Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion & Margaux Day Trip with Wine Tastings

Summary

Saint-Emilion village strolls, Margaux châteaux, picnic lunch and wine

You’ll wander Saint-Emilion’s cobbled lanes with a local guide, taste Grand Cru wines in both Saint-Emilion and Margaux appellations, and share a relaxed picnic lunch at a château surrounded by vineyards. Expect laughter, new flavors, and moments that linger long after you’ve left Bordeaux behind.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the city noise faded as we left Bordeaux behind — one minute it was traffic lights and café chatter, the next it was just rows of vines stretching out under this pale morning sky. Our guide, Camille, had this way of pointing out tiny things: the old stone walls covered in moss near Saint-Emilion, or how the air smelled faintly like crushed leaves after last night’s rain. I tried to pronounce “Saint-Emilion” properly; Camille grinned but didn’t correct me (probably for the best). Walking through those cobbled streets felt like stepping into a painting — honestly, I didn’t expect it to feel so lived-in, with locals waving from doorways and church bells echoing somewhere above us.

The first winery stop was quieter than I thought it’d be. We tasted three wines right in this vaulted cellar that felt cool even though outside was warming up. The winemaker explained “terroir” — I nodded along but mostly just tried to pick out flavors like he said (still not sure if I actually tasted blackcurrant or just wanted to). Lunch was a picnic on the grass outside: soft cheese, slices of something smoky from Basque country, crusty bread that left flour on my fingers. There was a moment where everyone went quiet except for someone laughing at a joke in French I didn’t catch. That’s when it really hit me how far from home I was.

Margaux came later — grander somehow, more formal? We stopped for photos at Château Margaux itself (felt almost too pretty to be real), then visited another château for more tastings. By then my palate was probably not as sharp as at the start but nobody seemed to mind. Our small group swapped stories over glasses of deep red wine; Camille answered every question with patience, even the ones that sounded silly once spoken aloud. The afternoon light made everything look golden as we drove back toward Bordeaux. I kept thinking about that first bite of cheese and how different the air felt out there among the vines — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Saint-Emilion and Margaux vineyards

• Guided tour of Saint-Emilion village
• Visit and taste 3 wines at Saint-Emilion Château
• Picnic lunch at the Château
• Stop for photo at Château Margaux
• Visit and taste 3 wines at Margaux Grand Cru Château

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion and Margaux?

The tour lasts a full day with morning departure from Bordeaux city center.

Is lunch included on this Bordeaux wine tour?

Yes, a fresh picnic lunch with local cheese and charcuterie is included at a château.

How many wineries do we visit during the tour?

You’ll visit three wineries: one in Saint-Emilion and two in Margaux.

Are wine tastings part of this day trip?

Yes, you’ll enjoy eight wine tastings across different châteaux during the tour.

Is transportation provided from Bordeaux?

Transportation from Bordeaux city center is included in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Will there be a guide during the whole tour?

A knowledgeable English-speaking guide leads you throughout the day.

Can children join this wine tasting tour?

No, children under 16 are not allowed for group comfort; consider booking private instead.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring comfortable clothes for all weather and your own water bottle to refill in the morning.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Bordeaux city center by air-conditioned vehicle, guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion village, visits to three wineries with eight wine tastings total (including Grand Cru estates), a picnic lunch featuring local cheeses and Basque charcuterie plus one glass of wine at a château, photo stop at Château Margaux, and all transportation with your driver-guide before returning in the evening.