Saint-Émilion is a remarkable place with evidence of human settlement since prehistoric times. Since the introduction of viticulture by the Romans in the 2nd century, it has been continuously practiced to this day.
Early human settlement in natural caves reaches as far back as 35,000 BC. A testament of the Celtic Gaul period is the hillfort on the plateau overlooking the town of Saint-Emilion. The Romans arrived in 27 BC during the reign of Augustus, and created the first vineyards by felling forests and grafting new varieties of grape on vines growing naturally in the region. They left a lasting mark on the landscape with several stunning Roman villas and Romanesque churches still intact.
Read more