Bordeaux: St. Emilion Wine and E-Bike Tour with Lunch

Bordeaux: St. Emilion Wine and E-Bike Tour with Lunch — A Complete Guide

Imagine pedaling through lush vineyards, tasting some of France’s finest wines, and soaking in the stunning scenery of Saint-Émilion — all in one day. At $195 per person, this 7-hour adventure offers a blend of scenic cycling, authentic wine experiences, and delicious local cuisine. Led by a knowledgeable guide, often a passionate storyteller, you’ll visit two distinctive chateaux and a merchant, tasting over 10 varieties of wine along the way. Plus, the included picnic lunch means you can relax amid the vineyards while savoring exquisite French fare.

What makes this experience really shine are the e-bike convenience and the personalized insight from an expert guide. The electric bikes make covering the rolling hills effortless, allowing you to focus on the views and the wines. We particularly appreciate the opportunity to visit a premium chateau, giving a sense of the high-quality craftsmanship behind some of the world’s most celebrated wines. The beautiful gardens of the chateaux and the storytelling from your guide add depth to your tasting experience.

One potential consideration is the cycling component — you do need to be comfortable riding a bike and able to handle an electric bike for about 2.5 hours of riding time. Also, since water bottles are not provided, you’ll want to bring a refillable bottle, especially on warmer days. This tour suits those who enjoy a combination of active outings and cultural indulgence, and who want a more authentic, less touristy experience of the Bordeaux wine country.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable e-bikes make cycling through hilly vineyards accessible for most fitness levels
• Expert guides provide engaging stories and insights into local legends and wine-making traditions
• Visit two chateaux and a merchant, each offering unique perspectives on the region’s wine craftsmanship
• Includes a picnic lunch in the vineyards, with French cuisine and wine, providing a true sense of local hospitality
• Taste over 10 different wines with options for additional wine at lunch and at the end of the day
• All fees, taxes, and equipment are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience

Exploring the Details of the Tour

The Itinerary: A Day in Saint-Émilion

Your adventure begins around 10:30 AM at the E-bike Centre in Bordeaux, where you’ll receive a quick safety briefing and your rental equipment. The tour’s structure is well-paced, balancing active cycling with immersive wine experiences.

The first stop is a scenic 45-minute e-bike ride through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Émilion. The landscape here is what postcards dream of — rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming stone walls. Your guide, often a passionate storyteller, will share local legends and history, enriching your understanding of the region’s wine tradition.

Next, you’ll visit your first chateau, where you’ll get a guided tour explaining the wine-making process and sampling some of their vintages. These visits are especially valued for their personalized stories and the chance to taste wines directly from the source.

The lunch in the chateau gardens is a highlight. You’ll enjoy a delicious French meal, adapted to dietary restrictions if needed, paired with more wine from the vineyard. This setting—amongst the vines—offers a genuine taste of French hospitality and a relaxing break from cycling.

Post-lunch, the tour continues with another scenic bike ride, followed by visits to a second distinctive chateau and a merchant’s office. Each place presents a different style and story of winemaking, deepening your appreciation for the region’s diversity.

The final tasting involves sampling several more wines, including a classified wine at the end of the day, ensuring a full-spectrum experience. The entire journey concludes back at the starting point in Bordeaux around 5:30 PM.

What to Expect at Each Stop

More Great Tours Nearby

Safety and Equipment

The tour begins with a 30-minute safety briefing, crucial for those unfamiliar with e-biking. The bikes come with helmets, and the e-bike assistance ensures that even those with moderate fitness levels will find the cycling enjoyable rather than exhausting. The roads are mostly scenic and quiet, but you should be comfortable riding a bike.

Vineyard Views and Photo Opportunities

Every turn offers stunning views of vineyards, chateaux, and medieval villages. Bring your camera — the scenery is as photogenic as it gets, especially in the soft light of late morning or late afternoon.

Visits to Chateaux and Merchant

Each chateau has its own character — one might be a premium estate, showcasing high-quality winemaking, while the merchant offers insights into regional wine trading. These visits are focused on education and tasting, with guides sharing fascinating stories about the estate’s history and winemaking techniques.

Tasting Experience

Expect a minimum of 10 different wines, with some tastings being more extensive. The guide’s knowledge makes each tasting session informative and enjoyable, revealing nuances in flavor and style. The wines range from classic Bordeaux blends to more local varieties, giving you a broad perspective.

Lunch in the Vineyards

The picnic lunch is served in the serene gardens of the chateau, with a menu that highlights local French cuisine. You can expect dishes that pair well with the wines and provide a satisfying break in your active day.

Authentic and Engaging Guide Experience

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides — often described as passionate, engaging, and full of local legends. Gaspar, for example, received praise for being “fantastic, informative, and very fun,” making the experience both educational and entertaining. The storytelling aspect adds a personal touch, turning a wine tour into a cultural journey.

Your guide’s insights into local legends, wine production, and regional history make the visit more meaningful. This is not just about tasting wine, but understanding what makes Saint-Émilion special.

The Value of This Tour

At $195, the price includes e-bike rental with helmets, all tastings, guided tours, lunch, taxes, and fees. Compared to private tastings or self-guided visits, this structured experience offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of the visits and the personalized attention from your guide.

The inclusion of lunch and the opportunity to taste 10+ wines makes it a comprehensive experience for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The fact that the tour offers flexibility (reserve now, pay later) and full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance** adds to its practicality.

Who will love this tour?

It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure but also want to deepen their wine knowledge. Couples, friends, or solo travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and scenic landscapes will find this a memorable day. However, those uncomfortable with cycling or with mobility issues should consider their comfort level, as the tour involves some biking and walking.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux-based e-bike tour to Saint-Émilion offers an authentic, engaging, and visually stunning way to experience one of France’s most famous wine regions. The combination of scenic cycling, expert-guided tastings, and gourmet lunch creates a balanced day that appeals to both wine lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The personal stories and high-quality wines make this a memorable journey, while the e-bike makes the activity accessible for many. It’s a great choice for those seeking a deeper connection to the region’s tradition, with enough activity to keep things lively but not exhausting.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic, and scenic way to taste Saint-Émilion wines away from the crowds, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to bring your sun hat, a refillable water bottle, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
No. You should be able to ride a bicycle comfortably, but the e-bikes assist with pedaling, making the ride easier, especially on hilly terrain.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the minimum drinking age is 18, and the activity involves cycling and tasting wine. Children should not participate.

What should I bring?
A sun hat is recommended, and you should bring a refillable water bottle, as water bottles are not provided. Dress appropriately for weather conditions — layers are always wise.

What happens if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather, and premium ponchos are provided in case of rain. The guide also tries to adapt cycling routes to avoid rain when possible.

Can I join if I haven’t cycled in a while?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable riding a bike and can handle an electric bike for a few hours.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a well-prepared picnic lunch is included, served in the gardens of the château, with options for dietary restrictions.

Can I skip any part of the itinerary?
The itinerary is structured, but you can discuss specific needs with the guide beforehand. Walking segments are brief, but flexibility may be limited.

Are all wines included in the tasting?
You will taste at least 10 different wines during the tour. Additional wine is available with lunch and at the end of the day, including a glasses of classified wine.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to explore the wine culture, scenic beauty, and culinary delights of Saint-Émilion. It suits those who want a balance of activity and education, and who love authentic experiences in one of France’s most picturesque regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: