Private Wine Tour of Medoc and Saint Emilion

Bordeaux , France

Private Wine Tour of Medoc and Saint Emilion

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable full-day wine tour exploring the renowned appellations of Medoc and Saint Emilion in Bordeaux. Taste exquisite red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon blends and Merlot-based vintages, guided by our local wine expert. Experience a personalized and expertly guided sightseeing tour that showcases the hidden gems and prestigious wines of this celebrated French wine region, including a visit to the emblematic village of Saint-Emilion.

Available options

Private Wine Tour of Medoc and Saint Emilion

Pickup included

What's included

Guided walking tour of the village of Saint-Emilion

English speaking qualified driver guide (other languages on request)

Transport by air-conditioned minivan (maximum 8 people)

Reservation for 2 wineries and visits of Saint Emilion and Medoc area (wine tastings included)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Bordeaux, where you'll meet your knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide, an expert in Bordeaux wines.

Depart from Bordeaux to the Medoc wine region on the left bank of the Gironde River, including the renowned communes of St Estèphe, Pauillac, Margaux, and St Julien. The Medoc spans 60 km north to south and 10 km wide, with 10,600 hectares of vineyards producing 50 million liters of red wine annually. The primary grape is Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Visit a distinguished wine estate, such as a Grand Cru Classé, Château, or cru bourgeois. An expert guide will explain the estate's history and winemaking process. Tour the cellars and enjoy a tasting session of the Château wines, with commentary that enriches your appreciation of the region's flavors and aromas.

After your Medoc adventure, cross the Gironde Estuary to explore the right bank wines of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. Discover the captivating Saint Emilion wine region, where Merlot is the predominant grape, complemented by Cabernet Franc. The area's unique climate and cool soils make it difficult for Cabernet Sauvignon to fully ripen, resulting in wines with excellent aging potential.

Visit a selected winery in the Saint-Emilion appellation, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting session and explore the intricacies of these remarkable wines. After the winery visit, head to the medieval village of Saint-Emilion for a brief walking tour with your guide. You will also have some free time for lunch and to explore the village at your leisure.
Please note that the order of visits may vary.
After the second visit, it will be time to return to Bordeaux.

What's not included

Lunch

Tips

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This tour is not available on 25th of December, 1st of January and 1st of May

Please note that the infant seats are available upon request, please inform us at the moment of the booking (number and age of the children)

Pets are not allowed on the tour

Tour involves some walking (cobbled & sloping streets), good walking shoes recommended

Minimum drinking age is 18 years, children under 18 years old have to be accompanied by an adult

Please note that the price is the same per person regardless of age. Kindly inform us if there are any children under 13 in your group, as the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 passengers in the minivan

This tour is not available on Sundays in November, December, January & February

Please note: In France, snacks are usually not provided during wine tastings to preserve the purity of the wine's flavor. We recommend having a good breakfast or lunch beforehand

About Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France, renowned for its wine production and 18th-century architecture. The city's elegant boulevards, grand squares, and historic buildings, along with its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to famous vineyards, make it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Place de la Bourse

A stunning 18th-century square surrounded by elegant buildings, including the famous Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror).

Historical/Architectural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

La Cité du Vin

An interactive wine museum that explores the history, culture, and production of wine in Bordeaux and beyond.

Museum 2 to 3 hours €21 to €29

Saint-André Cathedral

A beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Bordeaux's rich history.

Religious/Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Pessac Vineyards

A collection of prestigious vineyards and wineries in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, known for producing some of the world's finest wines.

Nature/Wine Half-day to full-day tour Varies by winery, typically €10 to €50 for tastings and tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Entrecôte à la Bordelaise

A classic Bordelaise dish featuring ribeye steak cooked in a red wine sauce with shallots, bone marrow, and butter. It is typically served with pommes de terre à la sarladaise (potatoes cooked with duck fat, garlic, and parsley).

Main Course Contains beef, butter, and dairy

Canard à la Rouennaise

A traditional duck dish from the Rouen region, featuring duck breasts cooked in a red wine sauce with apples, onions, and prunes. The dish is often served with potatoes or other root vegetables.

Main Course Contains duck and may contain alcohol

Bourride à la Bordelaise

A traditional fish stew from Bordeaux, made with white fish, potatoes, and a creamy sauce flavored with aioli (garlic mayonnaise). The dish is typically served with crusty bread for dipping.

Main Course Contains fish, dairy, and garlic

Popular Activities

Hiking and exploring the nearby vineyards and countryside Surfing, sailing, and other water sports in Arcachon Sandboarding and other adventure sports at the Dune du Pilat Wine tasting and enjoying the local cuisine Relaxing at the beach in Arcachon Strolling through the beautiful streets and parks of Bordeaux Exploring the city's museums, galleries, and historic sites Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Bordeaux, with warm weather and numerous festivals and events. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, wine tours, and the city's vibrant nightlife.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Bordeaux is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and avoid unlicensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Bordeaux Saint-Jean

By bus

Bordeaux City Center Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system in Bordeaux is efficient, modern, and easy to use. It consists of four lines (A, B, C, and D) that connect major attractions, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Saint-Pierre Bastide Chartrons

Day trips

Saint-Émilion

35 km from Bordeaux • Half-day to full-day trip

A charming medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and world-famous vineyards.

Arcachon

55 km from Bordeaux • Full-day trip

A beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and outdoor activities, such as surfing, sailing, and hiking.

Dune du Pilat

65 km from Bordeaux • Half-day to full-day trip

The tallest sand dune in Europe, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and a unique natural experience.

Festivals

Bordeaux Wine Festival • Late June Bordeaux Fête le Vin • Late August Bordeaux Jazz Festival • Early July

Pro tips

Visit the Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) at the Place de la Bourse for a unique and refreshing experience, especially on hot days
Explore the city's many markets, such as the Marché des Capucins and the Marché des Chartrons, for a taste of local culture and cuisine
Take a wine tour or visit a local vineyard to learn about the region's famous wines and enjoy a tasting
Stroll through the beautiful streets and parks of Bordeaux, such as the Jardin Public and the Parc Bordelais, for a relaxing and scenic experience
Attend a local festival or event, such as the Bordeaux Wine Festival or the Bordeaux Jazz Festival, for a unique and memorable experience