From Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Tour

Travelers looking to experience the best of Bordeaux’s renowned wine region often find themselves drawn to the charming village of Saint-Emilion. This 5-hour tour from Bordeaux offers a taste of history, spectacular scenery, and, of course, some of the finest wines France has to offer. With visits to two wineries, a guided stroll through the medieval streets, and at least five wine tastings, it’s a well-rounded experience designed for those who appreciate good vino and authentic local culture.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the passionate guidance—our reviewers consistently praised guides like Sonia and Catherine for their warmth, knowledge, and ability to make the experience memorable. That said, the tour’s focus on quality wine and charming villages means it’s most suitable for adults who enjoy tasting, learning, and a relaxed-paced visit. Be mindful that the tour doesn’t include a full meal—just a tasty aperitif—so plan accordingly if you’re hungry. Overall, if you’re after a comprehensive, friendly, and informative day in the Bordeaux wine country, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Visits to two authentic and charming wineries provide an intimate look at local winemaking.
• Guide expertise: Knowledgeable guides like Sonia and Catherine elevate the experience with detailed explanations and friendly attitudes.
• Village exploration: The guided tour of Saint-Emilion offers beautiful scenery, historic architecture, and the chance to soak in local atmosphere.
• Tastings: You’ll enjoy a minimum of five wines, including Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé, with some reviewers mentioning tasting up to seven.
• Local bites: An aperitif featuring local cheeses, sausages, crackers, and chocolates adds a delicious touch—note that this is not a full meal.
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Starting from Bordeaux at either 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., the tour begins with a short drive in a small van to Saint-Emilion. The transportation is cozy, with a maximum of 8 people, which means you’ll get plenty of interaction with your guide and fellow travelers. Along the way, your guide will share insights about the Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion wine regions—expect to learn about the different classifications, terroirs, and what makes this region so special for wine lovers.

Arrival in Saint-Emilion and Village Tour

Once in Saint-Emilion, the guide will take you on a walk through the cobblestone streets of this medieval village. Expect to see historic buildings, quaint shops, and panoramic views over vineyards. One reviewer mentioned how this guided tour of Saint-Emilion provided a wonderful opportunity to understand the area’s architecture and history, making it more than just a wine tasting trip.

Wineries Visits

The highlight of the day is visiting two wineries—one being an authentic, family-run estate, and the other a prestigious Château Grand Cru or Grand Cru Classé. The family estate visit is especially appreciated for its personal touch, whereby you’ll learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle, see the wine production facilities, and enjoy a tasting of three wines accompanied by an aperitif. Reviewers described these tastings as “excellent,” with some mentioning a total of seven wines tasted across both estates, highlighting the generous nature of the experience.

The second estate visit often includes tasting at least two wines, giving you the chance to compare different terroirs and winemaking styles. Several guests pointed out that the wines offered at these estates were very good, with some emphasizing the friendly and passionate hosts, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Food and Aperitif

The included aperitif, featuring local cheese, sausages, crackers, and chocolates, complements the wine tasting perfectly. It’s a delightful way to indulge in regional flavors without the pressure of a full meal—just enough to refresh your palate. Reviewers appreciated the quality and variety of these snacks, noting they added a nice touch of local authenticity.

End of the Tour and Return to Bordeaux

The tour wraps up around 12:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m., depending on your chosen departure time, and you’ll head back to Bordeaux in time for the evening. The return journey offers a chance to relax and reflect on your discoveries before heading back to the city.

The Value of This Tour

At $112 per person, this experience offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, education, and tastings. The small group size ensures personalized attention, plus the inclusion of transport, guide, and multiple tastings makes it a solid value for wine enthusiasts or curious travelers wanting a deeper understanding of Saint-Emilion’s wines. Comparing the price against the reviews—many praising the guides’ expertise and the quality of wines—most would agree that the experience is well worth the cost.

It’s also flexible, with options to choose your preferred departure time, and the “reserve now, pay later” policy adds peace of mind. The tour’s duration is manageable, fitting comfortably into a half-day, making it a great option to combine with other Bordeaux activities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed introduction to Saint-Emilion’s wines and village life. It suits those with a genuine interest in wine, history, or local culture. The guided aspect, combined with small group intimacy, makes it perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to learn from passionate guides.

Note that it’s not suitable for unaccompanied minors or those requiring a full meal—so if you’re traveling with children or seeking a gourmet experience, you might look for a private tour or a different wine experience.

Practical Details

• Duration: 5 hours, with morning or afternoon options
• Meeting Point: 1 Place Stalingrad in Bordeaux, in front of the LCL Bank
• Included: Transport in a 9-seater van, guide, visits to two wineries, at least five wine tastings, local aperitif, optional guided tour of Saint-Emilion or free time
• Not included: Lunch, souvenirs, personal purchases
• Languages: English and French
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience
• Cancellation: Full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
• Children & Pets: Not allowed, for comfort reasons

FAQ

Can I choose between the morning and afternoon tour?
Yes, the tour is available in both the morning (departure at 8:30 a.m.) and the afternoon (1:30 p.m.), so you can pick what suits your schedule best.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transport from Bordeaux in a small van, a guide, visits to two wineries, at least five wine tastings, and a local aperitif with regional products.

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and the tastings are designed to be enjoyable regardless of experience level. You’ll learn about wine categories, terroirs, and winemaking processes.

How many wines will I taste?
You will taste a minimum of five wines, with some guests mentioning tasting up to seven during their visits. Expect to sample Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé wines.

Can I buy souvenirs or bottles during the tour?
While the tour doesn’t include shopping, you might find opportunities to purchase wines or souvenirs at the wineries, but this is at your own expense.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for identification, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the village and wineries. Avoid sports shoes, as they’re not permitted.

Are children or animals allowed?
No, children under 14 and pets are not allowed, mainly for the comfort and safety of all guests.

Is there a meal included?
No, the tour offers a tasting aperitif but not a full meal. Plan to eat before or after the tour if you’re hungry.

Final Thoughts

This Saint-Emilion wine tasting tour offers a delightful blend of scenic village exploration, expert-guided visits to authentic wineries, and generous tastings of some of the region’s finest wines. The small group size encourages interaction and personalized attention, making it perfect for those who love wine and want an authentic taste of Bordeaux’s iconic wine country.

You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions, a few bottles to take home (if you choose), and a memorable day in a beautiful, historic setting. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, this experience balances education, culture, and fun in a way that’s hard to beat.

This tour is best suited for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers who value authentic experiences with knowledgeable guides. It delivers excellent value through quality tastings, intimate group settings, and a charming village backdrop, making it a worthwhile addition to your Bordeaux itinerary.