Château Ausone's buildings and terraced garden above its vines, Saint-Émilion (scanned 1985 slide)

Photo: Michael Wittwer, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

Tasting · Saint-Émilion

Château Ausone

First Growth Named for Roman Poet

One of only four Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" estates in Saint-Émilion, Château Ausone sits on the site where Roman poet Ausonius cultivated vines. The estate's limestone cellars date back to Roman times. Tasting here is a pilgrimage for serious wine lovers.

Insider tips

  • Reservations required months in advance - this is one of Bordeaux's most exclusive tastings

  • The wine typically costs €300-800+ per bottle, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience

  • Alternative: Château Canon nearby also has Roman-era cellars and is more accessible

  • Visit in September for harvest to see the steep limestone slopes being hand-picked