Bordeaux: St. Emilion Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Lunch

A Detailed Look at the Bordeaux: St. Emilion Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Lunch

This tour offers a lovely way to step into the world of French wine without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. For about seven hours, you’ll travel from Bordeaux to the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion, visiting two different wineries, tasting up to ten regional wines, and enjoying a picnic lunch amid scenic vineyard views. What makes this experience appealing is how it combines expert-guided visits with ample tasting opportunities and enough free time in Saint-Emilion to soak in its medieval charm.

Two things stand out immediately: the knowledgeable guides — many reviewers sing praises about their hosts’ passion and insight, and the stunning scenery—vines stretching as far as the eye can see and cobblestone streets lined with history. On the flip side, an honest consideration is the group size, which is kept intimate with a limit of 8 participants, so it can fill up quickly. If you’re sensitive to weather or looking for more flexibility in your schedule, keep in mind that the tour is often subject to a minimum number of participants.

One thing I really appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic experiences, not just ticking off boxes. The stops are carefully selected to showcase both large and family-run wineries, giving you a taste of different styles and philosophies behind Bordeaux wines. Plus, the chance to explore Saint-Emilion’s medieval streets, with their cobblestones and monolithic churches, adds a layer of local color you won’t find on more generic tours.

Key points / Takeaways

• Expert-guided visits to two wineries with diverse styles—both family-run and larger estates—make this tour special.
• Tasting up to ten wines during three different sessions gives you a good sense of regional variety.
• A picnic lunch at the château paired with a glass of wine offers a relaxed, authentic meal in stunning vineyard surroundings.
• Small group size (limited to 8) ensures a more personal experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
• Flexible scheduling—check availability for start times and enjoy a well-paced itinerary.
• Insightful guides like Julie, Ben, and Maude receive glowing reviews for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills.

Exploring the Heart of French Wine Country: The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at the Rustic Vines Tours Agency in Bordeaux, the day kicks off with a short 45-minute drive through the rolling countryside, giving you your first glimpse of the Bordeaux vineyard landscape. This transport is more than just a means of getting around—it sets the tone for a day immersed in wine country, with guides often sharing fascinating tidbits about the region along the way.

Visiting the First Winery: A Guided Tour and Tasting

Your first stop is at a winery where you’ll take a guided tour, learn about the wine-making process, and see the vineyards up close. Many reviews note guides like Julie and Susanna as engaging and informative, balancing technical details with lively storytelling. Expect to taste a selection of wines, possibly up to five, in a relaxed environment that encourages questions and curiosity. Usually, this stop lasts around two hours, giving you ample time to appreciate both the scenery and the wines.

Picnic Lunch at the Château: A Highlight

Next, it’s time for the picnic lunch—a favorite among travelers. Held at the château, it typically features cheese, bread, charcuterie, and, of course, a glass of wine. Several reviewers mention how delicious the food is, paired perfectly with the wines tasted earlier. One reviewer praised the “fabulous lunch” and the picnic as a “delicious” highlight, emphasizing how this laid-back meal adds a cozy, authentic touch. This is an excellent opportunity to unwind, chat, and soak in the vineyard views.

Visiting the Second Winery and Tasting

After lunch, you’ll hop into the van for a quick 15-minute drive to your second winery. Here, the visit is often more intimate—sometimes a family-run operation—giving you a different perspective on Bordeaux wine production. Expect another guided tour and a tasting session, generally lasting about an hour. Reviewers appreciate guides like Maude, who make the experience lively and engaging, adding personal anecdotes that make the visit memorable.

Exploring Saint-Emilion Village

The last part of the day involves a guided walk through Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and monolithic church. This part lasts about 1.5 hours and offers free time afterward to explore shops, snap photos, or visit small wine shops like Sedric’s, as noted in some reviews. Visitors rave about the town’s charm, with many appreciating the chance to see a town so steeped in history and character. One reviewer called it a “delightful place to visit” with “stunning views.”

Return Journey and Final Impressions

After a relaxing stroll and some last-minute tastings or shopping, your guide whisks you back to Bordeaux in the late afternoon, with the return trip lasting about 45 minutes. Travelers often comment on the smooth, comfortable transport and the overall well-paced, enjoyable day.

Price and Logistics: Good Value for a Full Day

At $205 per person, this tour offers a lot—guided visits, tastings, a picnic lunch, and transportation—all in one package. When you consider the private or small-group setting, expert guides, and the chance to explore two distinct wineries plus a charming town, it’s quite a deal. Many reviews mention how well-organized and professional the experience is, with guides like Pauline, Daniela, and Jan praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

Keep in mind that the tour is dependent on a minimum of 2 participants, and it’s not suitable for children under 16. The meeting point is conveniently located at 26 Rue de la Devise, easy to reach from central Bordeaux. Booking with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option offers flexibility if your plans change, which is always reassuring.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts curious about Bordeaux’s regional styles, history lovers eager to explore Saint-Emilion’s medieval streets, or people who appreciate small-group intimacy. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed day of tasting without the stress of travel logistics or self-guided planning. However, if you’re traveling with children under 16 or seeking a very flexible, unstructured free day, this may not be ideal.

If you’re looking for an authentic, well-rounded introduction to Bordeaux wine and its beautiful surroundings, this tour hits the mark. Many travelers rave about the guides’ enthusiasm and the variety of tastings, making it a memorable highlight of their French trip.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, with a flexible start time based on availability.

What is included in the price?
Round-trip transport from Bordeaux, a guide, visits to two wineries with tastings, a picnic lunch, and tasting of up to ten wines.

Is the group small?
Yes, limited to 8 participants, making for a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 16.

Where do we meet?
At the Rustic Vines Tours Agency at 26 Rue de la Devise.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised.

How many wines will I taste?
You can expect to taste around ten different wines across three tasting sessions.

To sum it up, this Bordeaux day trip to Saint-Emilion offers a well-balanced combination of guided wine tastings, scenic village exploration, and a relaxed picnic lunch—all delivered by passionate guides in a small-group setting. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Bordeaux without the fuss of planning, especially if you’re eager to learn about local wines and history in a friendly, intimate environment. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the thoughtful curation of this tour makes it a valuable addition to any Bordeaux itinerary.