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Château Figeac

4.6
·95 reviews·Saint-Émilion, France

A Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, renowned for its unique gravelly terroir and elegant, age-worthy wines.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Harvest Season (Sept-Oct)

Witness winemaking in action!

CrowdMedium
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barricaia

Château Figeac

Best Time

Harvest Season (Sept-Oct)

Witness winemaking in action!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, renowned for its unique gravelly terroir and elegant, age-worthy wines.

4.6
(95 reviews)

"Wonderful tour and epic wine. The guide was very informative and knowledgeable."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Ahead! 🗓️

Secure your tour and tasting well in advance, especially for popular times.

Opt for Longer Tours ⏳

The 90-minute tour offers a richer, more in-depth experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Château Figeac Estate

Château Figeac Estate

Saint-Émilion

Explore the historic grounds of this renowned Grand Cru Classé estate, known for its unique terroir and elegant wines.

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

Tasting Room

Savor the exquisite flavors of Château Figeac and Petit Figeac wines, often praised for their balance and longevity.

Reddit
Vineyard Views

Vineyard Views

Vineyard Plots

Wander through the picturesque vineyards, appreciating the unique gravelly soils that contribute to Figeac's distinctive character.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

Château Figeac is a highly sought-after winery. Booking tours and tastings well in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons. Many visitors recommend securing your spot weeks or even months ahead to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Consider Tour Length

While shorter tours are available, opting for a longer experience at Château Figeac allows for a deeper dive into its history and winemaking process. Visitors who chose longer tours found them more rewarding and comprehensive. Reddit

Best Times

When
Harvest Season (Sept-Oct)
Why
Witness winemaking in action!
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring Mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Good morning from 📍Château Saint Émile ✨ #monttremblant #canada #chalet #cottage
@dahlia.atrouche
3.3K likes • 83.2K views

Book Ahead! 🗓️

Secure your tour and tasting well in advance, especially for popular times. Reddit

Opt for Longer Tours ⏳

The 90-minute tour offers a richer, more in-depth experience. Reddit

A country house in Saint-Emilion ♥️
@french_exterior
2.3K likes • 25.3K views
“Mon plus beau souvenir à Château Figeac ?”🍷 Pour Frédéric Faye, Directeur Général de Château Figeac, tout a commencé en 2003, lorsqu’il découvre par surprise un millésime… 1949 ! Un vin d’une finesse et d’un éclat inoubliables, qui lui a révélé toute la magie intemporelle de Figeac. #ChateauFigeac #GrandCruClassé #SaintEmilion #BordeauxWine #VinsDeLégende #WineLovers #FineWine #FrenchWine #Gre...
barnes_finewines
164 likes • 29.4K views

Ask About Harvest 🍇

Visiting during harvest offers a unique behind-the-scenes look. Reddit

Don't Miss Petit Figeac 🍷

Taste Figeac's excellent second wine, often praised for its quality. Instagram

🏰 Château Figeac is a winery with a unique terroir in the heart of Saint-Emilion. Here, on gravelly soils, some of the most elegant wines of the region are created, based on the varieties Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot🍷 Each bottle is a balance of tradition and innovation, aged in oak barrels with notes of berries, spice and chocolate 🫐🍫 Château Figeac is known for its special sty...
tourdewine.fr
18 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead! 🗓️

Secure your tour and tasting well in advance, especially for popular times. Reddit

Opt for Longer Tours ⏳

The 90-minute tour offers a richer, more in-depth experience. Reddit

Ask About Harvest 🍇

Visiting during harvest offers a unique behind-the-scenes look. Reddit

Don't Miss Petit Figeac 🍷

Taste Figeac's excellent second wine, often praised for its quality. Instagram

No On-Site Sales 🚫

Wines are not sold directly at the vineyard; plan to buy elsewhere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(95 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the exceptional quality of Château Figeac wines and the knowledgeable, passionate guides who share the estate's rich history. The unique terroir and the opportunity to witness winemaking processes, especially during harvest, are significant highlights. However, some guests feel the overall experience, considering the price, is somewhat overpriced, noting the lack of food pairings during tastings.

"Wonderful tour and epic wine. The guide was very informative and knowledgeable. She was fun and we all learned alot about the St Emilion region while enjoying amazing wines!"

Emmy Sobieski

"It is interesting to visit a big “chateau” like Figeac. But the overall experience considering the price to take a look around and to have a few sips of wine, is overpriced.
There is no pairing of cheese or anything with the wine, and I even had to ask for water because they didn't bring some to the wine tasting.
You can get a similar experience in other chateau for a more reasonable price."

Cristian

"As we were travelling to the Left Bank and rather pressed for time on the day of our tasting, we tried to switch to a 60-minute tour instead of the 90-minute one we'd originally booked. We're so glad that we stuck with the longer tour of this marvellous family-run vineyard in the end!

It was absolutely wonderful learning about the history of Chateau Figeac and its wines from our extremely knowledgeable guide Gwen. We could really feel her passion for wine and her pride in the vineyard. We were also extremely lucky because they had just started harvesting and we got a behind the scenes peek into the production process. My husband was particularly impressed by the optical scanner that blazed away, sorting 1600 grapes per second. To top off this amazing experience, in came Madame Manoncourt herself to the tasting room. She was very excited about the harvest, and very sweetly obliged when we asked for a photo with her!

And of course, the highlight – the tasting. Both Chateau Figeac and Petit Figeac, their second wine, were so delicious they were easily among my favourite wines from our trip. We were prepared to order a couple of cases home but alas they don't sell their wines at the vineyard. We'll definitely be hunting them down in Singapore!"

Rachel Chew

What People Like

Exceptional wine quality
Knowledgeable guides
Unique terroir

What People Dislike

Perceived as overpriced
No food pairings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Château Figeac is located in Saint-Émilion, a short drive from Bordeaux. Many visitors rent a car or hire a taxi for the approximately 45-minute journey. E-bikes are also a popular option for exploring the vineyards if you're coming from Saint-Émilion town. TikTokReddit

Yes, Château Figeac typically offers parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a little early to secure a spot, especially during busier periods.

Absolutely! Château Figeac is a perfect destination for a day trip from Bordeaux. You can combine it with exploring the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. TikTok

Within Saint-Émilion, you can explore by foot, rent bicycles (including e-bikes), or use local taxis. Many visitors enjoy biking through the scenic vineyard routes. Reddit

Public transport directly to Château Figeac is limited. It's best to arrange private transport, a taxi, or join a guided tour that includes transportation from Bordeaux or Saint-Émilion. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices can vary, but visitors have noted that the experience, especially considering the wine tasting, can be perceived as overpriced by some. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing for different tour options. Reddit

Yes, booking your tour and tasting in advance is highly recommended, and often essential, to guarantee your visit. Popular slots fill up quickly. Reddit

Opening hours for tours typically vary by season and day of the week. It's best to consult the official Château Figeac website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on tour availability and times.

No, Château Figeac does not sell its wines directly at the vineyard. You will need to purchase their wines from wine merchants or retailers after your visit. Reddit

Tours typically include a guided walk through the estate, insights into the winemaking process, and a tasting of Château Figeac and Petit Figeac wines. Some longer tours offer a more in-depth experience. Reddit

🎫 🍷 Wine & Tasting

You can typically taste the estate's flagship wine, Château Figeac, and its second wine, Petit Figeac. Visitors often praise both for their quality and distinct characteristics. InstagramReddit

Currently, food pairings like cheese are not typically offered as part of the standard tasting experience at Château Figeac. The focus is primarily on the wines themselves. Reddit

While specific vintages available for tasting can change, visitors have enjoyed recent vintages like 2018, 2019, and 2020, as well as older ones like 2009 and 2010. The 2001 vintage has also been highlighted for its unique character. Instagram+2

Château Figeac is known for its distinctive gravelly soils, which are unusual for the Right Bank of Bordeaux. This unique terroir contributes to the elegance and longevity of its wines. Instagram

Yes, tours at Château Figeac provide detailed insights into the estate's rich history and winemaking traditions, often led by passionate guides. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

Photography is generally permitted in designated areas, such as the vineyards and exterior of the château. Always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide. Reddit

Visitors often describe the experience as wonderful, with knowledgeable guides and a chance to learn about winemaking. Some find it a bit pricey, but many appreciate the quality of the wine and the estate's history. Reddit

While the focus is on wine, the beautiful estate and vineyard walks can be enjoyed by families. However, the tasting experience is for adults. TikTok

Guides at Château Figeac are often praised for their passion, knowledge, and ability to share the estate's story effectively, making the tour engaging and informative. Reddit

The optical scanner is a modern piece of technology used during harvest to sort grapes with incredible speed and precision, ensuring only the best fruit makes it into the wine. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Château Figeac is primarily a wine destination, families can still enjoy a visit. The expansive estate and beautiful vineyard walks offer a pleasant environment for children to explore, especially during good weather. TikTok The visual aspect of the vineyards and the château itself can be engaging. However, it's important to note that the wine tasting portion is strictly for adults. Consider booking a tour that allows for more time to wander the grounds, and perhaps pack some snacks for younger visitors. Reddit

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs

For serious wine lovers, Château Figeac is a must-visit. Its status as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) in Saint-Émilion, combined with its unique gravelly terroir and the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varietals, makes it a benchmark for elegant, age-worthy Bordeaux wines. Instagram Engaging with the estate's history, understanding its terroir, and tasting its exceptional wines, including Petit Figeac, offers a profound experience. Reddit Consider booking a longer tour to fully appreciate the nuances of this esteemed property. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers from Bordeaux

Château Figeac is an ideal destination for a day trip from Bordeaux. The drive is relatively short, making it easy to incorporate into a single day's itinerary. TikTok Combine your visit with exploring the charming medieval village of Saint-Émilion, which is just a stone's throw away. Renting e-bikes is a popular and enjoyable way to navigate the scenic vineyard routes between the village and the château. Reddit Remember to book your tour in advance to maximize your time and avoid disappointment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Terroir of Château Figeac

Château Figeac stands out in the Saint-Émilion appellation due to its exceptional terroir. Unlike many of its neighbors on the Right Bank, Figeac is predominantly planted on gravelly soils, a characteristic more commonly found on Bordeaux's Left Bank. This unique soil composition, combined with clay and limestone, contributes significantly to the wine's structure, elegance, and aging potential. The estate boasts a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, which thrive in these gravelly conditions, lending complexity and finesse to the final blend. Instagram

The vineyard management at Figeac is meticulous, focusing on sustainable practices to preserve the health of the soil and vines. This dedication to the land is evident in the quality of the grapes harvested each year. Visitors often have the opportunity to learn about these practices during tours, gaining a deeper appreciation for the factors that contribute to Figeac's esteemed reputation. The interplay of soil, climate, and grape varietals creates wines that are both powerful and nuanced, capable of developing beautifully over decades. Instagram

This distinctive terroir is a key reason why Château Figeac is considered one of the most exceptional properties in Bordeaux. It allows the estate to produce wines that are consistently recognized for their balance, aromatic complexity, and remarkable longevity, making them highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts worldwide. Instagram

A Legacy of Winemaking Excellence

The history of Château Figeac is deeply intertwined with the Manoncourt family, who have owned and managed the estate for generations. Their passion and dedication have been instrumental in shaping Figeac into the world-class winery it is today. Frédéric Faye, the Director General, recalls discovering a remarkable 1949 vintage in 2003, an experience that solidified his understanding of Figeac's timeless magic. Instagram

This commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to cellar practices. The estate utilizes modern technology, such as optical grape sorters, to ensure the highest quality fruit is used in production. Reddit Visitors often have the chance to witness these advanced techniques firsthand, especially if they visit during the harvest season. The blend of tradition and innovation is a hallmark of Figeac's approach, ensuring that each vintage reflects both its heritage and the best of contemporary winemaking.

The wines themselves, Château Figeac and Petit Figeac, are celebrated for their elegance, structure, and aging potential. Many visitors leave impressed by the tasting experience, often regretting they cannot purchase wine directly from the estate. Reddit The estate's owners, like Blandine de Brier Manoncourt, often engage with visitors, sharing stories and insights that further enrich the experience. InstagramReddit

The Château Figeac Wine Tasting Experience

The wine tasting at Château Figeac is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to sample the estate's renowned wines. Typically, guests will have the opportunity to taste both the prestigious Château Figeac and its excellent second wine, Petit Figeac. These wines are consistently praised for their balance, complexity, and the distinct character derived from Figeac's unique terroir. InstagramReddit

While the tasting focuses on the wines themselves, some visitors have noted the absence of food pairings like cheese, and that water is not automatically provided. It's advisable to stay hydrated, especially if you're tasting multiple wines. Reddit Despite these minor points, the quality of the wines and the insights gained from the tasting are widely appreciated. Many visitors find the wines so impressive that they wish to purchase them immediately, only to discover they are not sold on-site. Reddit

Recent vintages that have garnered attention include the 2018, 2019, and 2020 for Château Figeac, and the 2021 for Petit Figeac. Older vintages, such as the 2009 and 2010, are also highly regarded. The 2001 vintage, in particular, has been noted for its vibrant character and remarkable balance, offering a different profile from some of the more powerful, opulent vintages. Instagram+2

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