In 990, Emma, the daughter of the Count of Blois, Theobald I, founded the Benedictine monastery of Saint-Pierre, which was known for growing Mediterranean plants such as olive trees, oranges and pomegranates from the original monastery in Italy. The monastery was destroyed during the French Revolution.

The commune gives its name to the AOC wine-growing region. Almost exclusively red wine is grown on a vineyard area of 1368 hectares.

The market hall belonged to the Benedictines of Bourgueil Abbey before being transferred to the Domaine Nationale in 1789. In 1810, an imperial decree confirmed the purchase of the market hall by the town of Bourgueil, but its poor condition prompted the commissioner of experts to recommend that it be rebuilt

The municipality rejected this solution, but in 1823 part of the halls collapsed and reconstruction was unavoidable. The choice fell in favour of rebuilding a smaller building made of tuff. A stone that is found in large quantities in the region.