Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class and St Emilion region

Thinking of exploring Bordeaux’s wine scene? This Bordeaux Super Saver offers a well-rounded day of tastings, vineyard tours, and village strolling — all at a good value for the price. We’ve gathered plenty of details, reviews, and insights to help you decide if this experience fits your travel style.

What really caught our attention is how this tour combines a hands-on wine class in Bordeaux with an afternoon in the UNESCO-listed village of St. Emilion. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of learning and sightseeing. There’s also a small-group setting, which generally means a more personalized feel and fewer crowds. On the flip side, the price point is higher than some might expect for a full day, and certain reviews mention limited tastings at the wineries.

This tour works best for wine enthusiasts eager to understand French wines in context, as well as curious travelers who appreciate a structured itinerary paired with good company. If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and scenic day out in Bordeaux, this could be a great pick. Just keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so logistics are something to plan for in advance.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience combining wine tasting classes, vineyard visits, and village exploration
• Small-group setting (limited to 8 people) for a more intimate experience
• Tastings of at least 11 wines, paired with bread, cheese, and cured meats, offering good value
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable and engaging, making the day more enjoyable
• Convenient transportation by minivan, easing travel between stops
• No hotel pickup included, so plan your meeting point accordingly

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is crafted for those who want an immersive, yet manageable, look at Bordeaux’s wine culture. It’s a blend of education, tasting, and sightseeing — with enough flexibility to keep it engaging without feeling rushed. The entire experience is about learning without feeling like a classroom and sipping in some of France’s most beautiful settings.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start in Bordeaux’s city center at 3 Rue d’Enghien. Your day kicks off with a 2-hour wine tasting session in a cozy, small-group setting. Here, you’ll sample wines from regions like the Rhône, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley, along with bread, cheese, and cured meats. This initial part is perfect for understanding the different styles of French wine and appreciating the nuances of aroma and taste. One reviewer praised the session, saying, “We tasted over 11 wines as advertised and met some fun-loving people.”

Right after, you’ll head for lunch at a local apartment in Bordeaux’s center. The included meal is simple but authentic — a nice chance to relax and chat, and a good way to fuel up for the afternoon.

The Vineyard Visit in Saint-Emilion

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to St. Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The transfer by minivan takes you out of the city for a guided tour of a prestigious château. The visit includes vineyard tours and a tasting of 3 to 4 wines, giving you a closer look at how Bordeaux wines are made and what makes them special. Reviewers often mention the stunning scenery and charming architecture of the village, making this part visually and culturally rewarding.

Then, you’ll explore the medieval streets of St. Emilion on a walking tour. It’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere of this historic village, with its Romanesque church and quaint shops. One guest noted, “Saint-Emilion was spectacular,” adding that it’s a must-see for wine lovers and history buffs alike.

End of the Day

The tour wraps up back in Bordeaux, usually around 6:00 or 6:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to explore further or relax for the evening. The entire experience lasts approximately 7.5 hours, so it’s a full but comfortable day.

Deep Dive into the Experience

Small Group, Personalized Feel

The limit of eight travelers makes this a more intimate experience. Guides like Rémi, Quentin, Dorian, and Isabelle consistently receive praise for their knowledgeability and friendly approach. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide Hugo was very knowledgeable about wines and the history of the region,” highlighting how guides enrich the tour with stories and context.

The Tasting Sessions

The 11 wine tastings are spread throughout the day, including the initial class, lunch pairing, and vineyard visits. The tasting at the château offers a chance to compare wines directly from the source, often with 3 or 4 samples per château. Reviewers note that tastings are modest but sufficient for enjoyment and learning; some wish they could buy wines on-site, but Bordeaux’s tasting etiquette limits this.

Lunch and Food Pairings

The included lunch at a Bordeaux apartment features bread, cheese, and cured meats, which pair beautifully with the wines. Several guests mention that the lunch is simple but authentic, making for a pleasant break without feeling overly elaborate. One reviewer said, “The sandwiches from a nearby cafe were yummy,” which adds a touch of local charm.

Transportation and Logistics

Transport is by minivan, which is comfortable and saves you from navigating alone. The meeting point is central, making it easy to find, but the lack of hotel pickup means you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the start point. The group size and limited driving time mean you won’t spend too much of the day in transit, keeping the experience engaging.

Pricing and Value

At $173.27 per person, this tour offers a lot — multiple tastings, guided visits, a local lunch, and a scenic village trip. Based on reviews, many feel it’s good value for the diverse experience, especially considering the personalized attention and expert guides. Some reviews point out that the tour is busy but still enjoyable, and the price reflects the premium nature of the visits.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This full-day experience is ideal for wine lovers who want both hands-on learning and sightseeing in one package. It’s suited for adults over 18 who are comfortable with moderate walking and a structured schedule. Couples, small groups, and friends will find the small-group intimacy adds to the enjoyment, while solo travelers will appreciate the chance to meet like-minded enthusiasts.

If you’re interested in French wine culture, vineyard scenery, and charming villages, you’ll find this tour hits the spot. It’s also a good choice if you want a comprehensive, well-organized day without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

The Bottom Line

For those wanting to get a taste of Bordeaux’s wine scene in just one day, this tour offers a solid mix of education, tasting, and sightseeing. The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and scenic stops make it a memorable experience, especially if you’re curious about French wines but don’t want to spend days on multiple wine tours.

The value is quite fair when you consider the number of tastings, the included lunch, and the chance to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, engaging, and well-structured day out, especially if you’re new to Bordeaux wine or want a solid overview without overloading your schedule.

Final Recommendation

If you’re after a comprehensive, friendly, and educational wine experience, this tour is worth considering. It combines learning with scenic beauty and offers just enough structure to keep things flowing smoothly. Keep in mind the logistical details — no hotel pickup, so plan to meet at the specified location — but overall, it’s a rewarding way to spend a day in Bordeaux.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point at 3 Rue d’Enghien.

What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 18 years old to drink alcohol, which is the focus of the tour.

How many wines will I taste during the day?
You’ll taste at least 11 wines throughout the experience, including during the tasting sessions, vineyard visits, and lunch pairings.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7.5 hours, starting at 10:30 am and ending in the late afternoon or early evening.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers a local guide, two wine tasting sessions, vineyard tours, a guided visit of Saint-Emilion, a lunch, and transportation by minivan.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
Since the tour involves wine tasting and is designed for adults 18 and over, it’s not suitable for children or families with minors.

Are the wine tastings at the wineries limited?
Yes, tastings typically include 3 or 4 wines at each château, and wine sales are not included on-site.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing and shoes suitable for walking are recommended. The tour involves some walking in Saint-Emilion’s historic streets.

If you’re keen on discovering Bordeaux’s wine with knowledgeable guides and a scenic backdrop, this Super Saver package packs a lot into one day. It’s a smart choice for those eager to learn, taste, and explore without breaking the bank.