Bordeaux Full day Medoc and St Emilion Wine Tour with Lunch

Experience the Bordeaux Full-Day Medoc and Saint-Emilion Wine Tour: A Practical, Honest Look

If you’re considering a day trip from Bordeaux to dive into some of the region’s most renowned wine areas, this full-day Medoc and Saint-Emilion tour is worth a close look. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve been there to help you figure out if this experience matches your expectations.

What we love most? First, the personalized attention you get with a small group of just eight people, which means more meaningful conversations with your guide. Second, the variety of visits — you’ll explore both prestigious, classified estates and charming family-run wineries, giving a balanced taste of Bordeaux’s wine scene.

One thing to keep in mind is that the lunch might feel a bit brief or simple for some, especially if you’re used to more substantial meals. It’s a picnic-style setup in a lovely château garden, which works well for many, but might leave some wanting more. This tour suits those eager to learn about wine in a relaxed, intimate setting—no matter if you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting out.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Small group size ensures personal attention and a more relaxed experience.
• Visit three different wineries for a well-rounded view of Bordeaux wines.
• Includes guided vineyard and cellar tours with tastings of 7-8 wines.
• A picnic lunch in the garden adds a charming, leisurely element.
• Combines Médoc and Saint-Emilion — you’ll see both a classified Bordeaux estate and a UNESCO-listed village.
• Cost-effective at around $236 per person with a full day of activities.

What to Expect from the Bordeaux Full-Day Wine Tour

This tour offers a neat package for anyone wanting to get under the skin of Bordeaux wines without feeling rushed. It’s a full 8.5-hour experience, starting at 9:00am from Bordeaux’s Pl. des Quinconces, with transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. The group is capped at eight travelers, which really helps keep things personal—this isn’t a giant bus tour with dozens of people.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Margaux
Your first stop will be a Growth Classified estate from 1855, located in the Médoc region. This is one of Bordeaux’s most iconic wine classifications, so you’ll get to see where some of the most esteemed wines are produced. Expect a guided visit of the vineyard and cellar, followed by a tasting. As one reviewer pointed out, the “chateau was beautiful,” and the tasting provides a real taste of what makes Bordeaux wines famous.

Stop 2: Château Côte de Baleau
Next, you’ll head to a château with a presentation, tasting, and a picnic lunch in its garden. This part lasts about two hours and is often highlighted as a favorite. Guests loved the chance to enjoy a leisurely meal amid lush vineyard views, and the wine here is included in the tour price. It’s a lovely setting to relax and chat about what you’ve experienced so far.

Stop 3: Saint-Emilion
The UNESCO-listed town of Saint-Emilion is your next destination. Here, you’ll visit a charming family-run estate for another guided tour and tasting. The reviews mention the “beautiful estate” and “great explanations,” which makes it clear that these visits aren’t just about tasting but also understanding the wine-making process.

Stop 4: Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion
A 45-minute tour of the medieval church adds a cultural layer to your visit. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to explore the historic town, which is full of narrow cobbled streets and atmospheric views.

Stop 5: Saint-Emilion Village
The tour concludes with a walk through the village itself, absorbing the charms of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The one-hour visit allows plenty of time for photos, wandering, and soaking in the atmosphere.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price covers guided winery visits, tastings of 7-8 wines (roughly 2-3 wines per estate), a wine-tasting class, and the picnic lunch. The transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, and your professional guide is there to ensure you get the most out of each stop.

However, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point at Pl. des Quinconces. Most travelers find this straightforward, and the meeting point is central to Bordeaux.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Many reviews highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Gilliam, Vicky, or Rémi. One reviewer described Rémi as “exceptionally educated, very entertaining,” and others praised guides for keeping everyone on schedule while sharing rich insights.

The wine tastings are generally well-received, with many comments on how delicious and varied the wines are. One reviewer appreciated that even vegetarians could enjoy the lunch, highlighting the thoughtful catering.

Some travelers mentioned lunch felt a little rushed or basic, with comments about a simple couscous and muffin, and eating in the tour guide’s office. While this might not satisfy someone expecting a gourmet meal, most found it adequate and charming, especially considering the beautiful setting.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Small group, personalized experience
– Diverse visits to both top-rated and family-run wineries
– All-inclusive tastings of 7-8 wines
– Comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides
– Beautiful scenery and cultural visits in Saint-Emilion

Cons:
– Lunch may be brief or simple for some
– No hotel pickup or drop-off included
– Like many guided tours, the pace can feel a bit packed for those wanting a more relaxed day

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $236.44 per person, this tour offers good value for a full day of wine exploration and culture. The multiple visits, guided tours, tastings, and picnic lunch add up to a comprehensive experience, especially considering the small group size. If you’re a wine enthusiast or just love discovering new regions, the personalized nature of this trip makes it worthwhile.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone eager to learn about Bordeaux wines in a relaxed, intimate setting, this tour hits the mark. It suits travelers who appreciate guided insights but also want to see real wineries, not just stand in line at a tasting room. It’s ideal for those interested in both wine and culture, given the visits to heritage sites in Saint-Emilion.

It’s also good for those who prefer a full day packed with activity but don’t want to spend a fortune. However, if your main priority is a gourmet lunch or hotel pickup, you might want to consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour has a minimum age of 4 years old, so families with young kids can participate. However, keep in mind that it’s a full-day experience with some walking and wine tastings, so plan accordingly.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, you will sample 7 to 8 wines across three different estates, with 2-3 wines per château.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with your guide.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour starts at the central meeting point at Pl. des Quinconces in Bordeaux. You’ll need to make your way there independently.

Can I buy wine and ship it back home?
While the tour reviews mention that wine can be purchased and shipped from the cellar, this is something you might want to confirm directly with the guide or tour operator.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:00am and returning by late afternoon or early evening.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Most reviews suggest yes, as the lunch is a picnic in the château’s garden, and many travelers, including vegetarians, found it satisfying.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux full-day wine tour offers a solid balance of educational visits, tastings, cultural exploration, and scenic views. Its small-group format makes it feel more personal and relaxed, and the variety of estates visited ensures you’ll get a well-rounded picture of Bordeaux’s wine region. While the lunch might leave some wishing for more, the overall experience is highly praised for guides’ knowledge, the quality of wines, and the beautiful settings.

If you’re a wine lover looking for an accessible, well-organized way to experience Bordeaux’s famous vineyards and charming Saint-Emilion, this tour is likely a good fit. It’s especially suitable if you want to combine wine touring with cultural highlights, all without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

Enjoy your Bordeaux adventure — and remember, the best wine experiences are those shared with good friends and great guides.