St. Emilion: Half Day E-Bike & Wine Tour with Wine & Cheese

If you’re considering a way to enjoy Bordeaux’s famed wine country without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, this Saint-Émilion Half-Day E-Bike & Wine Tour might just be what you need. Designed for those who love good wine, beautiful scenery, and a bit of outdoor activity, this experience offers a nice balance of fun, flavor, and relaxation.

What draws many to this tour are a couple of aspects that really stand out: the chance to pedal through stunning vineyard landscapes on premium e-bikes and the opportunity to sample an impressive lineup of 7 different Bordeaux wines. Plus, the inclusion of a cheese board amidst the vines adds a lovely touch. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that if you’re not comfortable on bikes or prefer a more leisurely, car-based tour, this might not be the best fit.

This tour tends to suit those who enjoy a mix of active outdoor time with wine tasting—ideal for couples, friends, or small groups eager to experience Bordeaux’s wine culture authentically. It’s less suitable for travelers who prefer to cover sights on foot or those with mobility issues, as cycling is a core part of the experience.

Key Points

• Scenic cycling among Bordeaux vineyards with premium e-bikes for effortless riding.
• Seven wine tastings provide a well-rounded taste of Bordeaux’s best offerings.
• Meet the winemaker and learn about traditional and modern wine practices.
• Gourmet picnic with local delicacies, cheese, and a selection of wines.
• Beautiful views and storytelling from a knowledgeable guide.
• Convenient half-day format perfect for fitting into a busy travel schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Bordeaux’s wine scene combined with some light physical activity. Starting in Bordeaux itself, you’ll meet your guide at the Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim office, where safety instructions are briefed. Once you’re comfortable on your premium e-bike, the real fun begins.

The first stop is the scenic ride through Saint-Émilion’s rolling vineyards. The 45-minute ride is smooth, thanks to the electric bikes that make pedaling a breeze—even uphill. You’ll get to enjoy the countryside views and breathe in the fresh vineyard air, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Visiting the Vineyards and Learning the Craft

Next, the tour takes you on a guided walk through one of Saint-Émilion’s renowned wineries. Here, the wine expert guide shares insights into Bordeaux winemaking traditions, the unique terroir, and what makes Bordeaux wines so special. The visit includes a tasting session of at least 7 different wines, giving you a chance to compare and appreciate Bordeaux’s diverse styles.

One of the highlights, according to many reviewers, is the genuine opportunity to meet the winemaker and hear stories behind the wines. As one reviewer mentioned, the guide was “knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience feel personal and relaxed,” which really elevates the tasting experience.

The Cheese and Wine Tasting

After the initial winery visit, you’ll return to the village for a cheese board picnic amidst the vines—an elegant setting for savoring local cheeses, bread, and cured meats. Included in the tour are two to three glasses of wine during the picnic, allowing you to pair what you’re eating with the wines you’ve just learned about.

The cheese and wine pairing, plus the beautiful vineyard backdrop, make this a memorable part of the tour. Reviewers have found the picnic to be pleasant, though some wish for a more substantial lunch, as one person noted, “it was more of a charcuterie-style picnic with bread, cheese, and cured meats,” which might leave those with big appetites wanting more.

Additional Tastings and Return Ride

Post-lunch, you’ll hop back on your e-bike for another scenic ride, this time heading toward a second winery. Here, you’ll indulge in another tasting session, which many find to be both educational and enjoyable. As one reviewer put it, “the wines we tasted were all unique and very good,” confirming the quality of the selections.

Finally, you’ll walk for about 15 minutes back to the starting point, completing the circuit of your Bordeaux vineyard adventure.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you want to enjoy Bordeaux’s vineyards without the hassle of driving, and if you appreciate a relaxed, guided exploration. It’s especially suited for those who like a bit of activity but want to keep it light and manageable. The guide’s storytelling adds a personal touch, and the range of wines offers a good overview of Bordeaux’s diversity.

However, it’s important to note that biking is essential, so if you’re not comfortable on a bike or have mobility issues, this may not be suitable. Also, the light lunch may not satisfy big eaters, so plan accordingly.

Is It Good Value?

At $129 per person, the tour offers a solid mix of activities, tastings, and transport. With seven wine tastings, a guided vineyard visit, a cheese picnic, and the use of high-quality e-bikes, most travelers seem to find the price fair. Several reviews highlight the professionalism of the guide and the high quality of the wines, which adds to the overall value.

The Experience from Past Travelers

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. One reviewer from Ireland said, “Gaspar was an excellent tour guide, providing the right amount of information with passion and authenticity.” Others appreciated the delicious wines and beautiful views, with one traveler from Canada calling it “fantastic” and “a wonderful day.”

Some noted small areas for improvement, like wishing for a more substantial lunch or a visit to multiple wineries rather than ending with a wine shop. However, overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with a 5/5 rating from six reviews.

This Saint-Émilion e-bike tour is a well-rounded choice for wine lovers who want to combine outdoor activity with wine tasting. The focus on quality wines, scenic rides, and engaging storytelling makes it stand out. The inclusion of cheese and a gourmet picnic rounds out the experience nicely, providing a taste of local flavors in a picturesque setting.

It’s best suited for those comfortable on bikes, eager to learn about Bordeaux wines, and looking for a manageable half-day adventure. If you’re after a more extensive winery visit or a full-day experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a relaxed, informative, and scenic overview of Saint-Émilion, this tour checks many boxes.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-riders?
This tour requires cycling, so it’s not ideal for those who can’t ride a bike or have mobility issues. It’s primarily designed for adults or those comfortable on bikes.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Since plastic waste is discouraged, you’ll need to refill your water at the start and at the winery.

Does the tour include transportation from Bordeaux?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off aren’t included. You meet at the Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim office in Saint-Émilion.

How long is the biking portion?
Expect about 45 minutes of riding in each of the two main scenic sections, totaling roughly 1.5 hours of cycling.

Are the wine tastings at multiple wineries?
Yes, you’ll visit at least two wineries, with tastings at each, plus an additional tasting in the village afterward.

Is the lunch substantial?
The provided picnic is more of a cheese and charcuterie-style affair, which many find pleasant but not filling for big eaters.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of guided storytelling, scenic cycling, quality Bordeaux wines, and a delightful cheese picnic creates an experience that’s both enjoyable and educational.

Overall, if you’re keen to see Saint-Émilion at a relaxed pace with a mix of activity and wine indulgence, this tour does a commendable job. It’s a fun way to explore Bordeaux’s wine country and come away with a good understanding of the region’s flavors—all while enjoying the gorgeous landscape on a comfortable e-bike.

You can check availability for your dates here: