There are wine tours, and then there are experiences that belong to a different category entirely. This private full-day tour in the Saint-Émilion appellation centres on something genuinely rare: a three-course gourmet lunch hosted by a member of the Pradel de Lavaux family at their historic Chartreuse de Bellevue — a beautifully preserved 18th-century estate in the heart of one of Bordeaux's most celebrated wine regions. It is an intimate, personal encounter with a family, their home, their wines, and their table.
The Pradel de Lavaux Estate and its Chartreuse
A Chartreuse is a distinctive form of Bordeaux country house — low, elegant, and symmetrical, built for the merchant and wine-owning families of the 17th and 18th centuries as a retreat from the city. Château Bellevue and its Chartreuse are among the finest examples in the Saint-Émilion appellation, and the Pradel de Lavaux family have been the stewards of this estate and its wines for generations. Your visit begins with a guided tour of the property — the vineyard, the cellar, and the architecture of the Chartreuse itself — followed by a curated tasting of the estate's finest vintages.
A Family-Hosted Three-Course Gourmet Lunch
The centrepiece of the day is a 1.5-hour lunch prepared by a professional chef and hosted at the family table by a member of the Pradel de Lavaux family. This is not a restaurant experience — it is a private meal in a private home, with a host who has grown up among these vines and these wines. Each of the three courses is paired with wines from the estate, selected to complement the food and to illustrate the range and character of Château Bellevue's production. Vegetarian and dietary requirements are accommodated on request.
Afternoon: The Medieval Village of Saint-Émilion
After lunch, your guide takes you into the UNESCO World Heritage village of Saint-Émilion for a walking tour of its most significant landmarks — the cobbled streets, the monolithic church, the collegiate church and cloisters, and the panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. The afternoon concludes with free time to explore the village independently, browse the wine merchants and local shops, or simply sit and absorb one of the most beautiful landscapes in southwest France. The tour returns to Bordeaux at the end of the day.
