Saint-Emilion: Electric Bike Wine Tour & Lunch from Bordeaux

Summary

Cycle past Pomerol vines taste Bordeaux wines share lunch in a chateau

You’ll cycle electric bikes through Saint-Emilion’s vineyards with a local guide, wander medieval streets, share lunch at a wine chateau, and taste Bordeaux wines right where they’re made. Expect laughter around big tables, hands-on moments in real cellars, and small surprises that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been curious about Saint-Emilion for years, but I never imagined I’d be gliding through its vineyards on an electric bike, with the smell of earth and crushed leaves in the air. The morning started in Bordeaux — our guide, Lucie, was already joking with us as we climbed into the minivan. She knew every shortcut and somehow remembered everyone’s name by the first stop. There was this quiet excitement as we rolled into the old village, stones still damp from last night’s rain. Walking those medieval lanes felt like stepping into someone else’s story.

Getting on the bikes was easier than I thought (I’m not exactly Tour de France material). The electric boost made the hills almost fun, even when my legs wanted to argue. We passed rows of vines—Pomerol on one side, then Cheval Blanc just beyond—and Lucie pointed out which grapes were Merlot or Cabernet Franc. At one point, she stopped us to pick up a handful of soil and let it crumble between her fingers—she called it “terroir,” which sounded fancier than dirt but honestly smelled kind of sweet and mineral at once. I tried repeating “Saint-Emilion” like she did; probably butchered it.

Lunch at the Great Growth Estate was more relaxed than I expected—no stiff formality, just long tables and laughter echoing off stone walls. The food came out in generous plates (there was something with duck that I still think about), and we tasted wines that actually tasted different from each other—not just “red.” Someone asked about Petrus and our host just smiled; apparently you can see it across the fields but tasting it is another story. After that, we rode further—my legs getting tired but not minding much—and ended up at a family estate where the winemaker poured us something deep purple while his dog napped under a barrel.

I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable here, surrounded by strangers who slowly became less strange over glasses of Bordeaux wine and stories about weather or harvests or how many times they’ve fallen off bikes (just once for me, and yes, everyone saw). On the drive back to Bordeaux I watched the light shift across the vines and felt oddly calm—like I’d borrowed a day from someone else’s life and didn’t want to give it back yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St-Emilion by electric bike

• Travel from Bordeaux to St-Emilion
• Guided walking tour of St-Emilion village
• Cycle to Great Growth Estate
• Visit and wine tasting at Great Growth Estate
• Lunch at family estate
• Wine tasting at family estate
• Bike through vineyards past Pétrus and Cheval Blanc
• Final wine tasting stop

Top questions

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

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Bordeaux and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included during the Saint-Emilion wine tour?

Yes, lunch at a winery is included as part of your day trip.

Are there wine tastings during this bike tour?

You’ll enjoy tastings of 5 to 6 wines at two different chateaux along the route.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist for this tour?

No; anyone comfortable riding a bike can join if they are in good physical health.

Is hotel pickup provided from Bordeaux?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned minivan from central Bordeaux.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

If there’s heavy rain, your guide may switch to a van-based itinerary instead of biking.

Are children allowed on this wine tour?

The minimum age for participants is 12 years old; you must be 18 to drink alcohol.

Can special dietary requirements be accommodated for lunch?

Please advise any allergies or requirements before booking; changes aren’t possible on tour day.

What’s included

Your day includes minivan transport between Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion, use of an electric bike for vineyard cycling, guided tours of two chateaux with cellar visits and tastings of several wines (including stops at famous estates), plus a relaxed winery lunch before returning to Bordeaux in the evening.