A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: SAINT-EMILION – THE VILLAGE AND THE WINE!

12th September 2025

Anyone that knows me will be aware that I’m not the most knowledgeable of wine drinkers. I enjoy the occasional glass here and there, but would not know a good glass of fine wine from some cheap plonk.

That said, I couldn’t really pass up the chance to learn a bit more about the wines from the local area given that we are pretty much smack-bang in the middle of French wine country. I convinced myself that I could blag my way through any conversations that might come up, or if worst came to the worst, simply plead ignorance.

Today, buoyed by the possibility of some fine weather, we travelled 50 minutes across country to perhaps one of the most famous locations for wine in France: Saint-Émilion.

Located close to the incredible Dordogne river, this beautiful village is everything I love in one easy to explore package. Looking like something from an Assassin’s Creed map, the village is level upon level of tiny streets, sandstone buildings, churches and castle battlements. Add into the mix the bustle of visitors, the smell of incredible food and enough shops to keep even the most ardent fan of shopping happy, and you have all you need to fill a very enjoyable day.

Of course the wine from the region took centre stage. The village is crammed to the rafters with shops selling all manner of vintages to suit all pockets, a point of interest that’s hardly surprising given the location. Despite our combined lack of knowledge, we persevered, bringing back a couple of bottles, one white, one red, that we hoped our holiday companions would enjoy. Fitting nicely within our budget (though a little more than we would normally spend) we were happy with our purchases, but couldn’t resist asking the price of the most expensive bottle in the shop. The response? €7000, which as you might imagine is as just a little higher than we were prepared to pay…

So another relaxing day that allowed us to explore another attractive part of this lovely country. We haven’t yet tried the wine yet, but I’m sure that will be enjoyable as well, something I’m sure I will discuss in my next diary entry!

See you tomorrow.