Saint-Émilion: Electric Bike Wine Tour & Château Lunch

Summary

Rolling past vines on e-bikes, tasting grand cru wines and stories in Saint-Émilion

You’ll cycle quiet lanes past Saint-Émilion’s vineyards on an electric bike with a local guide, taste Grand Cru wines at two family châteaux (with plenty of stories), enjoy a picnic-style lunch in a château garden, and finish with more tastings back in town. Expect laughter over lunch and small moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

We started pedaling out from the bike shop in Saint-Émilion, helmets a bit crooked and sun already warming up the stone walls. The electric bikes made the hills feel like nothing—honestly, I was nervous about that part but ended up grinning most of the way. Our guide, Pierre, waved us off the main road into a narrow lane where the air smelled faintly of crushed grass and something sweet I couldn’t place. He kept pointing out little things—an old well here, blue clay peeking through there—and I realized how much you miss if you’re not with someone who grew up around these fields.

The first château looked almost shy behind its rows of vines. We met Madame Lavigne (yes, really her name), who poured us her Grand Cru with hands stained purple at the edges—she laughed when I tried to pronounce “merlot” her way. Tasting wine right where it’s made is different; there’s this earthy coolness in the cellar, and you can smell barrels and stone. Lunch happened under trees in their garden—simple French food, bread still warm, cheese that actually squeaked between my teeth (is that normal?). We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave that patch of shade or stop talking about which vintage tasted like “wet autumn leaves.”

After lunch we cycled further into the countryside—Pierre told us about blue clay soils and why certain vines twist more than others (I pretended to understand). The second vineyard had been run by one family for centuries; their dog followed us everywhere, tail thumping against my leg when I knelt to tie my shoe. Their organic wine tasted sharper somehow, maybe just because we’d heard so many stories by then. Last stop was back in town at a wine merchant’s place—old bottles lined up like library books. I didn’t buy anything (still regret it) but held a 1970-something bottle for a second and wondered who’d open it someday.

I keep thinking about that ride home as golden light hit the vines sideways. My legs were tired but not sore thanks to those e-bikes—and honestly, I felt sort of lucky to have spent a day moving slow through Saint-Émilion’s vineyards instead of just looking out a car window. If you go, ask Pierre about his favorite vintage; he’ll probably pour you an extra splash.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saint-Émilion Wine Tour by E-bike

• Meet at ebike center and briefing
• Cycle through French vineyards
• Tour family-run chateau and wine tasting
• Lunch with French cuisine and wine
• Cycle and explore St. Emilion countryside
• Visit organic vineyard, tour and tasting
• Cycle back to bike shop and drop bikes
• Third wine tasting at local merchant
• Tour ends with final glass and goodbye

Top questions

How long is the Saint-Émilion electric bike wine tour?

The tour lasts from 10:30am until around 5:30pm.

Is lunch included on this Saint-Émilion wine tour?

Yes, French cuisine is served in the gardens of a château with wine included.

How many wineries do we visit during the tour?

You’ll visit two different châteaux for tours and tastings plus a final tasting at a wine merchant in Saint-Émilion village.

Are e-bikes provided for everyone?

Yes, use of electric bikes and helmets are included for all participants.

Do I need to be fit to join this ebike wine tour?

The route is suitable for all fitness levels thanks to electric bikes.

How many wines will we taste during the day?

You’ll taste at least 10 different wines throughout the day.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the ebike center in Saint-Émilion.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated for lunch?

Yes, lunch can be adapted to dietary restrictions if needed.

Can I buy wine during or after the tour?

You have an opportunity to purchase rare vintages at the final tasting in town.

What’s included

Your day includes use of premium electric bikes and helmets starting from central Saint-Émilion, guided rides through vineyards with stories from your English-speaking guide, tours and tastings at two family-run châteaux (with over ten wines sampled), French garden lunch with wine included, all entry fees and taxes covered, plus a final tasting session at a respected village wine merchant before returning your bike late afternoon.