Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour – 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

The Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour offers an engaging and well-rounded experience for anyone interested in exploring France’s renowned wine region. Priced at $202.75 per person, this 9-hour journey covers three wineries, includes a gourmet picnic lunch, and features a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion. The tour departs from Bordeaux’s Tourist Office with a small group limited to 8 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention from guides who are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the inclusion of all wine tastings—up to 10 tastings in total, encompassing both red and white Bordeaux wines. The air-conditioned minivan provides comfort as you criss-cross the vineyard-covered hills, making for a relaxed yet immersive day. While the tour is highly praised for its value, it primarily emphasizes red wines, which is worth noting for those who prefer whites or lighter options.

Key Points

• Includes visits to three different wineries with guided tastings of Bordeaux’s signature reds and whites.
• Gourmet picnic lunch served in the vineyards, paired with wine selected from the local chateau.
• Small-group setting of up to 8 people offers more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Stops in Graves and Saint-Emilion provide a mix of vineyard visits and historical village explorations.
• Expert local guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling.
• The tour begins at 9:05 am, with transportation in an air-conditioned minivan for comfort.

Start in Bordeaux: Meeting and Departure Details

The tour begins in downtown Bordeaux at the Tourist Office on 12 Cr du 30 Juillet. Travelers are expected to arrive promptly at 9:05 am for check-in. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, making access easy. The tour ends back at the same spot around 6 pm, completing a full day of wine exploration.

Scenic Drive Through Bordeaux’s Vineyard Hills

The journey starts with a brief 30-minute drive through Bordeaux’s wine country, setting the tone for the day. The landscape features winding roads and rolling vineyards, helping travelers appreciate the region’s stunning scenery while heading toward the first winery.

Visiting a Prestigious Graves or Pessac-Léognan Winery

The first major stop involves a visit to a renowned winery in Graves or Pessac-Léognan, famous for producing both red and white wines. The 2-hour 15-minute tasting session includes guided explanations of wine-making processes and tasting of Châteaus’ flagship reds and whites. The free admission at each winery makes this experience accessible, while the quality of tastings earns high praise from previous guests.

Saint-Emilion: Medieval Charm and Vineyard Walks

A highlight of the tour is the 2-hour 30-minute visit to Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The guide leads a short walking tour through the quaint streets, showcasing the village’s medieval architecture and storied history. The visit includes exploring the village’s charming alleys and discovering its history as a hub of Bordeaux wine.

Gourmet Picnic in the Vineyards

A unique feature of this tour is the picnic lunch served among the vines, featuring local charcuterie, cheeses, and Chateau wines. The lunch duration allows for a relaxed meal in a picturesque setting, often highlighted as a memorable part of the experience. The wine served with lunch is selected from the winery visited earlier, making it a perfect pairing.

Visiting a Pomerol or Saint-Emilion Chateau

The Pomerol or Saint-Emilion area hosts a chateau tour lasting 2 hours. Here, guests receive an exclusive tasting with the host, who may be the owner or winemaker, providing a personal touch. The focus remains on Bordeaux’s signature reds, and the tasting often includes 3-4 different wines.

Flexibility and Comfort

Despite the packed itinerary, the tour maintains a steady, enjoyable pace, thanks to the small group size and comfortable minivan. The guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling, making each visit engaging and informative. The minimum age is 18, mainly due to wine tasting restrictions, and comfortable shoes are recommended for Saint-Emilion’s cobbled streets.

Environmental Considerations

As part of the tour’s eco-profile, bottled water is not provided to minimize plastic waste. Guests are encouraged to bring their own bottles, although water and refills are available at the chateaus. This conscious approach reflects a growing trend toward sustainable tourism.

Tour Duration, Pacing, and Value

The 9-hour schedule is well-paced, balancing vineyard visits, village exploration, and a leisurely lunch. The price of $202.75 includes all tastings, transportation, and the picnic lunch, making it a good value for the quality and variety of experiences offered. The tour’s popularity, with an average booking time of 74 days in advance, indicates high demand and strong reviews.

The Guide’s Role in Making It Special

Guides like Nate, Clem, Mel, and Jonathan receive glowing remarks for their engagement, knowledge, and friendly demeanor. They enhance the experience by sharing stories, wine insights, and historical context, making the day both educational and enjoyable. Many reviews mention that the guides help create a warm, inclusive atmosphere.

Suitability for Different Travelers

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in Bordeaux’s vineyards. It suits those who appreciate small group intimacy, want a relaxed pace, and enjoy delicious local food with wine. The focus on red wines is evident, so those preferring whites or lighter options should consider this when booking.

Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour: A Well-Balanced Experience for Wine Lovers

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive taste of Bordeaux’s wine diversity, combining visits to prestigious estates with charming village walks and a gourmet picnic. The small group setting makes it ideal for those who prefer a more personalized, less rushed environment. The expert guides and thoughtfully curated itinerary ensure a memorable day.

While the focus on reds might be a consideration for some, the inclusion of white wines at the first winery and the overall quality of tastings make this tour stand out. The value for money is reinforced by the all-inclusive approach—covering transport, tastings, and lunch—which delivers an authentic Bordeaux experience.

In summary, this tour is highly recommended for visitors seeking an authentic, relaxed, and informative introduction to Bordeaux’s wineries and medieval village charm. The enthusiastic guides and carefully selected stops ensure a day well spent exploring one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $202.75 fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, local English-speaking guides, visits and tastings at three wineries, and a gourmet picnic lunch paired with wine.

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit three wineries, each offering guided tastings of red and white Bordeaux wines. The tour also includes a chateau in Pomerol or Saint-Emilion with an exclusive tasting.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:05 am and returning around 6 pm.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or gluten-free diets?
Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request 72 hours prior to the tour. Vegan options are not guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for Saint-Emilion’s cobbled streets. The rest of the day involves minimal walking inside wineries, but casual attire suitable for the weather is advised.

Are water bottles provided?
No, water bottles are not included to promote environmental sustainability. Guests are encouraged to bring their own; water and refills are available at the chateaus.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan is part of the experience from start to finish.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Nate, Clem, Mel, and Jonathan are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills, greatly enhancing the experience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The minimum age for participation is 18 years due to wine tastings.

This Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour offers a relaxed, personalized, and educational way to discover the region’s best wines and charming villages, making it an excellent choice for wine lovers visiting Bordeaux.