Classic Car private tour : Half day Pomerol & Saint-Émilion

Imagine cruising through the rolling vineyards of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion in a classic Citroën 2CV, with the wind gently ruffling your hair and some of France’s finest wines tantalizing your taste buds. This five-hour tour, priced at around $293 per person, offers a private, intimate glimpse into Bordeaux’s most celebrated wine regions. Led by Cécilia, a passionate Bordeaux vineyard expert and wine taster, you’ll visit two carefully selected estates, explore their cellars, and enjoy tastings of top-notch wines—all while relishing the charm of a vintage French car.

What truly sets this experience apart is the combination of authentic vineyard visits and the delightful nostalgia of riding in a convertible 2CV. Two things we especially loved: first, the personalized attention during private visits, allowing us to ask all our questions about wine production; and second, the stunning landscapes passing by, which made the journey as memorable as the destinations. A potential drawback might be that the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or young children, given the vintage car and walking involved. Still, if you’re a lover of wine, vintage cars, or both, this tour is a perfect match.

This experience is best suited for those who appreciate authentic, well-curated wine visits combined with a bit of playful nostalgia. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, private setting—perfect for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups wanting a personalized encounter with Bordeaux’s most revered vineyards.

Key Points

• Authentic Vineyard Visits: Tour two prestigious estates from the vineyards to the cellar, with knowledgeable guides.
• Vintage Car Ride: Enjoy a fun, scenic drive in a restored Citroën 2CV, adding a nostalgic touch.
• Personalized Experience: Private visits with ample opportunity for questions and tailored insights.
• Quality Tastings: Sample three wines at the estates, with the option to continue with a locally sourced picnic.
• Insightful Guides: Led by Cécilia, a Bordeaux wine expert passionate about sharing her knowledge.
• Flexible Options: Meeting points include Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, or Libourne, with hotel pickup available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

Your journey begins at the Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Bordeaux Métropole, where you’ll meet your guide, Cécilia, and hop into the iconic Citroën 2CV convertible. From there, the tour splits into two scenic and educational parts, each offering a unique perspective on Bordeaux’s wine heritage.

First stop: Pomerol. This famous vineyard is renowned for its merlot-based wines and the small, opulent estates that produce some of the most sought-after bottles in the world. The guided visit here lasts about 40 minutes, during which you’ll explore the estate from the vineyards to the cellar. Expect to see traditional methods still in use, with the winemaker often personally involved in the process. The wine tasting features three wines, allowing you to distinguish subtle differences and appreciate the craftsmanship.

Next: Saint-Émilion. This UNESCO World Heritage site is equally mesmerizing, with its medieval streets and historic wine châteaux. The guided tour here lasts about an hour, giving you time to walk through the charming village, learn about its history, and visit a second estate. The highlight is another tasting of three wines, often including some of the region’s most celebrated labels, paired with insights into the winemaking process.

The Scenic Drive in the Classic Citroën

What makes this tour stand out is the ride in a vintage 2CV convertible. The car’s open roof and charming design create a sense of stepping back in time, making the experience more than just a wine tour. You’ll pass beautiful vineyard landscapes, rolling hills, and medieval architecture, all set to the backdrop of a relaxing drive. The scenic route offers excellent photo opportunities and a feeling of genuine connection with the region.

Inside the Estates

The visits are private, giving you a sense of exclusivity and the comfort to ask any questions. You’ll see vineyards from the fields, learn about terroir and cultivation practices, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process. The tasting sessions are friendly and informative, often described as more than just a ‘sip and spit’—a genuine opportunity to understand what makes Bordeaux wines so admired.

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Additional Touches: Food and Literature

After the tastings, there’s an option to continue with a picnic of local products, carefully selected to complement the wines. You also receive a booklet about Bordeaux wines and a map of the vineyards, so you can deepen your knowledge even after the tour ends. These extras add value, helping you retain what you learned and plan future visits or wine shopping.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour lasts about 5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability. The private group setup ensures personalized attention and a relaxed pace. The price of $293 per person covers transportation, estate visits, tastings, a booklet, and the scenic drive—a fair value when you consider the personalized experience and high-quality visits.

Punctuality and comfort are worth noting; the meeting point is conveniently located, and hotel pickups are available in Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, or Libourne. Remember to bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and cash for any additional purchases.

Considerations

This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or young children under 18, mainly because of the vintage car ride and walking involved at the estates. The experience is tailored to those eager to learn, taste, and enjoy a relaxed yet engaging day in Bordeaux’s wine country.

Authentic Insights from Past Participants

One reviewer from Denmark simply stated, “Really good,” highlighting the straightforward enjoyment of the experience. Others appreciated the stunning views and the opportunity to taste excellent wines paired with insightful guidance. The personal attention and private setting seem to be consistent highlights, making this a favorite for those seeking a less touristy, more genuine encounter with Bordeaux’s vineyards.

The Sum Up

This private half-day tour offers a wonderful combination of scenic drives, intimate estate visits, and delicious wine tastings. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want an authentic, personalized experience in Bordeaux’s wine regions, away from crowded tours. The vintage Citroën adds a playful, nostalgic touch, making the journey as memorable as the wines themselves.

For wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Bordeaux wines, this tour provides a balance of education, relaxation, and fun. If you’re looking for a truly French experience—full of character, characterful cars, and top-tier wines—this tour might just be your best choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, the tour is offered in French, English, and Spanish, so you can choose a guide language that suits you. Cécilia, for example, is fluent in multiple languages.

How long is the drive in the vintage car?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, you’ll enjoy a scenic, approximately 5-hour experience that includes the drive, visits, and tastings.

Can I customize the tour?
They offer the possibility to design a tailor-made tour if you contact them in advance, ensuring your preferences are considered.

Are hotel pickups available?
Yes, pickups at hotels in Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, or Libourne are possible, providing extra convenience.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and cash for purchases. The tour involves spending time outdoors and at the estates.

Are children allowed?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, mainly due to the vintage car and estate visits.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers private transportation in a classic car, estate entrance fees, wine tastings, a booklet on Bordeaux wines, and the scenic drive.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This private tour combines the joy of vintage travel with the sophistication of Bordeaux’s finest wines, making it a delightful choice for those craving an authentic, intimate adventure in French wine country.

You can check availability for your dates here: