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Are you visiting the Bordeaux region looking for the perfect wine-filled European getaway? I visited Saint Emilion from Bordeaux and joined the best wine tour! This charming French town is full of delicious wines, stunning architecture, and quaint restaurants. So if you are traveling to the region and are looking for the best wine tours in Saint Emilion you have come to the right place!
Ready To Book Your Saint Emilion Wine Tour?
Saint Emilion, France is a picturesque region known for its excellent wines and stunning landscapes. The best way to explore all of the beauty that this part of France has to offer is by taking a guided wine tour from Bordeaux that will provide a unique, personalized experience.
I was lucky enough to go wine tasting on one of these tours in September! If you are planning to visit Bordeaux and want to book an incredible day trip, this post is for you!
What Are the Best Wine Tours in Saint Emilion?
There are several wine tours that leave from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion. I am going to suggest the tour I personally took, and the other tours that are the highest rated.
I’ve put together a list of the best wine tours in Saint Emilion for solo travelers, so you can pick the one that’s right for you. Cheers!
Best Half-Day Wine Tasting Small Group Tours
1. Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion
My perfect half-day in St. Emilion of wine tasting was on this tour! By taking this wine tour from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion, you will get to experience some of the best wines that France has to offer and explore the breathtaking landscapes around them.
With just enough activity for a half-day trip, this is the ideal way to get a taste of medieval village life and some of the best Bordeaux wines.
Wine Tour Itinerary
The tour to Saint Emilion kicks off in Bordeaux meeting your guide and the group at the tourism office. The departure time was 9 am. From there you will take a scenic drive in an air-conditioned mini-van to Saint Emilion! Along the way through the French countryside, your guide will tell you about some of the most notable vineyards in the surrounding area.
Saint Emilion offers some of the best tour tastings with its exquisite wines! On this wine tour, you will be tasting a couple of different wines at the Grand Cru Wine Estate!
You will learn all about how they harvest and produce these local wines! The tour guide will take you through where the actual wine is produced and stored.
Then after you learn all about the long history of wine-making on the property. Before finally getting to the best part… Drinking the wine!
The tasting is about an hour and a half of the whole day. The wines tasted will vary by season, but likely you will taste some delicious cabernet franc and merlot. Also, a little dark chocolate.
The tour then winds down with a visit to the famous village of Saint Emilion. You will marvel at monuments and structures such as the Collegiale de St Martin and the Monolithic Church. You will have free time to explore the medieval town and the hidden gems of this little village before heading back to Bordeaux.
At the end of the tour, you always have the option to stay for dinner in Saint Emilion and go back on your own. There is public transportation that can take you back to Bordeaux’s main train station.
The trains are pretty frequent running approximately every hour. The transit time to Bordeaux from Saint Emilion is 30 mins.
2. Afternoon Wine Tour with Winery Visiting and Tastings
This is a small group tour that takes you to Saint-Emilion in the afternoon to taste some of Bordeaux’s most famous red wines. Departure time for this tour is 1:50 pm at the tourism office in Bordeaux.
On arrival in Saint-Émilion, you will have a village tour and stroll through the medieval streets. Shortly following the tour the guide will take you to a local wine cellar.
Here wine enthusiasts will learn of the grape varietals like merlot and cabernet franc grown in the region. Become a wine expert and gain insight into the tannic taste they create in your mouth.
Then it’s on to a Grand Cru winery to enjoy a private tour and tasting. As you enjoy a glass of wine, learn what makes Bordeaux wine so unique!
Best Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour
Looking for the best wine tastings in St Emilion? Here on this tour, enjoy 6 wine tastings at classified third-growth wineries. The term “third growth” is based on a number between 1-5 that rates the wineries based on the highest quality.
3. Two Bordeaux Wine Regions & 6 WineTastings
On this full-day tour, starting at the tourist office in Bordeaux you will discover two of the most famous wine regions in Bordeaux!
You will start the day at the prestigious Classified Growth estate. There will be time to explore the ground and walk around the vineyards. The tour guide will take you through cellars and teach you about the estate’s wine-making process. You will enjoy 2 wine tastings here.
Then it’s off to a charming Château family-run estate in the region. Here you will learn about their traditional ways of making wine and taste their wines.
