From Saint-Emilion : Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings and Picnic Lunch

Exploring Saint-Emilion on an Electric Bike: A Practical Review for Wine Lovers and Adventure Seekers

If you’re considering a day out in the Bordeaux region, this electric bike tour in Saint-Emilion promises a blend of scenic views, wine tasting, and light outdoor activity. We haven’t personally joined this tour, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s an experience that appeals to those wanting to combine gentle cycling with wine appreciation and beautiful landscapes.

What stands out for us is how this tour caters to beginners and casual cyclists alike—thanks to the electric bikes that take the strain out of the steep Saint-Emilion hills. Also, the guided wine tastings at renowned chateaus offer more than just sips; they’re an insight into Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s a moderate physical activity—so it’s best suited to confident riders comfortable with cycling for a few hours.

This experience feels well-suited for wine enthusiasts, relaxed explorers, or travelers wanting a convenient, scenic way to see Saint-Emilion without the hassle of organizing transport and tastings separately. It’s also an ideal choice if you prefer small-group tours, creating a more personalized and engaging atmosphere.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Saint-Emilion vineyards, perfect for photography and appreciating the landscape.
• Electric bikes eliminate worries about steep hills, making the ride accessible for most confident cyclists.
• Guided wine tastings at boutique wineries provide quality samples and insights into Bordeaux wines.
• Picnic lunch included, with a glass of wine, making for a relaxed break amidst the vineyards.
• Small group size (max 10) ensures personal attention and a friendly vibe.
• Flexible cancellation policy—cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Experience: What to Expect from this Saint-Emilion Tour

This tour begins in the charming town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO-listed site known for its medieval architecture and world-famous vineyards. You’ll meet your guide at Rustic Vines, a cozy shop where the adventure kicks off. The group is small—up to 10 people—which helps keep the atmosphere intimate and friendly, and makes asking questions or getting personalized tips easier.

The Cycling Route and Landscape

You’ll hop on an electric bike—a real game-changer here, as the terrain includes some quite steep hills. The bikes are easy to operate, with most reviews praising their comfort and convenience. Expect to cycle through spectacular vineyard views, with rolling hills, lush foliage, and picturesque chateaus dotting the landscape.

We loved the way the guide shares snippets of local info and history as you ride, making the journey both scenic and educational. The route is designed to allow plenty of stops for photos and admiring the scenery—so you won’t feel like you’re just pedaling in circles.

Visiting the Wineries

The first stop is at Chateau Bernateau, a family-run estate where you’ll get a warm welcome and a chance to taste some of their wines. Guests rave about the friendly host and the quality of the wines offered, often mentioning that the tasting exceeded expectations. One reviewer noted, “The wines were very good, and the guide shared interesting facts, creating a welcoming atmosphere.”

Next, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at the same estate, accompanied by a glass of wine. This is a relaxed moment to unwind, chat with your fellow travelers, and soak in the vineyard surroundings. The lunch is described as tasty and fitting well with the setting, making it more than just a quick snack.

You’ll then head to Chateau La Croizille for a second tasting session, giving you a broader perspective on Bordeaux wines. The visits include a tour of the facilities, so you learn about the wine-making process firsthand—another highlight for many guests.

Exploring Saint-Emilion Village

After the winery visits, the tour shifts to a guided walk through Saint-Emilion itself. This UNESCO site is packed with medieval streets, charming courtyards, and historical sites. The walk lasts about an hour, and the guide shares stories about the town’s history and architecture, enriching your understanding of this special place.

In the late afternoon, there’s one more tasting session in the heart of the village. Guests find this part particularly enjoyable, with reviews praising the guide’s friendliness and the overall relaxed, convivial atmosphere.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Saint-Emilion

The tour begins at Rustic Vines with a meet-and-greet, setting a friendly tone. The initial bike ride takes you into the countryside, immediately immersing you in Saint-Emilion’s lush landscape. This first ride is about 45 minutes, and since the bikes are electric, you won’t tire quickly or worry about the climbs.

Stop 2: Chateau Bernateau

This family-owned estate offers an authentic experience—no corporate feel here. The hosts are passionate, sharing their winemaking process and offering tastings of their wines. Guests often comment on the warm hospitality, making this stop feel personal and genuine.

Stop 3: Picnic Lunch

A highlight for many, the picnic lunch features local produce and a glass of wine—an ideal way to relax and enjoy the vineyard scenery. The meal is described as hearty and satisfying, with some reviews noting how perfect it was after cycling.

Stop 4: Chateau La Croizille

The second winery is larger and more modern, giving insight into Bordeaux’s wine production. The tour of the facilities and tasting help demystify the winemaking process, appealing to those curious about how Bordeaux wines are crafted.

Stop 5: Saint-Emilion Village Walk

The guided stroll through Saint-Emilion bridges the rural and historic aspects of the region, revealing its medieval charm. It’s a short but enriching walk, with the guide providing context that transforms sightseeing into a memorable cultural experience.

Stop 6: Final Wine Tasting

Ending in the village with a relaxed tasting session allows for reflection and enjoying your favorites from the day. Guests often mention how this final stop wraps up the experience beautifully, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

The Practicalities and Value

This 6.5-hour tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing. Starting at 10:30 am and returning around 4 pm, it fits well into a day of exploration. The group size (up to 10) ensures personalized attention, which many guests appreciate.

Pricing at roughly $197.69 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the included wine tastings, picnic lunch, and guided visits, it offers solid value. The reviews frequently mention the high quality of the wines and the engaging guide, both of which enhance the overall experience.

While the tour is mainly targeted at confident cyclists comfortable with moderate physical activity, the electric bikes make it accessible to most. However, one minor drawback mentioned by a guest was a bike with a single brake, so it’s worth checking the condition of bikes when booking.

Weather and Cancellation

The tour is weather-dependent, but the provider has a plan B for poor weather days. Cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind when planning.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine lovers who enjoy a gentle outdoor activity—it’s not a strenuous cycling trip but still offers a chance to see the countryside up close. It’s also ideal for travelers looking for a small-group, personalized experience with knowledgeable guides. If you’re interested in Bordeaux wines and scenic views without spending hours in a car or on a bus, this tour hits the mark.

It’s less suited for those who prefer a more relaxed, drive-and-sightsee approach, or travelers with mobility challenges, as some cycling is involved. But for most confident cyclists and curious wine fans, this will likely be a memorable highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the minimum height requirement is 155 cm and it involves cycling, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable on bikes.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the sun. A light jacket might be good if the weather is unpredictable.

How physically demanding is the tour?
While the bikes are electric, you should be a confident cyclist with moderate fitness. The route includes some hills, but the electric assist helps ease the effort.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers bike rental, guided wine tastings at two wineries, and a picnic lunch with a glass of wine.

How long are the stops?
Most stops range from 45 minutes to an hour, giving you time to enjoy the wines, take photos, or relax.

What if the weather is bad?
The provider has a plan B and offers a full refund if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, provided you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours before the start time.

Is the tour private or shared?
It’s a small group experience, with a maximum of 10 travelers, fostering a friendly, personalized environment.

To sum it up, this electric bike tour around Saint-Emilion offers a well-rounded, scenic, and wine-rich day that balances activity with relaxation. It’s ideal for those who want to see Bordeaux’s famous vineyards and medieval town in a friendly, engaging way—without the hassle of organizing multiple tastings or navigating steep terrain on your own. If you value knowledgeable guides, good wines, and a small-group atmosphere, this experience is definitely worth considering.