At the heart of Saint-Émilion's medieval citadel stands the Couvent des Jacobins, a Grand Cru Classé that has woven a rich, singular story for centuries. Between century-old stones, a virtuous and passionate viticulture endures. Let's see what makes this place so special. The Bordeaux Confidentiel team takes you to discover this place rich in history and passion. For one night, we had the privilege of sharing an evening of discovery, tasting and cinema (yes yes cinema!) in this incredible place. We tell you everything!
A Window on History
From 14th-Century Ramparts to Modern Vines
The Couvent des Jacobins was a place of religious life, a refuge for Santiago de Compostela pilgrims, and a well-known vineyard since the 14th century. Its walls, raised by Dominican monks, echo a rich story, one still being written today. From the estate's purchase in 1790 by the Guadet family, to winemaker Jean Jean's arrival in 1902, the Couvent des Jacobins crossed eras, evolving and expanding, rising to Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé in 1969. The estate saw the inspiring leadership of female figures like Berthe Jean and Rose-Noëlle Borde. Xavier Jean, 4th-generation representative, now continues this family adventure, anchoring the estate in the 21st century, while preserving a 120-year family legacy.
A Piece of History at the Heart of the Citadel
Nestled at the heart of Saint-Émilion's medieval citadel, the Couvent des Jacobins is much more than a mere vineyard. It's the silent guardian of a story spanning nearly 700 years, living witness of a rich past and ancestral tradition. The walls raised by Dominican monks in the 14th century frame the Couvent des Jacobins, preserving a timeless setting.
The building, with its moats, limestone plateau and thick walls, breathes serenity and mystery. The stones and garden jealously guard the secrets of a first long story ended in 1780, giving the place an atmosphere both peaceful and majestic.
Originally a religious life place dedicated to housing Santiago de Compostela pilgrims (as I said above, keep up…), the Couvent des Jacobins quickly became known for its wine, thanks to the excellent location of vines by the town ramparts.
The building, at once prayer place, refuge and pilgrim stop, transformed into a respected and recognized wine estate. Over the centuries, the Jean family, owners of the Couvent des Jacobins, undertook major work to replant the vineyard, enlarge the cellar and acquire new parcels. Their love for the historic building also shows in the enhancement of the old monks' bakery, dating to 1389, and the underground cellars for bottling and aging wines.
The Magic of a Terroir, the Finesse of the Wines
Responsible, Innovative Viticulture
The Couvent des Jacobins terroir yields wines of remarkable finesse and freshness. The move to responsible viticulture, with Organic Agriculture certification in 2020, underlines a committed environmental approach. A rare fact in Saint-Émilion, petit verdot joins the blend, giving remarkable singularity to Couvent des Jacobins wines.
An Immersive Wine-Tourism Experience
From electric tuk-tuk to prestigious tastings, the Couvent des Jacobins visits offer an experience both playful and original, whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a simple curious visitor.
MANY WAYS TO DISCOVER THE COUVENT DES JACOBINS
The Couvent des Jacobins offers a variety of experiences for every taste, from the technical visit to gourmet moments in the gardens. Whether an experienced oenophile or simply interested in the place's beauty and history, you'll find something to your taste. Tuk-tuk tours, wine tastings in the historic cellars, and picnics in the picturesque garden make this visit a unique, unforgettable experience.
A few examples:
1. DISCOVERING THE COUVENT - €20
- Duration: 1h / 1h15
- Description: This visit focuses on work in the cellar and vat room and closes with a tasting of the property's two wines after a stroll through the estate's monolithic caves.
- Group rates: €13 for 13-20 people, €13 for 21-30 people.
2. IN COUVENT'S BOOTS - €28
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Description: The visit begins with a tuk-tuk ride through the vines, followed by the discovery of the technical facilities and monolithic caves, before ending with a tasting of the property's two wines.
3. COUVENT'S CONFIDENCES - €55 & COUVENT'S TRILOGY - €90
- Duration: 1h15/30
- Description: These visits offer an intimate, comparative tasting of an older and younger vintage of the first wine in the monolithic caves, after a tuk-tuk vineyard visit.
4. Exclusive Tours with Unobstructed Views of Saint-Émilion
- Description: These tours lead visitors from the Couvent to the CALICEM cellar, through a selection of parcels, with a tasting of 3 wines and unobstructed views over the Saint-Émilion vineyard.
5. Our Gourmet Interludes: PICNIC IN THE GARDEN & COUVENT'S GOURMET TREATS
- PICNIC IN THE GARDEN: €45/adult, €12/child (6-12), €18/teen (> 13). After the visit, enjoy a gourmet picnic in the garden, paired with 2 glasses of wine.
- COUVENT'S GOURMET TREATS: €35/adult, €12/child (6-12), €18/teen (> 13). An ideal option for small hungers, with cheeses, cured meats, local sweets, fruit, bread and 2 glasses of wine.
- Group rates: €25 for 13-20 people, €20 for 21-30 people.
6. A Relaxing Moment: Extend Your Experience
Enjoy a typically French picnic or aperitif in the garden, sheltered from the village crowd. Calm and tranquility are the watchwords of these moments at Couvent.
From playful workshops, to sensory workshops, to event organization like the open-air cinema we experienced with Kheiron's film "Nous trois ou rien" (brilliant!), the Couvent des Jacobins isn't behind in offering different, unique experiences to help you discover its charms.
What do we take away from this unique place?
Everything! Too much, Nassima, our guide and host for one night, captivated us, drew us into the Couvent des Jacobins' confidential universe. Her passion, her elegance in presenting the place charmed us totally, this place seems to hold so many secrets we'd spend hours exploring every corner. The quarry under the convent is INCREDIBLE! But I won't say more...
In a word (or several) we loved it, from the building to the wines, through the passion and smile of our host Nassima, we were lucky to discover this place.
We'll be back soon!
Tested and validated by Bordeaux Confidentiel.
LE COUVENT DES JACOBINS
Address: 10 Rue Guadet, 33330 Saint-Émilion
Phone: 0557247066
Email : reception@couvent.wine
Website: http://www.couvent-jacobins-saint-emilion.com/
