From Bordeaux: St-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch

The From Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch offers a compelling way to explore one of France’s most celebrated wine regions in just a single day. Starting from Bordeaux, this 7-hour experience provides an engaging journey through vineyards, historic streets, and charming châteaux, all led by a knowledgeable guide. With visits to three distinct wineries, each offering tastings of world-famous wines, and a scenic picnic lunch at a Château, this tour combines wine education, cultural exploration, and relaxed dining in a compact, small-group setting.

What truly makes this tour stand out is its balanced mix of wine tastings, village sightseeing, and authentic local food. The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience, while the expert guides receive high praise for their friendliness and knowledge. Though most of the tour takes place outdoors, which requires comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, the delightful scenery and delicious wines make every step worthwhile. This tour is ideally suited for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those wanting a taste of Saint-Emilion’s charm in a manageable, well-organized package.

Key Points

• Seven-hour tour starting from Bordeaux, including lunch and three winery visits
• Visit to a UNESCO-listed village with free time to explore Saint-Emilion’s streets
• Tastings at three distinct Château wineries, with a total of 8 wine samples
• Picnic lunch at a Château featuring local products, cheese, charcuterie, and wine
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants, led by a live English-speaking guide
• Flexible cancellation policy and reserve now, pay later options

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How the Tour Starts and Where to Meet

The tour departs from Olala Bordeaux, located at 2ter rue Mably in central Bordeaux. It’s easy to reach via Tram Lines B, C, and D with the Quinconces stop nearby. The meeting point is clearly marked, and arriving 10 minutes early is recommended to ensure a smooth start. The group size is limited to 8 people, creating an intimate atmosphere conducive to conversation and personalized attention.

Exploring Saint-Emilion: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Once the tour begins, the guide leads you through the streets of Saint-Emilion, a medieval village renowned for its vineyards and history. You’ll learn about the town’s role as the birthplace of Bordeaux viticulture and its UNESCO designation for its well-preserved architecture and monuments. The free time in Saint-Emilion is typically around an hour, giving ample opportunity to stroll past cobbled streets, explore local shops, or enjoy a coffee in the picturesque surroundings.

Visiting the First Château: A Tasting and Guided Tour

The day features a visit to the first Château, where wines are tasted alongside an in-depth explanation of the winemaking process. You’ll sample three wines, gaining insight into the grape varieties and techniques that contribute to Saint-Emilion’s reputation. The hosts at each Château are praised for their passion and informative approach, helping you understand what makes each wine unique.

The Picnic Lunch at a Château: Local Flavors in a Beautiful Setting

Midday, the tour pauses for a picnic lunch at a Château. The lunch box includes fresh, local products served in jars, along with charcuterie from the Basque Country, and a selection of cheese. A glass of wine accompanies the meal, enhancing the authentic experience. The lunch is described as delightful, and the outdoor setting adds a relaxing touch to the day.

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Second Château: Learning About Appellation Specifics

After lunch, the tour continues with a second Château visit, where two wines are tasted. The guide explains the specificities of this appellation, including details about grape varieties and winemaking techniques. This visit deepens understanding of the regional differences and what makes Saint-Émilion wines distinct from other Bordeaux wines.

Final Château: A Last Tasting and Closing of the Day

The day concludes with a third Château, offering a final tasting of three wines. The hosts here are also praised for their engagement and friendly hospitality. The variety in wines across the three Château visits highlights the diversity of styles within the Saint-Emilion region.

The Guide’s Role and Tour Atmosphere

The guides are a highlight of this experience, with reviews mentioning friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging personalities. Guides like Xavier, Jeremy, Margot, and Valentin are praised for their expertise, humor, and ability to tailor the experience to the group’s interest level. Their commentary covers wine production, regional history, and local culture, making the tour both educational and enjoyable.

Timing, Pacing, and Physical Requirements

At 7 hours long, the tour offers a comfortable pace, balancing wine tastings, village exploration, and lunch. Since most of the experience is outdoors, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. The tour is not suitable for children under 16 or pets, but private options may accommodate families with younger children.

The Experience at a Glance: Small Group and Flexibility

The small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The tour features live commentary in English, and free cancellation is available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. The reserve now, pay later option provides flexibility for travelers planning ahead.

What Makes This Tour Different from Others

Compared to other Bordeaux wine tours, this experience emphasizes three different wineries, each with its own character and techniques. The culinary aspect, with a picnic lunch featuring local products, adds to the authenticity. The intimate setting and high reviewer ratings – a 4.9 out of 5 from 946 reviews – underscore its popularity and quality.

Saint-Emilion Day Tour from Bordeaux: A Well-Rounded Experience

This 7-hour tour from Bordeaux offers a rich taste of Saint-Emilion, combining wine tastings, village sightseeing, and local cuisine. The visit to three wineries ensures you experience a range of styles while learning about regional appellations. The small group size and expert guides make this an engaging, personal experience.

While the outdoor nature of the tour requires appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes, the scenic views and delicious wines make it worthwhile. It’s ideally suited for wine enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive yet manageable exploration of Saint-Emilion. This tour consistently earns high praise for its informative guides and delicious lunch, making it a popular choice for a short but memorable getaway from Bordeaux.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for the tour?
It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time at Olala Bordeaux to ensure a smooth start.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, children under 16 are not permitted. For families, a private tour might be more suitable.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. A water bottle is suggested, as most of the day is outdoors.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the tour takes place mostly outdoors, so rain or shine, but be prepared for possible weather conditions.

How many wines are tasted during the tour?
You’ll sample a total of 8 wines across the three Château visits, with 3 at the first, 2 at the second, and 3 at the last.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later.

This From Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch offers a rich, compact introduction to one of France’s most beloved wine regions. With its high ratings, expert guides, and delicious food, it provides an engaging and memorable experience perfect for wine lovers and cultural explorers alike.

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