Saint-Emilion: Full-Day Tour With Tasting & Buffet Lunch

Saint-Emilion, the historic Bordeaux town, is a veritable treasure trove for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, blending the region’s renowned winemaking heritage with its captivating spiritual and architectural legacies. Guests will explore the Grand Cru Classé Château Balestard La Tonnelle, sample its exceptional Saint-Émilion wines, and indulge in a buffet lunch at the family-owned Château Haut Sarpe. But the real draw lies in the tour’s underground component, where visitors will uncover the secrets of Saint-Emilion’s monolithic church and catacombs. With knowledgeable guidance and comfortable transportation, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the town’s…

Key Points

• A full-day tour from Bordeaux showcasing the historic town of Saint-Emilion and its renowned wineries, including a tasting at Château Balestard La Tonnelle.
• Includes a buffet lunch at the family-owned Château Haut Sarpe, featuring fresh local products and picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards.
• Guided exploration of Saint-Emilion’s monolithic church, chapel, and catacombs, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
• Tour of the charming medieval town, with its cobblestone streets, iconic churches, and well-preserved historical architecture.
• Comprehensive transportation and bilingual guide services ensure a seamless and informative experience discovering the Bordeaux region.

Tour Details

This full-day tour whisks visitors away from Bordeaux to the historic town of Saint-Emilion, covering a wide range of activities over the course of 8 hours.

The tour departs from the Bordeaux Tourist Office at 9:15 AM and returns at 5:15 PM, with transportation provided by a coach and a bilingual guide.

Guests will visit two wineries, including the prestigious Château Balestard La Tonnelle, a Grand Cru Classé estate, where they’ll taste two wines.

They’ll also stop at the family-owned Château Haut Sarpe for a buffet lunch featuring fresh local products.

The tour includes a guided exploration of Saint-Emilion’s remarkable underground heritage, Europe’s largest medieval monolithic church.

Château Balestard La Tonnelle

Château Balestard La Tonnelle is a renowned Grand Cru Classé estate, where guests on the tour will have the opportunity to taste two of its acclaimed wines.

This historic winery has been producing exceptional Saint-Émilion wines for generations, drawing on the unique terroir of the region.

Visitors can expect to sample the estate’s signature red wines, which are known for their complexity, depth of flavor, and elegant structure.

The winery’s commitment to quality and traditional winemaking techniques has earned it a reputation as one of the standout producers in the Saint-Émilion appellation.

For those interested in experiencing the finest that the region has to offer, a visit to Château Balestard La Tonnelle is a must-do on the tour.

Château Haut Sarpe

Along With its renowned winemaking, Château Haut Sarpe offers lodging and meals to the grape pickers who come to assist with the harvest, providing them with a comfortable and welcoming respite during the busy season.

This family-owned estate is known for its hospitality, welcoming visitors to enjoy a buffet lunch of fresh local products served in the historical dining room overlooking the vineyards.

The tour includes a visit to Château Haut Sarpe, where guests can learn about the winemaking process and sample the estate’s offerings.

With its blend of wine, food, and hospitality, Château Haut Sarpe offers a truly immersive experience for those exploring the Saint-Emilion region.

Buffet Lunch

During the tour, guests are treated to a buffet of fresh local products at Château Haut Sarpe, savoring the flavors of the region while taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards from the historical dining room.

The lunch spread features an array of regional specialties, including artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal vegetables, and hearty breads.

Theres some good these delectable offerings while enjoying the serene ambiance of the château’s grounds.

The buffet not only satisfies the palate but also provides an opportunity to take in the rich gastronomic heritage of the Saint-Emilion region, complementing the winery visits and underground exploration during the full-day tour.

Underground Heritage

Enhancing the winery visits and buffet lunch, the tour also includes a guided exploration of Saint-Emilion’s captivating underground heritage, showcasing the town’s historical and architectural wonders.

Visitors will explore the monolithic church, a remarkable feat of medieval engineering and Europe’s largest of its kind.

The tour also unveils the town’s hermitage, chapel, and catacombs, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual and cultural past.

As guests descend underground, they’ll be transported back in time, marveling at the intricate stonework and feeling the weight of centuries-old history.

This unique underground experience complements the aboveground delights, providing a well-rounded exploration of Saint-Emilion’s multifaceted heritage.

Medieval Town

The charming medieval town of Saint-Emilion beckons visitors to wander its cobblestone streets, where centuries-old buildings, cloisters, and chapels stand as testaments to the region’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the historic town squares, which serve as lively gathering places for locals and travelers alike.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate architecture of the town’s iconic churches, including the Collegiate Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can visit the underground catacombs and monolithic church, offering a fascinating glimpse into the town’s subterranean heritage.

Visitors can stroll through the picturesque washhouses, where locals once gathered to do their laundry by hand.

With its quaint charm and well-preserved medieval character, Saint-Emilion provides a delightful respite for visitors seeking to enjoy the history and culture of the Bordeaux region.

Transportation and Guide

This full-day tour from Bordeaux to Saint-Emilion is led by a bilingual guide and provides transportation by coach, allowing visitors to discover the region’s renowned wineries and underground attractions with ease.

The tour departs at 9:15 AM from the Bordeaux Tourist Office and returns at 5:15 PM, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Saint-Emilion.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, offering a deeper understanding of the winemaking process and the historical significance of the underground monolithic church and catacombs.

The comfortable coach transportation allows guests to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Bordeaux region.

Tour Schedule

The tour begins promptly at 9:15 AM with departure from the Bordeaux Tourist Office, allowing visitors ample time to explore Saint-Emilion’s renowned wineries and historical attractions throughout the day.

The tour returns to Bordeaux at 5:15 PM, providing a full 8-hour experience.

Along the way, guests will:

1. Visit two esteemed wineries, including the Grand Cru Classé Château Balestard La Tonnelle, and enjoy tastings of their finest vintages.
2. Savor a delicious buffet lunch of fresh local products at the family-owned Château Haut Sarpe.
3. Set out on a guided tour of Saint-Emilion’s remarkable underground monolithic church, hermitage, chapel, and catacombs.
4. Enjoy free time to wander the picturesque medieval town and soak in its historic charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in the Wine Tasting?

No, children are generally not allowed to participate in wine tastings due to legal restrictions on alcohol consumption. The tour is geared towards adult participants and does not include activities suitable for children.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Buffet Lunch?

The tour’s buffet lunch can accommodate various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests should notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure their preferences are catered for.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Medieval Town?

The tour allots free time to explore the medieval town of Saint-Emilion, allowing visitors to wander through its cloisters, chapels, washhouses, and squares at their own pace. The duration of this free time is not specified.

What Types of Transportation Are Available for Disabled Guests?

The tour provides coach transportation, which can accommodate guests with disabilities. The guided tours of the underground attractions and medieval town also cater to the needs of disabled guests. Wheelchair accessibility is available throughout the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English and French?

The tour is offered in both English and French. Guests should inquire with the tour operator about the availability of other languages, as the tour’s language options may vary.

Recap

This full-day tour of Saint-Emilion offers an immersive experience, blending the town’s renowned winemaking heritage with its rich cultural and spiritual history.

Visitors will explore a Grand Cru Classé château, savor exceptional wines, and enjoy a buffet lunch, all while discovering the medieval charm of this historic Bordeaux region.

With coach transportation and a bilingual guide, this comprehensive tour delivers a well-rounded exploration of Saint-Emilion’s aboveground and subterranean wonders.