From Bordeaux: Afternoon Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting Trip
Hightlight
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Credit cards
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
History
Saint-Émilion, a medieval gem on the right bank of the Dordogne River, has been a winemaking hub since the 8th century, when monk Aélard de Saint-Émilion planted its first vines. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, its limestone architecture, including the monolithic church, and rolling vineyards reflect a rich Gallo-Roman and medieval heritage.
The region’s Grand Cru Classé estates, known for Merlot-driven blends, thrive on clay-limestone soils, producing some of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines. Saint-Émilion’s blend of viticultural excellence and historical charm, from its papal ties to its artistic legacy, makes it a must-visit for wine and history lovers.
Highlights
- Visit a prestigious Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion.
- Taste 3–4 high-quality Saint-Émilion wines.
- Learn about the winemaking process in a tasting class.
- Enjoy a French aperitif with fresh bread and cheese.
- Explore the medieval village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Full Description
Embark on an afternoon wine tasting adventure from Bordeaux, starting at the Monument aux Girondins in Quinconces Square. Travel 50 minutes by air-conditioned minivan to the picturesque Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO-listed village nestled among lush vineyards. Your expert guide will set the stage for a delightful blend of wine, history, and scenic beauty.
Visit a renowned Grand Cru Classé château, where you’ll spend 75 minutes touring the estate’s vat room and cellars. Learn the secrets of winemaking, from grape cultivation to barrel aging, during an engaging tasting class. Train your senses to identify wine aromas and savor 3–4 exquisite cuvées, paired with a traditional French aperitif of fresh bread and cheese, creating a warm, convivial atmosphere.
Next, enjoy a 75-minute guided tour of Saint-Émilion’s medieval village, wandering its cobblestone streets and discovering landmarks like the monolithic church and ancient ramparts. Learn why this charming village earned UNESCO status, with stories of its winemaking monks and historical significance. Return to Bordeaux after a 50-minute drive, enriched by the region’s flavors and heritage.
Why Choose This Experience?
This afternoon tour offers an intimate and immersive dive into Saint-Émilion’s wine and history, perfect for those seeking a concise yet rich experience. The visit to a Grand Cru Classé château, paired with a tasting class and aperitif, provides a sensory and educational journey, while the guided village tour adds cultural depth.
Ideal for wine enthusiasts and travelers short on time, the tour balances expert-led insights with the charm of Saint-Émilion’s medieval streets. The small-group setting and high-quality tastings ensure a personalized, memorable escape into Bordeaux’s viticultural heart.
What’s Included
- Transportation by air-conditioned minivan from Bordeaux.
- Entrance fees to a Grand Cru Classé château in Saint-Émilion.
- Tasting of 3–4 Saint-Émilion wines.
- French aperitif platter with fresh bread and cheese.
- Guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion.
- Expert English-speaking guide.
Itinerary
- Start at Monument aux Girondins, Quinconces Square, Bordeaux.
- Travel by van (50 minutes).
- Visit and wine tasting at a Grand Cru Classé château, with aperitif (75 minutes).
- Guided tour of Saint-Émilion village (75 minutes).
- Return by van (50 minutes).
- Arrive back at Monument aux Girondins.
Pricing
From $110 per person
Meeting Point
In front of the Girondins Column statue in Quinconces Square, Bordeaux (Open in Google Maps).
How to Get There
- By Tram: Take Line A or C to Quinconces station, directly at the meeting point.
- By Bus: Routes 1, 2, or 5 stop at Place des Quinconces, steps from the statue.
- By Foot: From central Bordeaux hotels, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Quinconces Square.
- By Taxi/Rideshare: Request a drop-off at Monument aux Girondins for convenience.
Good to Know
What to Bring:
- Reusable water bottle for hydration (no food allowed in the van).
- Comfortable shoes for walking in the château and village’s cobblestone streets.
- A light jacket for cool cellars or variable weather.
Know Before You Go:
- Not allowed: Pets in the van or at the château.
- Not suitable for children under 4 or wheelchair users due to uneven terrain and steps.
- A minimum of two participants is required; solo bookings may be canceled with a full refund.
- All attendees, including children and infants, require a ticket for van access.
- Tours operate rain or shine; bring an umbrella if needed.
- Contact the operator if booking separately from others in your group.
Reviews
- Our guide was the best—knowledgeable, witty, and friendly. Saint-Émilion was stunning, and the château visit was a highlight!
- The guide was fantastic, kind, and an excellent driver. The tasting in a real castle and the village tour made this unforgettable.
- A very enjoyable trip with a nice-sized group. Our guide was excellent, and the château’s wines and atmosphere were amazing.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What types of wines will we taste at the Grand Cru Classé château?
You’ll taste 3–4 high-quality Saint-Émilion wines, primarily Merlot-based reds from the Grand Cru Classé estate, known for their rich, velvety textures and notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak. Depending on the château, you may also sample a white or secondary red cuvée. The tasting class teaches aroma identification and winemaking techniques, guided by estate experts. The experience is beginner-friendly yet deep enough for connoisseurs, with the aperitif of bread and cheese enhancing flavors. Ask your guide for specific tasting notes to deepen your appreciation.
How much walking is involved, and is it strenuous?
The tour involves moderate walking: about 20-30 minutes during the 75-minute château visit (vineyards, vat room, and cellars) and 75 minutes in Saint-Émilion’s village, with cobblestone streets and gentle inclines. The pace is leisurely, but uneven surfaces and steps in the cellars and village may challenge those with mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are essential. The tour is not wheelchair-accessible, and those with concerns should contact the operator in advance. Most find the walking manageable, with breaks during tastings and the aperitif.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to low participation?
If only one participant is booked, the tour may be canceled, as a minimum of two is legally required. You’ll receive a full refund and be notified promptly to reschedule or plan alternatives. To avoid this, book early, especially in off-peak seasons, to help meet the minimum. Ensure your contact details are accurate when booking for timely communication. If traveling with a friend who booked separately, inform the operator to coordinate. The tour’s popularity typically ensures sufficient participation during peak periods.
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or families with children?
Non-drinkers can enjoy the château tour, tasting class (without drinking), and Saint-Émilion village visit, which focus on history, architecture, and winemaking. The tour is not suitable for children under 4 due to its wine-centric nature and safety regulations, and all attendees, including infants, require a ticket for van access. Children 4+ can join but must be supervised, with tastings restricted to ages 18+. The aperitif (bread and cheese) is family-friendly. Inform the operator at booking for non-drinkers to ensure a tailored experience, though the price remains the same.
What should I do if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
The tour includes a French aperitif with bread and cheese, so notify the operator via booking notes if you have dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten or dairy allergies). Alternatives may be limited, but the guide can adjust to exclude the aperitif if needed. For wine allergies (e.g., sulfites), consult a doctor, as tastings feature standard Saint-Émilion cuvées. No other food is provided, so eat beforehand as food is not allowed in the van. Contact the provider pre-tour to discuss specific needs for a comfortable experience.
