Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class and St Emilion region

Discover Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting and Saint-Emilion Tour for Wine Enthusiasts

This full-day Bordeaux experience offers a compelling combination of a morning wine tasting class in Bordeaux’s city center and an afternoon trip to the iconic Saint-Emilion region. For $173.27 per person, guests enjoy over 11 French wines paired with bread, cheese, and cured meats, along with visits to prestigious wineries and the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion.

The tour is designed for those who want a comprehensive introduction to French wines with plenty of tasting opportunities. It is limited to a small group of eight, ensuring a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides. With a 7.5-hour duration, it balances educational sessions, scenic visits, and delicious food.

While the tour offers an excellent value and highly praised guides, it does involve transportation between sites and a busy schedule. It’s most suitable for wine lovers eager to learn, but participants should be comfortable with moderate walking and roughly 2 hours of wine tastings.

Key Points

• Full-day Bordeaux experience combining wine education and regional visits
• Tastes over 11 wines from various French regions, paired with cheese, bread, and cured meats
• Morning wine class in Bordeaux’s city center lasting 2 hours
• Afternoon visit to Saint-Emilion with vineyard tours and châteaux tastings
• Small-group tour limited to eight participants for a personalized experience
• Tour costs $173.27 per person and lasts approximately 7.5 hours

Starting the Day with Bordeaux’s Wine Tasting Class

The tour kicks off at 3 Rue d’Enghien in Bordeaux city center at 10:30 am. The small-group wine tasting session lasts around 2 hours, during which a local guide leads guests through tasting more than 11 wines from regions like Côtes du Rhône, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley.

This class not only covers tasting techniques but also provides insights into regional differences and wine-making processes. The guide explains the aromas and flavors, making it especially beneficial for those new to wine or wanting to deepen their understanding. Guests leave with a better appreciation for French wine diversity, complemented by cheese, cured meats, and bread to enhance the tasting experience.

Following the session, a lunch break takes place at a traditional apartment in Bordeaux’s city center, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy local sandwiches and reflect on the morning’s learnings.

Visiting Saint-Emilion’s UNESCO-Listed Vineyards and Village

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to the Saint-Emilion region, just a short drive from Bordeaux. The group visits two classic Château for guided vineyard tours and tastings, with each winery tasting 3 to 4 wines. These visits showcase prestigious wineries, giving guests an authentic look at French wine craftsmanship.

After the winery visits, the tour explores the historic village of Saint-Emilion, famed for its medieval architecture and UNESCO heritage status. The guide leads a one-hour walking tour through the charming streets, highlighting its cobbled lanes, historic churches, and local shops. This part of the tour offers picture-perfect views and the chance to buy souvenirs or enjoy the village’s atmosphere.

The entire afternoon provides a scenic contrast to Bordeaux’s urban setting, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the region’s cultural charm.

Transport and Logistics for a Hassle-Free Experience

Transport is provided via minivan between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, ensuring comfortable and efficient travel. The tour departs from 3 Rue d’Enghien at 10:30 am, and the experience concludes back at the meeting point in the evening, around 6 pm.

This tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so guests should plan accordingly. The maximum group size of eight allows for more interaction with guides like Rémi, Quentin, or Dorian, who are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to weave stories about the region and wines.

The Food and Wine Highlights

Throughout the day, guests sample at least 11 wines, including tastings at a guided winery tour. The wines include a selection from famous wine regions, offering a well-rounded taste experience. Food pairings are thoughtfully included, with cheese, cured meats, and bread served during tastings and a lunch featuring sandwiches from a nearby cafe.

Several reviews emphasize how the wine class is both educational and fun, with guides explaining aromas and tasting techniques that enhance the appreciation of each wine. The vineyard visits showcase beautiful landscapes and impressive châteaux, making the experience both scenic and savory.

Guides and Personalization

The local guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to make complex wine topics accessible. Guests mention guides like Rémi, Quentin, and Isabelle as being informative, engaging, and approachable.

Small-group size means guests receive more personalized attention, with the guides tailoring explanations and answering questions. Several reviews highlight how guides integrate stories about the region’s history and wine culture, making the experience memorable.

Pacing and Overall Experience

The schedule balances educational sessions, scenic visits, and leisure time effectively. The morning wine class provides a solid foundation, followed by lunch, which offers a break, then afternoon vineyard visits and the Saint-Emilion village tour.

The pacing has received positive remarks for being engaging without feeling rushed. The activity duration is appropriate for those interested in a comprehensive yet not overwhelming day of wine exploration.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews note that bus travel can take up a significant portion of the day, and the wine tastings at certain wineries may be limited to 2-3 small pours. The lunch provided is modest, consisting of sandwiches and small salads, which may not satisfy those seeking a full meal.

Participants should also be comfortable with moderate walking during the Saint-Emilion village tour. The tour does not include hotel pickup, so travelers should arrange their transportation to the meeting point.

Who Should Book This Tour

This full-day Bordeaux experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts looking to combine education, tasting, and regional sightseeing. It suits beginners wanting a guided introduction and more experienced wine lovers seeking a structured day with expert guides.

Those interested in learning about French wine regions, exploring picturesque villages, and enjoying delicious local food will find this tour rewarding. It’s less suitable for those seeking a very in-depth winery visit or full-meal options.

Final Thoughts on the Bordeaux Super Saver Tour

The Bordeaux Super Saver offers great value for a well-rounded day of wine tasting, cultural exploration, and region discovery. With over 11 wines sampled and visits to famous Château in Saint-Emilion, guests enjoy a blend of education and scenery.

The tour’s small-group format and friendly guides make it particularly appealing for those who appreciate personalized attention. While the tasting at wineries may be brief, the overall experience remains educational, scenic, and enjoyable.

This tour is best suited for visitors eager to learn about French wines in a relaxed, guided environment, making it a rich introduction to Bordeaux’s wine culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes local guide, 2 wine-tasting sessions, guided winery tours, lunch, tastings of 11 wines, and transport by minivan.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 3 Rue d’Enghien in Bordeaux at 10:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the maximum group size?
The group is limited to eight travelers for a more intimate experience.

Are children allowed to participate?
The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18; younger participants may join but cannot consume wine.

Do guides speak English?
While not explicitly stated, the highly praised guides suggest that English-speaking guides are available.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Participants should be comfortable with walking and moderate activity; no specific accessibility info is provided.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes for walking and a camera to capture the scenic village and vineyard views.

Is lunch included, and what does it consist of?
Lunch is at a traditional apartment and includes sandwiches and simple food pairings.

Can I customize or extend this experience?
The tour does not specify options for customization; it adheres to the scheduled itinerary.