Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour – 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

Exploring the world-renowned wine region of Bordeaux is a must for any wine enthusiast. This full-day tour offers the opportunity to explore the heart of this renowned French wine country. Visitors will have the chance to discover three prestigious wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in a gourmet picnic-style lunch at a chateau estate. With comfortable transportation, an English-speaking guide, and accommodations for dietary needs, this tour promises a truly immersive Bordeaux experience. But what secrets and surprises await those who embark on this journey through the vineyards?

Key Points

• This full-day tour departs from Bordeaux and visits three wineries in the Graves and Saint-Emilion regions, offering wine tastings and an in-depth exploration of Bordeaux’s renowned wines.
• The tour includes a gourmet picnic-style lunch with a glass of wine at a chateau, providing a quintessential Bordeaux experience with options for vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs.
• The tour is designed for wine enthusiasts, with an English-speaking guide providing transportation in an air-conditioned minivan and an in-depth understanding of Bordeaux’s winemaking process.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and guests must be able to walk, with comfortable shoes recommended, especially for exploring the historic town of Saint-Emilion.
• The tour has a maximum group size of 8 people, and a full refund is available for cancellations 24 hours or more before the tour, with no refund for cancellations less than 24 hours.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group tour departs from Bordeaux and visits three wineries in the Graves and Saint-Emilion regions, offering a gourmet picnic-style lunch with wine at a chateau.

Designed for wine enthusiasts, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of Bordeaux’s renowned wine country.

Guests will enjoy transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, led by an English-speaking guide.

At each winery, they’ll savor tastings to develop their understanding of Bordeaux’s diverse vintages.

The highlight of the day is a gourmet picnic lunch served with a glass of wine at a charming chateau.

With a maximum of 8 people, this intimate tour ensures a personalized experience.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan and an English-speaking guide to lead the way.

Over the course of the day, you’ll enjoy:

• Wine tastings at three renowned wineries in the Graves and Saint-Emilion regions
• A gourmet picnic-style lunch with a glass of wine at a chateau
• An in-depth understanding of Bordeaux’s renowned wines and winemaking process
• The flexibility to accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free dietary needs
• The convenience of being just a short distance from public transportation

This comprehensive tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the rich wine culture of the Bordeaux region.

Exclusions

What isn’t included in the Bordeaux Wine Tour? The tour doesn’t cover hotel pickup and drop-off, gratuities, or bottled water.

Here’s a breakdown of the exclusions:

Exclusion	Details
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off	Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point.
Gratuities	Tips for the guide and driver are not included and are at the discretion of the participants.
Bottled Water	Participants should bring their own water as it is not provided on the tour.

While these items are not covered, the tour does include a wealth of other amenities like transportation, an expert guide, wine tastings, and a gourmet picnic lunch with wine, providing excellent value for the price.

Additional Details

Beyond the inclusions, the Bordeaux Wine Tour comes with several additional details that participants should keep in mind when booking.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests must be able to walk.

The minimum age is 18 years, ensuring a mature experience.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people per booking, maintaining an intimate and personalized atmosphere.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for exploring the charming town of Saint-Emilion.

Lastly, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel the Bordeaux Wine Tour 24 hours or more before the experience. However, no refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the tour. The tour requires a minimum number of participants, and if this threshold is not met, the tour may be canceled with a full refund. The cancellation policy is summarized in the table below:

Cancellation Timeframe	Refund Policy
24 hours or more before the tour	Full refund
Less than 24 hours before the tour	No refund
Minimum number of travelers not met	Full refund

This straightforward cancellation policy ensures that travelers can plan their trip with confidence, while also allowing the tour operator to maintain the quality and viability of the experience.

Visiting the Wineries

Although the tour includes visits to three renowned wineries, each stop offers a unique and immersive experience for wine enthusiasts.

Guests first travel to the Graves region, where they’ll have the chance to sample the area’s renowned dry white wines, as well as some exceptional reds. The guide provides in-depth insights into the winemaking process and the distinctive terroir that gives these vintages their signature flavors.

The tour then moves on to Saint-Emilion, a picturesque medieval town famous for its magnificent limestone caves and world-class red wines. Visitors can look forward to:

• Exploring the historic underground cellars
• Learning about the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions
• Discovering the unique characteristics of the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes
• Savoring the complex flavors of the full-bodied Saint-Emilion wines
• Enjoying the stunning vistas over the rolling vineyards

Gourmet Picnic Lunch

The tour includes a gourmet picnic-style lunch served at one of the chateau estates, allowing guests to savor local delicacies paired with a glass of the region’s acclaimed wine.

The picnic spread features a selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh breads, and seasonal produce sourced from local producers. Guests can enjoy this al fresco meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.

The picnic setting offers a chance to relax and unwind, providing a quintessential Bordeaux experience. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request, ensuring that everyone can indulge in the culinary highlights of the region.

Experiencing Bordeaux Wines

After indulging in the gourmet picnic lunch, guests now get to experience the heart of the Bordeaux wine region by visiting three renowned wineries. Guided by an English-speaking expert, they’ll explore the unique terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions that have made Bordeaux wines world-famous.

At each stop, they’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of the region’s acclaimed red, white, and rosé wines, developing a deeper appreciation for the nuances and complexities that distinguish Bordeaux’s celebrated vintages.

Along the way, guests will learn about:

• The key grape varieties of Bordeaux
• The influence of soil and climate on wine flavor
• The history and significance of Bordeaux’s classifications
• The art of wine tasting and discerning flavors
• Sustainable and organic winemaking practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a gourmet picnic-style lunch with wine, so outside food and drinks are not permitted. Participants should plan to enjoy the provided meal and tastings.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not suitable for children, as it has a minimum age requirement of 18 years. The tour focuses on wine tastings, which are not appropriate for minors. It’s best suited for adults interested in learning about Bordeaux wines.

Is There an Option to Visit More Than 3 Wineries?

No, the tour only includes visits to 3 wineries. Customizing the itinerary to visit more wineries isn’t an option. The tour has a set program that cannot be altered to add extra winery stops.

Can I Request a Language Other Than English for the Guide?

Travelers can request a language other than English for the guide, though availability may vary. The tour company should be contacted in advance to inquire about accommodating specific language preferences, if possible.

Is There Any Discount Available for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are typically group discounts available for wine tours. Larger groups (e.g. 4 or more people) can often get a reduced per-person rate. The exact discount amount may vary, so it’s best to inquire when booking the tour.

Recap

This Bordeaux wine tour offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. Visitors will explore renowned wineries, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch, and gain insights into the winemaking process.

With comfortable transportation, an English-speaking guide, and accommodations for dietary needs, the tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Bordeaux’s exceptional wines.

It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of this renowned wine region.