Saint Emilion: E-Bike Wine Tour & Picnic Lunch from Bordeaux

Summary

Cycle quiet vineyard roads taste red wines and wander medieval Saint Emilion

You’ll pedal quiet vineyard roads on e-bikes with a small group, taste red wines at two family-owned chateaux in Saint Emilion, share a picnic lunch among the vines, and wander medieval streets with a local guide who brings stories to life. Expect laughter, crumbly cheese, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you’re back in Bordeaux.

What’s the experience like?

"You’re not going to fall off, right?" That’s what our guide Claire asked as I wobbled onto my electric bike outside the Bordeaux Tourist Office. She grinned, handed me a helmet, and somehow made me feel like I’d been biking these vineyard lanes for years. The drive out to Saint Emilion was quick — maybe 40 minutes? — but it felt like slipping into another world, all rolling green and those neat rows of vines stretching forever. The air smelled faintly of earth and something sweet I couldn’t place.

I didn’t expect how easy the e-bikes made those hills. We zipped past tiny stone houses and old men tending roses at the end of each row (Claire said it’s an old trick for spotting vine diseases early). First stop was a chateau — family-run, nothing fancy on the outside but inside it was cool and smelled like barrels and blackcurrant. Tasted a Merlot that made my tongue tingle. Lunch came after: picnic tables set right between the vines, cheese and quiche from a local caterer (I still think about that pastry), everyone passing around homemade tart for dessert. Someone spilled wine on their jeans — nobody cared.

The village itself is almost too pretty. Cobbled streets, sun bouncing off limestone walls, kids kicking a ball near the church steps. Claire led us through little alleys I’d never have found alone. She pointed out where monks used to hide wine during wars (I tried to imagine them sneaking bottles under their robes). Last winery was smaller — owners poured us another glass in their backyard while their dog begged for cheese rinds. By then my legs were tired but happy-tired, if that makes sense.

On the drive back to Bordeaux I watched the vines blur past and realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all day. Sometimes you just need a day trip like this — good people, good wine, nothing rushed or forced. If you’re thinking about a Saint Emilion wine tour by bike… well, just go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saint Emilion wine and bike tour

• Meet guide at Bordeaux Tourist Office
• Depart for Saint Emilion by minivan
• Get E-bike and apparel
• Attend security briefing
• Visit chateau and taste red wine
• Enjoy private picnic lunch by vines
• Guided walk in Saint Emilion village
• Visit family-owned vineyard estate
• Return to Bordeaux

Top questions

How long is the Saint Emilion wine & bike tour from Bordeaux?

The full day tour typically lasts around 8 hours including travel time from Bordeaux.

Is lunch included on this Saint Emilion e-bike tour?

Yes, a gourmet picnic lunch with local products and wine is included during the tour.

Do I need cycling experience for this e-bike tour?

You should be comfortable riding a bike; basic cycling experience is required for safety.

What’s included in the wine tastings?

The tour includes visits to two wineries with at least six tastings of mostly red Bordeaux wines.

Is transportation from Bordeaux provided?

Yes, roundtrip minivan transport from central Bordeaux is included in your booking.

Are there age or height restrictions?

Yes—minimum age is 14 years old and minimum height is 1.50m (5’02”).

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

The picnic menu may vary by season; notify in advance for dietary needs if possible.

Will there be a guide during the whole day trip?

Yes—a local English-speaking guide accompanies your group throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by minivan from central Bordeaux, use of electric bikes and safety gear after a short briefing with your guide, two winery visits with at least six tastings of mostly red wines, a homemade picnic lunch served among the vines (with cheese, charcuterie or vegetarian options depending on season), an hour-long guided stroll through medieval Saint Emilion village, plus extra nibbles and one last glass before heading back in comfort to Bordeaux.