Bordeaux Full day Medoc and St Emilion Wine Tour with Lunch

Exploring Bordeaux’s renowned wine regions is a dream for many wine lovers, and this full-day tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances guided winery visits, tasting multiple wines, and exploring the charming UNESCO-listed town of Saint-Emilion. With a maximum of eight travelers, the small-group setting promises a more personalized and relaxed journey through some of France’s most celebrated vineyards.

One aspect we particularly love is the chance to taste 7 to 8 different wines across three distinct estates, giving a well-rounded overview of Bordeaux’s diversity. The inclusion of a picnic lunch in a beautiful château garden also adds an authentic touch that elevates this experience beyond just cellar tours.

However, a consideration worth noting is the full-day schedule that runs from 9 am to around 5:30 pm, which can feel long, especially if you’re eager for a more leisurely pace or have dietary preferences that might not be fully accommodated. This tour is best suited for travelers who are genuinely interested in wine, enjoy guided excursions, and are ready for a full-day adventure.

• Personalized Experience: Small group size limited to eight ensures more guide interaction.
• Diverse Visits: Combines visits to both Médoc and Saint-Emilion, including a UNESCO World Heritage village.
• Wine Sampling: Tastes 7-8 wines, including tastings at classified growth châteaux.
• Authentic Lunch: Picnic in a château garden adds a genuine and scenic touch.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, accommodating, and keep the day on schedule.
• Value for Money: The price includes multiple tastings, guided tours, and a scenic picnic, offering great value for wine enthusiasts.

An Overview of What to Expect

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Bordeaux’s wine scene, perfectly suited for those who want to understand the region’s complexities without overextending their budget. It’s designed to provide a balance of education, tasting, and cultural exploration within an approximately 8.5-hour window.

Starting at 2792 Pl. des Quinconces in Bordeaux, the journey kicks off promptly at 9:00 am. The small group size of up to eight travelers ensures that you don’t feel lost in the crowd and can ask plenty of questions along the way. The tour is operated by à la française, a reputable provider praised for knowledgeable guides and well-organized trips.

Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Margaux
Your day begins in the Margaux wine region, famous for its classified growth châteaux. Here, you’ll visit a Growth Classified 1855 château for a guided tour of the vineyard and cellar. Reviewers mention that the experience of tasting wines in such a historic estate elevates the day. One guest highlighted that “the châteaux were beautiful,” and the inclusion of a visit to a prestigious estate adds significant value.

Second Stop: Château Côte de Baleau
Next, you’ll visit Château Côte de Baleau for a presentation and tasting session. The highlight here, according to reviews, is the lunch in the château’s garden, which offers a scenic and authentic setting. The lunch is included in the tour fee, and one reviewer appreciated that even as vegetarians, they had good food options, emphasizing that the tour caters sufficiently to different dietary needs.

Third Stop: Saint-Emilion
In the afternoon, the tour moves to Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its picturesque medieval streets and vineyards. Here, you’ll visit a family-run estate for yet another guided tasting, often praised for its intimate, authentic atmosphere. Reviewers frequently mention that the stunning views and charming village are worth the trip alone. You also explore the Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion, with a 45-minute tour of the medieval church, adding a cultural dimension to your wine experience.

Final Stop: Village Exploration
The last hours are spent wandering the stunning streets of Saint-Emilion, with plenty of opportunities for photos and exploring local shops. The entire visit is designed to give a well-rounded picture of the region’s architecture, history, and of course, its wines.

The Highlights that Make This Tour Stand Out

Guided Vineyard and Cellar Tours
Every visit includes a guided tour of vineyards and cellars, offering insights into Bordeaux’s wine-making process. Multiple reviews note that guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and keep the group engaged, with one reviewer saying, “Vicky was a great guide—very informative and accommodating.”

Tasting Multiple Wines
Sampling 7 to 8 wines across different estates gives a broad understanding of Bordeaux’s diversity — from elegant reds to more robust varietals. Several guests appreciated the opportunity to taste wines from classified growth châteaux, which are considered some of the best in the region.

Authentic Picnic Lunch
Among the most praised aspects is the picnic lunch in a château garden. It’s not just a quick snack but a proper meal set amidst scenic surroundings, making the experience feel genuinely French. Reviewers confirmed that vegetarians are well catered for, which is a thoughtful touch.

Cultural and Historical Sights
The inclusion of Saint-Emilion’s medieval architecture and UNESCO heritage status adds educational value beyond wine tasting. The church tour and village walk are appreciated for giving context to the region’s history and architecture.

The Practicalities: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour includes transport via air-conditioned minivan, which is ideal for comfort during the long day. The group size is capped at 8, ensuring more interaction with guides and fewer logistical headaches. Guests consistently mention that this small-group setup made the experience more intimate and personalized.

Starting at 9:00 am and returning by around 5:30 pm, the schedule is packed but well-paced. Guests often note that the day is full but manageable, providing enough time at each site without feeling rushed.

Pricing at $236.44 per person offers good value considering the range of activities — multiple guided tours, tastings, wine classes, and lunch. Given the inclusion of premium estate visits and a scenic picnic, many reviewers agree that the experience offers excellent value for money.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Reviewers frequently mention how knowledgeable guides like Vicky, Gilliam, and Rémi enhanced their day with stories, explanations, and accommodating behaviors. One guest noted Rémi’s extra effort, including ensuring they received a wine “top-up,” which shows genuine hospitality.

Several reviews also highlight the stunning estates and villages visited, noting that Saint-Emilion was more beautiful than Medoc, but each region has its unique charm. The scenic vineyard views and medieval streets make this tour visually rewarding.

Some criticisms include the lunch being somewhat sparse or the organization in the afternoon feeling a little rushed, especially when the tour returns late. However, these seem to be minor compared to the overall positive feedback.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts keen to taste a variety of Bordeaux wines and learn about the region’s wine-making process. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate small-group tours for a more intimate and engaging experience.

If you enjoy cultural sights, the inclusion of Saint-Emilion’s architecture and history makes it a well-rounded day. The scenic setting and authentic lunches appeal to travelers looking for a genuine French experience.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have specific dietary restrictions not well accommodated, you might find the full schedule a bit demanding. Also, those hoping for a luxury chauffeur service might find that the tour is more about the wine and scenery than high-end transport.

This Bordeaux full-day tour offers an excellent combination of wine education, tasting, and cultural exploration. The inclusion of three different estates, a charming village, and a scenic picnic makes it a well-rounded experience that balances value and authenticity.

The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and carefully curated itinerary stand out as the main strengths, ensuring you get an immersive experience without feeling overwhelmed. For wine lovers eager to get a taste of Bordeaux’s best, this tour provides a great way to spend a day in France’s wine capital.

This experience is especially suited for travelers who prioritize quality over quantity, want a personalized touch, and are excited to explore both the vineyards and the history of Bordeaux. The price point, considering the inclusions, makes it a competitive option for those looking to maximize their wine tour experience without breaking the bank.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided winery visits, tastings of 7 to 8 wines across three estates, a wine-tasting class, a picnic lunch in a château garden, a professional guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned minivan.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5:30 pm.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of eight travelers, creating an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a picnic lunch is served in the garden of a château visited during the day. The menu is sufficiently accommodating, even for vegetarians.

Are there any age restrictions?
The minimum age to participate is 4 years old, making it accessible for families with children.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended as there will be walking tours. Bring a hat, sunscreen, or umbrella if sunny, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning vineyards and medieval streets.

In essence, this Bordeaux wine tour delivers a genuine, well-organized, and delicious journey through France’s most famous wine regions. It suits travelers looking to deepen their wine knowledge, enjoy authentic experiences, and explore charming villages—all within a comfortable and intimate setting.