Saint-Emilion: Small Group Wine Tour & French Picnic Lunch

Summary

Saint-Emilion vineyards, medieval streets, wine tastings & picnic

You’ll wander vineyard lanes near Saint-Emilion, taste wines at two contrasting châteaux with local stories behind every glass, and share a French picnic lunch outdoors. Expect laughter over cheese and bread, quiet moments in medieval alleyways, and plenty of time to ask your guide anything about Bordeaux wines or village life.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding past rows of vines when our guide, Camille, started telling us about the monks who first made wine here. I could smell the earth through the open van window — kind of wet, almost sweet, not what I expected. The road dipped and suddenly Saint-Emilion was right there: stone walls, red roofs, a bell tower poking up like it’s been watching the valley forever. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Merlot” the French way; Camille just grinned and poured our first tasting before we even got out of the car.

The first château felt formal — polished glasses lined up in a sunlit room, the owner explaining terroir while I tried not to spill anything (I failed). The second place was smaller, more lived-in. There was a dog asleep under a fig tree and we tasted straight from barrels in a cool cellar that smelled like damp stone and old wood. The private wine tour Bordeaux style is nothing like supermarket bottles at home — you can actually taste the weather or something. We ate lunch outside: baguette with cheese that stuck to my teeth, cold cuts, tomatoes that tasted like summer. I still think about that bread.

After lunch we wandered through Saint-Emilion’s medieval streets — narrow cobbles underfoot, sunlight bouncing off limestone walls. Camille pointed out tiny doors where bakers once lived (I peeked inside one; it smelled faintly of flour). There’s this hush in some corners of the village, broken by someone laughing or church bells echoing off stone. It didn’t feel like a regular day trip from Bordeaux — more like slipping into someone else’s story for an afternoon. And then we were back in the van with crumbs on our shirts and bottles clinking under our seats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Saint Emilion wine tour and lunch

• Visit first Château winery
• Taste various wines
• Explore medieval village of Saint Emilion
• Visit second Château winery
• Enjoy French lunch with baguette
• Learn about Bordeaux vineyards

Top questions

How long does the Saint-Emilion wine tour last?

The day trip lasts several hours including visits to two wineries and time exploring Saint-Emilion village.

Is lunch included on this Bordeaux wine tour?

Yes, a typical French picnic lunch with bread, cheeses, cold cuts, and vegetables is included.

Are wine tastings part of the day trip to Saint-Emilion?

Yes, multiple wine tastings at two different châteaux are part of the experience.

Does this private wine tour Bordeaux include transportation?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport is provided throughout the tour.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

A knowledgeable driver-guide accompanies your group for stories and insights all day.

Is bottled water provided on this Saint-Emilion day trip?

Bottled water is included for all guests during the tour.

Are entry fees or taxes extra?

No extra fees; all entry fees and taxes are covered in your booking.

Is this small group wine tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Bordeaux or nearby points, guided visits to two different wineries with several tastings each, bottled water along the way, all entry fees and taxes taken care of up front, plus a proper French picnic lunch outdoors before heading back in good company.