Private ride in the vineyards and wine tasting from Saint-Emilion

Imagine cruising through picturesque vineyards in a vintage sidecar, feeling the wind in your hair as you approach some of the region’s most renowned wine estates. That’s precisely what this private Saint-Emilion experience offers—an unusual, fun, and intimate way to explore one of France’s most celebrated wine regions. The tour combines the thrill of a vintage ride with a tasting at a Grand Cru Classé estate, making it a truly memorable outing.

One of the standout features is the personalized nature of this experience. With only your group, you’re guaranteed a tailored, relaxed journey with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and soak in the scenery. We love that the route takes you off the beaten path on small vineyard trails, offering a unique view of Saint-Emilion’s charming landscape. On the flip side, the 1 to 2.5-hour duration means it’s a short but intense adventure—so if you’re craving a comprehensive tour, you might want to supplement it with additional visits.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking something different from typical wine tours—those craving fun, authentic moments, and a dash of adventure. It’s especially suited for couples or small groups who appreciate a mix of scenic beauty and premium wine experiences. Keep in mind, it’s accessible from age 4 and older, making it a family-friendly option (though small children will be riding in the same sidecar as an adult).

Key Points

• Unique Transportation: Vintage sidecar rides provide a fun, eye-catching way to explore Saint-Emilion’s vineyards.
• Personalized Experience: Private tour means your group gets exclusive attention, making it more relaxed and flexible.
• Scenic Routes: Small vineyard paths and off-road moments deliver a different perspective on the region’s beauty.
• Wine Tasting: The visit to the Grand Cru Classé estate offers a chance to taste some of the finest local wines.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides show you around, pointing out châteaux, landscapes, and sharing insights.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for ages 4 and up, perfect for families or small groups.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

The tour kicks off at 10 Rue Guadet in Saint-Emilion, right in the heart of this medieval village. After a brief safety briefing, equipped with helmets and gloves, you’re ready to hop into your vintage sidecar. The driver and guide—a knowledgeable and friendly local—lead your small group along narrow vineyard roads, offering a mix of sightseeing and off-road adventures.

The Vineyard Ride

For about 40 minutes, you’ll glide through the vineyards, with several photo stops en route. The route is designed to showcase the region’s most beautiful landscapes and architecturally stunning châteaux. Reviewers like Victoria mention, “The guide was very knowledgeable and showed us so many interesting chateaus and sights,” which suggests the guides are well-versed in local history and geography.

Expect moments of off-road fun, as noted by a reviewer who said, “We got to go through all the chateaus and even had off-road moments!” This adds an element of adventure that sets this experience apart from standard vineyard tours. The small paths and dirt trails give a sense of exploration, making it feel more like a countryside adventure than just a sightseeing bus.

Photo Stops and Scenic Views

The highlight for many is the chance to capture stunning photos with the vineyards sprawling in the background. The guide is happy to pause at picturesque spots, so bring your camera or smartphone. These moments are perfect for creating lasting memories—whether it’s a selfie with a chateau behind you or a panoramic shot of rolling hills.

The Wine Tasting Experience

After the ride, the tour continues with a 20-minute visit to the renowned Couvent des Jacobins, a Grand Cru Classé estate with over 600 years of history. Here, you’ll indulge in a wine tasting that showcases some of the region’s best wines.

Reviewers consistently praise this part of the experience. Victoria called the tasting “a good way to learn the area,” emphasizing the quality of the wines and the expertise of the guides. Miguel, another traveler, described it as an “incredible way to see Saint-Emilion,” highlighting how the tasting complements the scenic journey perfectly.

The estate’s long history and the chance to savor wines from a classified château make this part of the tour especially valuable for wine enthusiasts. If available, the tasting might feature wines from the estate or similar prestigious Château properties, giving you a genuine taste of Saint-Emilion’s vinicultural excellence.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is priced at $143.30 per group (up to two people), making it a relatively affordable, intimate experience considering the novelty of the sidecar ride and the wine tasting combined. It’s booked typically 50 days in advance, indicating strong interest and securing your spot early is wise.

The activity lasts between 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace and stops. The meeting point is straightforward—at the corner of Rue Guadet—making it easy to find. Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Weather plays a role in the experience. Since it’s an outdoor activity, poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if canceled due to the weather.

What You Can Expect from the Experience

The Ride: Expect a lively, fun, and somewhat unique way to explore vineyards that you won’t find on conventional tours. The vintage sidecar adds a nostalgic charm, and the small-path routes mean you get close to the vines. Be prepared for some gentle off-road sections, which add a dose of adventure.

The Guide: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share insights about Saint-Emilion’s history, architecture, and wine. They make the experience engaging—Victoria appreciated the guide’s expertise, and Miguel enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path journey.

The Scenery: The views during the ride are stunning—rolling hills, ancient châteaux, and the lush greenery of the vineyards. These sights, combined with the photo stops, make for a memorable visual experience.

The Wine Tasting: The tasting at Couvent des Jacobins is a highlight. The estate’s 600-year history and Grand Cru Classé status speak to the quality of wines you’ll try. Reviewers mention being impressed by the wines and the learning opportunity this offers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those seeking something different from traditional wine tours—if you’re excited by the idea of an adventure, vintage vehicles, and scenic beauty, you’ll love it. It’s particularly well-suited for couples, small groups, or families with children over 4 years old, looking for a relaxed, personalized outing. If you’re after a quick yet immersive glimpse of Saint-Emilion’s landscapes and wines, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you prefer a more comprehensive or structured winery visit, you might want to consider combining this with other tours. This experience is about the journey—both physically in the sidecar and culturally through the wine tasting—and not about exhaustive vineyard visits.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This private sidecar vineyard ride with wine tasting offers a rare blend of fun, scenery, and authentic wine experiences. The vintage vehicle adds a nostalgic, playful element that appeals to those craving something memorable and Instagram-worthy. Coupled with the expert guidance and excellent wines, it delivers a well-rounded, intimate look into Saint-Emilion’s charm.

The price reflects the exclusivity and unique nature of the activity, making it a good value for a special treat or a highlight of your Bordeaux trip. It’s best suited for travelers who want an adventure with a personal touch, and those who appreciate good wine served with a side of scenic beauty.

If you’re after a relaxed, offbeat way to see Saint-Emilion and taste its wines, this tour checks all the right boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for travelers aged 4 and older. Kids will ride in the same sidecar as an adult, making it a family-friendly option.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on stops and pace.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the private sidecar ride, safety gear, and the wine tasting at the estate. It’s for your private group only.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people can fit in one sidecar?
One sidecar is designed for one or two people—the driver and one passenger in the basket or behind the driver.

Is the guide knowledgeable about the region?
Absolutely. Reviewers mention guides are very knowledgeable, showing interest in châteaux, sights, and local history.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor activity; bring layers if needed, as it can be breezy on the sidecar.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 50 days ahead. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability.

Can I combine this experience with other tours?
While this is a standalone experience, you might find similar options or additional tours that include guided visits to châteaux or other vineyard experiences.

This tour offers a playful, intimate way to enjoy Saint-Emilion’s stunning scenery and finest wines. Perfect for those craving a mix of adventure, authenticity, and relaxation, it’s a memorable way to see France’s wine country from a fresh perspective.