Saint-Emilion Private Full Day Wine Tour from Bordeaux

If you’re considering a day dedicated solely to wine and scenic beauty in Bordeaux, the Saint-Emilion Private Full Day Wine Tour offers an experience that’s both personalized and immersive. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a remarkable way to connect with France’s most celebrated wine region—and do it in style.

What we love most about this tour is its private nature, which means your party gets undivided attention from a knowledgeable guide. Plus, the chance to visit three distinguished wineries with tastings included promises a true insight into Bordeaux’s winemaking excellence. The only potential drawback? The tour’s price, just under $600 per person, might seem high but is justified by the quality, exclusivity, and expert-guided experiences.

This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, first-time visitors eager for a personal touch, or anyone wanting a deep dive into Bordeaux’s famed vineyards without the hassle of planning. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving an authentic day among world-class wines, this trip aims to deliver.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Customized visits ensure a tailored experience with undivided guide attention.
• Expert-Led Tastings: Visits to three top châteaux with professional guidance and educational wine tastings.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned minivan pickups from Bordeaux make the day relaxed and hassle-free.
• Cultural and Scenic Experience: The charming village of Saint-Emilion offers picturesque views and a taste of medieval France.
• Flexible and Convenient: Pre-selected wineries based on your preferences mean fewer surprises and more focus on what you love.
• Highly Rated: A perfect 5-star rating from numerous satisfied customers indicates reliability and value.

Starting Point and Convenience

The journey begins conveniently at Bordeaux’s Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel, right in the heart of the city. From here, your private guide will pick you up in an air-conditioned minivan, ready to whisk you away for a day of wine, history, and beautiful vistas. The round-trip transport means you won’t have to worry about navigating or driving—an important perk given the potential for wine tasting to cloud judgment.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The core of this tour is a full eight-hour exploration of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its medieval architecture and world-class vineyards. The tour’s flexibility allows your guide to tailor visits to your wine preferences, but generally, you will experience three château visits plus additional sightseeing or tasting opportunities.

Stop 1: Saint-Emilion Village

Your day kicks off with a walk through the enchanting village of Saint-Emilion. This tiny, well-preserved medieval town is a feast for the eyes—cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and panoramic views over rolling vineyards. One review beautifully summed it up as a “Fairytale village,” highlighting its shops, restaurants, and charming ambiance. Expect your guide to share insights about the history and architecture, setting a delightful tone for the day.

Wineries: The Heart of the Tour

The tour includes pre-selected visits to three distinguished wineries. While the specific châteaux are not named, reviews praise the selection, often mentioning visits to elite top 1 wineries and small producers. The wineries are described as beautiful, with knowledgeable guides who explain the winemaking process and regional specialties. Several reviewers noted how the experience deepened their understanding of Bordeaux wines, citing that they left with new knowledge of the winemaking process.

Wine Tastings

The tastings at each château are led by experts who help you understand the nuances of Bordeaux wines—whether it’s the subtle differences in terroir or the various aging techniques. Reviewers consistently mention the delicious wines and the opportunity to taste multiple varieties, often accompanied by good recommendations for food. It’s worth noting that France generally doesn’t serve snacks during tastings, so a hearty breakfast or lunch beforehand is wise.

The Transport and Guide

The air-conditioned minivan provides a comfortable ride through the picturesque Bordeaux countryside. The guide, often praised for his or her friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging manner, makes the journey enjoyable with stories about Bordeaux, its vineyards, and its history. A few reviews highlight guides who spoke multiple languages, making the experience accessible for international visitors.

The private nature of the tour means there’s plenty of room for questions, spontaneous stops, or tailored sightseeing. Many reviews emphasize how the guides went out of their way to personalize the day—whether it was adjusting the schedule or offering restaurant recommendations.

Food and Additional Tips

While food isn’t included, guides often suggest excellent local restaurants, and many reviews praise the lunch spots recommended during the day. Given that wine tastings in France are typically pure, packing a good breakfast or even a picnic is recommended to keep you energized.

Value for Money

At $589.78 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. However, considering the private transport, three exclusive winery visits, expert guides, and the overall experience, many find it well worth the price. Several reviews describe it as more than they expected—a sign of good value when you factor in the quality and personalization.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits wine lovers, history aficionados, and travelers who prefer a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s particularly appealing if you want to avoid crowded group tours and prefer the flexibility of a custom itinerary. Those interested in learning about Bordeaux wines from passionate guides will find this tour especially rewarding.

This private tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Bordeaux’s legendary wine scene, paired with the charms of Saint-Emilion itself. The combination of expert-guided tastings, scenic drives, and the chance to walk through a medieval village creates a memorable day.

The emphasis on personalized service, highly praised guides, and the opportunity to visit both prestigious and boutique wineries makes this tour stand out. While it’s an investment, many reviewers agree the experience more than justifies the cost—delivering on both education and enjoyment.

If you’re a traveler who values quality over quantity, appreciates expert insights, and wants a flexible, intimate experience, this tour is a perfect choice. It’s especially ideal for those celebrating a special occasion or simply eager to deepen their understanding of Bordeaux wine.

How many wineries will we visit during the tour?
You will visit three wineries, with the itinerary tailored to your preferences. The wineries include both top-tier and smaller producers, offering a well-rounded experience.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, visits and tasting fees at the three wineries, and the services of a professional English-speaking guide. Meals and entrance fees to other attractions are not included.

Can I customize the tour?
While the tour comes with pre-selected wineries, the private nature of the experience allows your guide to tailor parts of the day based on your interests and preferences.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a modern, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing journey through the Bordeaux countryside.

What should I bring?
Bring a good breakfast or lunch to enjoy before the tastings, as snacks are usually not provided. Also, consider comfortable walking shoes for exploring Saint-Emilion and the wineries.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and are subject to the minimum drinking age. For children under 13, it’s best to check with the provider for any restrictions or tailored options.

In all, this Saint-Emilion private wine tour combines the best of Bordeaux’s scenic landscapes, historic charm, and world-class wines—all with the intimacy and flexibility that make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.