Bordeaux: St-Emilion and Medoc Wine Day Tour With Lunch

Bordeaux, the renowned wine region of France, offers a captivating journey for oenophiles and casual enthusiasts alike. The St-Emilion and Medoc Wine Day Tour with Lunch promises an immersive exploration of these celebrated terroirs, guiding visitors through the medieval charm of St-Emilion and the prestigious wineries of Medoc. From delving into the rich history and architecture to savoring the flavors of the Bordeaux terroir, this comprehensive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover the essence of these world-renowned wine regions. With a scenic drive along the Chateaux Road and exclusive tastings at local vineyards, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of wine, culture, and culinary delight.

Key Points

• Comprehensive exploration of the renowned wine regions of St-Emilion and Medoc, including guided visits, wine tastings, and a picnic lunch at a local winery.
• Guided walking tour of the medieval town of St-Emilion, immersing visitors in the region’s rich history and architectural wonders.
• Tastings of renowned red and white wines from St-Emilion, guided by local experts on terroir, grape varieties, and production methods.
• Picnic lunch at a winery in the St-Emilion region, featuring local delicacies and a glass of wine surrounded by breathtaking vineyards.
• Scenic drive along the renowned Chateaux Road in the Medoc region, followed by visits to two renowned wineries for guided tastings of the region’s signature blends.

Tour Overview

The tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the renowned wine regions of St-Emilion and Medoc, offering participants a immersive experience through guided visits, wine tastings, and a picnic lunch at a local winery.

The day begins with a guided tour of the medieval town of St-Emilion, followed by tastings at local wineries.

Participants then enjoy a picnic lunch at a winery, featuring a sandwich, local pastry, and a glass of wine.

The tour then continues to the Medoc region, where visitors explore two additional wineries and sample their renowned wines.

Throughout the 9-hour excursion, a knowledgeable guide provides commentary and insights, ensuring a memorable experience for up to 8 participants.

Guided Tour of St-Emilion

A guided walking tour of the medieval town of St-Emilion kicks off the day’s itinerary, immersing participants in the region’s rich history and architectural wonders.

As the tour winds through the charming cobblestone streets, visitors will marvel at the well-preserved medieval buildings, including the impressive Monolithic Church, an underground church carved into the limestone cliff.

The guide will share captivating stories about the town’s heritage, from its origins as a Roman settlement to its rise as a global center of winemaking.

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the town’s quaint shops and sample the renowned local wines during tastings at select vineyards, setting the stage for the Medoc region portion of the tour.

Wine Tastings in St-Emilion

After exploring the charming streets of St-Emilion, participants explore the heart of the region’s winemaking heritage through a series of tastings at select vineyards.

These tastings offer an immersive experience, allowing visitors to sample the renowned red and white wines that have made this medieval town a global hub of viticulture.

Guided by local experts, participants learn about the unique terroir, grape varieties, and production methods that contribute to the distinct flavors and aromas of St-Emilion’s acclaimed vintages.

The tastings may include:

• Sampling the region’s renowned Merlot-based red wines
• Discovering the crisp, aromatic white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes
• Exploring the nuances of oak aging and its impact on the wine’s flavor profile

Picnic Lunch at Winery

Following the wine tastings in St-Emilion, participants then typically enjoy a picnic lunch at a winery in the region.

This scenic luncheon features a selection of local delicacies, including a freshly prepared sandwich, a traditional pastry, and a glass of the winery’s own renowned vintage.

The picnic allows visitors to savor the flavors of the Bordeaux terroir while surrounded by the breathtaking vineyards that produce these celebrated wines.

It’s a chance to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the countryside, away from the bustle of the town.

The picnic is an integral part of the tour, providing a well-rounded experience that blends the history, culture, and flavors of the Bordeaux wine region.

Chateaux Road Drive

The tour then takes participants on a scenic drive along the renowned Chateaux Road, exploring the Medoc wine region.

This picturesque route winds through a landscape dotted with iconic chateaux and sprawling vineyards, offering a glimpse into the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious wine-producing areas.

Along the way, visitors will be captivated by:

• Magnificent châteaux, some dating back centuries, standing as testaments to the region’s rich winemaking heritage
• Verdant vineyards stretching out as far as the eye can see, their rows of grapevines meticulously maintained
• Quaint villages and charming rural scenes, providing a glimpse into the local way of life

This drive sets the stage for the upcoming winery visits, where participants can further enjoy the Medoc’s acclaimed wine culture.

Medoc Region Winery Visits

Upon arriving in the Medoc region, the tour takes visitors to two renowned wineries, where they can delve deeper into the area’s esteemed wine culture.

At these carefully selected estates, participants engage in guided tastings that showcase the distinctive terroir and winemaking techniques that have earned the Medoc its global reputation.

They’ll sample a variety of the region’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blends, learning how the unique microclimate and centuries-old viticultural practices contribute to the wines’ complexity and depth of flavor.

Through these intimate encounters, the tour-goers gain a greater appreciation for the Medoc’s winemaking traditions and the passion that drives its producers to create world-class vintages.

Wine Tastings in Medoc

Participants on the tour can expect to sample a range of acclaimed Medoc wines, each showcasing the region’s distinctive terroir and winemaking expertise.

At the carefully selected estates, knowledgeable guides lead them through structured tastings that highlight the nuances of the area’s signature grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

The tasting experience allows visitors to:

• Appreciate the complex flavors and aromas of the region’s world-renowned red wines
• Understand the influence of climate, soil, and production methods on the wines’ character
• Develop a more discerning palate and a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking in Medoc

These intimate tasting sessions provide an immersive introduction to the celebrated wines of this iconic Bordeaux appellation.

Tour Details and Policies

This guided tour of Bordeaux’s renowned wine regions, St-Emilion and Medoc, runs for 9 hours and departs from 26 Rue de la Devise.

It’s limited to just 8 participants and is conducted in English.

During the tour, visitors will explore the medieval town of St-Emilion, enjoy wine tastings in the region, and indulge in a picnic lunch at a local winery featuring a sandwich, pastry, and a glass of wine.

The tour also includes a drive along the Chateaux Road to the Medoc region and visits to two wineries for additional tastings.

Please note the tour isn’t suitable for children under 16 or wheelchair users, and participants are responsible for their own personal expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?

The tour does not include any transportation. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the starting point at 26 Rue de la Devise and back from the end point after the tour.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Picnic Lunch?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions for the picnic lunch. Participants can choose a sandwich, local pastry, and glass of wine that cater to their dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Wine to the Tastings?

Participants cannot bring their own wine to the tastings. The wine tastings are provided as part of the tour and are included in the overall price. Bringing outside wine would not be permitted.

Is There an Option to Purchase Wine at the Wineries?

Yes, participants can purchase additional wine at the wineries visited during the tour. The tour includes wine tastings, but participants are free to buy more bottles to take home if they wish.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate group sizes and preferences, allowing for a more personalized wine tasting and sightseeing experience.

Recap

This comprehensive Bordeaux wine tour offers an immersive exploration of the renowned regions of St-Emilion and Medoc.

Guests will explore the rich history and architecture of St-Emilion, savor wine tastings at local vineyards, and enjoy a picnic lunch showcasing the Bordeaux terroir.

Scenic drives along the Chateaux Road and visits to Medoc wineries complete this prestigious winemaking experience.