Saint Emilion is a must-visit for wine lovers, thanks to its UNESCO heritage designation, picturesque vineyards, and centuries-old wineries. What makes this small town special is not just its reputation but its variety of ways to explore and taste Bordeaux wines. Whether you want a guided walk through medieval streets, a scenic bike ride through the slopes, or a family-owned vineyard experience, there’s something for all. One of our favorites is the Electric Bike Day Tour, which combines stunning views with a fun, environmentally friendly ride—plus excellent wine tastings and a picnic. It’s a lively way to enjoy the rolling vineyards without exhausting yourself on the steep hills.
If you prefer a more intimate experience, the Family Vineyard Visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at a working estate, ideal for wine newbies or families. For those with limited time, a Grand Cru Guided Tour & Picnic provides a quick but rich introduction to Saint Emilion’s wine culture. And if you’re arriving from Bordeaux by cruise, the Private Shore Excursion makes it easy to combine history, wine, and scenic views in a single day. Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each tour to help you pick the perfect match.
1. From Saint-Emilion : Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings and Picnic Lunch
At number 1, this electric bike tour combines adventure and wine without the sweat. Starting in Saint-Emilion at Rustic Vines, you’ll zip through vineyards on a top-quality electric bike, which makes tackling the region’s steep slopes surprisingly easy. The tour includes guided tastings at two family-run chateaux—Château Bernateau and Château La Croizille—where you’ll sample Bordeaux wines and learn about their stories. The highlight is a picnic lunch with a glass of wine at Château Bernateau, making this a satisfying and scenic experience.
What sets this tour apart is its small group size—max 10 people—and its balance of active exploration with relaxing wine tastings. Guests mention how friendly their guides are, sharing interesting facts with humor and enthusiasm. The itinerary’s pacing means you get to see spectacular vineyard views, walk through Saint-Emilion’s UNESCO-listed streets, and enjoy a relaxed wine session in the heart of the village. For lovers of outdoor fun and good wine, this tour offers superb value at $197.69 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a mix of scenery, wine, and local insight in a small-group setting.
2. Saint-Emilion: Family Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting
At number 2, this family-run vineyard offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at Château Haute-Nauve. Led by Marie-Anne or Florent, a mother and son duo, you’ll explore the vineyard, winery, and barrel cellar, understanding traditional winemaking processes. The highlight here is sampling four of their wines—a great way to appreciate the diversity of Bordeaux styles.
This tour is particularly suited for those interested in wine production and family stories. It’s a short 75-minute experience, very budget-friendly at only $19 per person, making it an excellent choice for families or travelers on a tight schedule. Guests love how personal and authentic the visit feels, and the owners’ passion is evident. Plus, you can purchase or even ship wines home, adding convenience for future enjoyment.
Bottom Line: An authentic, affordable way to taste local wines and learn about family traditions in Saint Emilion.
3. Saint-Emilion: Grand Cru Classé Guided Winery Visit & Picnic
Number 3 on our list is the Grand Cru Guided Tour with picnic. This 2-hour experience takes you inside two wineries—one traditional, one modern—and ends with a delicious picnic featuring classic French fare. The tour provides a well-rounded look at Saint Emilion’s winemaking, as you’ll learn about different techniques and taste wines like those from the prestigious Saint Emilion Grand Cru classification.
Guests rave about the panoramic views and the chance to compare contrasting winery styles, all while enjoying an authentic French picnic in the vineyards. This experience is ideal for those who want a taste of luxury paired with education, all at a reasonable $56 per person. The relaxed pace and scenic surroundings make it suitable for couples and small groups.
Bottom Line: An excellent introduction to Saint Emilion’s wine quality and landscape, perfect for an afternoon of learning and tasting.
4. Saint-Emilion: Tasting of 4 wines in a family vineyard
At number 4, this tasting experience offers a straightforward and personal encounter with four distinct wines from Château Haute-Nauve. Led by Marie-Anne or Florent, this 40-minute tasting is fully guided by the owners themselves, providing insights into each wine’s character.
It’s a quick, affordable session at just $11, perfect for travelers short on time but eager to sample authentic Bordeaux wines. Located only 5 minutes from Saint Emilion’s center, it’s very accessible. Reviewers mention the warmth of the owners and the quality of the wines, making it an easy, no-fuss stop. If you seek a brief but rich taste of local wine culture, this tour hits the spot.
Bottom Line: A quick, friendly tasting for those wanting to sample a variety of wines in an intimate setting.
5. Bordeaux: St. Emilion Wine Tour with Private Shore Excursion
Number 5 is the full-day private tour, ideal for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time. Departing from Bordeaux’s port, this 8-hour trip combines guided visits to Saint Emilion’s underground monuments and tours of a Grand Cru winery. The itinerary includes a charming guided village walk, wine tastings, and the flexibility to customize with options like exploring underground cellars.
This tour scores high on convenience, with door-to-door pickup and drop-off, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive but relaxed day. Reviewers appreciate the detailed storytelling from guides and the opportunity to enjoy Saint Emilion’s key sights in one trip, all while learning about wine, history, and local culture. It’s priced higher, but the experience balances value with its all-in-one nature, especially if you’re short on time.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers arriving by cruise or those wanting a guided, all-inclusive taste of Saint Emilion in a single day.
6. From Bordeaux: Private tour Monbazillac (Castle, Wine & Food in Dordogne)
Number 6 takes you outside Saint Emilion to explore the Monbazillac Castle, a Renaissance château famous for its sweet whites. This 7.5-hour private trip includes a visit to the castle, wine tasting of Monbazillac’s sweet wines, and a traditional country lunch. The scenery along the Dordogne River adds to the charm, with a final stop in Saint Emilion for photos.
The tour is suited for those interested in architecture, sweet wines, and regional landscapes. It’s pricier at $174 per person but offers a comprehensive day combining history, culinary delights, and wine. Review comments highlight the guide’s expertise and the beautiful views, making it a good choice if you want a more diverse experience beyond just wine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a full day of château visits, sweet wine tasting, and scenic landscapes.
7. St. Emilion: Half-Day E-Bike & Wine Tour with Wine & Cheese
Rounding out our list, the Half-Day E-Bike & Wine Tour combines active cycling with gourmet tastings. It’s a 4.5-hour adventure with premium e-bikes, a cheese board, and tasting seven wines. Starting at Bordeaux Wine Pilgrim, you’ll pedal through vineyards, meet a winemaker, and enjoy a relaxed lunch amid the vines.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of cycling, tastings, and a cheese platter, appealing to those who want a laid-back yet engaging tour. Reviews mention the beautiful scenery, professional guides, and the quality of wines served. It’s priced at $129 per person, offering a good balance of activity and indulgence.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active wine enthusiasts who want to combine physical activity with excellent food and drink.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Saint Emilion
Selecting the best wine experience depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a fun, active day with scenic views, the Electric Bike Tour offers a memorable mix of adventure and wine. For a more relaxed, intimate encounter, the family vineyard tasting provides personal insights in a cozy setting.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the quick wine tasting in the vineyard, while those arriving from Bordeaux by cruise should consider the private shore excursion for a full-day experience. If you love combining history with wine, the guided winery visit with picnic hits the spot.
Think about your fitness level—cycling tours suit active travelers, while guided walking tours are better for those preferring a more relaxed pace. Book early, especially in high season, to secure your spot on popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Saint Emilion offers a wide range of wine experiences, from high-energy bike rides to intimate tastings and full-day private tours. For travelers seeking an active adventure, the Electric Bike Day Tour stands out. If you prefer a quick, authentic taste, the small vineyard tasting offers excellent value.
Those interested in combining culture, history, and wine should consider the shoreside guided tour, which covers multiple highlights in one relaxed day. Whichever you choose, early booking is advised to ensure you get your preferred date and experience. Saint Emilion is a wine lover’s treasure trove—enjoy exploring it in a way that suits your style.