Saint-Emilion: Electric Bike Wine Tour & Picnic Lunch

Summary

Electric cycling through Saint-Emilion vineyards with wine tastings and village strolls

You’ll pedal gently through Saint-Emilion’s vineyards on an electric bike with a small group and local guide. Taste wines at two family-run chateaux, enjoy a picnic lunch among the vines, then wander medieval streets for one last tasting in town. Expect laughter, real stories from locals, and moments you’ll want to hold onto long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a bit on our electric bikes before we even left the shop in Saint-Emilion — I hadn’t ridden one since I was a kid, and honestly, it felt weirdly freeing. Our guide, Camille, laughed and said everyone starts off like that. The morning air smelled faintly of crushed grass and something sweet I couldn’t quite place (maybe wildflowers?). We set off down these little lanes between rows of vines, the kind you see in postcards but somehow more alive — birds darting low, someone waving from a tractor. It wasn’t silent, but it was quiet in a way cities never are.

The first stop was this family-run chateau where the owner’s dog greeted us before anyone else did. Camille explained how the soil changes just meters apart here — she picked up a handful and let it run through her fingers while talking about Merlot versus Cabernet Franc. The tasting room was cool inside; I remember the glasses catching the light and that earthy smell of old barrels mixed with something almost floral from the wine. Lunch was outside under a tree — baguette, cheese, tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes (why is that so rare?), plus a glass of red that made me wish I could tell good wine from great but… I just liked it.

After lunch we cycled again — slower now, maybe from the wine or just full bellies — to another chateau for more tasting. The winemaker there had this way of describing his blends that made me want to listen even though I only caught half of it (my French is pretty bad). There was this moment where everyone went quiet after sipping; not awkward, just sort of content. On the way back into Saint-Emilion village my legs finally started to notice the hills (thank you e-bike), but seeing those medieval stones appear around the bend made it worth it.

The last bit was walking through those narrow cobbled streets with Camille pointing out details I’d never have noticed — little carved faces above doorways, faded paint on old wooden shutters. We ended with one more wine tasting right in the heart of the village. Honestly? I still think about that view over the rooftops with a glass in hand. If you go, don’t rush back — let yourself linger there awhile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric bike tour with wine tastings

• Meet guide at Rustic Vines shop
• Ride to first winery
• Visit family estate and wine tasting
• Picnic lunch with wine at winery
• Visit second chateau and wine tasting
• Ride back to village
• Guided walking tour of village
• Wine tasting in village center

Top questions

How long is the electric bike tour in Saint-Emilion?

The tour lasts around 5 to 6 hours including cycling, winery visits, picnic lunch, and time in the village.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a picnic lunch with wine is included at one of the wineries during your day trip from Saint-Emilion.

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

You should be a confident cyclist as some cycling experience is required for safety on rural roads.

Are wine tastings included at both chateaux?

Yes, guided wine tastings are included at two different chateaux along with explanations from local experts.

Does this day trip start from Bordeaux or Saint-Emilion?

The tour starts directly from Saint-Emilion village at the Rustic Vines shop.

Is hotel pickup provided for this electric bike tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the designated shop in central Saint-Emilion.

What happens if it rains during the bike tour?

The operator has an alternative plan (Plan B) for bad weather conditions so your experience can continue safely.

Is there a minimum height requirement for participants?

Yes, participants must be at least 155 cm tall to join due to bike sizing requirements.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bicycle and helmet, all entry fees and taxes covered upfront, bottled water throughout your ride, guided visits plus tastings at two local wineries (chateaux), and a relaxed picnic lunch paired with estate wine before returning to explore medieval Saint-Emilion on foot for one final tasting session together in town.