Saint-Emilion: Afternoon Wine Tour & Tastings from Bordeaux

Summary

Saint-Emilion wine tastings village walk and French aperitif

You’ll wander Saint-Emilion’s medieval lanes with a local guide, taste Grand Cru wines straight from historic cellars, and share French aperitifs at a family-owned château. From vineyard stories to cheese pairings and quiet moments on cobbled streets—you’ll feel both welcomed and just a little changed by it all.

What’s the experience like?

We met right outside the Bordeaux Tourist Office—felt a bit nervous at first, not sure if I’d picked the right day trip to Saint-Emilion. But our guide, Camille, had this warm way of talking about vineyards that made everyone relax. She asked us about our favorite wines as we drove past rows of vines that looked almost too neat. Someone in the back tried to guess which grape was which (I just nodded along—no idea). The van smelled faintly like morning pastries someone must’ve snuck in.

The first stop was this Grand Cru château—I still can’t say it without sounding awkward. The winemaker showed us these old barrels stacked in cool stone cellars; it was chilly down there, and you could smell oak and something earthy, almost like mushrooms after rain. We tasted two reds—one was softer than I expected. Camille explained why Merlot is so big here, but honestly I was distracted by the light coming through the cellar window. Then we walked up into Saint-Emilion village itself—tiny winding streets, uneven stones underfoot, shops with handwritten signs in the windows.

Later we visited a family-run winery outside town. The owner’s hands were stained purple from grapes—he joked about it before pouring us another glass. We sat around a little table for a “French aperitif” (I probably ate more cheese than anyone else). The wine paired with these salty bites—I think they called them cannelés? Or maybe that was dessert? Either way, I still remember the taste. On the drive back to Bordeaux, everyone got quiet for a while—maybe just tired or maybe letting it all sink in. I kept thinking about those narrow streets and how different wine tastes when you’re sitting right where it’s made.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saint-Emilion wine tour and tastings

• Meet guide at Bordeaux Tourist Office
• Travel to Saint-Emilion with wine talk
• Visit Grand Cru winery and taste wines
• Guided walk in Saint-Emilion village
• Tour family-owned winery and taste wines
• Enjoy wine with local delicacies
• Return to Bordeaux Tourist Office

Top questions

How long is the Saint-Emilion afternoon wine tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes from Bordeaux.

Is pickup included for this day trip to Saint-Emilion?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at the Bordeaux Tourist Office.

How many wineries do you visit on this tour?

You visit two wineries: one Grand Cru château and one family-owned estate.

Are food or snacks included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy local delicacies paired with wine during a French aperitif at the second winery.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 12 and up can join; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Will there be free time to explore Saint-Emilion village?

You’ll have some free time during your guided walk but not enough to see the whole village independently.

Is water provided on this tour?

No bottled water is provided; you should bring your own bottle but can refill at each winery.

Is Saint-Emilion wheelchair accessible?

No, unfortunately the medieval village is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes pickup and drop-off at central Bordeaux by air-conditioned minivan, guided walks through Saint-Emilion’s medieval streets with an English-speaking local guide, visits to two wineries (including tastings of Grand Cru wines), plus an extra glass of wine served alongside traditional French delicacies during a relaxed aperitif before heading back into town together.