Bordeaux: St-Emilion & Médoc Day Trip with Wine Tastings & Lunch

Summary

St-Emilion village strolls, Médoc châteaux, and relaxed wine tastings

You’ll wander medieval lanes in Saint-Emilion, taste wines straight from local cellars, share a French-style picnic lunch among vineyards, and sample bold reds in Médoc’s famous châteaux. With an easy pickup and friendly guide handling all the details, you’ll feel both looked after and free to soak up every moment.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the village of Saint-Emilion to smell like fresh bread and old stone. We’d barely stepped out of the van when our guide Camille waved us toward a tiny bakery window — she said locals swear by their canelés. I tried one (sticky, caramel edges) while she pointed out how the vines almost touch the cobblestones here. The air felt heavy with history, but not in a museum way — more like you could feel stories in the cracks of every wall. Our first wine tasting was inside this cool cellar that made my glasses fog up for a second. Honestly, I still think about that first sip — plummy and sharp at once.

After wandering through Saint-Emilion’s winding streets (I lost track of how many photos I took), we drove out to a family-run winery just outside the village. The owner’s dog followed us around during the tour, which made me laugh because he seemed to know exactly where to stand for snacks. Lunch was a picnic under some trees — baguette, cheese, charcuterie, and more wine than I expected for midday. Camille explained why Merlot is king here; I nodded along but mostly just enjoyed the sun on my face and the sound of bees somewhere nearby.

The drive into Médoc felt different — flatter land, bigger skies. The “Route des Châteaux” is lined with these grand estates that look almost too perfect. At one château in Margaux, we tasted Cabernet Sauvignon blends that were deeper and somehow dustier than before (if that makes sense). The guide at this stop had this habit of swirling her glass mid-sentence; she made me realize how much goes into every bottle. By late afternoon we were all quieter in the van back to Bordeaux — maybe it was the wine or just that feeling you get when you’ve seen something new and want to let it settle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tour in Saint-Emilion and Médoc

• Meet guide at Rustic Vines agency
• Drive to Médoc region
• Guided walking tour in Saint-Emilion village
• Wine tasting in Saint-Emilion village
• Visit first winery in Saint-Emilion
• Wine tasting at first winery
• Picnic lunch with wine
• Visit Médoc 1855 Grand Cru winery
• Wine tasting at Médoc Grand Cru
• Wine tasting at family estate in Margaux
• Drive back to Bordeaux
• Drop-off and say goodbye to guide

Top questions

How long is the St-Emilion & Médoc day trip from Bordeaux?

The tour lasts about one full day with morning pickup in Bordeaux and return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Bordeaux wine tour?

Yes, a typical French picnic lunch with wine is included during the tour.

Are wine tastings part of this day trip?

Yes, there are multiple guided wine tastings at châteaux in both Saint-Emilion and Médoc regions.

Does this tour include visits to both St-Emilion and Médoc?

Yes, you visit wineries and villages in both Saint-Emilion and Médoc on this combined day trip.

Is transportation provided for this Bordeaux wine tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport is included throughout the day.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

A vegetarian option is available if requested during booking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English fluently during the tour.

Where does the tour start?

You meet your guide at Rustic Vines agency in Bordeaux for departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Bordeaux at Rustic Vines agency, comfortable air-conditioned transport between Saint-Emilion and Médoc, all entry fees for winery visits, several guided wine tastings across both regions, bottled water throughout the journey, plus a relaxed French picnic lunch with local wines before heading back in the evening.