Private Full Day Pic Saint Loup Wine and Olive Tour with Lunch from Montpellier

Our review of the Private Full Day Pic Saint Loup Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier offers a detailed look into one of the finest ways to explore France’s largest wine region. Priced at around $481 per person, this meticulously curated experience lasts about seven hours, giving you a generous taste of Languedoc’s storied wineries, aromatic olive oils, and local gastronomy. From the moment you’re picked up, you’re in good hands with a small-group setting, which ensures personalized attention and more meaningful conversations than a large busload ever provide.

What makes this tour stand out is the carefully balanced mix of flavor, education, and scenery. I particularly appreciate the chance to wander through an olive oil estate, where the olives are pressed on-site — a rare treat that adds an aromatic layer to your experience. The expert-led tasting at Château Puech Haut is another highlight — it’s not just about sampling wine but understanding what makes Pic Saint Loup wines special, thanks to the guide’s depth of knowledge. And after a wonderful, locally sourced 3-course lunch—sometimes enjoyed lakeside, weather permitting—you get to tour two additional wineries, soaking up the terroir that shapes this unique region.

However, a few considerations are worth noting. At this price, it’s definitely an investment, but given the inclusion of visits, tastings, lunch, and transportation, many will find it offers solid value. The private nature of the tour means a smaller group, which is fantastic for intimacy but requires booking about 38 days in advance on average. Also, if you’re not a fan of wine or olive oil, that focus might lessen your enjoyment, but for most, the immersion in regional flavors is well worth it.

Key Points

• Expert Guides Enhance the Experience: Carine and other guides share insightful, friendly commentary, making each visit both educational and engaging.
• Diverse Tastings: The tour combines olive oil and wine, showing the full spectrum of Southern France’s staple flavors.
• Beautiful Scenery: Sweeping views over vineyards and orchards paint an authentic picture of Languedoc’s landscape.
• Inclusion of Lunch: A three-course meal at a well-chosen restaurant with local dishes enriches the day.
• Small-Group Setting: Ensures personalized service and the chance to ask lots of questions.
• Pre-Booking Advantage: Tours typically get booked about 38 days out, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

A Deep Dive into What This Tour Offers

Introduction and Convenience

Starting at 9:30am in central Montpellier, the tour’s logistics are straightforward. Your air-conditioned minivan comfortably transports you into the countryside, which takes only about half an hour. This short drive means more time exploring and less worrying about transit. The small-group format keeps the experience intimate, allowing for tailored conversations, and your guide—who has experience in the wine industry—brings a wealth of knowledge that elevates the visit.

Visiting the Olive Oil Estate

The first stop shines because it’s a genuine family-run olive oil estate. It’s not a typical tourist stop but a place where you can see olives being harvested and pressed on-site — an authentic slice of regional life. Sampling the oils, often described as “flavorful,” allows you to understand why olive oil is a staple in French cuisine. One reviewer appreciated how “Carine, fluent in English and French, made each step engaging and informative,” turning this stop into more than just a tasting.

Château Puech Haut

The highlight for many is the visit to Château Puech Haut, a renowned winery in the region. Here, you’ll participate in a guided tasting of wines that reflect the unique terroir of Pic Saint Loup. The guide explains the nuances of the varietals and the influence of the local climate and soil—information that helps you appreciate your glass far beyond just “good wine.” As one reviewer noted, “Marc, our tour guide, was exceptional,” and his insights as a winemaker made the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Lunch in a Scenic Setting

Lunch is another carefully thought-out part of the day. You’ll dine at a local restaurant near a lake or in a cozy setting, enjoying a 3-course meal that highlights regional flavors. If the weather permits, you might even take a quick swim, so bringing a swimsuit could add a fun dimension. The food is described as delicious, with reviewers emphasizing the quality and local authenticity of the dishes.

Exploring Pic Saint Loup

After lunch, the tour continues with visits to two additional wineries in the Pic Saint Loup area. This part of the day deepens your understanding of how the terroir influences grape varietals and wine styles. The rolling hills, vineyards, and the distinct atmosphere of this region offer a feast for the eyes as much as for your palate. Reviewers often praise the “beautiful views” and the chance to learn from guides who combine professionalism with warmth.

Return and Reflection

By around 5:30pm, you’ll be back in Montpellier, full of new knowledge and delightful tastes. The journey back is the perfect moment to reflect on the day, possibly planning your next visit to more wineries or simply dreaming about good food.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is well-suited for wine lovers and those interested in authentic regional products like olive oil. The private, small-group format appeals to travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed day rather than a hurried, large-group tour. It’s ideal if you enjoy leisurely exploration, learn best with guides who share insider tips, and want a taste of local life. Because of the included lunch and tastings, it’s also a good value for a full, immersive day.

If you’re someone who appreciates scenic drives, educational outings, and genuine regional flavors—without the fuss of large crowds—this tour checks all your boxes. The emphasis on high-quality guides, beautiful landscapes, and authentic products makes it a memorable experience, especially if you’re visiting Montpellier and want to explore beyond the city center.

FAQs

How early should I book this tour?
Most bookings are made about 38 days in advance, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your preferred date.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, all winery and olive oil estate visits, tastings, and a 3-course lunch.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum drinking age is 18, so it’s primarily designed for adult participants, especially those interested in wine and olive oil.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Last-minute changes or cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

How long is the drive from Montpellier to the countryside?
It’s about a 30-minute ride in comfort, leaving plenty of time for the actual visits.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and perhaps a swimsuit if you plan to swim during lunch (weather permitting).

Are group discounts available?
Yes, this is a private tour, but larger groups may benefit from group pricing or tailored arrangements—it’s best to contact the provider in advance.

In all, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of southern France’s wine and olive oil heritage. Perfect for those who want to learn, taste, and enjoy at a relaxed pace, it leaves most travelers with a fuller palate and greater appreciation for Languedoc’s regional treasures. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking to experience genuine French flavors away from the crowds, this experience offers a smart, enjoyable way to spend a day outside Montpellier.