Saint-Emilion Morning Wine Tour – Winery & Tastings

Nestled within the heart of Bordeaux’s renowned wine region, the Saint-Emilion Morning Wine Tour offers an immersive exploration of this historic town’s charms and acclaimed winemaking heritage. Over the course of four captivating hours, you will uncover the medieval village’s storied past, venture into the cellars of a prestigious Grand Cru winery, and savor a curated tasting of the region’s finest vintages. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this tour promises an intimate and educational journey into the distinctive terroir and age-old traditions that have cemented Saint-Emilion’s status as a premier destination for oenophiles and cultural enthusiasts alike. But the true delight lies in what awaits beyond the surface, as this experience unveils a world of flavors and traditions that continue to captivate and inspire.

Key Points

• A 4-hour guided tour from Bordeaux that explores the historic village of Saint-Emilion and includes a visit to a renowned Grand Cru winery for an exclusive wine tasting.
• Guided walking tour of the picturesque medieval town of Saint-Emilion, with visits to landmarks like the Monolithic Church and insights into the village’s winemaking history.
• Introduction to the estate’s history, terroir, and winemaking process, followed by a guided tasting of 3-4 Grand Cru wines at the winery.
• Intimate and educational wine tasting experience led by a passionate sommelier, with an insider’s look at the fermentation process and the region’s distinctive terroir.
• Small group size of up to 8 participants, with transportation provided in a comfortable minivan.

Tour Details

The Saint-Emilion Wine Tour lasts 4 hours and is available in both English and French for small groups of up to 8 participants, departing from the Bordeaux Tourist Office.

The tour begins with a 70-minute journey to the charming village of Saint-Emilion, where guests will enjoy a 30-minute guided walking tour. They’ll then visit a Grand Cru winery for a 1-hour wine tasting experience.

The tour concludes with a 1-hour return trip to Bordeaux. Inclusions cover the wine tasting, guided walk, professional multilingual guide, and transportation in a minivan.

Exclusions include lunch, hotel transfers, entrance fees, gratuities, pets, and oversized luggage. The minimum age is 18, and a minimum of 2 participants is required. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and bottled water isn’t provided.

Itinerary Overview

The Saint-Emilion Wine Tour’s itinerary encompasses several key highlights, providing participants with a well-rounded experience.

The tour begins with a 70-minute journey to the picturesque village of Saint-Emilion, where visitors embark on a 30-minute guided walking tour.

This is followed by a 1-hour visit to a Grand Cru winery, where guests have the opportunity to sample the region’s renowned wines.

The tour then concludes with a 1-hour return trip to Bordeaux.

The itinerary includes:

1. Travel to Saint-Emilion village
2. Guided tour of Saint-Emilion village
3. Visit to a Grand Cru winery with wine tastings
4. Return to Bordeaux

Village Guided Tour

What does the guided tour of Saint-Emilion village entail?

This 30-minute walking tour allows participants to explore the historic and picturesque streets of this charming medieval town, providing an immersive experience into its rich heritage and architectural wonders.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour takes visitors through the village’s winding cobblestone lanes, past ancient stone buildings, and to the iconic Monolithic Church, an impressive underground church carved entirely out of limestone.

Along the way, the guide shares captivating stories about the village’s history, from its origins as a Benedictine monastery to its rise as a renowned winemaking region.

This guided tour offers a wonderful introduction to the beauty and character of Saint-Emilion before the winery visit.

Grand Cru Winery

After the guided tour of the picturesque Saint-Emilion village, the tour participants then visit a Grand Cru winery for a wine tasting experience lasting approximately one hour.

At the winery, guests can expect:

1. An introduction to the estate’s history, terroir, and winemaking process.
2. A guided tasting of 3-4 Grand Cru wines, showcasing the region’s renowned varietals.
3. Insights from the knowledgeable staff on the unique characteristics and flavors of each wine.
4. The opportunity to purchase bottles to take home and savor the Saint-Emilion experience.

This winery visit provides an intimate and educational look into the world-class wines that have made this region famous throughout the globe.

Wine Tasting Experience

Upon arrival at the Grand Cru winery, guests embark on an enveloping journey through the region’s celebrated vintages.

Led by a passionate sommelier, they’ll explore the winery’s time-honored traditions and techniques.

The tour begins with an insider’s look at the fermentation process, where guests witness the transformation of grapes into rich, complex wines.

Next, they’ll venture into the barrel room, where the distinct aromas of oak and aging fill the air.

The highlight of the experience is the seated tasting, where guests savor a selection of the winery’s finest Grand Cru wines, gaining insights into the region’s distinctive terroir.

With each sip, guests delve deeper into the storied history and exceptional quality that define Saint-Emilion’s renowned viniculture.

Transportation Arrangements

The tour’s transportation arrangements are handled conveniently, with participants departing from the Bordeaux Tourist Office and traveling to Saint-Emilion village in a comfortable minivan. The 70-minute drive allows guests to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic countryside views as they make their way to the historic village.

The small group size of up to 8 participants ensures a more intimate experience.

Once in Saint-Emilion, the group will:

1. Set out on a guided walking tour of the charming village.
2. Visit a renowned Grand Cru winery for an exclusive tasting.
3. Have ample time to explore the village’s narrow streets and medieval architecture.

The tour duration is 4 hours, after which the group will return to Bordeaux.

Participant Requirements

What are the key participant requirements for this Saint-Emilion wine tour? The minimum age to join the tour is 18 years, and a minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to operate. Plus, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, so participants should ensure they can comfortably walk and stand for the duration of the guided tour and winery visit.

To ensure a pleasant and memorable experience, here are some other important requirements:

Requirement	Description	Importance
Comfortable Shoes	Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for walking	High
Oversized Luggage	Avoid bringing oversized luggage	Medium
Pets	Pets are not allowed on the tour	Low

Participants should also be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather and dress accordingly.

Additional Information

Plus, participants should be aware that bottled water isn’t provided during the tour, so it may be advisable to bring their own water to stay hydrated.

While lunch isn’t included in the tour, you will have an opportunity to explore the charming village of Saint-Emilion and dine at their own expense.

On top of that, the tour doesn’t include entrance fees to any other monuments, museums, or attractions beyond the winery visit.

The minimum age for participants is 18 years old.

A minimum of 2 participants is required for the tour to operate.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food on the tour. The tour does not include lunch, and participants should rely on the winery or village for any food or snacks they wish to have during the tour.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Wine Glasses?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own wine glasses. The tour includes wine tastings at a Grand Cru Chateau, and the winery will provide the necessary glassware for the tastings.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not suitable for children, as the minimum age requirement is 18 years. This is likely due to the wine tastings and adult-oriented nature of the tour. Families with young children may want to consider a different activity.

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Visit Additional Wineries?

Yes, participants can typically modify the itinerary to visit additional wineries. However, this may incur an additional cost and require prior coordination with the tour operator. It’s best to inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual, informal dress code. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as there will be walking involved. Casual clothing, such as jeans and a t-shirt, is appropriate for the tour.

Recap

The Saint-Emilion Morning Wine Tour provides an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history, picturesque medieval village, and renowned Grand Cru wineries.

With guided walking tours, exclusive wine tastings, and knowledgeable local guides, the tour offers an intimate and educational experience.

It showcases the distinctive terroir and storied viniculture that have made Saint-Emilion a premier winemaking destination.