UNESCO Heritage site, Saint Emilion, has to be one of the most romantic settings in the region; the perfectly preserved medieval village with its tiny lanes and many restaurants is perfect for hand-in-hand strolls. Famed for its red wines, they also make a sparkling wine here – Crémant de Bordeaux, and every romantic evening needs a little sparkle. Tucked away down a back street discover the hidden 13th century Cloitre des Cordeliers. The wines are aged in the underground caves and you can sip them at a table for two under the tumbled-down old arches in the secluded cloister gardens.
Stay close by in the rolling hills above the village in La Maison des Vignes, a vineyard cottage nestled in amongst the vines of Château Troplong Mondot, just a 20 minutes’ walk away. It’s a perfect romantic setting, winter or summer, thanks to a roaring fire and the private terrace overlooking the vines.
photo credits : Château Montlabert
If you are looking for a quiet place for lunch where you’ll be received as a royal couple, who can go to the 2024 Best Of Wine Tourism winners ;
- The perfect white rose gardens of Chateau Montlabert are a beautiful and romantic setting for a tasting for two.
- With a name like Chateau Rol Valentin, this Château should definitely be on your romantic Saint Emilion tasting tour. The 19th century chateau also offers picnics to be savoured in the grounds or private lunches in the château.
- An hidden restaurant facing the vineyard with a tasting and fresh menu every day… Go to Le Comptoir de La Rose and thank us later !
An overnight stay in a chateau is mandatory for a romantic getaway. In nearby Pomerol, the 18th century Château Beauregard has a beautiful, classified garden of ancient trees, accessible from the terrace as you cross the small lily filled moat. The private salons and dining room are at once elegant and intimate as are the recently renovated bedrooms overlooking the park.
In the foothills of Saint Emilion, Château Bellefont Belcier has guests rooms in the chateau surrounded by gardens and woodlands, ideal for romantic walks.
A golden stay
Wake up to the atmospheric morning mists of Sauternes, the magical source of the sweet white wines of the region. Stay in one of the 5 guest rooms in the 18th century ‘Chartreuse’ of wine estate Château Sigalas Rabaud. Let me smell of their exclusive Sauternes coffee be your alarm clock and enjoy a relaxed breakfast on the terrace after a swim in the lap pool.
You can add a touch of sparkle to your stay here with La Marquise, a sparkling Semillon made, in honour of her glamorous grandmother, by Laure de Lambert Compeyrot, the sixth generation wine maker.
photo credits : Château Lafaurie Peyraguey
For an evening of sparkle, walk through the vines to neighbouring Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey. This 400 year old, imposing, fortified domain is also the site of the Lalique hotel and Michelin 2 star Restaurant. Bedecked with crystal, as you would expect, the cuisine still outshines the decor.
Les Sources de Caudalie, the 5-star palace hotel in the vines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, is a glamorous romantic location. Stay in their landmark ‘honeymoon suite’ L’Isle aux Oiseaux that floats above the lake in the gardens. Designed as a tribute to ‘stilted cabans’ in Arcachon Bay, the interior is designed by couturier Rabih Kayrouz. Be sure to book the Duo “sarments amoureux” ritual at the wine spa, a programme for two with a couples ‘vinotherapy massage’ and therapeutic barrel bath.
Bordeaux city lights
Bordeaux is a wonderfully romantic city on the banks of the Garonne. After dark, the UNESCO heritage site lights up the 18th century buildings along the waterfront, reflecting them in Europe’s largest water mirror in front of the Place de La Bourse.
photo credits : Magnetic Bordeaux
Or choose to see the city lights from the water, on a sunset or dinner river cruise or toast the sunset from the roof terrace of the Intercontinental Hotel with spectacular views across the city.
Romance on the label
You can always bring a little Bordeaux romance back home. Chateau Calon Segur, a classified growth of Saint Estephe, is perhaps Bordeaux’s most romantic wine, thanks to the heart that has featured on the label since the 18th century. The label was created by the property’s then owner, the Marquis de Segur, who claimed his heart lay with Calon Segur, drawing a heart around the name to prove it.
The Courselle sisters at Château Thieuley in the Entre deux Mers have the perfect rosé label for lovers Made from the classic right bank blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the label has a clear cut out heart at the centre that allows the blush rose colour to shine through.
photo credits : Château Bonhoste
And while in the Entre deux Mers, an original and romantic stay would be in the Coup de Foudres. A play on words that means both falling in love and falling into a wine vat! Chateau Bonhoste, has two 20 m2 wooden vats, normally used for wine fermentation, they have converted to include a bed, a sitting area, a small kitchenette and bathroom. The perfect place for a cosy wine weekend for two.
Author : Wendy Narby - Insider Tasting