Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour

Exploring the Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour — A Detailed Look

If you’re dreaming of a day exploring the scenic beauty and delicious flavors of southern France, the Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour might just be what you’re after. This private experience, offered by Montpellier Wine Tours, promises a mix of vineyard visits, olive oil tastings, and a taste of authentic French cuisine—all packed into a manageable seven-hour window.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to visit two different wine estates in one day, each offering a glimpse into the region’s unique viticulture. Second, the opportunity to sample local olive oils and specialities at a traditional oil mill, adding a savory touch to your trip. On the flip side, one thing to consider is the fact that the lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for that separately.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, informative day with a focus on regional wines and cuisine. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in understanding the local wine-growing traditions and enjoy picturesque landscapes. If you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group looking for a personalized adventure, the private nature of this tour offers a tailored experience that’s not rushed.

Key Points

Beautiful landscape and scenic drives through Pic Saint-Loup.
Two wine estates with guided tours and tastings, showcasing the area’s diversity.
Olive oil farm visit with tastings of regional oils and specialities.
Tasty lunch in a lovely setting, though it’s not included in the price.
Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Private group ensures a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting in Montpellier

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup from your Montpellier accommodation, which really simplifies logistics. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable van and head out for your day’s adventure. The drive itself takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to get settled and ready for what’s ahead.

Visiting the Olive Oil Mill

The first stop is a traditional oil mill, where you’ll learn about the production of regional olive oils. This part of the day is particularly appealing if you have an appreciation for culinary traditions or just love tasting good oils. The guide will walk you through the process, and you’ll have tastings of various oils and regional specialties. As one reviewer put it, the experience was “well organized,” and the olive oil tasting was a highlight.

First Winery and Cellar Tour

Next, you’ll visit an authentic Languedoc winery, where you’ll explore its cellars and see how the wines are crafted. This guided tour provides insight into the local winemaking methods, which adds context to the tasting. You can expect to sample an exceptional range of wines, and based on the review praising the “nice tasting,” the quality of the wines appears to be impressive. The guided aspect ensures you get plenty of background on the varietals and the family or estate behind each label.

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Scenic Drive to Pic Saint-Loup

After the first winery, there’s a short drive to the characteristic Pic Saint-Loup mountain. The views here are often described as “picturesque,” and you’ll enjoy the scenery en route. The landscape is a crucial part of the region’s appeal, with rolling vineyards and rugged hills making for some great photo opportunities. The drive itself sets the tone for a relaxing day surrounded by natural beauty.

Lunch Break in a Charming Inn

Midday, you’ll stop for a tasty French meal at a local inn, set in a charming environment with seasonal and local products. While lunch isn’t included in the tour price, this is a nice chance to unwind and indulge in regional flavors. According to the review, the meal was “quite correct,” and dining near a lake added to the pleasant atmosphere—though it was a shame the sun wasn’t out for better views.

Second Winery and Tasting

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to a second Pic Saint-Loup estate. Here, you’ll again enjoy a guided tour and a wine tasting session, this time lasting about 75 minutes. This additional stop gives you a broader perspective on the region’s winemaking diversity. With views from the estate and a chance to sample more local wines, you get a well-rounded picture of the area’s viticultural offerings.

Return Journey and Final Impressions

The drive back to Montpellier takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to reflect on the day’s experiences. The entire itinerary is designed to give just enough time at each stop—balancing educational tours with tastings and scenic moments—without feeling rushed.

Practical Details & What to Expect

The price of $995 per group, up to two people, reflects a private experience, which often means more personalized attention and flexibility. The tour covers transportation, guide services, and visits with tastings at both wineries and the olive farm—all crucial components for a comprehensive tasting day.

The tour runs for about 7 hours, typically starting in the morning, with pickup from your Montpellier accommodation included. If you’re concerned about flexibility, the booking process allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, giving peace of mind.

Group Size & Language

It’s a private group experience, so you won’t be sharing with strangers, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate setting. The guide speaks both English and French, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

What’s Not Included

Lunch is not part of the package, so you should budget extra for a nice meal—something many find worth it, given the quality of regional inns. Tasting experiences, however, are included, and you’ll get a chance to try a variety of wines and oils, which adds significant value.

What Travelers Say

The sole review available to date is glowing, calling the day “well organized,” praising the “nice tasting” of olive oil and wine, and mentioning the beautiful setting. The reviewer, François, noted that the meal was “quite correct,” and appreciated the efficiency of the schedule. Such feedback suggests that if you’re after a smooth, well-managed day with good tastings and scenic views, this tour hits the mark.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a fan of wines and regional cuisine or simply love exploring stunning landscapes, this tour offers a nice blend of both. It’s perfect for those who prefer a private, relaxed outing rather than a large group tour. Given the focus on wine estates and olive oils, it’s especially suited for enthusiasts or curious travelers wanting an authentic taste of southern France. It’s also a good choice if you’re interested in learning about local production methods and tasting a range of products without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself.

Final Thoughts

The Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines beautiful scenery, flavorful tastings, and cultural insights into the region’s culinary traditions. Its private setup and guided visits make it ideal for small groups or couples seeking a more personalized day out. While the price is on the higher side, the inclusion of transport, guides, and tastings means you’re paying for convenience and quality.

If you’re looking for a day that balances sightseeing with tasting, and want to get a real feel for what makes this part of France special, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to plan for your lunch and maybe bring a camera to capture those lovely vineyard vistas.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
This tour is designed for adults interested in wine and food tasting, so it might not be ideal for young children. The focus on wine estates and olive oils doesn’t cater much to kids, but older children with an interest in gastronomy could enjoy the scenic drives and tasting stops.

How long is the drive between stops?
The initial transfer from Montpellier to the olive oil mill takes about 30 minutes. The drives between wineries are short (around 10-15 minutes), with a longer 45-minute drive back to Montpellier at the end.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option if your plans are uncertain.

Is the tour only available in English?
The guide speaks both English and French, so you can choose your preferred language.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a hat or sunglasses for sun protection, and perhaps a small amount of cash or a card for lunch or additional purchases.

Is the lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour price. You’ll want to budget extra for a local meal, which many find adds to the authentic experience.

How many people will be in my group?
This is a private tour for up to two people per booking, so you’ll enjoy a personal experience tailored to your interests.

In a nutshell, this tour combines lovely scenery, excellent tastings, and a relaxing pace. It’s a nice pick for anyone wanting to get a real feel for the Pic Saint-Loup wine region without feeling rushed or crowded. Just plan for your lunch, and you’re set for a memorable day in southern France.

You can check availability for your dates here: