Château Balestard la Tonnelle is a Saint-Emilion Grand Classé. The vineyard, located at the top of a hillside at the gates of the city of Saint-Emilion, extends over 10.6 hectares and its grape varieties are classic of the appellation with 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The property is named after an old 15th century watchtower located in the middle of the vineyard and which has become the emblem of the Château. François Villon quotes the wine of Balestard in one of his poems: "to drink this divine nectar which bears the name of Balestard".