St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

Key Points

• Tour Duration: Approximately 9 hours, perfect for a full-day experience
• Price: $226.76 per person, offering generous wine tastings and a gourmet picnic lunch
• Exclusive Stops: Visit renowned wineries like Chateau Margaux and Chateau Siran in Médoc, plus Saint Emilion’s charming medieval village
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides lead you through vineyard tours and local wine production stories
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention
• Highly Rated: Maintains a 5.0/5 rating based on 213 reviews, with 99% recommending the experience

Bordeaux’s Best Day Trip for Wine Enthusiasts

This combine-day tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Bordeaux’s famous wine regions, connecting the Médoc and Saint Emilion in one seamless experience. Starting at Rustic Vines in Bordeaux, the tour spans approximately 9 hours with plenty of opportunities to sample some of France’s most celebrated wines.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, eliminating worries about navigating unfamiliar roads or parking. It’s designed for visitors eager to deepen their understanding of wine production, regional differences, and local culture, all while enjoying delicious food and wine tastings. The small-group setting—capped at 8 participants—ensures a more intimate and personalized experience, highly praised in reviews for guides like Maude, Daniella, and Theo.

From Bordeaux to Médoc: Exploring Famous Châteaux

The day kicks off with a 45-minute drive from Bordeaux toward the Médoc wine region. The first stop is at Château Margaux, where you’ll get a quick photo stop at this historic, 1st 1855 Great Growth Classified estate. Though no admission fee applies here, the view captures the grandeur of Médoc’s iconic vineyards.

Next, a guided visit to Château Siran provides a deeper look into wine-making processes. The one-hour tour includes wine tastings, highlighting the unique qualities of Médoc wines. The guides share insights into family-run vineyards and regional traditions, making this part of the tour both educational and flavorful.

Saint Emilion’s Historic Charm and Wine Tastings

After exploring Médoc, the tour transitions to Saint Emilion. The first visit is at Château Bonalgue, which is noted as the first winery in the Saint-Emilion region to be visited during the tour. A one-hour stop includes a guided tour and wine tastings that showcase Saint Emilion Grand Cru wines.

The lunch break offers a French-style picnic with wine, lasting about one hour. The delicious picnic is included in the tour price, providing a relaxed setting to enjoy local flavors without needing to carry extra food.

Following lunch, the group visits Château Balestard La Tonnelle for additional tastings. This second Saint Emilion Grand Cru estate provides a 30-minute opportunity to sample wines and appreciate the scenic vineyard backdrop.

Walking Tour of Saint Emilion’s Medieval Streets

A guided walking tour of the World Heritage-listed medieval village of Saint Emilion lasts 30 minutes. The guide shares stories about the history and architecture of this charming town, known for its narrow streets, ancient buildings, and scenic views.

You then enjoy a 30-minute wine tasting session in the heart of Saint Emilion, allowing for a relaxed exploration and opportunity to savor wines in a lively, authentic atmosphere. The combination of historical sights and wine tasting captures the essence of this famed village.

Comfortable Transportation and Easy Logistics

The tour departs from the Rustic Vines agency at 3300026 Rue de la Devise, Bordeaux, with transportation provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. The return drive to Bordeaux concludes the day, giving ample time to reflect on the experience.

Travelers appreciate the easy logistics, with near public transportation options and a meet-up point that’s straightforward to find. The max group size of 8 ensures plenty of space to relax and enjoy the day without feeling rushed or crowded.

Expert Guides Make the Difference

Reviewers frequently highlight the guides, particularly Maude, Daniella, and Theo, for their knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging explanations. Their storytelling brings the wineries’ histories and production techniques vividly to life, greatly enriching the tasting experience.

Guides like Maude go beyond expectations, offering help with personal needs such as lost items, and making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed throughout the day.

High Praise for Wine Tasting and Food

The wine tastings at each estate are consistently praised for their generous pours and expert explanations. Guests note that they leave the tour feeling more confident about identifying wine qualities and understanding regional differences.

The included French picnic lunch is described as delicious and perfectly paired with the wines. There’s plenty of wine on offer, with reviews confirming that the bottomless tasting aspect is a highlight.

Pacing, Timing, and Overall Experience

Guests mention that the pacing of the tour is well-balanced, with enough time at each stop to explore, learn, and taste. The activity duration suits those wanting a full but manageable day.

A few reviews suggest that spending more time in Saint Emilion could enhance the experience, but overall, the schedule is appreciated for its comprehensive coverage of both regions.

Booking and Cost-Effectiveness

At $226.76 per person, this tour provides excellent value considering the multiple winery visits, guided tours, tastings, and lunch included. Booking is usually made about 43 days in advance, indicating its popularity.

The free cancellation policy offers flexibility, allowing travelers to plan confidently knowing they can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This small-group tour suits wine enthusiasts eager to understand Bordeaux’s regional differences and wine-making traditions. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided visits and sampling a variety of wines in an informal setting.

While not designed for those seeking intense walking or physical activity, the easy-paced walking tour of Saint Emilion offers great sightseeing without strenuous effort. The inclusive lunch and comfortable transport make it a convenient choice for a day of cultural and culinary discovery.

Final Thoughts on the Bordeaux Wine Day Tour

This combine-day experience from Rustic Vines offers a thoughtfully curated, well-paced look into two of Bordeaux’s most famous wine regions. The expert guides, variety of tastings, and beautiful stops make it a reliable choice for wine lovers visiting Bordeaux.

The small-group setting ensures personal attention, while the inclusive lunch and comfortable transportation make the day enjoyable and stress-free. While some might wish for more time in Saint Emilion, the balance of activities and sights makes this tour a valuable and memorable way to spend a full day exploring Bordeaux’s wine heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers transportation, guided visits to multiple wineries, wine tastings, and a French picnic lunch with wine.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting and ending in Bordeaux with a well-paced schedule.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
The tour involves walking during the Saint Emilion village tour. It is suitable for most travelers and does not require strenuous physical effort.

Is vegetarian food available at lunch?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available upon request during the checkout process.

How many wineries are visited?
You visit at least four wineries: Château Margaux, Château Siran, Château Bonalgue, and Château Balestard La Tonnelle.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refundable.

What makes this tour stand out?
The expert guides, diverse wine tastings, beautiful stops like Saint Emilion, and small-group setting make it a highly rated, enjoyable experience.

Is this tour suitable for all wine levels?
Yes, the tastings are designed to be educational and enjoyable whether you are a beginner or a connoisseur.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking in Saint Emilion and a wide smile. Water is provided, and the tour includes a picnic lunch, so no need to carry extra food or drink.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 43 days ahead, especially during peak seasons.