Saint Emilion Wine and Bike Tour

Planning a day trip in Bordeaux that captures the essence of France’s most charming wine region? The Saint-Emilion Wine and Bike Tour offers an engaging way to see the sights, taste exquisite wines, and enjoy authentic local cuisine—all at a relaxed pace. For $205 per person, this 8-hour journey combines scenic cycling, guided visits to renowned vineyards, and a picnic among the vines, making it a hit for travelers who love a mix of activity, culture, and great wine.

What really makes this experience stand out? First, the use of electric bikes means you won’t arrive exhausted—just energized—and ready to appreciate the views and tastings. Second, the small group size (limited to just 8 participants) ensures a more personal, engaging guide and a less hurried, more authentic visit to the villages and vineyards. That said, it’s not suited for everyone: you need to be at least 150 cm tall, comfortable on a bike, and willing to cycle on cobblestone streets and vineyard paths.

This tour is ideal for active travelers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see the Bordeaux wine country with a local’s eye—without wading through large crowds or spending hours in a bus. It’s especially appealing to those who want a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and top-notch wine tasting.

This experience made our article of Our 15 Favorite Bordeaux Bike Tours.

Key Points

• Flexible, guided e-bike tour mixing scenic cycling with wine tastings
• Visit to UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion village with free time to explore
• Two winery visits with at least six wine tastings, mostly reds
• Gourmet picnic lunch in the vines, paired with regional foods
• Small group setting for a personalized experience
• Includes transportation from Bordeaux, making logistics simple

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Day in Saint-Emilion

The tour begins bright and early in Bordeaux, where a comfortable minivan whisks you out of the city and into the heart of the Bordeaux wine region. The 70-minute drive is a good chance to get your bearings and chat briefly with your guide about what’s ahead. Once you arrive in Saint-Emilion, you’ll be fitted with your e-bike, helmet, and a quick safety briefing—important for ensuring a smooth ride and safe experience.

First Stop: A Grand Cru Château

Your first taste of the region’s famed wines comes at a prestigious Château, where you’ll tour the vineyard and cellar, and enjoy a private tasting. Here, you’ll learn about the Grape varieties that define Bordeaux’s character, mostly focusing on reds. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides like Alex or Lola are, sharing stories and insights that make the tastings more meaningful. One traveler raves, “Alex was informative and upbeat,” which highlights the value of a guide who can turn a tasting into a lively lesson rather than just a sip-and-swirl.

Cycling Through the Vines

After the château visit, it’s time to pedal through the hills and vineyards. Thanks to the electric assistance, even those less confident on a bike will find it manageable. We loved the way the bikes made it effortless to enjoy the views without getting winded—something that’s worth considering if you’re not a regular cyclist. The scenery is stunning: rolling vineyards, ancient stone walls, and charming farm buildings. It’s a perfect setting for relaxed conversation and photo stops.

Picnic in the Vines

Midday, the tour pauses for a gourmet picnic nestled among the vines, served with a glass of local wine. The regional fare—cheeses, bread, charcuterie, and regional specialties—is straightforward but satisfying, and many reviews mention how tasty and authentic the picnic is. We appreciated the opportunity to really sit and enjoy the surroundings, letting the flavors and scenery meld into a memorable moment.

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Exploring Saint-Emilion Village

Next, your guide leads a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Saint-Emilion. Expect cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and plenty of photo-worthy corners. The one-hour tour offers stories behind the town’s history and its famous wine culture. Travelers have praised guides like Lola for being approachable and funny, making history engaging rather than dry.

More Wineries & Scenic Cycling

In the afternoon, you’ll visit another family-owned estate on some of the best terroir, tasting wines in their natural setting. The final cycling stretch takes you back through vineyards, giving you one last chance to appreciate the landscape before returning to Bordeaux.

Wind Down with French Appetizers & Wine

Back in Bordeaux, the tour concludes with a glass of wine paired with regional appetizers. It’s a fitting end—relaxing, social, and a true taste of French hospitality. Many reviewers feel this closing just ties everything together nicely, rounding off a day full of beautiful views, good company, and excellent wines.

