The week concluded with a visit to La Cité du Vin and the award-winning Via Sensoria exhibit. Our guests were some of the first visitors to La Cité after it was announced that La Cité du Vin had been chosen as one of the new faces of the French government’s MAKE IT ICONIC campaign!
The American Friends team would like to thank our partners who helped make this trip a great success! Merci à La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux Saveurs et Artiste-Associé Photographes!