Bordeaux Wine Tour: 3 Châteaux, Saint-Emilion & Picnic Lunch

Summary

Three Bordeaux vineyards, a picnic in the vines and Saint-Emilion’s old stones

You’ll join a small group for a day trip from Bordeaux to Graves and Saint-Emilion, tasting red and white wines at three different châteaux with local hosts. There’s a picnic-style lunch served among the vines (with wine!), time to wander Saint-Emilion’s medieval lanes, and stories from your guide along the way. You’ll leave with new tastes—and maybe one or two memories that linger longer than expected.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the minivan because I stopped for coffee — typical. But our guide, Camille, just grinned and waved me over at the Bordeaux Tourist Office. The group was small, maybe seven of us? It felt like joining friends you haven’t met yet. We drove out past rows of vines that looked almost too neat, sunlight flickering through the window. Camille started talking about Graves wines — I thought I knew Bordeaux reds but she had stories about families and soil that made it feel personal.

The first tasting was at this château with pale stone walls and a dog asleep by the door. I can still remember the smell inside — a mix of cool cellar air and something earthy, maybe oak barrels? We tried both red and white wines (I liked the white more than I expected). Someone asked about “terroir” and the winemaker actually took us outside to show us gravel in his hand. There were tiny wildflowers everywhere. Lunch came next: a picnic table set up right between vines, with slices of saucisson and cheese that tasted sharper than what I buy at home. The sun was warm on my arms. At one point someone dropped their glass and we all laughed — even the winemaker joined in.

Saint-Emilion was busier than I thought it’d be, but still had this hush in its old stone streets. Camille led us through alleyways so narrow you could touch both sides if you tried (I did). She pointed out a bakery window where locals were buying canelés — little caramel cakes. The final château in Pomerol felt different: quieter, almost formal, but our host poured generously and told us how her family’s been making wine for generations. By then my notes were mostly doodles and wine stains.

I keep thinking about that moment at lunch when everyone went quiet for a second — just birdsong, breeze in the vines, someone pouring more wine. Not sure why it stuck with me so much. Maybe it’s that feeling of being somewhere very old but also completely present? Anyway, if you want a Bordeaux wine tour that feels real (and includes pickup plus plenty to taste), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bordeaux wine tour and tastings

• Meet guide at Bordeaux Tourist Office
• Travel to Pessac-Léognan vineyard
• Visit winery and taste red and white wines
• Picnic lunch at Saint-Emilion vineyard
• Guided walking tour of Saint-Emilion village
• Visit chateau in Pomerol or Saint-Emilion
• Exclusive wine tasting with château host
• Return to Bordeaux Tourist Office

Top questions

How many wineries are visited on this Bordeaux wine tour?

This tour includes visits to three different wineries in Graves, Pomerol or Saint-Emilion regions.

Is lunch included during the day trip from Bordeaux?

Yes, there’s a gourmet picnic-style lunch served at a vineyard with local charcuterie, cheese, and wine.

Where does the Bordeaux wine tour start?

The tour departs from in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office at 12 cours du 30 Juillet.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available for lunch?

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if requested 72 hours before the tour; vegan options aren’t guaranteed.

Is transportation included on this Bordeaux winery day trip?

Yes—transportation is provided by air-conditioned minivan throughout the day.

How long does this full day Bordeaux wine tour last?

The experience lasts most of the day including travel time between vineyards and back to Bordeaux city center.

Is Saint-Emilion village wheelchair accessible?

No—unfortunately Saint-Emilion is not wheelchair accessible due to its medieval layout; alternatives may be possible by request.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Bordeaux at the Tourist Office, comfortable minivan transport between all three wineries across Graves and Saint-Emilion regions, up to ten tastings of both red and white wines hosted by local château staff, plus a gourmet picnic lunch among vineyard rows—complete with regional charcuterie or vegetarian options if needed—and plenty of stories from your English-speaking guide before returning to town in the evening.