Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour – 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

If you’re dreaming of France’s most celebrated wine region, this full-day Bordeaux wine tour offers an engaging way to taste your way through stunning vineyards, charming villages, and excellent wines—all in a small-group setting. For around $202, you’ll spend approximately nine hours crisscrossing Bordeaux’s famous wine sub-regions like Graves and Pessac-Léognan, then strolling the UNESCO-listed streets of Saint-Emilion. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides like Nate or Clem, this tour is designed for those who want more than just tasting — it’s about getting a real feel for Bordeaux’s wine culture and landscapes.

What we particularly love about this experience is the balance of hands-on winery visits with a relaxed, authentic picnic lunch right in the vineyards. The small group size (max 8 travelers) means more personalized attention and a chance to ask all your burning questions. Plus, the variety of stops ensures you’ll sample both reds and whites from different sub-regions, adding depth to your Bordeaux knowledge.

A potential consideration is that most of the wines are red and quite full-bodied, which may not suit all white wine lovers or those with very specific preferences. Also, because the itinerary is tight to fit the highlights in a single day, those looking for a slow, leisurely experience might find it a bit rushed. But for travelers who want a comprehensive, tasty introduction to Bordeaux’s vineyards and a good dose of history and scenery, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits visitors who enjoy guided tours with expert insights, are excited about tasting multiple wines, and want to explore Bordeaux’s beautiful countryside without the hassle of planning. It’s especially great if you appreciate small groups, authentic local foods, and a mix of wine education with sightseeing.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers a more intimate and personalized tour.
• Includes visits to three wineries with up to 10 tastings, covering reds and whites.
• Gourmet picnic lunch in the vineyards with local produce and a glass of wine.
• Walking tour of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing cultural context.
• Expert guides like Nate, Clem, or Jonathan enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Efficient itinerary covering Bordeaux’s key wine regions and charming villages.

Bordeaux is arguably France’s most famous wine region, renowned for its diverse terroirs, historic châteaux, and world-class wines. But rather than spending your entire trip trying to figure out where to start, this full-day guided tour takes you on a well-curated journey through some of the most iconic and picturesque corners of Bordeaux’s wine countryside. From the moment you meet your guide in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office, you’re set for a day filled with scenic drives, expert tastings, and a taste of local life.

The tour is designed to give you a rundown: visiting prestigious estates in Graves and Pessac-Léognan, wandering the medieval streets of Saint-Emilion, and ending with a final exclusive tasting in Pomerol or Saint-Emilion. All transportation is in comfortable, air-conditioned minivans, ensuring you stay cool as you cross rolling vineyards and charming villages.

Why We Like This Tour

First, the variety — it’s not just about drinking wine. You get to see different sub-regions of Bordeaux, each with its own character and grape varieties. The visits include prestigious wineries with the chance to taste both reds and whites, giving a well-rounded introduction to Bordeaux wines. Second, the gourmet picnic lunch in the vines is a highlight — simple, fresh, and accompanied by local wine, it’s a perfect way to relax and absorb the scenery.

A Small Caveat

Because the tour covers multiple stops and the timing is structured to see as much as possible, it can feel a little rushed, especially in Saint-Emilion where cobbled streets and scenic vistas beckon for a longer stroll. Some may prefer a more leisurely pace or an overnight stay in the region.

Who It’s Perfect For

This tour suits travelers who enjoy guided experiences with a mix of sightseeing, wine tastings, and food. If you love tasting a variety of wines, learning about regional differences, and want a manageable, intimate group, you’ll find this tour perfect. It’s also ideal if you’re visiting Bordeaux for a short stay and want a taste of the vineyards without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’ll pay about $202.75 per person, which covers transportation, all wine tastings at three wineries, a gourmet picnic lunch with wine, and guidance from an English-speaking expert. All tastings are included, with up to 10 wines sampled across reds and whites, giving a solid variety.

Note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, and travelers are encouraged to bring their own bottled water because the tour emphasizes environmental responsibility. With most tours booking about 74 days in advance, it’s clear this is a popular choice for those planning ahead.

Meet-Up in Bordeaux — The tour begins at the Bordeaux Tourist Office at 12 cours du 30 Juillet, usually around 9:05 am. The early start helps you maximize your day and avoid the afternoon crowds.

First Stop: Pessac-Léognan — En route to the vineyards, the scenic drive sets the tone for the day. This area is known for both prestigious white and red wines, and your first winery visit might include a walk through the vineyards followed by a tasting. One reviewer noted, “Our guide Nate was super informative, friendly and polite,” highlighting how guides enhance the experience.

Second Stop: Bordeaux’s Prestigious Wineries — You’ll spend about two hours exploring a renowned estate, tasting both their white and red wines. The focus here is on understanding what makes Bordeaux wines special, from the terroir to the winemaking techniques. A common praise from guests is how guides like Mel or Clem kept the explanations engaging, with some saying, “They made the entire day informative yet fun.”

Gourmet Picnic Lunch in Saint-Emilion — After the winery visits, you’ll head to the medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Here, you’ll enjoy a carefully prepared picnic with local cheeses, charcuterie, and the estate’s own wines. Several reviews mention the lunch as a highlight: “The picnic lunch was authentic and nicely paced, allowing us to relax and mingle.”

Walking Tour of Saint-Emilion — This UNESCO-listed town is a jewel, with cobblestone streets and ancient buildings. Your guide will lead a short but insightful walk, pointing out key sights like the monolithic church and panoramic viewpoints. Travelers often say, “Saint-Emilion was the highlight of the tour,” emphasizing how charming and photogenic the town is.

Final Stop: Pomerol or Saint-Emilion Vineyards — The last estate tour offers a deeper dive into Bordeaux’s most famous appellations, culminating in an exclusive tasting hosted by the château’s owner or winemaker. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to sample wines directly from the source, with one reviewer noting, “The last tasting was particularly special, as we met the winemaker and learned about their craft.”

Back to Bordeaux — The tour ends back at your starting point, usually around 6 pm, after a full day of wine, scenery, and stories.

The Experience’s Value and Atmosphere

For the price, this tour offers a good mix of quality and depth. You’ll visit well-selected wineries, taste a range of Bordeaux’s characteristic reds and whites, and enjoy a delicious local meal. The guides’ expertise significantly enhances the experience—many reviews praise their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged.

Transport in a small, air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort, and the intimate size fosters a convivial atmosphere. Guests mention that the small group makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized attention.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews emphasize how much they appreciated the informative guides: “Annabelle kept the tour fun while also being very educational,” and “Jonathan, a trained sommelier, made the experience truly special.” The variety of wineries and the relaxed pace at which they are visited also receives high praise.

Some travelers highlight the value of the included lunch, describing it as a “lovely picnic,” and one noted that “the wines were almost exclusively reds and quite heavy,” which is typical of Bordeaux but worth noting if you prefer lighter whites.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing day that combines wine tastings, scenic drives, historic villages, and authentic French cuisine, this tour offers excellent value. It’s best suited for those who want a guided experience with rich insights, enjoy tasting multiple wines, and appreciate small-group intimacy.

It’s also ideal for visitors with limited time in Bordeaux who want a rundown without the hassle of planning multiple visits or driving themselves. The focus on Bordeaux’s key regions and the charming Saint-Emilion village makes this a memorable, educational, and delicious day out.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, visits and tastings at three wineries, and a gourmet picnic lunch paired with local wine.

How many wineries will I visit?
You’ll visit three different wineries during the day, with tastings at each, totaling up to 10 wines including both reds and whites.

Is there a walking component?
Yes, after the winery visits, you’ll explore the medieval town of Saint-Emilion on foot with a guided tour that lasts about an hour.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for Saint-Emilion’s cobbled streets and vineyard walks.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request 72 hours prior to the tour. Vegan options are limited but may not be guaranteed.

What is the maximum group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers makes for an intimate experience, ensuring personalized attention from your guide.

Does the tour include white wines?
Yes, some wineries in Bordeaux produce white wines, and tastings will include both red and white varieties depending on the estate.

When does the tour start and end?
The tour departs at 9:05 am from the Bordeaux Tourist Office and generally returns around 6 pm.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the minimum drinking age is 18, guests who do not wish to drink can still enjoy the scenery, lunch, and sightseeing, but tastings are part of the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Bordeaux full-day wine tour is a well-rounded way to experience France’s premier wine region. It balances guided tastings, scenic drives, and cultural exploration, all in a friendly, small-group setting. Whether you’re a wine novice or an enthusiast, the opportunity to visit prestigious wineries, walk the streets of Saint-Emilion, and enjoy a delicious picnic makes it a memorable, worthwhile day. If you’re eager to learn about Bordeaux wines, love tasting new varieties, and want to see some of the most beautiful landscapes and villages France has to offer, this tour should definitely be on your list.