Saint Emilion is a dream destination for wine lovers. Its charming medieval streets, stunning vineyard landscapes, and world-famous Bordeaux wines make it a natural choice for wine tours. What sets this region apart is its combination of historic châteaux, family-run estates, and innovative tasting experiences. We particularly enjoy tours that offer a mix of traditional and modern wineries, like the Saint-Émilion: Grand Cru Classé Winery Visit and Tasting, which provides a glimpse into both classic and contemporary wine-making styles within a short timeframe. This tour also includes tasting three Bordeaux wines, making it an excellent introduction for first-timers.
Beyond the basic vineyard visits, Saint Emilion has a diverse array of experiences. You can explore by bike, in vintage sidecars, or even assemble your own wine cuvée. Whether you’re after an immersive tasting, a scenic ride through vineyards, or a cultural exploration of the medieval village, you’re bound to find a tour that fits your style. Below, we list the best wine tours in Saint Emilion, each with its own charm and unique features.
1. Saint-Émilion: Grand Cru Classé Winery Visit and Tasting
At number 1, this 1-hour tour combines visits to two different wine estates — one traditional and one modern — within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. It offers a well-rounded introduction to Bordeaux wines, with insight into the winemaking process from vine to bottle. The tour includes tasting three wines, and you’ll marvel at the architecture of the cellars and estate buildings. What makes this experience stand out is its focus on both styles of wineries, giving you a broader perspective on regional techniques. With a high rating of 4.6/5 from over 1,000 reviews, it’s a popular choice for newcomers and seasoned wine lovers alike.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a concise yet comprehensive winery experience that includes both traditional and modern estates, this tour offers excellent value at just $23 per person. Perfect for a first taste of Saint Emilion’s rich viticulture.
2. Saint-Émilion: Bordeaux Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting
Second on our list is a slightly more in-depth 1-hour guided tour of Château Saint-Georges Côte Pavie, a family-owned vineyard with over five generations of history. This tour stands out because of its focus on grape varieties and the estate’s medieval architecture. As you explore the cellars and estate, you’ll learn about the aging process and the estate’s long-standing reputation for quality. The tasting features three Bordeaux wines, offering a taste of the region’s richness. With a 4.8/5 review score from 550 reviews, it’s praised for its intimate experience and knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in learning about Bordeaux’s grape varieties and the estate’s history, this tour provides a delightful, authentic experience for just $21.
3. Saint-Émilion: Family Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting
This 75-minute tour is a true family affair, led by Marie-Anne or Florent at Château Haute-Nauve. For just $19, you get to explore the estate, learn about multi-generation winemaking, and sample four wines right from the barrel cellar. The personal stories shared by the hosts make this a warm and engaging experience, perfect for those who want a more intimate connection with the vintners. The estate’s emphasis on traditional methods means you’ll see how wines are fermented, pumped, and pressed.
Guests love the friendly atmosphere and the chance to purchase or ship wines home. It’s ideal for those who enjoy authentic, hands-on experiences with a small group.
Bottom Line: An excellent value, this tour combines education, tastings, and a personal touch—best suited for wine enthusiasts seeking a family-run experience.
4. From Saint-Emilion: Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings and Picnic Lunch
Number 4 is a 6.5-hour adventure that combines scenic cycling, wine tasting, and a picnic in the vineyards. Starting at Saint-Emilion, you’ll zip along on an electric bike—no need to worry about the steep hills—with stops at Château Bernateau and Château La Croizille, where you’ll enjoy guided tastings. The highlight is the picnic lunch with local delicacies and a glass of wine, with spectacular views all around.
Rated 5/5 from 189 reviews, the tour is praised for its friendly guides and the perfect blend of activity and relaxation. The small group size (max 10) ensures a personal experience. It’s ideal for active travelers who want to combine wine, scenery, and a bit of adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour offers an unforgettable way to explore Saint Emilion’s vineyards, perfect for active wine lovers with a sense of fun.
5. Saint-Émilion Wine Tour By Premium Electric Bike, Lunch Included
Number 5 takes the bike experience further over 7 to 8 hours, with visits to two châteaux and a delicious picnic lunch. You’ll visit Château Rol Valentin and Château Coutet, tasting more than ten wines in total, all while cycling through the lush surroundings. The tour emphasizes the region’s famous châteaux and includes a local cuisine picnic, making it ideal for those wanting a full day of wine, scenery, and food.
Rated 5/5 with highly positive reviews, travelers love the knowledgeable host Gaspar and the diversity of tastings. It’s suited for those with a full day to spare who want an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: For wine aficionados who enjoy cycling and want to taste a broad selection of Bordeaux wines, this tour delivers excellent value for its duration.
6. Saint-Émilion: Grand Cru Classé Guided Winery Visit & Picnic
This 2-hour tour combines a guided visit to two wineries with a French picnic. The focus is on Saint Emilion Grand Cru wines, with tastings from both traditional and modern estates. You get panoramic views of the estate and learn about the winemaking process in detail. The picnic basket adds a lovely touch, making this a relaxed yet informative experience.
Rated 4.7/5, it’s perfect for those who want a more leisurely day with wine, food, and scenic views.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for visitors seeking a balance of wine education and a scenic picnic in a relaxed setting.
7. From Saint-Emilion: Half Day Electric Bike Wine Tour
Rated 5/5, this 4-hour tour offers a half-day exploration of Saint Emilion’s vineyards and estates on an electric bike. Highlights include visits to Château Bernateau with tastings, and a scenic ride through the region’s rolling hills. The tour features a picnic lunch at the estate, making it perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the highlights.
Guests appreciate the friendly guide Vincent and the smooth biking experience through vineyard landscapes. It’s best suited for those looking for a shorter, active experience.
Bottom Line: Compact but comprehensive, this tour is perfect for visitors who want a mix of riding, wine, and regional scenery without committing the whole day.
8. Saint-Emilion: Tasting of 4 wines in a family vineyard
This quick 40-minute tasting focuses on four wines from Château Haute-Nauve, led by the owners. It’s a simple, affordable way to sample local wines and learn about the estate’s production. The intimate setting provides a personal touch, and the tasting is held only five minutes from Saint Emilion’s center.
Rated 5/5, it’s ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who still want to enjoy a quality wine experience.
Bottom Line: A concise, authentic tasting experience perfect for those wanting a quick, personal insight into regional wines.
9. Private Ride in the Vineyards and Wine Tasting from Saint-Emilion
Number 9 offers a vintage sidecar ride through the vineyards, with stops at prestigious Château for tastings. This 1 to 2.5-hour private experience is highly unique and fun, combining sightseeing with wine tasting in a memorable way. The guide will show you beautiful Château views and share stories about the region.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the offbeat nature of the experience, calling it a “good way to learn the area.” It’s suitable for those seeking a fun, private adventure rather than a traditional tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups looking for something distinctive and memorable, with personalized attention.
10. Saint-Emilion: Wine Region Tour w/ Wine Tasting & Aperitifs
This 4-hour guided tour combines visits to a beautiful château, a regional wine tasting, and an aperitif of local cheeses and cured meats. It emphasizes Saint Emilion’s wine heritage and includes a detailed look at Merlot wines, which the region is famous for. The experience is relaxed and social, perfect for those who want to enjoy food and wine paired together.
Rated 4.6/5, it offers good value at $104 per person and suits those interested in both wine tasting and regional gastronomy.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who appreciate pairing regional wines with local foods in an informal, friendly setting.
11. Bordeaux: Unforgettable Saint Emilion Half Day Wine Tour
Rated 4.7/5, this 5-hour tour departs from Bordeaux and explores Saint Emilion’s medieval village and prestigious vineyards. It includes a visit to a Grand Cru Classé estate, with an emphasis on scenic drives and exclusive tastings. The tour blends cultural sights and wine education, ideal for those combining a day trip with sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers based in Bordeaux who want a comprehensive experience combining history, scenery, and wine.
12. St. Emilion: Half Day E-Bike & Wine Tour with Wine & Cheese
This 4.5-hour tour emphasizes cycling through Saint Emilion’s vineyards on premium e-bikes, with stops at seven wines and a cheese board. You’ll meet a winemaker to learn about wine production firsthand and enjoy a delicious picnic. It’s well-reviewed for its scenic routes and interactive tastings.
Guests praise the friendly guide and the comprehensive tasting experience. It’s suited for active travelers who love pairing wine with local food.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a full sensory experience blending cycling, wine, and cheese, this tour is a top pick.
13. Group Tour: Saint Emilion Walking Tour + Wine Tasting in Cave
Rated 5/5, this 2-hour walking tour explores Saint Emilion’s historic streets, culminating in a wine tasting in an underground cave dating back 200 years. It’s a great way to combine culture and wine in a compact timeframe.
The tour covers key sights like the Monolithic Church and Place du Marché, making it perfect for history and wine enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: An engaging, compact experience ideal for those wanting a taste of medieval Saint Emilion’s charm along with wine.
14. Assemble Your Own Wine Cuvée in the Vineyard
Unique on our list, this 3-hour workshop lets you craft your personalized wine cuvée directly in the vineyard. Led by an oenologist, you’ll learn everything from blending to bottling, and you’ll leave with your own bottle.
Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for hands-on wine lovers wanting to create their own wine. It’s an authentic, practical experience that demystifies winemaking.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting to go beyond tasting and actually make their wine.
15. Wine Course in Saint-Emilion Followed by a Tasting
Finally, for those eager to become wine connoisseurs, this 1.5-hour course offers tasting techniques, stories, and an in-depth oenological journey through the region. Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, it’s hands-on and educational.
Rated 5/5, it’s best suited for serious learners who want to deepen their understanding of wine. The interactive format makes it engaging and informative.
How to Choose Your Perfect Saint Emilion Wine Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a quick taste of the region, the Grand Cru Classé Winery Visit offers a balanced introduction. If you prefer an active experience, the Electric Bike tours or Half Day E-Bike & Wine provide a scenic, energetic way to explore. For a more intimate, hands-on experience, the assemble-your-own wine cuvée or family vineyard tasting are hard to beat.
Budget-conscious travelers should check out the wine tasting in a family vineyard for a quick, authentic experience, while those seeking a full day should consider the premium e-bike tour with lunch. Timing also matters; peak harvest season (September-October) offers the best vineyard vibrancy, but tours are available year-round.
Final Thoughts
From guided tastings and historic vineyard visits to adventurous bike rides and crafting your own wine, Saint Emilion offers a diverse lineup of experiences. If you’re new to Bordeaux wines, the Grand Cru Classé Winery Visit provides a well-rounded introduction. For active travelers, the electric bike tours combine scenery with fun and learning. Small groups and personalized experiences, like the vintage sidecar ride, make for memorable adventures.
No matter which tour you choose, early booking is wise, especially during peak seasons. With so many options, you’re sure to find a wine experience that fits your style and makes your trip to Saint Emilion truly special.