Transportation and Group Size

A major plus of this tour is the included transportation. The minivan makes it easy to cover the distance between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion comfortably, especially in inclement weather. The small group setup guarantees individual attention from your knowledgeable guide, making it easier to ask questions, share opinions, and get personalized recommendations.

Timing & Flexibility

Starting at 9:00 AM, the tour is structured to maximize your time in Saint-Emilion. The entire day runs smoothly, with scheduled stops and enough free time to explore the village at your own pace. The tour is designed for people comfortable on a bike, and the guided walks and winery visits cater to those who want to learn about wine beyond just drinking it.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour includes transportation, e-bike rental, winery visits, with tastings at two wineries, and a gourmet picnic with regional foods and wine. You also get a guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion, making the experience both educational and immersive.

Extras like entrance fees to other museums or attractions are not included, and water isn’t supplied, so bringing a reusable water bottle is wise. The tour provider is happy to accommodate dietary needs, though vegan options can’t be guaranteed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy active outdoor experiences, this is a fantastic way to explore a famous wine region without sacrificing comfort or depth. Wine lovers will appreciate the opportunity to taste wines in the actual chateaus, guided by experts. History buffs will find the charm of Saint-Emilion and its cobbled streets irresistible, and anyone who appreciates authentic local food and scenery will find this tour rewarding.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who are at least 150 cm tall, comfortable cycling on cobblestone streets, and seeking a personalized, less commercialized experience. Families with teenagers, especially those who love cycling and wine, might enjoy this too, but children under 12 are not accepted.

The Sum Up

The Saint-Emilion Wine and Bike Tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic cycling, cultural exploration, and wine tasting, all wrapped into a manageable, fun day. The use of electric bikes makes the journey accessible and relaxing, while the small group format ensures a personable experience. You’ll visit some of Bordeaux’s top wineries, stroll through a UNESCO heritage village, and enjoy a picnic amid the vines—what’s not to love?

This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers eager to see Saint-Emilion from a local’s perspective. It’s a perfect choice if you want to combine exercise, authentic wine experiences, and beautiful scenery without feeling rushed. The knowledgeable guides, delicious tastings, and charming setting make this a memorable day out that’s great value for money.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who don’t cycle often?
Yes, thanks to the electric bikes, even those with limited cycling experience will find it manageable. The bikes assist you on the hills, making for a relaxed riding experience.

Are the wines tasted in the chateaus different from the ones I might buy in a store?
Typically, yes. Tasting wines in the actual winery lets you experience the flavors directly from the source, often revealing nuances you won’t find in bottles elsewhere.

How strenuous is the cycling part?
The route is designed to be accessible, with manageable distances and the assistance of e-bikes. However, you should be comfortable on a bike and prepared for some cobblestone streets.

What is the picnic like?
The picnic is a homemade, regional affair with cheeses, regional foods, and regional specialties, paired with a glass of local wine. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfectly suited to the vineyard setting.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
The provider can adapt to certain dietary needs, though vegan options aren’t guaranteed. Advance notice, ideally 72 hours before, helps ensure your needs are met.

How many wineries do we visit?
You’ll visit at least two wineries, with a minimum of six wine tastings, mostly red wines, plus a stop at a family estate.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the data doesn’t specify seasons, the scenery is best appreciated in spring or fall when the vineyards are lush or harvest time. Check availability for your preferred travel dates.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation to and from Bordeaux is included in the form of a comfortable minivan.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and weather-appropriate clothing. A reusable water bottle is also recommended.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, if there are available spots, you can reserve close to your travel date. Just keep in mind the need to meet the minimum group size and availability.

Whether you’re a wine lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this tour offers a great way to experience Saint-Emilion’s charm and flavors in a lively, personal way. It combines the best of scenic scenery, authentic wine culture, and good company—an outing you’ll remember long after the ride ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: