Assemble your own wine cuvée in the vineyard

If you’re curious about the real process behind making wine, this tour offers more than just tasting. It’s a chance to step into the vineyard and winery with an expert as your guide, learn firsthand about winemaking, and leave with your very own personalized bottle. It’s not your typical tasting trip – it’s a hands-on workshop that really pulls back the curtain on Bordeaux’s famed wine craft.

What we love about this experience is how personal and authentic it feels. Unlike larger, more commercial wine courses, this one takes place directly in the winemaker’s working environment, giving you a true taste of what goes into making Bordeaux wine. Plus, the fact that you get to blend your own cuvée means you’re not just a spectator—you’re actively involved in the process. Just a heads-up, this isn’t a casual stroll; it’s a focused, educational experience that’s best suited for those genuinely interested in wine and willing to spend a few hours learning.

One thing to consider is that the experience is roughly three hours long, so it’s best to plan your day accordingly. Also, while transportation from Libourne station is available for small groups, it’s not a full-day tour, so if you’re after a lengthy vineyard adventure, this might feel a bit compact. But if you want to deepen your wine knowledge and walk away with a personalized bottle, this workshop hits the mark.

This tour suits wine lovers who appreciate a more intimate, educational approach, and are excited to get their hands dirty in wine-making. It’s especially appealing if you want a unique souvenir from your Bordeaux trip—a bottle that’s truly your own.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Directly in the winemaker’s estate, not a commercial tasting room.
• Hands-On Learning: Create your own blend and leave with a personalized cuvée.
• Expert Guidance: Taught by an experienced oenologist who shares detailed insights.
• Location: About 15 minutes from Saint-Emilion village, in a charming, country setting.
• Duration & Price: Around 3 hours for $90, a good value for a craft experience.
• Transport: Pickup possible from Libourne station for small groups.

What to Expect from the Experience

A Warm Welcome and Introduction

The tour kicks off with a friendly greeting and a small coffee to settle in. From there, you’ll join your host, Baptiste, for a walk through the vineyard. The walk isn’t just scenic—Baptiste uses this time to share details about the estate, the terroir, and the vineyard’s unique qualities. It’s a great way to set the scene and understand the environment your wine comes from.

Tour of the Winery and Barrel Cellar

Next, you’ll step inside the working winery. Baptiste explains the principles of red winemaking, providing a clear explanation of how grapes are transformed into wine. You get a behind-the-scenes look at the barrels—an essential part of aging and flavor development. This part of the tour helps demystify the process and makes the subsequent blending more meaningful.

Sensory Analysis and Tasting Skills

Before the creative part, Baptiste provides some foundational knowledge about tasting wine. Expect to receive a small support guide and participate in exercises that sharpen your sensory skills—like identifying aromas and flavors. One reviewer noted that the educational aspect was both engaging and insightful, making the process much more approachable.

The Heart of the Workshop: Blending Your Cuvée

This is the highlight: you and your group will get to blend different grape varieties and winemaking methods. Baptiste guides you, but your preferences shape the final product. The result is a 75 cL bottle personalized by you, which you’ll take home. Imagine having a bottle crafted by your own hand—there’s something very satisfying about that.

Additional Options

If you opt for the full-day experience, you can enjoy a lunch on site, prepared by Baptiste. This adds a relaxed, social element to the day and lets you savor your wine alongside local cuisine.

Comfort and Convenience

The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the transfer comfortable and hassle-free. Glasses, wines, and snacks are included, so you’re well taken care of during the experience.

The Value in the Experience

At $90.07 per person, this workshop offers a unique, educational, and personal wine experience. When you consider that you leave with your own 75 cL bottle, it’s a memorable souvenir that’s more meaningful than a typical bottle bought in a shop. The ability to see, smell, taste, and ultimately blend the wine creates a connection that’s hard to replicate with just a tasting.

Reviewers have spoken highly of Baptiste’s knowledge and engaging manner. One noted it as “insightful, engaging, and seriously educational,” which echoes the general sentiment that this is a well-organized and enriching experience.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn what goes into crafting Bordeaux wine. It suits those who want a hands-on activity, and aren’t just looking for a casual tasting. It’s also a great choice for anyone who appreciates personal touches—leaving with a custom blend feels special, and it’s a fun way to deepen your understanding of wine.

The Downside and Considerations

While this experience is highly praised, it’s not ideal if you’re after a relaxing, leisurely day with a lot of free time. The 3-hour duration is fairly tight, especially if you’re staying in the area for a longer visit. Also, lunch isn’t included unless you opt for the full-day option. If you’re pressed for time or prefer a larger group, you might find the intimate setting a bit limiting.

Weather can also be a factor, as the tour is partly outdoors during the vineyard walk. But the experience is flexible enough to be rescheduled or refunded if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Transport from Libourne station is available for groups of up to four people. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange your own travel to the estate.

How long does the experience last?
The workshop takes approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What’s the cost?
It’s $90.07 per person, which includes the guided tour, tastings, and your own 75 cL bottle of personalized wine.

Can I customize my blend?
Yes. You’ll work with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques to create a blend that suits your taste.

Is this experience suitable for families or children?
The experience is geared toward adults interested in wine; it isn’t specifically designed for children or families.

Do I leave with something tangible?
Absolutely. You’ll take home your own 75 cL bottle of wine, personalized during the workshop.

Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, the experience includes glasses, wines, snacks, and a visit to the estate.

Is there an option for a full-day experience?
Yes, you can book a full-day session that includes a meal on site, which offers a more relaxed, immersive day.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a rare chance to see, learn, and participate in the art of winemaking in Saint-Emilion. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates authentic experiences and wants a personalized souvenir to remember their trip. The guidance from Baptiste and the hands-on nature make it more than just a tasting—it’s a genuine insight into Bordeaux wine culture.

If you’re serious about understanding wine or want to impress friends with your own blend, this workshop is well worth considering. Just keep in mind it’s a short, focused experience, so plan accordingly if you want to combine it with other activities in the region.

Ready to craft your own Bordeaux story? This workshop might just be your best wine adventure yet.