Chateau La Dominique, Saint Emilion

Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé wine in a beautiful location

featured in Vineyards & estates Updated 1 September 2022

Producers of Grand Cru Classé wines, this chateau is a combination of history and modernity. Its existence can be traced back to the end of the 17th century, but they have recently added a new cellar to its estate created by prestigious architect Jean Nouvel.

According to legend, the name 'La Dominique' came from a rich merchant who named the land in memory of the Caribbean island in the 17th century. During the first Saint Emilion wine classification in 1955, it was designated Grand Cru. The current owner, who purchased the estate in 1969, is Clément Fayat.

They grow grapes of the Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties in their vineyards, with which they create their signature Grand Cru wine and a second red wine.

The famous architect Jean Nouvel created a new cellar building for the estate in 2014 that contrasts with the classical architecture of the old host house, where visitors are received. The tour comprises a visit to the panoramic terrace overlooking the vines, discovering the history of the estate and tasting various wines.

Worth knowing

They also have a restaurant, 'La Terrasse Rouge', open 12:00-15:00 and 19:00-21:30. Closed only for dinner Sunday to Thursday from November to March.

Visitor comments

"Nice tour of the chateau explaining the wine-making process accompanied by a wine tasting session." - Trip Advisor
"The new cellar was designed by Jean Nouvel, 2008 Pritzker prize winner. State of the art technology in wine making, only the aging process is old school. Very pleasant tour where we were told all the process of wine making, wine tasting in the end,4 wines of 2 different estates. Beautiful terrace and restaurant overlooking the vineyards." - Trip Advisor
"We were brought to this restaurant as part of a wine tour day trip. It must be said that the terrace is stunning as are the views. Our tour guide must have told them it was our honeymoon as they had arranged a terrace table with views and welcomed us with champagne which was a lovely touch!" - Trip Advisor

When to come

Visits take place every day 11:30-18:00 from April to October and 11:30-14:30 in October. From November to March they open Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30-14:30. Booking is mandatory.