“Dans le Nez du Vin” tour Aromas & Faults in Saint Emilion

If you’re heading to the Bordeaux region and want a taste of wine education mixed with fun, the “Dans le Nez du Vin” tour at Château Palais Cardinal is worth considering. This 1.5-hour experience blends a guided vineyard walk with a playful olfactory workshop—perfect for those curious about wine beyond just drinking it.

What we love about this experience is the interactive aroma game, the chance to learn about wine faults in a relaxed way, and the breathtaking panoramic views of the vines from the estate’s tasting room. However, if you’re short on time or prefer more extensive wine tastings, this might feel a bit brief. Still, it offers a unique peek into the sensory side of winemaking that appeals to beginners and aficionados alike.

This tour suits those who enjoy hands-on learning, are interested in the nuances of wine aromas, or want an engaging activity that combines education with beautiful scenery. It’s also excellent for travelers seeking a budget-friendly, memorable experience in Saint-Emilion.

Good To Know

• Interactive Aroma Game: Use “Le Nez du Vin” aroma vials to identify wine scents and faults.
• Expert Guidance: Led by knowledgeable guides at Château Palais Cardinal.
• Educational & Fun: Learn about wine faults like cork taint, oxidation, and reduction in a relaxed setting.
• Beautiful Setting: Enjoy 360° panoramic vineyard views from the estate’s tasting room.
• Tasting Experience: Sample three carefully selected red wines, including two Saint-Emilion Grand Cru vintages.
• Great Value: For just $23, you get a comprehensive sensory experience with a souvenir bottle for the best noses.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Location and Setting

The tour takes place at Château Palais Cardinal, situated south of Saint-Emilion within the prestigious Bordeaux wine region. The estate offers a charming blend of tradition and modernity, with a stunning panoramic view of the neighboring vineyards for guests to enjoy during the tasting. The estate’s ambiance is relaxed but professional, making it accessible for all levels of wine enthusiasts.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Guided Vineyard and Cellar Tour (30 Minutes)

The experience kicks off with a guided tour of the estate, lasting about half an hour. As you stroll through the vineyards, your guide explains the varieties of grapes grown and their cultivation philosophies. You’ll also visit the estate’s latest-generation stainless steel vat room, the traditional barrel cellar, and the amphora aging room.

This behind-the-scenes look at winemaking and aging processes helps you appreciate the craftsmanship involved. Guests often note that the guides are engaging and eager to share their knowledge, making the tour both informative and personable. One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way they explained each step of the process without overwhelming us.”

Olfactory Workshop (“Le Nez du Vin”) (30 Minutes)

After the tour, visitors move into a fun and interactive aroma identification session. Using Jean Lenoir’s renowned “Le Nez du Vin” box set, participants test their noses with six vials—three representing typical red wine aromas (such as fruit, wood, spices), and three illustrating common wine faults (like oxidation, cork taint, and reduction).

The activity encourages guests to write down their guesses—and the best noses are rewarded with bottles of Château Palais Cardinal or Château Haut Boutisse. Multiple reviews praised this segment for being engaging yet educational: “It’s a playful way to discover what makes each wine unique—and what to watch out for.”

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Tasting and Learning (1 Hour)

The final part involves a guided tasting of three carefully selected red wines, including two from Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. The host explains how each wine reflects the vineyard’s terroir, the winemaker’s choices, and the aging process. The tasting is well-paced, with ample time to observe the wines’ color, aroma, and flavor profiles.

Guests have lauded the quality of the wines served, especially considering the modest price point of $23. The estate also generously provides a complimentary bottle to those who excel in the aroma game, adding a tangible souvenir to remember the experience.

What Makes This Tour Special?

• The olfactory game isn’t just fun; it educates you about wine faults and aroma identification, skills that add depth to your wine appreciation.
• The panoramic vineyard views from the tasting room create a perfect backdrop for your tasting experience, making it more memorable.
• The small group atmosphere ensures personalized attention and an engaging environment, which reviewers have highlighted as a major plus.
• The value for money is excellent—$23 includes the tour, workshop, tasting, and a souvenir bottle, making it a cost-effective way to explore wine’s sensory world.

Practical Details

The tour lasts 1.5 hours and is available in English and French, with live guides. It’s wheelchair accessible and offers the flexibility of reserving now and paying later, perfect for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

Guests are encouraged to arrive on time, as the experience is tightly scheduled. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance—a good option for travelers with unpredictable plans.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is particularly valuable for beginners or those curious about the science behind wine tasting. It’s also ideal if you want a relaxed, engaging activity that combines learning with spectacular scenery.

Wine aficionados might find it a bit light on the tasting hours, but the educational value and the sensory insights make it a worthwhile addition to an itinerary in Saint-Emilion.

• Wine novices eager to understand aroma profiles and faults in a friendly environment.
• Travelers seeking a budget-friendly yet educational activity.
• Those who appreciate scenic vineyard views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Visitors interested in learning the craft of winemaking without lengthy, intensive tours.

This tour offers a balanced mix of fun, education, and stunning scenery for a modest price, making it a delightful way to deepen your wine knowledge without feeling overwhelmed.

Is the tour suitable for all ages? While primarily geared toward adults interested in wine, the sensory and educational elements make it suitable for all ages, though minors might not participate in all activities.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always best to confirm with the provider beforehand.

Are the wines tasted at the end of the tour local? Yes, you will taste three wines from the estate, including Saint-Emilion Grand Cru vintages.

How long is the entire experience? The full experience lasts about 1.5 hours, including the vineyard tour, aroma workshop, and tasting.

Is there a dress code? No specific dress code, but casual comfortable clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards.

Can I purchase wines or products after the tour? Yes, optional purchases are available at the estate shop, though not included in the tour price.

This sensory-focused tour at Château Palais Cardinal combines education, fun, and stunning scenery, making it an engaging experience for anyone looking to expand their wine knowledge in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a wine newbie or just curious about how aromas influence taste, this tour offers a memorable and value-packed activity in Saint-Emilion.

You can check if your dates are available here: