Bordeaux: St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour with Wine & Lunch

Imagine pedaling through rolling vineyards, the scent of grapes in the air, and charming medieval streets at your feet. That’s exactly what you get with the Bordeaux St-Emilion Vineyards e-Bike Tour, an 8.5-hour journey combining active exploration, wine tasting, and culture. With a stellar 4.8-star rating from 178 reviews, this experience appeals to wine lovers, cycling enthusiasts, and those craving a taste of authentic French countryside charm.

What really stands out for us is the combination of guided expert insights and the fun of riding an electric bike—making the experience accessible and enjoyable for most levels of fitness. Plus, the visit to two stunning châteaux, including one classified as Great Growth, offers a real peek into Bordeaux’s prestigious wine scene.

A potential consideration is the minimum height requirement of 155 cm—not suitable for very petite travelers—and the possibility of rain, which might lead to a switch to a van tour if weather turns sour. This tour is best suited for adventurous food and wine enthusiasts who enjoy active outings, small group intimacy, and learning about winemaking in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Active yet relaxed: Electric bikes make cycling through vineyards easy and accessible.
• Expert-guided: Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into Bordeaux’s wine industry.
• Authentic visits: Tours include two châteaux, with one being a classified estate, adding prestige to the tasting.
• Cultural charm: The UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion offers historical and architectural beauty.
• Great value: Price includes transportation, bike rental, wine tastings, and a delicious lunch.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & Transportation

The adventure begins in Bordeaux’s Place des Quinconces, a lively central square. From here, you hop into a comfortable van for a 50-minute scenic drive to Saint-Emilion. This transit allows you to relax after the city sights and get into the mood for a day of exploration.

The E-Bike Ride Through Vineyards

Once you arrive, the real fun starts. The e-bikes are a highlight—they’re high-quality, making the 15-km ride through the vineyards smooth and manageable. Reviewers consistently praise the bikes for their comfort and ease of use, with many noting that the pedal assistance makes the journey feel more like a scenic tour than a workout.

Guides like Vickie and Regis excel at blending informative commentary with humor, making the ride educational and fun. You’ll pass by the famous Château Cheval Blanc and Château Petrus, experiencing close-up views of Bordeaux’s prestigious wine estates. Some reviewers fondly recall the feeling of cycling past these iconic wineries, with one mentioning that it felt more like biking through a living museum.

Visiting the Châteaux

Your first stop is a prestigious classified growth estate. Here, you’ll walk through the vineyard, hearing about its history and traditional winemaking methods. The atmosphere is relaxed, with many guests mentioning how much they appreciated the insider knowledge shared by the guides.

The tasting in the estate’s garden is a memorable highlight—a selection of 5 to 6 wines, including some of Bordeaux’s best. Reviewers like Sara from Canada loved the “wonderful spirit and attitude” of guides like Mel, who made the experience both educational and convivial.

The second château offers an interactive tour of the winemaking process—an insight into how grapes go from vine to bottle. This part of the tour caters well to those interested in understanding the craft behind the wine, with plenty of tasting opportunities that many found to be generous and thoughtfully curated.

Lunch and Village Exploration

After the vineyard visits, you’ll enjoy a delicious, included picnic-style lunch at the château. This isn’t just any meal—guests often comment on how flavorful and satisfying the lunch was, with some wishing for more tastings at other vineyards but understanding the liability issues involved.

Post-lunch, the group strolls through Saint-Emilion itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Expect narrow cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views over the vineyards. Reviewers describe the town as “breathtaking,” with some wishing to spend more time wandering its quaint alleys and tasting local delicacies.

Returning to Bordeaux

The day concludes with a scenic 50-minute van ride back to Bordeaux, giving you time to unwind and reflect on your wine-filled adventure. Many travelers note that the entire experience is well-paced—balancing activity, education, and leisure.

Practical Details & What to Know

• Inclusions: The tour includes a guide, round-trip transportation, e-bike rental, entry tickets to two châteaux, a 15 km ride through vineyards, a picnic lunch, a guided tour of Saint-Emilion, and 5-6 wine tastings.
• Duration: 8.5 hours, with starting times available based on your schedule.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, which ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Price: At $221 per person, the cost is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive nature of the experience and inclusions.
• Accessibility: You should be at least 155 cm tall; suitable shoes and water are recommended.
• Weather considerations: Tours may be canceled if only one person books or if there’s heavy rain; in poor weather, guides might switch to a van tour.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—Vickie, Regis, Gabriel, and others—who bring the region to life with their stories and humor. The scenery is often described as “gorgeous,” with cycling through vineyards feeling like a personal tour of French countryside. Many highlight the quality of wines and the generous tastings, emphasizing that the experience offers excellent value for money.

A few mention that the bike tires can be a bit tricky on uneven or wet roads, and the height restriction might be a barrier for some, but overall, the active element is appreciated for its balance of fun and education.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine aficionados, adventure seekers, and culture lovers who enjoy a more hands-on approach to exploring Bordeaux’s wine region. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate small group settings, want to avoid large crowds, and are comfortable spending some time outdoors.

If you love the idea of cycling through vineyards rather than being chauffeured, and want a comprehensive yet relaxed day learning about Bordeaux wines, this tour hits the spot. It’s also great for couples, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy shared experiences in scenic settings.

Final Thoughts

The Bordeaux St-Emilion e-Bike Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look at one of France’s most renowned wine regions. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and generous tastings, it provides exceptional value for those eager to combine activity, culture, and gastronomy.

While it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or very petite statures, most other travelers will find this tour an enjoyable, educational, and delicious adventure. The balance of cycling, sightseeing, wine tasting, and local charm makes it a standout choice for a full-day experience in Bordeaux’s famed vineyards.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the e-bikes make cycling easy and accessible, even for those with limited experience. The pedal assistance helps on flat terrain, and guides are happy to provide support.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers a guide, round-trip transportation by van, the e-bike rental, entry tickets to two châteaux, a 15-km vineyard ride, a picnic lunch, a guided town tour, and 5-6 wine tastings.

How long is the overall tour?
It lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting in Bordeaux and including all visits, tastings, and return transport.

Are the wine tastings substantial?
Yes, most guests say the tastings are generous, with between 5 and 6 wines sampled in total, providing a good variety and insight into Bordeaux’s offerings.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and a small backpack are recommended. Weather can vary, so bring layers if needed.

Can I do this tour if I don’t drink alcohol?
While the main focus is wine tasting, you can still enjoy the scenic cycling, the village, and the cultural aspects of the tour.

Is there a minimum age?
The tour is designed for adults, and the minimum height is 155 cm, which suits most older teens and adults.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In heavy rain, guides might switch to a van tour, but you will be notified in advance if possible.

Can I book last-minute?
Yes, but availability can be limited. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

In summary, this tour offers a fantastic way to see Bordeaux’s vineyards, learn from expert guides, and enjoy delicious wines in a relaxed, active setting. It’s ideal for those wanting a taste of both culture and adventure, all wrapped in a small-group, authentic experience.