Bordeaux: Médoc & St-Emilion Wine Regions Tour with Tastings

Imagine spending a full day tasting some of France’s most celebrated wines while strolling through centuries-old villages and lush vineyards. For around $233 per person, this 8.5-hour guided tour takes you from Bordeaux’s city center into the heart of two legendary wine regions—Médoc and Saint-Emilion. Led by knowledgeable guides like Regis or Melanie, this experience offers a taste of Bordeaux’s best, with visits to three wineries and a delightful picnic lunch amid historic surroundings.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances educational insights with relaxed enjoyment. You’ll get to sample at least 7 wines, learning how to taste like a pro—something that often surprises first-timers. Plus, the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion adds a charming cultural layer to the day.

A consideration for travelers is the fixed itinerary—if you’re hoping for more flexibility or additional tastings, you might find this tour a bit structured. But for those who want a well-organized, comprehensive experience that combines wine, history, and scenic beauty, it’s a great fit.

This tour suits anyone with an interest in wine, history, and authentic French countryside experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about Bordeaux’s legendary reputation, you’ll appreciate the small-group setting and expert guidance.

Key Points

Expert guides enhance your understanding of Bordeaux wines and local history.
Visits to three distinguished chateaux provide varied tasting experiences.
Tastings of 7 or more wines deepen your appreciation and knowledge.
Picnic lunch in a beautiful chateau garden adds a relaxed, authentic touch.
Charming Saint-Emilion village offers a UNESCO World Heritage ambiance.
Small group size ensures personal attention and a convivial atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Bordeaux: Médoc & Saint-Emilion Experience

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Bordeaux

The Starting Point and Transport

Your adventure begins at the Monument aux Girondins in Bordeaux, a central, easily accessible meeting spot. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable minivan—small groups limited to 8 participants—meaning you won’t be lost in a crowd. The journey to Médoc takes about fifty minutes, during which your guide will share insights about Bordeaux’s wine regions and their significance.

Exploring Médoc’s Prestige

Once you arrive at a prestigious Classified Growth estate dating back to 1855, you’re welcomed into the estate’s historic vineyards and cellars. Here, we loved how the guide explained the winemaking process—from grape harvest to barrel aging—making the experience both informative and tangible. The walk around the estate offers great photo ops and a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind Bordeaux’s signature reds.

The wine tasting at Médoc is a highlight, with 2–3 wines per château. Expect to sample a variety of styles that showcase the region’s diversity. The reviews highlight guides like Regis or Gabe as incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, often sharing personal stories and historical tidbits that make the tasting memorable.

Transition to Saint-Emilion

After Médoc, the tour continues with a scenic drive to the medieval village of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque town, with its winding streets and ancient stone buildings, is a real highlight. You’ll have time to explore on your own before a well-earned lunch at a château.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Château Lunch and Tasting

The picnic lunch, served amid the estate’s gardens or courtyard, is described as mouth-watering and provides an excellent chance to relax. It’s a classic Bordeaux experience—fresh bread, local cheeses, and French charcuterie paired with a crisp white wine or sparkling aperitif, based on reviews. The lunch acts as a perfect pause in a busy day, offering both nourishment and time to chat with fellow travelers.

While you're exploring Bordeaux, here are other experiences we've looked into

Discovering Saint-Emilion

Post-lunch, the guided tour of Saint-Emilion’s charming streets reveals its rich history and architectural beauty. This is where you’ll step back in time, walking through cobbled lanes while your guide shares stories about the town’s past and its wine heritage.

Visiting a Family-Run Estate

One of the tour’s authentic moments is visiting an authentic, family-run estate. Here, you can tour the vat rooms and cellars, seeing how wine is traditionally made—with a more personal touch—before enjoying a guided wine tasting class. This part of the day is especially appreciated in reviews, where travelers mention how guides like Melanie or Deborah made the experience both fun and educational, helping you identify aromas and flavors.

Final Tasting and Return

The last stop involves another tasting at a smaller estate, emphasizing intimacy and craftsmanship. The return journey to Bordeaux offers views of the region’s rolling vineyards, making for a scenic end to a full day.

What Visitors Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who bring history, wine, and local lore to life. Many highlight the stunning scenery and excellent wine selections—with some noting the variety of wines tasted exceeded expectations. Several mention the well-organized itinerary and the value of the included lunch and tastings, considering the price quite reasonable for such a comprehensive experience.

Some reviewers, however, note that the fixed schedule might limit spontaneous extra tastings, and the small group size can mean higher demand and potential cancellations if only one person books. But overall, the consensus is that it offers great value for those wanting to combine wine education, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration.

The Sum Up

This Bordeaux wine tour delivers a well-balanced mixture of learning, tasting, and sightseeing in two of the region’s most celebrated areas. You get to walk through historic vineyards, sample top wines, and stroll through a UNESCO village, all with an expert guide making the experience engaging and insightful.

It’s especially suited for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their appreciation, as well as history lovers who enjoy a scenic, cultural backdrop. The small-group setting ensures a personal touch, and the included picnic lunch adds a relaxed, authentic flavor to the day.

While it may not be the best choice if you prefer total flexibility or extra tastings, it offers solid value and a rundown of Bordeaux’s famed wine heritage. If you want an efficient, enjoyable way to taste your way through Médoc and Saint-Emilion, this guided tour hits most marks.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, your transportation in a comfortable minivan is included from the designated meeting point, with a scenic drive between Bordeaux, Médoc, and Saint-Emilion.

How many wines will I taste?
You’ll taste a minimum of 7 wines, typically 2–3 at each chateau. The focus is on quality and variety rather than quantity.

Are meals included?
Yes, a picnic lunch is provided, featuring French products, and often includes wine or aperitifs, making for a relaxed dining experience.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal attention and a more intimate experience.

Can children join this tour?
Children under 4 are not permitted, and those between 4 and 18 should check with the provider, as the tour is mainly focused on wine and requires a ticket for access.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While wine tastings are a core part, the scenic visits and cultural exploration can still be enjoyable, though the tour’s main focus is on wine.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
The picnic lunch can accommodate gluten-free or other dietary needs if communicated in advance, based on reviews mentioning personalized care.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund or opt to reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

This Bordeaux wine tour offers a detailed, authentic look at two of France’s most iconic wine regions. Perfect for those who love wine, history, and beautiful landscapes—packed with insights, tastings, and memorable scenery, it’s a solid choice for your Bordeaux adventure.