Followed by driving to St-Emilion and enjoying a picnic lunch at the chateau in Saint-Emilion.
After lunch, start the tour by visiting an authentic and charming family-run estate – a great Classified Growth estate (Grand cru classé) along the right bank of Bordeaux.
Feel the intimacy of the private chateau as you tour this estate’s traditional vat room and cellar. Then delight in a tasting class, learning the steps of wine tasting and educating your nose in identifying wine aromas. After this visit, enjoy a guided tour of the village of Saint Emilion, classified on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Where in France is Saint-Emilion Region located?
Saint-Emilion is located in the Dordogne region of France, 8 miles (13 km) east of Bordeaux. It is a historic vineyard town and UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wineries, narrow streets made of cobblestone, and hilltop monolithic church. I captured the most beautiful shot of the countryside from atop St. Emilion. The magnificent view is like a postcard.
The medieval village is embedded in a region that produces some of the world’s most popular and celebrated wines. From Bordeaux, you can reach Saint-Emilion by car in about 20 to 30 minutes.
The town is accessible by Dordogne bus services that run every day from Bordeaux Gare Saint Jean station. There are also several guided tours available for visitors looking to explore the area, including wine-tasting tours and walking tours of the historic sites.
The authentic charm of the Saint-Emilion area makes it a popular destination for both French and international tourists alike.
The Best Vineyards to Visit in Saint Emilion
There are many wineries in the Saint Émilion / Bordeaux region each with its own stories and wine-making traditions.
Some of Saint Emilion’s best wineries to visit include Château Coutet, Chateau La Rose Monturon, Château de Pressac, and Château La Croizille. There are more, but these are among the best wineries to discover.
Saint Emilion in France offers the perfect environment for organic vineyards. This old-world city offers numerous exquisite organic wines and the best way to experience them is by visiting one of its many chateaux and vineyards. Once you have come here, you can be sure of having a truly unique experience.
All of these wineries offer stunning views and some even provide guided tours to enhance the experience. From organic whites to bold organic reds with an array of aromas and flavors, the vineyards of Saint Emilion are guaranteed to leave oenophiles enthralled!
Are Wine Tours Good For Solo Travelers?
In my opinion, traveling solo is a great way to actually meet new people! When I travel with friends I am less likely to strike up conversations with a stranger.
Joining a wine tour in Saint Emilion is a great way for solo female travelers to explore the beauty and culture of this renowned region. And also make a friend or two!
Many tourists would agree that with an experienced guide leading the way, it’s a more relaxing and enjoyable experience than just going on your own. An organized tour is the most efficient way to see the sights and stunning scenery while learning about some of France’s finest wines. I was able to kick back and just enjoy the day without worrying about any of the logistics.
NOTE: If you visit in Saint Emilion wine region in the summer months it will be the busiest time!
Why a wine tour is perfect for a solo traveler
From Bordeaux, Saint Emilion is the perfect day trip for any solo traveler! Traveling alone can sometimes get a little boring or lonely. But with group tours that have options of half-day or full-day tours, you can break up that solidarity.
These tours give you the opportunity to meet new people as you explore a variety of tasting rooms, all while learning about Saint Emilion’s famous wines.
Whether you are looking to meet fellow travelers or locals, you can create unforgettable memories with the friendly and open-minded citizens of Saint Emilion who often share their knowledge about the area’s iconic wines.
In short, Saint Emilion is an ideal destination for a solo wine tour where you can enjoy the beautiful countryside and meet incredible new people. It’s the best place to truly appreciate French old vintages!
How to make the most of your solo wine tour experience
One of the best things about taking a solo wine tour is that you can meet new and interesting people while tasting prestigious wines.
Cafes, restaurants, wineries, and vineyards can provide beautiful sceneries, great conversations, and interesting culture that you would not find at a commercial winery. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who are passionate about wine.
Taking time out of your day to explore unfamiliar and exciting places can help you break away from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy an experience that cannot be replicated in any other way. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by going on a solo wine tour!
Best Wine Bars in St Emilion
Looking for the best wine bar in Saint Emilion? Check out these tasting rooms and wine bars.
Tips for enjoying your wine tour without spending a lot of money
Planning a wine tour doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of research and some savvy shopping, it’s easy to find 1 ticket that provides you with access to many wineries without spending an arm and a leg. Researching upcoming events and special offers can also help you save money on tour admission fees.
Once you’ve arrived, look for tasting passes that will give you the most bang for your buck and check into local community discounts that may be available. By doing your homework beforehand, and sticking to a budget while on the tour, it’s easy to enjoy the scenery, sip some delicious wines, and taste delightful samples without breaking your budget.
Best time of year to visit Saint Emilion for a winery tour
Visiting wineries in Saint Emilion for a wine tour is incredibly rewarding, but choosing the best time of year can make all the difference. Summer season and fall are two of the most popular seasons for this type of experience. During summer, visitors benefit from warm days and balmy nights, perfect for strolls through vineyards and leisurely tastings in wineries.
In fall, days are usually still mild enough to wander and explore while surrounded by spectacular foliage.
However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures, spring may offer the ideal timing for your solo trip. Whether summer, fall, or another time of year is right for you may depend on what kind of experience you are hoping to have.
Where to Stay in the City of Bordeaux:
Hotel de Seze
1. Hotel de Seze: Located in the heart of Bordeaux, this luxurious 5-star hotel offers stylish accommodation and top-notch amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Guests can enjoy easy access to some of the city’s must-see attractions, including Place des Quinconces and Grand Théâtre.
With fine restaurants, a private park area, and free Wi-Fi, the Hotel de Seze is a great choice for those looking for a touch of luxury in Bordeaux.
La Maison du Lierre
2. La Maison du Lierre: This beautiful 4-star hotel is situated in the city center, within walking distance to some of Bordeaux’s best spots. The hotel boasts stylish interiors, comfortable rooms and excellent amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.
Enjoy delicious local cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant or unwind with a drink at the onsite bar.
Hotel Burgigala
3. Hôtel Burdigala: This 4-star hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes away from Bordeaux’s city centre. The hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms, some of which include balconies with stunning views of the city.
Guests can also enjoy a range of amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness centre. As well as the onsite restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
Mercure Bordeaux Centre
4. Mercure Bordeaux Centre: This 3-star hotel is situated in a historic building of the 18th century, perfect for those looking to explore the city’s culture and attractions.
The hotel offers great amenities such as a free Wi-Fi connection, 24-hour front desk service, a breakfast buffet, and a bar. The hotel is also within walking distance of some of Bordeaux’s main attractions, making it ideal for exploring the city.
Hopefully, you found some great information here for your solo trip to the region. Even if you end up at different wineries than mentioned in this post, your taste buds will be happy in St. Emilion!
Final Thoughts on Saint-Emilion Wine Tours
If you are a wine lover visiting the Bordeaux region I insist you book one of these wine tours! The wine tour I took was the highlight of my trip to Bordeaux.
Joining a tour really can enhance your overall experience in an area. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and funny. I can’t say enough things about joining a wine tour to St. Emilion!
FAQs for Saint-Emilion Wine Tours
Yes! You can find affordable group wine tours to Saint Emilion. I joined a wine tour to Saint Emilion from Bordeaux that was $70. The tour was a half day and included transportation and the winery ticket.
I found that it was great value for the money and would absolutely do it again when I return to the Bordeaux region.
It is definitely worth visiting St Emilion! This medieval town is one of the most charming places I have ever visited.
If you are a wine lover then you are in for a real treat. Some of the world’s best wineries are here in St. Emilion.
Yes! There are many companies that offer private winery tours in Saint Emilion. Speaking from my experience, I would highly recommend visiting the St. Emilion region on a tour.
A private tour guide will know exactly how to organize the best day to the best wineries in St. Emilion!
Sharyn says
Next time I’m in France – I’m there!
cass says
I’m a solo traveller and have never thought to do a wine tour, it’s cool to see it reviewed from this perspective!
Jenny says
Wow- this sounds like such a charming destination. I’m definitely adding it to my list of places to see the next time I’m in France. Excellent information!
Abbey says
The Saint Emilion wine tour looks amazing! I always love a good budget tip too, thank you so much!
Michelle says
A wine tour featuring delicious wine with picture-perfect scenery, what more could you ask for? Spending the day on a wine tour looks like a must-do activity when visiting.