Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classé Guided Winery Visit & Picnic

St-Emilion’s Grand Cru Classé wines are world-renowned, and now you can experience them firsthand on this guided winery tour and picnic. You’ll visit two esteemed estates – Château Tour Baladoz and Château La Croizille – to learn about their unique winemaking processes. As you savour exquisite pairings of regional delicacies and the châteaux’s finest vintages, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas over the picturesque vineyards. This intimate small-group tour promises an unforgettable adventure for any wine enthusiast. But what makes these Grand Cru Classé wines so special? Let’s dive in and find out.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Wine Tours In Saint Emilion.

Key Points

• Explore the rich winemaking heritage of Saint-Emilion with a guided visit to two esteemed wineries, Château Tour Baladoz and Château La Croizille.
• Indulge in a scenic picnic lunch featuring regional delicacies and a tasting of three wines from the estates.
• Gain insight into the traditional and modern winemaking techniques used in the renowned Grand Cru Classé region.
• Marvel at the panoramic vistas of vineyards, rolling hills, and medieval architecture that enhance the overall winery experience.
• Benefit from a well-organized tour with clear directions, a limited group size, and positive customer reviews highlighting the informative guides and exceptional value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The activity is a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé guided winery visit and picnic that lasts for 2 hours.

Priced from $53.69 per person, it’s likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and offered in English and French.

It includes visits to two wineries – one traditional and one modern – where you’ll learn about the winemaking process.

The scenic picnic lunch features regional products, and you’ll taste three great wines from the estates and the Bordeaux region while enjoying panoramic views.

Experience Highlights

Visitors begin their Saint-Emilion winery experience with a visit to Château Tour Baladoz, a traditional estate. Here, they’ll learn about the winemaking process from vine to bottle, gaining insights into the region’s centuries-old traditions.

Next, they’ll explore Château La Croizille, a more modern estate, and witness the interplay of old and new techniques.

The highlight of the tour is the scenic picnic lunch, where guests savor a selection of regional delicacies paired with three exceptional wines from the estates and the Bordeaux region.

Throughout the tour, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the vineyards, seeing the idyllic beauty of the Saint-Emilion landscape.

Picnic Details

A typical French picnic awaits visitors, complete with regional products curated to delight the palate. The picnic menu offers gourmet options, including chicken, beef, duck, and pork, as well as vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Guests can enjoy an appetizer, main course, and dessert, accompanied by a glass of wine from the estates.

Item	Description
Appetizer	Selection of local cheeses, charcuterie, and breads
Main Course	Grilled chicken, beef, duck, or pork; vegetarian and vegan options available
Dessert	Seasonal fruit tart or crème brûlée
Beverage	One glass of wine from the estates
Special Requests	Vegetarian or vegan menu available upon request

The picnic takes place in a scenic setting, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the region while taking in the panoramic views of the estates.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for this guided winery visit and picnic experience is the reception area of Château Tour Baladoz Winery.

Conveniently located just 3 km (about 4 minutes by car, 11 minutes by bike, or a 30-minute walk) from the charming town of Saint-Emilion, this winery is easily accessible.

Visitors coming from Bordeaux can reach the meeting point in approximately 45 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train, while those from Bergerac can arrive in about an hour by car or 45 minutes by train.

To ensure a smooth start to the tour, guests are advised to:

1. Arrive at the designated meeting point on time.
2. Look for the Château Tour Baladoz Winery reception.
3. Check in with the tour guide upon arrival.

More Great Tours Nearby

Directions to Wineries

From the meeting point at Château Tour Baladoz, you’ll first visit the traditional winery.

It’s just a short 3 km journey, taking about 4 minutes by car, 11 minutes by bike, or 30 minutes on foot.

After exploring the traditional winery, you’ll then head to the modern Château La Croizille, which is located 45 km from Bordeaux, taking around 45 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train.

Those coming from Bergerac will find it’s a 55 km drive, approximately 1 hour by car or 45 minutes by train.

With the meeting point and directions provided, you’ll be able to seamlessly experience the guided winery visit and picnic in the heart of the Saint-Emilion region.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the guided winery visit and picnic experience, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 227 reviews.

The tour guides received an excellent 4.7/5 rating, with reviewers highlighting their informative and engaging presentations.

The value for money and service were also highly rated, scoring 4.6/5 and 4.7/5 respectively.

Positive feedback focused on the delicious picnic, stunning views, and enjoyable wine tastings.

The winery tour and picnic offer a fantastic way to:

1. Learn about the winemaking process
2. Savor regional products during a scenic lunch
3. Taste exceptional wines from the Bordeaux region

Winemaking Process

Visitors begin their winemaking journey at Château Tour Baladoz, a traditional estate where they learn about the time-honored techniques used to craft these celebrated Bordeaux wines.

They’ll explore the vineyards, discover the art of pruning and harvesting, and venture into the barrel-aging cellars.

Next, they’ll visit the modern Château La Croizille to see how technology and innovation complement the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Here, they’ll uncover the crucial steps of fermentation, blending, and bottling that transform the grapes into the exquisite Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé wines.

Throughout the tour, guests savor the nuances of each estate’s terroir-driven expressions, gaining a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship behind these acclaimed vintages.

Panoramic Views

What captivating panoramic views await visitors on this winery tour? From the two estates, guests can admire breathtaking vistas of the Saint-Emilion region.

The tour highlights:

1. Panoramic views of Château Tour Baladoz’s vineyards and the surrounding countryside.
2. Awe-inspiring overlooks of Château La Croizille’s expansive estate and the picturesque Bordeaux landscape.
3. Stunning hilltop outlooks that showcase the rolling hills, centuries-old vineyards, and medieval architecture that define the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé appellation.

These panoramic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable winery experience in one of France’s most renowned wine regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Tastings Are Included in the Tour?

The tour includes 3 wine tastings, allowing visitors to sample great wines from the estates and the Bordeaux region as part of the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food for the Picnic?

No, guests cannot bring their own food for the picnic. The tour includes a typical French picnic with regional products, gourmet options, and one glass of wine. The menu is set and cannot be customized.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The winery facilities and picnic area are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs, ensuring an enjoyable and accessible experience for all participants.

Can I Purchase Wine at the End of the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase wine at the end of the tour. The tour includes tastings, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase additional bottles from the visited wineries to take home.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention if children are allowed. However, the small group size and nature of the experience suggest it’s likely better suited for adults. Guests should check with the tour provider to inquire about child policies.

Sum Up

Discover the enchanting world of Saint-Emilion’s Grand Cru Classé wines. This guided tour offers an intimate exploration of traditional and modern wineries, complemented by a picnic lunch amidst stunning vineyard vistas. With knowledgeable guides and the chance to savor exceptional wines, this experience promises an unforgettable adventure for any wine enthusiast.

You can check availability for your dates here: