Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour - 3 Wineries & Picnic Lunch

Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour – 3 Wineries & Picnic Lunch

This scenic tour takes you from the vineyards of Graves to the historic charm of Saint-Emilion, offering a full day immersed in Bordeaux’s renowned wine culture. For around $205 per person, you’ll spend approximately 8 hours exploring three different wineries, tasting a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines, and strolling through the medieval streets of Saint-Emilion. Led by knowledgeable guides, this small-group experience promises an intimate and authentic glimpse into France’s wine-making traditions.

Two aspects we particularly love are the diversity of wine styles you’ll sample—ranging from elegant reds to crisp whites—and the delightful picnic lunch set among the vines, which allows you to savor local cheeses, charcuterie, and tarts paired with château wines under the sun. The guided walk through Saint-Emilion offers a chance to soak up its UNESCO World Heritage charm, making the day even more memorable.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and driving, so it may not suit those with mobility issues. Also, the experience is best for those aged 12 and up, so families with younger children might want to look for other options. This tour tends to attract travelers eager to deepen their wine knowledge or simply enjoy a relaxed, scenic day in wine country, making it perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who love wine and history.

Key Points

Diverse Wine Tasting: Explore Bordeaux’s range of reds, whites, and sparkling wines across three different wineries.
Authentic Experience: Visit family-owned vineyards and a prestigious château, gaining insight into traditional wine-making.
Cultural Charm: Wander through the UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion, a picture-perfect medieval village.
Gourmet Picnic: Enjoy a relaxed, locally sourced picnic lunch amongst the vines.
Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Ben, Christelle, and Jonathan are praised for their friendly expertise, making the day both fun and informative.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour in Detail

When we think about Bordeaux, images of rolling vineyards, historic châteaux, and picturesque villages come to mind. This tour captures that essence in a well-rounded, friendly package that balances wine education, local culture, and relaxation.

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Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at the Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Bordeaux. Meeting there at a precise time ensures the group departs promptly—timeliness being essential because the tour’s tight schedule allows for meaningful visits without feeling rushed. The transportation is in a comfortable eight-seat minivan, a welcome feature that keeps things intimate and flexible, unlike large bus tours. Several reviews highlight how the vehicle’s air conditioning and courteous driver, like Clement, contribute to a smooth experience.

The First Winery: Graves or Pessac-Léognan

Your first stop is in the prestigious Graves or Pessac-Léognan region, famous for both reds and whites. Here, you’ll visit a renowned château, often described as a prestigious winery, where you’ll sample their red and white wines. Reviews like that of Donna from the US mention “Chateau Latour-Marthillac and Chateau Chatelet,” which are seen as highlights for their elegant wines.

What makes this visit stand out is the chance to taste high-quality Bordeaux wines directly from the source, often with a knowledgeable guide explaining the nuances of each Château’s style. This initial tasting sets a tone of sophistication and helps you understand the Bordeaux landscape better.

The Picnic Lunch: Among the Vines

Next, the tour takes a delightful turn with a picnic lunch amid the vines. Set at a family-owned vineyard, this is where the experience truly feels authentic. Expect a spread of local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh salads, paired with wines selected by the winery. The opportunity to savor these flavors outdoors under the sun—as one reviewer mentioned—“better than any busy restaurant in Saint-Emilion”—adds to the charm.

This part of the tour is praised for its gourmet quality and relaxed atmosphere. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a chance to unwind, chat, and really enjoy the terroir that the wines come from. For many, this is a highlight, especially because the lunch is paired with additional tastings, often sparkling wines included.

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Saint-Emilion: The Medieval Jewel

After lunch, you head to Saint-Emilion, a village famed for its medieval architecture and UNESCO status. The guided walk explores its narrow streets, underground churches, and scenic views. Travelers like Rhiannon from the UK love the “beautiful” setting and recommend checking out local wine bars and shops.

Within an hour, you’ll get a short guided tour, which includes a quick dive into the village’s history and its renowned wines. Here, you’ll also have some free time to wander, shop, or snap photos—just enough to soak in its timeless charm without losing precious wine-tasting time.

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The Final Château and Tasting

The day wraps up with a visit to either a Pomerol or Saint-Emilion château, where you’ll be welcomed by the host for a final, exclusive wine tasting. These stops are often described as “special” and “intimate,” giving you a last chance to appreciate Bordeaux’s world-class reds. As Sara from Portugal notes, they “encouraged questions and went the extra mile to help me find a vintage from my birth year”—a truly personalized touch.

End of the Day: Return to Bordeaux

By 6 p.m., the tour concludes at the original meeting point, leaving you with a full sense of Bordeaux’s wine culture, history, and scenery.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to taste a variety of Bordeaux styles and learn from friendly guides. It’s also perfect for travelers who appreciate a combination of scenic exploration and culture—Saint-Emilion’s charm is a big draw here. Since the tour is limited to 8 participants, it suits those who prefer a more intimate setting over large, impersonal bus rides.

However, if you are not comfortable with walking or driving, or if mobility is an issue—especially since Saint-Emilion isn’t wheelchair accessible—you might find this tour less suitable. Likewise, families with children under 12 or travelers seeking a very leisurely, unstructured day may want to consider other options.

Price and Value

At $205 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of high-quality wine tastings, authentic local experiences, and expert guidance. Many reviews highlight the good value—you get to visit multiple wineries, enjoy a gourmet picnic, and explore a UNESCO site—all in one day. The small-group size elevates the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

Why It’s Worth It

It’s not just about tasting wine; it’s about understanding the context—learning how Bordeaux’s terroirs, wine-making traditions, and local culture come together. For those keen to deepen their appreciation of Bordeaux’s wines, this tour offers an accessible, well-organized, and memorable day.

The Sum Up

The Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour brings together excellent value, authentic experiences, and a genuine love for Bordeaux’s wine heritage. It’s perfect for wine lovers, culture seekers, and those wanting a taste of France’s beautiful countryside. The limited group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal touch, which many travelers find makes all the difference.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to Bordeaux’s wines and villages, this tour hits the mark. You’ll leave with a better understanding of Bordeaux’s diversity, a collection of memorable flavors, and a few new stories to tell.

For travelers who prioritize quality over quantity, intimacy over busyness, and want to enjoy some of France’s most iconic scenery, this experience is a strong choice. Just remember to bring comfortable shoes and an appetite for both wine and discovery.

FAQ

How early should I arrive on the day of the tour?
You should arrive at the meeting point, in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office, on time—exactly at the scheduled departure time—since the tour leaves promptly and guides cannot wait for late arrivals.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is in a comfortable eight-seat minivan, which is praised for its air conditioning and smooth ride.

How many wineries will I visit?
You’ll visit three wineries: one in Graves or Pessac-Léognan, a family-owned vineyard with a picnic lunch, and a final château in Saint-Emilion or Pomerol.

What is the lunch like?
The picnic lunch includes local cheeses, cured meats, salads, and tarts, all paired with wines from the wineries. It’s considered a highlight for many, especially for its quality and outdoor setting.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 12, as it involves walking and some driving, and Saint-Emilion isn’t wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Since the tour involves walking through villages and vineyards, sturdy footwear is advisable. Large bags or luggage are not permitted.

In sum, this Bordeaux wine tour offers a well-balanced, authentic experience that appeals to anyone wanting to enjoy France’s wine country in style and comfort. It’s a chance to learn, taste, and soak up the scenery—all in one satisfying day.