Bordeaux: St-Emilion and Medoc Wine Day Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking to explore Bordeaux’s famous wine country in a single day, this guided tour offers a compelling mix of beautiful scenery, historical villages, and top-notch tastings. We’ve seen several options for wine tours around Bordeaux, but this one stands out for its well-rounded approach — covering two distinct regions, providing a taste of both tradition and landscape, and offering a relaxed pace that doesn’t feel rushed.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to visit both Saint-Emilion and Médoc in one day, seeing the contrast between the charming medieval village and the expansive vineyards of Médoc. Plus, the guided visits and tastings at multiple wineries are a definite highlight. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour runs for about 9 hours, which might be a long day for some, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions.

This tour is best suited for curious wine lovers who want an insightful, relaxed day out without the hassle of planning multiple visits themselves. If you’re after a comprehensive introduction to Bordeaux’s wine regions, combined with some sightseeing and a good lunch, this could be a great fit. Just be prepared for a full schedule—and bring your comfortable shoes.

Key Points

• Visit two of Bordeaux’s most celebrated wine regions in one day with expert guidance
• Enjoy guided tours and tastings at multiple wineries in Saint-Emilion and Médoc
• Explore Saint-Emilion’s UNESCO-listed medieval village with a scenic walk
• Relax with a picnic lunch at a winery, paired with local wine and pastries
• Travel comfortably in a small group, making the experience intimate and personalized
• Ideal for wine enthusiasts who want a well-organized, comprehensive day trip

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at 26 Rue de la Devise, with a comfortable van taking you through the scenic countryside of Bordeaux’s wine regions. The drive between spots is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, giving you a chance to enjoy the rolling vineyards and landscapes — a highlight in itself.

First Stop: Château Margaux and Médoc

Your day kicks off with a drive along the famous Chateaux Road heading towards Médoc. The first sightseeing stop is at Château Margaux, one of Bordeaux’s most iconic wineries, for photos and a quick appreciation of its grandeur. While the tour doesn’t specify inside visits at this point, the view alone is worth the stop.

Next, you’ll visit a winery within the Margaux appellation for wine tastings. The reviews reflect that the wines here are of good quality and the guide explains the characteristics of wines from this prestigious region, giving you context without overwhelming. This part of the day sets the tone for exploring Bordeaux’s renowned Left Bank wines.

Exploring Saint-Emilion

After the Médoc leg, the group heads to Saint-Emilion — a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval charm and exceptional wines. Expect about 1.5 hours for a guided tour of this beautifully preserved village. The narrow cobblestone streets, ancient churches, and picturesque settings make it a delight for anyone who appreciates history and architecture.

The guide’s commentary breathes life into the visit, emphasizing the significance of the village’s architecture and its connection to winemaking. Many reviews highlighted how Maud or other guides made the experience engaging, passionate, and informative.

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Wine Tastings and Wineries in Saint-Emilion

The tour includes visits to two wineries in Saint-Emilion. The first involves a guided tour and tasting, where you’ll learn about the wine production process and sample different wines. The second stop offers additional tastings, expanding your understanding of the region’s diversity.

A notable feature of the tour is the picnic lunch at one of the wineries. It’s a simple yet “good quality and a great location,” as one reviewer put it. Paired with a local pastry and a glass of wine, it’s a relaxed way to refuel and enjoy Bordeaux’s peaceful countryside. While some found the lunch options minimal, the setting and experience generally received praise.

Final Wineries and Scenic Wrap-up

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to a second winery in Saint-Emilion for more tastings, giving you a broader spectrum of local wines. The guide’s explanations help you understand what makes each wine unique, and many reviewers appreciated how knowledgeable, friendly guides made the experience both educational and enjoyable.

After completing the visits, you’ll return to Bordeaux, passing by scenic vineyards and enjoying the countryside views—another highlight for many.

What’s the Overall Experience Like?

What We Loved

The guides really make a difference here. Multiple reviews mention guides that are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate, bringing the regions and wines to life. Whether it’s Maud, Pauline, Dante, or Vincent, their personalities and expertise seem to elevate the day beyond just wine tasting.

The scenery is stunning throughout, from the rolling vineyards of Médoc to the medieval charm of Saint-Emilion. The interest in architecture and local history adds a cultural layer that enriches the experience, making it more than just about wine.

The value for money seems good for what’s included — multiple winery visits, guided tours, tastings, and a picnic lunch for $228 per person. Considering the full day, the small group setting (limited to 8 participants) also enhances the experience, allowing for more personal attention and questions.

What Could Be Better

Some reviewers found the lunch somewhat disappointing — minimal options and not enough food for a full day. It’s worth setting expectations that the picnic is simple, but generally tasty and well-situated.

The length of the tour (about 9 hours) might be a lot for those who prefer shorter outings, especially if you’re not used to long days on your feet. Also, children under 16 and wheelchair users are not included, so it’s more suited for adult travelers with an interest in wine and history.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re genuinely interested in Bordeaux wine, enjoy scenic drives, and want a comprehensive yet relaxed overview of the region. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided storytelling and want to learn about the differences between Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks.

If you’re keen on visiting famous wineries, walking through medieval towns, and enjoying a peaceful day in the countryside, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s less suited if you’re traveling with very small children or require wheelchair access, given the nature of the stops.

Practical Details

• Duration: 9 hours, so be prepared for a full day out.
• Price: At $228, the cost includes transport, guide, multiple tastings, a picnic lunch, and water — which many consider good value for such an immersive experience.
• Group Size: Small groups (max 8), making it more intimate.
• Meeting Point: At the Rustic Vines Tours Agency office.
• Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking in Saint-Emilion and possibly on uneven surfaces.
• Languages: English-speaking guides only.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? No, it’s not recommended for children under 16, as the focus is on wine tastings and adult-oriented experiences.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How long is the drive between stops? The drive to Médoc takes about 45 minutes, with similar times between other locations, providing a comfortable travel pace.

What kind of wines will I taste? You’ll experience wines from the Médoc and Saint-Emilion regions, including tastings at multiple wineries, which are praised for their quality.

Is the lunch included? Yes, a picnic lunch is part of the tour, served at a winery with local pastries and wine. Some reviews mention it’s simple but enjoyable.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are advised, as you’ll be walking through villages and vineyards.

Are the tours guided inside the wineries? Yes, there are guided visits and tastings at each winery, with explanations on wine production and regional differences.

Will I get enough wine? Based on reviews, most guests find the tastings plentiful and enjoyable, with some noting the wines are of good quality.

What happens if it rains? The tour is largely outdoors and in villages and wineries, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. The experience can be just as enjoyable in light rain.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux wine day tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that balances scenic drives, cultural exploration, and wine tasting. The small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and inclusion of a picnic lunch make it a comfortable choice for those eager to get a taste of Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage without the hassle of planning multiple visits.

It’s a solid pick for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone wanting to enjoy Bordeaux’s countryside in a relaxed, intimate way. The consistent high ratings and positive reviews suggest most travelers leave feeling they’ve gained both knowledge and memorable moments.

If you’re ready for a full-day immersion into Bordeaux’s wine culture, this tour is likely to meet your expectations — just remember to bring your comfortable shoes and an appreciation for good stories alongside good wine.

You can check availability for your dates here: