A Day of Wine and History in Saint-Emilion

Some places instantly capture your heart, and for me that place was Saint-Emilion. Our day began in this charming medieval city, a UNESCO site since 1999, where we walked its steep, narrow streets and admired breathtaking views over the rooftops. We discovered that Saint-Emilion is not only famous for its red wines, but also for its macaroons, which have been made continuously since 1620.

Later, we visited Chateau Soutard. We strolled past the vineyards, toured the cellars, learned the estate’s history and concluded with a tasting of their excellent wines.

By this time, we were ready for lunch and enjoyed a delicious charcuterie with new friends at a charming little restaurant nestled in a nearby vineyard. It was the perfect ending to a morning filled with history, flavour and good company.

A Taste of Local Life

On Wednesday, we had the pleasure of attending a special, informal wine tasting at La Petite Cave, a charming wine bar in the heart of Blaye. It was more than just a tasting, it was an invitation into the life of the owners, a couple with a deep passion for wine and art.
Leslie is the entrepreneur and wine educator and his wife, Clarissa, is the interior decorator, artist and wine maker.

The couple shared not only a tasting of their own wines, but also a glimpse into their artistic world. We were welcomed into their art studio, a creative space filled with Clarissa’s work, and shown their secret garden, their winery and impressive collection of vintage cars.

The warmth and hospitality of the owners transformed a simple wine tasting into a very memorable experience.

The Life of Toulouse-Lautrec

Last Tuesday, our journey led us to the Gironde region of France, into the history of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, beginning with a visit to his family’s country estate, Chateau Malrome. While he is most famous for his depictions of Parisian nightlife, this chateau, bought by his mother, Adele, served as a place of artistic inspiration away from the city. It was here that Toulouse-Lautrec spent much of his time and where he passed away in 1901.

From the chateau, our journey continued to the nearby town of Verdelais. In its peaceful cemetery, we visited the simple grave which marked the end of a brilliant and troubled life. Visiting Chateau Malrome and the cemetery provided a deeper understanding of the man behind the art, connecting his legacy to the French countryside he called home.

Just behind the cemetery is the basilica of Verdelais which houses a wooden statue of Our Lady of Verdelais, estimated to be from the 14th century. It has been credited with many miracles. These are dated including one for this year and there are crutches and canes hanging in the church apparently left behind by people cured of various diseases.