Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour – 3 Wineries & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

The Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour promises an immersive exploration of the renowned Graves and Saint-Emilion wine regions. Guided tastings of over 10 distinct Bordeaux wines, including robust reds and crisp whites, provide a comprehensive understanding of the region’s terroirs and winemaking traditions. Complementing this wine-centric experience, a gourmet picnic lunch at a charming château and a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion offer a well-rounded appreciation for the Bordeaux wine country. Whether a seasoned oenophile or a curious newcomer, this tour presents a captivating opportunity to explore the rich history and flavors that define the Bordeaux wine region.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Wine Tours In Bordeaux.

Key Points

• Explore the renowned Graves and Saint-Emilion wine regions through guided tastings of over 10 different Bordeaux wines, including reds and whites.
• Indulge in a gourmet picnic lunch at a château, featuring locally sourced produce and wines, for an authentic and serene dining experience.
• Set out on a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion to gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural heritage and winemaking traditions.
• Gain comprehensive insights into the factors shaping the flavors and aromas of Bordeaux wines, including the diverse terroirs and traditional grape varieties.
• Enjoy round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off for a hassle-free and personalized small-group experience.

Tour Overview

This Bordeaux wine tour offers visitors a full-day small-group experience to explore the renowned wine regions of Graves and Saint-Emilion.

The tour includes visits to three wineries where guests can enjoy guided tastings of over 10 different wines, including reds and whites. Along the way, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Bordeaux wine regions and their unique terroirs.

The tour also includes a gourmet picnic lunch at a château, featuring locally sourced produce and wines. Plus, guests will have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion.

With transportation, an English-speaking guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the best of Bordeaux’s wine country.

Winery Visits

Guided tastings at three wineries allow visitors to sample over 10 different wines, including both reds and whites, as they gain a deeper understanding of the unique terroirs that define the Bordeaux wine regions.

The tour offers the opportunity to:

1. Explore the distinct characteristics of Graves and Saint-Emilion, two of Bordeaux’s most renowned wine regions.
2. Learn about the complex factors that shape the flavors and aromas of Bordeaux’s acclaimed vintages, from soil composition to microclimate.
3. Engage with knowledgeable winemakers who provide insights into the time-honored traditions and modern innovations shaping the Bordeaux wine industry.

This immersive experience gives participants a comprehensive appreciation for the nuances and complexities that make Bordeaux wines so celebrated worldwide.

Guided Tastings

The guided tastings at the three wineries allow visitors to sample a diverse array of over 10 distinct Bordeaux wines, including both robust reds and crisp whites, as they deepen their understanding of the unique terroirs that define the region.

During each tasting, an expert guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the history, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques behind the wines. Guests have the opportunity to swirl, sniff, and savor the complex flavors and aromas, picking up on subtle nuances that reveal the character of each vintage.

Through this immersive experience, travelers gain a newfound appreciation for the art and science of Bordeaux viticulture, leaving with a greater knowledge of the region’s renowned vintages.

Understanding Bordeaux Terroirs

Beyond the guided tastings, the Bordeaux wine tour offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s renowned terroirs, which are fundamental to understanding the distinct characteristics of its celebrated vintages. Through the visits to three diverse wineries, guests gain valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors that shape Bordeaux’s world-class wines.

The tour highlights three key aspects of the region’s terroirs:

1. Soil composition: The tour explores how the diverse soil types, ranging from clay-limestone to gravel, impart unique flavor profiles and structures to the wines.

2. Microclimates: Participants learn how subtle variations in temperature, rainfall, and sun exposure within the Graves and Saint-Emilion regions contribute to the nuances found in the wines.

3. Grape varietals: The tour explains how the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, thrive in the region’s terroirs and lend their distinctive characteristics to the final blends.

Gourmet Picnic Lunch

Midway through the Bordeaux wine tour, guests indulge in a gourmet picnic lunch featuring locally sourced delicacies and paired with the region’s renowned wines.

The picnic is served at a charming chateau, providing a serene and authentic setting to enjoy the culinary experience.

The menu showcases the best of Bordeaux’s local produce, including artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads, charcuterie, and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

To complement the meal, guests sample a selection of the chateau’s own wines, allowing them to further appreciate the nuances of the region’s terroirs.

This leisurely lunch break offers a delightful respite from the morning’s winery visits, leaving participants rejuvenated and eager to explore the historic village of Saint-Emilion.

Walking Tour of Saint-Emilion

After the leisurely picnic lunch, the tour proceeds to the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Emilion, where participants embark on an enlightening walking tour. The guide leads the group through the charming streets, sharing insights into the village’s rich history and architecture.

Visitors are captivated by the Impressive Monolithic Church, a remarkable underground church carved into a limestone hill.

The tour also explores the Catacombs, an intricate network of tunnels and cellars that were once used for wine production and storage.

The walking exploration concludes with a visit to the Panoramic viewpoint atop the village, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

This provides a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage and winemaking traditions that have shaped the Bordeaux region.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout the day.

An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing insights and commentary during the visits.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy for participants to join the tour without worrying about transportation.

The small-group size, limited to a maximum of 8 people, ensures a more personalized experience.

Vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options are available with 72-hour notice, accommodating dietary requirements.

Important Details

Confirmation for the Bordeaux wine tour is received at the time of booking, providing participants with assurance of their reservation.

The minimum drinking age is 18 years, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people, enabling a more intimate and personalized experience.

Vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options are available, but require 72-hour notice to accommodate dietary requirements.

The cancellation policy offers a full refund if cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the scheduled tour.

Key details:

1. Confirmation is provided immediately upon booking.
2. The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 people.
3. Special dietary needs must be communicated 72 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on both weekdays and weekends. Many wine tours cater to the schedules of visitors, offering flexibility in terms of the days they operate to accommodate a range of preferences.

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tastings?

No, participants cannot bring their own wine to the tastings. The tour includes guided tastings at the three wineries, allowing guests to sample 10+ wines from the Bordeaux region as part of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately for visiting wineries and walking in vineyards, such as wearing casual, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Wineries?

Yes, visitors can typically purchase wine directly from the wineries they visit. Many wineries offer the opportunity to purchase their wines onsite, allowing guests to bring home their favorite bottles from the tasting experience.

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are generally not allowed on this wine tour, as the minimum drinking age is 18 years old. The tour is designed for adults to enjoy wine tastings and a gourmet picnic lunch in a small-group setting.

Recap

The Bordeaux Full Day Wine Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s renowned wines and winemaking traditions.

With guided tastings, a gourmet picnic lunch, and a walking tour of the historic Saint-Emilion, this tour provides a well-rounded appreciation for the Bordeaux wine country.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a immersive cultural experience, this tour is an excellent choice.