Private Full Day Pic Saint Loup Wine and Olive Tour with Lunch from Montpellier

Discover the Best of Languedoc’s Wines and Olives on a Private Day Tour

The Private Full Day Pic Saint Loup Wine and Olive Tour with Lunch from Montpellier offers a comprehensive look at southern France’s celebrated products. For $481.48 per person, this 7-hour experience takes you through Languedoc’s largest wine region, combining olive oil tasting, visits to prestigious wineries, and a delicious 3-course lunch. This tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized, in-depth exploration of local flavors with expert guidance and small-group intimacy.

The tour departs centrally from Montpellier, with pickup included, making access simple. A comfortable air-conditioned minivan transports you along scenic vineyard-lined roads, allowing you to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of vineyards and orchards. With reviews rating it a perfect 5.0, this experience gets high marks for knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and tastings of excellent wines and oils.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour exploring Languedoc and Pic Saint-Loup from Montpellier
• Visit to an olive oil factory for tastings of flavorful oils
• Wine tasting at Château Puech Haut, a renowned winery
• Three-course lunch at a local restaurant, optionally near a scenic lake
• Afternoon visits to two wineries in Pic Saint-Loup, learning about grape varietals and terroir
• Small-group format ensures personalized attention and engaging experience
• Tour duration: approximately 7 hours with pickup and drop-off

Starting the Day in Montpellier and Heading into Vineyards

The adventure begins at 9:30 am in central Montpellier, where your guide greets you before stepping into a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan. The drive into the Languedoc countryside takes around 30 minutes, during which scenic vineyard and orchard views unfold. This short journey sets the tone for a day immersed in Nature’s bounty and French craftsmanship.

The familiar surroundings of Montpellier quickly give way to the rural charm of vineyards flanking the roads. This region’s landscape features rolling hills, fertile soils, and a climate ideal for both olive trees and grapevines, offering a visual feast that complements the tasting experiences ahead.

Olive Oil Tasting at a Family-Run Estate

The first stop introduces visitors to the art of olive oil production at a local estate, notably a family-run operation. Here, visitors can sample freshly produced oils and gain insights into the olive growing process. The guide explains how the region’s terroir influences flavor profiles, giving a deeper appreciation for the distinct tastes of the oils.

This part of the tour emphasizes local craftsmanship and the importance of tradition. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the oils, often praised for their flavor complexity and quality. It’s a perfect start to the day, setting a gastronomic tone for the rest of the tour.

Wine Tasting at Château Puech Haut: A Renowned Winery

Next, the tour visits Château Puech Haut, one of the most celebrated wineries in the region. Here, guests participate in an expert-led wine tasting, sampling varietals that showcase the diversity of the Pic Saint-Loup appellation. The guide provides insights into winemaking techniques and details about the terroir that influences the flavor profiles of each wine.

Guests enjoy tasting high-quality wines in a setting with stunning vineyard views. The experience is both educational and sensory, helping to distinguish the subtleties of local grapes and regional styles. As the winery has received praise for knowledgeable staff and excellent wines, it’s a highlight for wine enthusiasts.

Scenic and Tasty Lunch Near a Lake or in a Local Restaurant

After the morning’s tastings, the group enjoys a delicious 3-course lunch at a local restaurant. Depending on the weather and season, this restaurant may be near a scenic lake, offering picturesque views and a chance to cool off with a swim if desired. The menu typically features local ingredients and regional recipes, complementing the culinary theme of the tour.

The lunch provides an opportunity to relax, chat, and reflect on the morning’s impressions. It’s a thoughtfully included meal that enhances the overall experience, making it both gastronomic and cultural.

Afternoon in Pic Saint-Loup: Wineries and Stunning Hillsides

Post-lunch, the tour heads into the Pic Saint-Loup region, characterized by fertile vineyards and rolling hills. The guide leads visits to two additional wineries, focusing on grape varietals that thrive locally. These visits provide insight into how soil and climate influence wine styles, with tastings that highlight regional distinctions.

Throughout the afternoon, guests learn about Grapevine varieties, vintage differences, and winemaking practices. The area’s hillside vineyards offer sweeping vistas, making this part of the tour both educational and visually memorable.

Return to Montpellier with Comfort and Convenience

The day concludes with a drop-off back in central Montpellier around 5:30 pm. The return journey offers a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries. The small-group setting means personalized attention, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout.

This tour’s timing and pacing are well-balanced, allowing ample time at each stop without feeling rushed. The 7-hour duration fits comfortably into a day, especially for those eager to explore multiple facets of Languedoc’s wine and olive oil traditions.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the notable strengths of this tour is the expert guidance provided by the team, who are praised for their knowledgeable and engaging approach. The guides, including Carine and Marc, are highlighted for their passion and professionalism, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable.

The personalized experience of a private tour appeals to those wanting a more intimate and flexible exploration. Travelers appreciate the small-group format, which fosters interactive tastings and informative conversations. The quality of the tastings—both oil and wine—is consistently praised, as is the scenic beauty of the stops.

Practical Considerations and Customer Experience

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most people able to participate. The minimum drinking age is 18 years, and service animals are allowed. The tour is booked on average 38 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and the confidence in its quality.

Cancellation policies are generous, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. Weather can influence the day’s activities, especially if outdoor components like the lake are involved, but alternative arrangements or refunds are available in poor conditions.

Why Choose This Tour? An Honest Overview

This full-day private tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Languedoc’s wine and olive oil heritage. Its balance of visits, tastings, and a delicious lunch makes it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive and personal experience.

The high praise for knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and top-quality tastings makes it a reliable choice. However, the price point and full-day commitment mean it suits those with a serious interest in gastronomy and regional wines. Travelers seeking a more relaxed or shorter experience might consider alternative options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including all visits, tastings, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, olive oil and wine tastings, and a 3-course lunch at a local restaurant.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in central Montpellier at 9:30 am and returns around 5:30 pm to the same location.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a three-course lunch is included, typically served at a local restaurant near a scenic lake or in the region.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but the minimum age for drinking wine is 18 years.

What type of vehicle is used?
An air-conditioned minivan transports guests during the day.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
While not explicitly stated, the menu at the restaurant is likely to feature regional ingredients; travelers with specific dietary needs should inquire in advance.

How many people are in each group?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, offering a personalized experience.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You will taste varietals from Château Puech Haut and other local wineries, focusing on the Grapevines typical of Pic Saint-Loup.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to rain or other poor conditions, you’ll be offered a rescheduled date or a full refund.