From Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Lunch and Wine

Key Points

• Includes visits to two traditional châteaux, with one being a Great Growth Classified property
• Taste 5 to 6 high-quality local wines explained by an expert guide
• Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at a vineyard or winery during the tour
• Explore the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint Emilion with a knowledgeable guide
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for a personalized feel
• Price of $198 per person for a 6-hour experience from Bordeaux

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Discover the Charm of Saint Emilion’s Medieval Streets

This tour begins in Bordeaux at 2792 Pl. des Quinconces, where a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan departs for the scenic village of Saint Emilion. The journey lasts approximately 50 minutes, giving you a relaxed start to your day. Upon arrival, the guide leads you through the medieval streets, where cobbled pathways and historic buildings showcase the town’s long-standing reputation as a major red wine hub.

Saint Emilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and the tour emphasizes its picture-perfect architecture and lively market squares. The guide shares insights into the area’s history and significance, making the exploration engaging and informative. Expect to see small boutique shops, ancient ruins, and scenic viewpoints that highlight the town’s charm during your walk.

Visiting a Great Growth Classified Château

One of the key highlights of this experience is a visit to a Great Growth Classified château, renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the region. The guide leads you through the traditional estate, offering a guided tour of the cellar and vineyards. This visit provides a close look at the winemaking process and the unique terroir that contributes to high-quality wines.

Tasting at this château involves sampling several wines, generally 5 or 6, with explanations provided by the guide about each wine’s characteristics and production methods. These insights help you understand what makes these wines stand out and appreciate their nuanced flavors. The visit to this château offers both a cultural and sensory experience.

Savoring a Vineyard Picnic Lunch

Between the château visits, the tour includes a delicious picnic lunch at one of the scenic winery locations. The traditional French picnic features local foods, perfectly paired with the wines you’re tasting. This relaxed meal provides a break in the day’s schedule, allowing for casual conversations and soaking in the vintage vineyard views.

The lunch lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy fresh, regional dishes in the company of fellow travelers. The outdoor setting enhances the experience, adding a scenic and authentic touch to your wine journey.

Exploring Saint Emilion’s Historic Monuments and Streets

Following lunch, the guide offers a one-hour guided tour of Saint Emilion itself. This walk delves deeper into the town’s history, architecture, and local stories. You’ll see notable churches, monolithic structures, and charming alleys, all while learning about how the town has preserved its medieval character.

This portion of the tour emphasizes walking and sightseeing, with the guide providing interesting anecdotes about Saint Emilion’s heritage and cultural significance. It’s an excellent opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of this historic wine center.

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Return Journey and Drop-off in Bordeaux

After the exploration, the group boards the minivan for the 50-minute return trip to Bordeaux. The tour concludes back at 2792 Pl. des Quinconces, with a drop-off in the city center. The return journey is a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights and share impressions with fellow travelers.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour operates with a small group limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. It includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, visits to 2 châteaux, and a picnic lunch. The guide is a local expert who speaks French and English, making the experience informative and engaging.

Reservations can be made with flexibility, as full refunds are available with 24 hours’ notice, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is suitable for travelers with no mobility impairments and those over 4 years old, but it is not accessible for pets or children under 4.

Wine Tasting Highlights and Educational Insights

Throughout the day, you taste 5 or 6 local wines, gaining a better understanding of how to taste wine like an expert. The guide provides explanations about each wine’s origin and flavor profile, helping you develop your palate. The wines are carefully selected to showcase the best of Saint Emilion’s offerings, with particular attention to high-quality regional varieties.

The visit to a Great Growth Classified château emphasizes the prestige and craftsmanship behind these wines, offering a deeper appreciation for the region’s wine-making excellence.

How This Tour Compares to Other Bordeaux Wine Experiences

This day trip offers a comprehensive combination of guided town exploration, winery visits, wine tastings, and a scenic picnic lunch. It balances educational elements with relaxed sightseeing, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy Saint Emilion’s wine culture without spending an entire day or visiting too many locations.

Unlike some longer or more intensive tours, this experience maintains a manageable pace and emphasizes personalized attention with its small group size. The price of $198 reflects the inclusion of transport, guided tours, tastings, and lunch, presenting good value for a well-rounded day in one of Bordeaux’s most iconic wine regions.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Taste of Saint Emilion

This From Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion Day Trip with Lunch and Wine delivers an immersive experience combining historic exploration, world-class wine tastings, and regional cuisine. The small group format and knowledgeable guides ensure an intimate and informative adventure, ideal for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

While the tour involves walking and some mobility, it offers a balanced schedule that highlights the best of Saint Emilion’s charms without feeling rushed. The scenic picnic lunch adds a relaxed touch, making this trip a great choice for those seeking a curated, authentic taste of Bordeaux’s celebrated wine village.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $198?
The tour price covers transportation by air-conditioned minivan, visits to 2 châteaux, tastings of 5 or 6 wines, a guided tour of Saint Emilion, and a traditional picnic lunch.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, starting and ending in Bordeaux.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not accessible for children under 4 years old, and children must be declared at booking. It is designed for those able to walk and stand during the sightseeing and vineyard visits.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a refund. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is offered in French and English, ensuring clear explanations and engaging storytelling.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet at the stairs of the big column with the fountain in Bordeaux’s city center, ready for your day of wine, history, and scenic views.

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