Saint Emilion is a treasure trove for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. Its charming medieval streets, stunning vineyards, and historic chateaux make it a perfect setting for memorable tours and experiences. We especially love the From Saint-Emilion: Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings and Picnic Lunch for its combination of active exploration, scenic views, and insider wine tastings—all delivered with small-group intimacy and expert guidance. Whether you’re pedaling past family-run estates or enjoying a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed village, Saint Emilion offers a variety of ways to indulge your senses and deepen your understanding of Bordeaux wines.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the 11 best Tours & Experiences in Saint Emilion. From half-day tastings to full-day private excursions, each provides a unique angle on this region’s rich vinicultural heritage.
1. From Saint-Emilion : Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings and Picnic Lunch
At number 1, this Electric Bike Day Tour offers a lively way to explore Saint Emilion’s rolling vineyards. The tour’s electric bikes make climbing the region’s steep hills a breeze, freeing you to focus on the breathtaking views and the rich aromas of Bordeaux wines. The guide takes you to chateau wineries like Château Bernateau, where you’ll enjoy guided tastings of family-produced wines, and savor a picnic lunch at a local estate.
What really lifts this experience is the small group size—max 10 people—meaning personalized attention and an authentic atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides, the delicious lunch, and the chance to sample Bordeaux wines in stunning settings. The itinerary balances riding, tasting, and sightseeing, making it ideal for active travelers who love wine and landscape equally.
Bottom line: It’s perfect for those who want a mix of adventure, culinary discovery, and intimate knowledge of Bordeaux’s vineyard landscape.
2. Saint-Émilion: Family Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting
At number 2, this charming Family Vineyard Visit at Château Haute-Nauve is a wonderful introduction to small-scale Bordeaux winemaking. Led by Marie-Anne or Florent, a mother-son duo, the tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a family-run estate cultivates and produces its wines. You’ll sample four wines, and learn about the estate’s multi-generation history.
What makes this experience special is the personal touch: the guides share heartfelt stories about their vineyard and explain traditional vinification methods like fermentation, pumping, and pressing. Visiting the vineyard and cellar provides tangible insight into the craft of wine making, making it a favorite for those wanting an authentic, approachable experience.
Bottom line: This is a perfect choice if you’re interested in a genuine family-run winery experience with a focus on learning and tasting.
3. Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classé Guided Winery Visit & Picnic
Next on our list, the Grand Cru Classé Guided Winery Visit & Picnic combines two classic Saint Emilion experiences. Starting at Château La Croizille, you’ll tour both a traditional and a modern winery, gaining insights into different winemaking styles. The visit includes a relaxed picnic lunch with typical French dishes amid panoramic estate views.
This tour stands out for its comprehensive approach—covering the full process from vine to bottle while pairing it with regional cuisine. The opportunity to taste three exceptional wines from Saint Emilion Grand Cru adds depth to your understanding of Bordeaux’s terroir. Guests love the scenic setting and the balance of education with leisure.
Bottom line: Ideal for those looking to combine a scenic picnic with a structured winery visit and tastings of top-tier Bordeaux wines.
4. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classified: Visit & Tasting in French
For around $23, the Visit & Tasting in French provides a focused visit to two top estates—Château Tour Baladoz and Château La Croizille—highlighting the differences between traditional and modern viticulture. The tour covers cellar architecture, grape varieties, and the technical side of wine production, culminating in tastings of three wines.
The reviews emphasize the detailed explanations and stunning views of the vineyard. It’s a quick, affordable introduction suitable for travelers with limited time or budget constraints but wanting a meaningful wine experience. The small-group setting ensures a personal and engaging visit.
Bottom line: Well-suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a concise, high-quality winery experience in Saint Emilion.
5. Saint-Emilion: Tasting of 4 Wines in a Family Vineyard
At number 5, this tasting experience at Château Haute-Nauve offers a straightforward, intimate tasting with the owners. You’ll sample four different wines in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick but meaningful introduction to the estate’s offerings.
Because it’s led by the vineyard’s owners, the tasting often feels personal and relaxed. It’s an excellent option for travelers seeking a casual, authentic tasting without the fuss of large tours. The fact that it’s just five minutes from Saint Emilion’s center adds to its appeal for those short on time.
Bottom line: A great choice for a quick, authentic wine tasting experience in a family-run estate.
6. Explore Saint-Emilion on e-Bikes: Small Group, Half-Day Tour
As the name suggests, this Half-Day e-Bike Tour combines cycling with wine tasting in a relaxed format. Starting at the Lovelec33 meeting point, you’ll pedal past esteemed estates like Château Ausone, Angélus, and Petrus, with stops for explanations and tastings at select wineries.
Guests love the small-group environment and the chance to cover more ground in less time. The mix of cycling, sightseeing, and tasting makes it suitable for active travelers who appreciate a laid-back pace. The guides are knowledgeable, sharing details about each estate, and the route is planned for scenic enjoyment.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a balanced, active day with high-quality wine tasting.
7. Château Balestard La Tonnelle: The “Origins” Tour
This “Origins” tour at Château Balestard La Tonnelle offers a deep dive into a Grand Cru Classé estate with a history dating back to 1647. Set on a limestone plateau with panoramic views of Saint Emilion, the estate features an architect-designed bioclimatic cellar and a 15th-century watchtower.
The tour includes a walk through the estate, wine tasting, and a chance to explore the family’s winemaking history. Guests love the scenic terrace and the modern, eco-friendly cellars that exemplify innovative Bordeaux wine production.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in historic estates with a modern twist and impressive vistas.
8. Bordeaux: St. Emilion Wine Tour with Private Shore Excursion
For cruise passengers or those seeking a full-day experience, this private shore excursion offers a leisurely exploration of Saint Emilion. It includes guided tours of the village, underground monuments, and a visit to a Grand Cru estate with tastings.
This experience is flexible and customizable, perfect for those who want a tailored visit and the comfort of private transportation. It’s a longer, more comprehensive taste of the region, with stops at key sites and wines.
Bottom line: Best for travelers arriving by cruise or those wanting a private, luxury-style experience.
9. From Bordeaux: Private Tour Monbazillac (Castle, Wine & Food in Dordogne)
At number 9, this day trip combines a visit to a Renaissance château with wine tasting and a regional lunch. You’ll also explore the picturesque landscapes of Saint Emilion on the way back. This tour provides a broader taste of Dordogne’s scenery and flavors, including the famous Monbazillac sweet white wines.
Guests appreciate the panoramic castle views and tasting multiple wines, including some of the region’s best sweet whites. It’s best suited for those who want a mix of history, wine, and countryside.
Bottom line: Great for history buffs and wine lovers wanting a richer regional experience beyond Saint Emilion.
10. Saint-Emilion: Vintage Moped Rides and Tours
For those seeking a fun, retro adventure, this vintage moped tour offers a 35 km ride through Saint Emilion’s vineyards and confidential roads. Starting from a local château, you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing and wine tasting session on a classic moped.
Reviews highlight the memorable experience, with many noting the unique blend of transportation and scenery. It’s a playful option for travelers who want to combine vintage style with excellent wine experiences.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a quirky, fun way to see the region while tasting wines at listed estates.
11. St. Emilion: Half Day E-Bike & Wine Tour with Wine & Cheese
Finally, the Half-Day E-Bike & Wine & Cheese Tour combines scenic cycling with wine and cheese tasting. Starting in Bordeaux, you’ll pedal through vineyards, meet with a winemaker, and enjoy a cheese board amidst the vines.
This tour is well suited for those who appreciate a gourmet touch, as it pairs Bordeaux wines with local cheeses and includes a visit to a winemaker. The premium ebikes ensure a smooth ride, even on hilly terrain.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies and active travelers eager to combine cycling with gourmet tasting.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Saint Emilion
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re looking for an active adventure with tasting, the Electric Bike Day Tour offers a perfect mix. For those seeking a deeper dive into family-run wineries, Tour #2 provides personal stories and direct tastings.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Grand Cru Classé Visit & Tasting, while history enthusiasts could opt for the Monbazillac private tour. Those arriving on a cruise will find the Private Shore Excursion ideal for a seamless, personalized experience.
Final Thoughts
Saint Emilion offers a wide range of tours—from active bike rides and vintage mopeds to elegant castle visits and intimate tastings. For a well-rounded experience, consider the electric bike adventure, which balances scenery, exercise, and wine. Alternatively, couples or small groups who want a personal touch might thrive on the family vineyard tasting, while history lovers could indulge in the Monbazillac trip.
No matter your preference, early booking is recommended—these experiences fill quickly during high season. Whatever your style, Saint Emilion promises rich flavors, scenic beauty, and memorable moments.