Bordeaux: Wine Tour with blending workshop full day

This experience made our article of 3 Top Full-Day Tours In Bordeaux (With Reviews & Prices).

Contents show

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of combining wine education with a taste of France’s most scenic vineyards, this Bordeaux: Wine Tour with Blending Workshop offers a compelling full-day experience. From tasting six carefully selected wines to discovering the enchanting medieval village of Saint-Emilion, this tour promises a mix of learning, tasting, and sightseeing that appeals to both wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What we love about this experience is how it balances hands-on wine education with immersive visits to iconic Bordeaux chateaux. Plus, the small-group setting (limited to just 8 participants) ensures a personal and engaging atmosphere. The opportunity to blend your own wine and receive expert guidance makes it feel like a true insider’s adventure.

One potential drawback? The tour’s duration means a fairly packed schedule, which might be tiring for some. However, if you have an interest in wine and culture, this full immersion offers excellent value for its price. Ideal for those keen to deepen their wine knowledge while exploring one of France’s most beautiful regions, this experience suits both casual wine lovers and more serious connoisseurs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Expert-led blending workshop provides a hands-on understanding of wine production.
Visit to a prestigious Saint-Emilion classified growth estate offers a glimpse into top-tier Bordeaux wines.
Small group size enhances personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Multiple tastings of high-quality French wines along with local delicacies elevate the experience.
Educational yet fun, with guides explaining the differences between varietals and blends.
Includes scenic drives and medieval village exploration, making it a well-rounded cultural outing.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Bordeaux

An In-Depth Look at the Bordeaux Wine & Saint-Emilion Experience

Starting Point and Morning Activities

The adventure begins at the À la Française apartment in Bordeaux at 10:30 am. Here, you’ll kick off with a warm welcome and a glass of white wine. This initial tasting isn’t just a sip; it’s a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of wine tasting. Your guide will walk you through how to evaluate aroma, taste, and appearance, helping you feel confident in tasting like a pro.

One of the most engaging parts of the morning is the blending workshop. After tasting two single-varietal wines—typically Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—you’ll get the chance to create your own blend. Watching wines come together and understanding what influences their flavor profiles is both fun and educational. Multiple reviewers, like Katrin, have described this as “lots of knowledge, fun, and new adventures,” emphasizing how interactive and enjoyable this part is.

The Blind Tasting and French Aperitif

Next up is a blind tasting of a renowned Bordeaux wine. The challenge? Guess where it’s from. This element adds a playful competition and a chance to test your newfound knowledge. Pairing this with a traditional French aperitif—bread, cheese, sausage, and dark chocolate—adds a delightful culinary touch that brings out the wines’ best qualities.

Many guests, including Helen, mention the “great wine education” and the guide’s humorous, insightful commentary, which makes learning about aromas and flavors engaging without feeling intimidating. This segment really sets the tone for appreciating Bordeaux wines with confidence.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch and Scenic Drive to Saint-Emilion

By around 12:00 pm, the tasting session wraps up, and your guide will recommend a local spot for lunch—giving you the freedom to explore Bordeaux’s culinary scene on your own or follow their suggestions for a memorable meal.

At 2:00 pm, it’s time for the scenic drive to Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning medieval architecture and renowned wines. The drive itself offers a chance to relax and enjoy the rolling vineyards and countryside.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Bordeaux

Visiting a Classified Growth Château

The highlight for many is the visit to a prestigious Château classified as Great Growth of Saint-Emilion. Here, you’ll learn about the winemaking process, from grape to glass, right from the experts. Expect explanations on terroir, aging, and vineyard management. Guests like Francis praise guides such as Vicky for their “informative” and “well-covered” explanations, which make complex wine concepts accessible.

The visit includes tasting several wines at the estate, allowing you to compare and appreciate the nuances of Bordeaux’s finest. The inclusion of the estate’s entrance fee ensures you see a flagship property without extra costs, adding to the overall value.

Exploring the Medieval Village

In the late afternoon, your guide will lead a guided walk around Saint-Emilion. Expect charming stone streets, ancient ruins, and panoramic viewpoints. This part of the tour is appreciated for how it brings the region’s history and beauty to life, with many reviewers noting how idyllic and picturesque the village is. Christina mentioned, “We want to visit again soon,” highlighting how memorable this part of the tour can be.

Final Details and Practicalities

The entire day is comfortably planned, with transportation in a minivan included, ensuring easy travel between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting around 10:30 am and ending back at the original meeting point, which is convenient for those staying in Bordeaux.

The tour’s price covers 10 wines tasted, a French aperitif platter, guided visits, and entrance to the Château—a package that offers good value considering the comprehensive experience. The small group size keeps things intimate and allows for personalized interaction with guides like Quintus and Vicky, who have garnered praise for their knowledge and friendly manner.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Timing: Always check availability as the starting times vary; mornings or early afternoons are typical.
Mobility: Not recommended for those with mobility issues, as some walking in Saint-Emilion and at the Château may be uneven.
Inclusions: This tour doesn’t include lunch, so plan to enjoy a local meal afterward. The guide can suggest good spots.
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour gives flexibility if plans change.
Group Size: Limited to 8, which means more interaction and a relaxed atmosphere.
Pricing: While not listed explicitly, the value lies in the combination of education, exclusive visits, tastings, and transport.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Guests highlight the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature. Katrin described her guide Quintus as “amazing,” with lots of fun and new adventures. Helen appreciated the “excellent and funny” guide who offered many recommendations, showing how the guides make the experience lively and memorable.

The blending workshop gets particular praise for its interactive nature—reviewers like Maria found it “very special and interesting,” making the day not just about tasting but also understanding the art behind wine creation.

Many reviewers also loved the stunning views and idyllic vineyards. Christina remarked that she “had such a wonderful time,” and others appreciated the scenic drive and the picturesque village, which make the whole day feel like a mini vacation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Bordeaux wines in a fun, hands-on way. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a mix of education and sightseeing, with the bonus of visiting a top winery and exploring Saint-Emilion’s historic streets.

If you’re a casual wine drinker, you’ll still enjoy the tasting and the beautiful scenery, but the educational parts might be especially rewarding if you want to deepen your knowledge. Those who enjoy small group tours and personalized attention will find this more intimate and engaging.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in a comfortable minivan is provided for the drive between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion.

What is the tour duration?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 10:30 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide will recommend places to eat in Bordeaux or Saint-Emilion.

Can I participate if I don’t know much about wine?
Absolutely. The tour starts with a beginner-friendly tasting class that covers the basics, making it suitable for all levels.

Is it suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments due to walking in historic areas and vineyards. Pets are not allowed.

How many wines will I taste?
You will taste a total of 10 wines, including those in the blending workshop, estate visits, and the blind tasting.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux wine tour with a blending workshop offers an engaging mix of education, tasting, and exploration. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for French wines while discovering the beauty of Saint-Emilion. The guides’ friendliness and expertise, combined with the intimate group size, make it a memorable experience that balances fun and learning.

Whether you’re a budding sommelier or simply a curious traveler, this tour delivers a well-rounded day filled with delicious wines, cultural sights, and expert insights—all within the stunning landscape of Bordeaux’s vineyards. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to combine wine education with a scenic escape into one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.

Note: Always check the latest availability and specific details before booking, as elements like starting times and inclusions can vary.