Château Bernateau, Aquitaine Travel Guide

Château Bernateau, a family-run vineyard for eight generations, offers a captivating journey into the world of organic winemaking in the prestigious Saint-Émilion appellation. Located in the charming village of Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, a mere five minutes from the historic Saint-Émilion, the estate is a testament to the Lavau family's dedication to producing exceptional wines while respecting the environment. The history of Château Bernateau is deeply intertwined with the Saint-Émilion terroir. The estate's 20 hectares benefit from a prime location on one of the best terroirs of the appellation, characterized by clay-limestone soils that impart unique qualities to the wines. The Lavau family has owned the estate for eight generations, passing down a legacy of winemaking expertise and a commitment to sustainable practices. In 2012, Château Bernateau received organic growing certification, a testament to its dedication to environmentally friendly viticulture. The estate's commitment extends beyond organic farming, with systematic sorting and recycling of corks and label supports, as well as replacing bottled water with carafes. A visit to Château Bernateau is an immersive experience that reveals the secrets of organic winemaking. Guests are welcomed to explore the vineyards, where they can learn about the unique characteristics of the Saint-Émilion terroir and the organic farming methods employed by the Lavau family. The tour continues into the vat cellar, renovated in 2016, which features new wooden vats that allow for winemaking using natural gravity, respecting the grapes and enhancing the quality of the wines. The tour culminates in a tasting of several Saint-Émilion Grands Crus crafted by the Lavau family. Visitors can savor the finesse, elegance, and strength of the terroir expressed in each vintage. The estate offers a range of tasting experiences, including an authentic tour with a complete visit of the vines, vat room, and barrel cellar, followed by a tasting of three wines. A commented tasting of three wines is also available for those seeking a shorter experience. For a truly unique experience, guests can opt for a vertical tasting, which allows them to taste an old vintage and understand the evolution of the wine over time and the effect of the vintage on its aromas, complexity, and strength. Château Bernateau welcomes families with children, offering a dedicated kids' corner in the tasting room with coloring books and games about the vines. The estate also offers a family visit, adapted for children aged 3 to 12, with organic grape juice tasting for the little ones. Beyond the traditional tours and tastings, Château Bernateau offers unique experiences such as a walk in immersion with the vines, an outdoor activity ideal for enjoying the scenery and discovering the secrets of organic vine-growing. The wines of Château Bernateau are a reflection of the estate's commitment to quality and sustainability. The estate produces three labels: Château Bernateau (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru), Château Tour Peyronneau (Saint-Émilion Grand Cru), and Tertre de Lisse (Saint-Émilion). The wines are characterized by their concentrated flavors, mineral notes, and aromas of red fruit, flowers, and smoky/toasted scents. Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, the village where Château Bernateau is located, is a charming destination with a rich history and heritage. The village is home to a 12th-century church and the Château de Pressac, where the treaty ending the Hundred Years War was signed in 1453. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. Château Bernateau is more than just a winery; it is a family legacy, a commitment to sustainability, and a celebration of the Saint-Émilion terroir. A visit to this estate is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the art of organic winemaking and the beauty of the Bordeaux region.