From Bordeaux: Full-Day St Emilion Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Bordeaux’s famous wine region without the hassle of organizing each stop yourself, this Full-Day Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Tour might be just what you need. It promises a mix of scenic drives, visits to top-rated wineries, and a walk through one of France’s most picturesque villages.

What we really like about this experience is how well-organized it is — you get to visit three classified growth chateaux, each offering a different style of wine and atmosphere. Also, the guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion itself is a wonderful way to soak in the town’s medieval charm.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is the schedule — with a packed 8-hour itinerary, you might find yourself craving a little more free time, especially in Saint-Emilion. But if you’re after a structured, informative day focused on wine sampling and small-group explorations, this tour hits the mark.

This kind of experience suits travelers who love wine but aren’t necessarily experts, as well as those looking for a taste of local culture without the stress of planning. It’s also great for people who appreciate comfortable transportation and small groups, making the day feel more intimate and relaxed.

Key Points

• Top-rated Experience: With a 4.8/5 from 280 reviews, most guests find this tour extremely satisfying.
• Excellent Guides: Multiple reviews highlight guides like Rodolphe, Lea, Mirela, and others as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging.
• Diverse Wineries: Visiting three different classified growth chateaux promises a good variety of wines and styles.
• Beautiful Town Walk: The short walking tour of Saint-Emilion offers lovely photo ops and cultural insights.
• Comfortable Transport: Small, fully equipped minivans make the day smooth and relaxed.
• Ideal for Adults: This tour is adult-only and runs in English, making it perfect for travelers who want a focused, mature experience.

Let’s walk through what you can expect from this full-day adventure, why it’s special, and some honest thoughts about its potential downsides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Meeting Point and Transportation

You’ll meet your guide in front of Bordeaux’s tourist office at 12 cours du 30 Juillet. From there, the journey begins with a 45-minute ride in a comfortable minivan — a perfect way to relax and get excited about the day ahead. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) helps keep things intimate and allows everyone to ask questions or just enjoy the scenery.

The vehicles are described as fully equipped, which typically means air-conditioning and plenty of space, making the long drives comfortable. The limited group size also means better interaction with your guide and a more personalized experience, as many reviews testify.

Visiting the Classified Growth Chateaux

The core of this tour is the visits and tastings at three top-rated wineries. These are carefully chosen to ensure quality and diversity. Most visits last about an hour, giving you enough time to explore, ask questions, and taste a variety of wines. Guests often remark on the diversity of the wineries, with some being traditional family-run estates and others more modern.

According to reviews, the guides are quite knowledgeable and passionate about wine, which makes the tastings more enriching. For example, one guest mentioned how their guide “shared more information than I’ll ever remember,” which shows the depth of expertise on offer.

Some guests note that the visits are not private, but most of the time, the tastings are for your group only, which enhances the sense of exclusivity. Plus, the wineries’ selection guarantees visitors experience high-quality wines, making each tasting worthwhile.

Saint-Emilion Village: A Walk Through History

After the first two winery visits, you’ll arrive in Saint-Emilion for a guided walking tour of the town. This part of the experience is especially appreciated — guests love seeing the medieval streets, learning about the town’s history, and soaking in the architecture.

The 2-hour free time in Saint-Emilion is a highlight for many, giving you the chance to explore independently, visit additional wine shops, or just relax at a café. One reviewer noted that the town has “the best vibes,” and many plan to return for longer visits.

For those interested in history and culture, the underground monuments are also worth exploring, although specific visits are not detailed in the tour info. The town offers a lovely backdrop to your wine adventure.

Afternoon Winery Visit and Tasting

Post-lunch, you’ll head back to another château for a final tasting session. This might be in a different style of estate or one with a particular story to tell, providing a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s wine production.

Guests often mention that the quality of wines at each stop is consistently high, with some even meeting winemakers or tasting rare vintages. The final tasting tends to be an hour long, capping off a day full of learning and tasting.

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The Overall Pace and Value

Many reviewers comment on the good pace of the tour, with enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling rushed. The 8-hour duration is quite reasonable, considering the travel time, tastings, and sightseeing.

Cost-wise, the tour offers value for money, especially given the number of tastings, high-quality wineries, and the guide’s expertise. Multiple guests have expressed that they felt it was worth the investment, especially since most visits are in small groups, making the experience more personal.

What Could Be Better?

Some might wish for more free time in Saint-Emilion, rather than structured visits, but this is a matter of personal preference. The schedule is tight, but that’s the trade-off for covering three wineries and a scenic town in one day.

Also, this tour is adults-only and not wheelchair accessible, so if you’re traveling with kids or have mobility concerns, you’d need to look elsewhere.

This Saint-Emilion wine tasting tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, small-group experience that balances wine, scenery, and culture. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides, enjoy tasting a variety of high-quality wines, and want to see a picture-perfect French town, this tour delivers.

It’s especially suited for those who don’t want to worry about transportation, as all logistics are handled, and for anyone who values a personal, engaging approach to wine tasting. While it’s not a private tour, the small-group setting and carefully curated visits make it feel intimate enough for most travelers.

If your goal is to learn about Bordeaux wines, enjoy a scenic walk through a medieval village, and taste some of France’s best, you’re likely to come away satisfied — and probably planning your next visit to the region.

Is this tour suitable for wine beginners?
Absolutely. Many guests mention guides sharing lots of helpful information, making it easy for novices to understand and enjoy the tastings.

How long are the winery visits and tastings?
Each visit lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to explore and taste without feeling overwhelmed.

Can I visit the underground monuments of Saint-Emilion?
While the tour includes a guided walk of the town, specific underground monument visits aren’t detailed. However, free time in Saint-Emilion may give you the chance to explore these sites independently.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the tour price, but guests have about 2 hours to enjoy a meal in Saint-Emilion or explore the town. The guide may recommend spots, like the highly-rated Table 38.

Are the winery visits private?
Most visits are for your group only, although they are not private in the strictest sense. This adds a bit of exclusivity and personal attention.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a passport or ID are recommended. Since wine tastings usually don’t include snacks, a good breakfast or lunch before the tour is advisable.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it isn’t. The terrain and structures in Saint-Emilion and the wineries are not suited for wheelchairs.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation, visits to three wineries, tastings, and a guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion. It’s a comprehensive experience considering the high-quality visits and small group size.

If you’re looking to combine scenic countryside, expert-guided wine tastings, and a charming medieval town, this Bordeaux Saint-Emilion tour checks most boxes. It offers great value, especially for small groups, and is led by guides who genuinely love sharing their knowledge. Perfect for wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, or anyone wanting a memorable day in France’s wine country.

Whether you’re visiting Bordeaux for the first time or are a seasoned oenophile, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Saint-Emilion and its wines so beloved. Just remember to come with a good appetite, comfortable shoes, and an eager spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: