St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

A Taste of Bordeaux’s Finest: St-Emilion & Médoc Day Tour

Bordeaux is world-famous for its incredible wines, and this combined day tour offers a fantastic way to experience the best of both the Médoc and Saint-Emilion regions. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this tour balances educational stops, scenic views, and relaxed tastings, all wrapped up in a comfy, small-group setting.

What we love most? The chance to see both iconic wine regions in one day, the knowledgeable guides who bring the vineyards to life, and the delicious, no-fuss picnic lunch paired with local wines. Plus, the charming medieval village of Saint-Emilion provides a picturesque break from the vineyards.

One thing to consider: the day is packed and can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re keen to soak in every detail of Saint-Emilion’s cobbled streets. Still, for those who want a comprehensive, enjoyable glimpse into Bordeaux’s wine culture, this tour fits the bill.

This experience is perfect for travelers eager to explore Bordeaux’s top wine areas without the hassle of planning multiple visits or transportation. It suits those who value expert insights, good value for money, and a well-organized itinerary that balances wine, history, and scenery.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Day: Combines Médoc and Saint-Emilion, covering two of Bordeaux’s most famous wine regions.
• Expert-Guided Visits: Learn about wine production from family-run vineyards and renowned estates.
• Multiple Tastings: Enjoy generous wine tastings, making you feel more like a connoisseur than a casual sipper.
• Scenic and Historic Highlights: Explore the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Comfortable Transportation: Small-group, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a relaxed, intimate experience.
• Ideal for All: Most travelers can participate, with vegetarian options available.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point in Bordeaux: The tour kicks off at Rustic Vines in Bordeaux, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a cozy, air-conditioned vehicle. This initial ride to Médoc takes about 45 minutes, giving you a comfortable start and some early glimpses of Bordeaux’s outskirts.

Chateau Margaux: Your first stop is a quick photo at the legendary 1855 First Growth Château Margaux. While no tour of the estate is included here, this iconic vineyard is a must-see for any wine lover. Reviewers note that these photo stops are brief but meaningful, offering a chance to appreciate the Château’s grandeur.

Chateau Siran: Next, a guided visit at Chateau Siran immerses you in Médoc’s wine-making traditions. You’ll learn about the production process and get to taste region-specific wines. Reviewers mention that these tastings are plentiful and high-quality, leaving many feeling more knowledgeable about Bordeaux wines.

Chateau Bonalgue in Saint-Emilion: Afterward, the focus shifts to Saint-Emilion, starting with a visit to Chateau Bonalgue. This vineyard is notable as the first winery in the Saint-Emilion region that the tour visits. The guided tour here is complemented with tastings, giving insight into the unique styles of wines from this UNESCO-listed village.

Picnic Lunch with Wine: One of the highlights is a traditional French picnic lunch served at Chateau Bonalgue. Featuring local wines along with delicious, simple fare, it provides a relaxing break amid the vineyard scenery. Reviewers rave about the quality of the lunch, describing it as “absolutely delicious” and perfectly paired with the wines.

Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle: Post-lunch, the journey continues with tastings at a second Saint-Emilion Grand Cru estate. Expect a blend of elegance and boldness in the wines here, with many reviewers noting the chance to taste a variety of styles.

Saint-Emilion Village Tour: The afternoon includes a guided walk through Saint-Emilion’s medieval streets. Cobblestones, ancient buildings, and panoramic views make this a photographer’s dream. Guests frequently mention how charming and atmospheric the village is, giving a real sense of history and tradition.

Wine Tasting in Saint-Emilion: After your walk, you’ll have the opportunity for a more relaxed tasting session right in the heart of the village. Many reviewers point out that this stop allows you to compare wines directly and better appreciate the differences between château labels.

Return to Bordeaux: The day winds down with a 45-minute drive back to Bordeaux. Your guide will be available for questions or tips about further exploration of Bordeaux, wrapping up a day packed with wine, culture, and scenic beauty.

Why This Tour Offers Value

At approximately $226.76 per person, this tour packs a full day of authentic Bordeaux wine experiences. With most bookings made 43 days in advance and capped at eight guests, the intimate setting ensures personal attention from guides like Maude, Susanne, or Daniella—who are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.

The inclusion of guided winery visits, multiple tastings, and a picnic lunch means you won’t need to worry about extra costs or planning. Its all-inclusive nature offers great value — especially considering the quality of the vineyards visited and the tailored experiences.

The small-group size enhances interactions with guides, who share insights that make the region’s wines more understandable and enjoyable. Guests often mention how guides like Theo and Danielle go above and beyond, making the experience personable and memorable.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Expert Guides: Multiple reviews highlight guides like Maude, Daniella, and Susanah for their friendliness, expertise, and ability to keep the group engaged. They share stories and insights that elevate the experience from a simple wine tasting to an educational adventure.

Diverse Vineyard Portfolio: The tour visits a mix of family-run wineries and prestigious estates. This variety exposes guests to different styles, terroirs, and price points, helping you understand the many faces of Bordeaux wines.

Beautiful Highlights: From the photo-op at Château Margaux to Saint-Emilion’s cobblestone streets and panoramic vineyards, the scenery itself is a reason to book. Many reviewers mention the stunning views and atmospheric villages as highlights.

Taste and Learn: The multiple tastings, often described as “bottomless” by reviewers, help even novices appreciate the differences between wines. Plus, the guided tours demystify the process, making the wines more approachable.

Culinary Simplicity & Quality: The picnic lunch, paired with local wines, provides a relaxed, delicious break. Many say it’s “simple but very tasty,” adding to the authenticity of the experience.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about 9 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the late afternoon, making it ideal for a full day of exploration without feeling rushed. The round-trip transportation ensures you don’t have to worry about navigating or parking, and the air-conditioned vehicle keeps you comfortable throughout.

The small-group format (maximum 8 travelers) fosters a cozy, friendly environment where everyone can ask questions and share their impressions. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with vegetarian options available—just be sure to specify this when booking.

The Sum Up

This Bordeaux day tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience perfect for wine lovers wanting a comprehensive taste of both Médoc and Saint-Emilion. With expert guides, a variety of wineries, and plenty of tastings, it provides great value for those eager to understand the region’s wines without the hassle of planning or multiple trips.

Ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, historical villages, and engaging stories behind their wines, this tour makes Bordeaux’s wine culture approachable and fun. Whether you’re visiting Bordeaux for a few days or just want to tick off a bucket-list experience, this tour will likely leave you with new knowledge—and a few bottles to take home.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, all transportation from Bordeaux is provided in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, making the day hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 9 hours, starting in the morning and returning to Bordeaux in the late afternoon.

What stops are included in the tour?
You’ll visit Château Margaux for a quick photo, Chateau Siran and Chateau Bonalgue for guided tours and tastings, enjoy a picnic lunch, then continue with tastings at Chateau Balestard La Tonnelle and explore the medieval village of Saint-Emilion.

Are the wine tastings unlimited?
While not technically unlimited, guests consistently mention enjoying plenty of tastings—many describing the experience as “bottomless” and satisfying even the most enthusiastic wine lovers.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available; just remember to specify this when booking.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personal experience with attentive guides.

Do I need prior wine knowledge?
Not at all. The guides and tastings are designed to be educational and accessible, whether you’re a beginner or a connoisseur.

Can I buy wine during the tour?
While the tour itself does not specify purchasing, many wineries sell bottles on-site, and guides can advise on how to buy and ship wines home.

Is this tour good for families or groups?
It is most suited for adult travelers interested in wine and history. The small group setting makes it personable, but children may not find it as engaging.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of expert-guided vineyard visits, a balanced itinerary, stunning scenery, and quality tastings makes this one of the best Bordeaux wine experiences available.

In essence, this tour delivers a well-rounded, enjoyable, and educational exploration of Bordeaux’s wine regions, suitable for anyone wanting to taste, learn, and see the best of what this famous area has to offer.