Published September 19, 2024
Before we dive in, I want to reassure you that taking a wine tour to Saint Emilion isn’t necessary. Many wineries offer English-speaking visits (both group and private), and it’s easy to reach Saint Emilion by car or train. You can find my recommended wineries here, where you can book directly with the château.
That said, a guided tour can be a fun and enriching experience, especially with a great guide. In this article, I’ll share a few of my favorite tours from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion. For more wine tours in the region, check out my post on Bordeaux wine tours.
The Best Group Tours in Saint Emilion
Semi-Private Tour with Ophorus
This excellent tour company offers great small-group tours in Saint Emilion, including guided visits to top wineries and a tour of the charming village. They offer two options:
- Full-day tour: Explore three classified wineries (1st, 2nd, and 3rd growth) and the village. Book here.
- Half-day tour: Visit one winery and the village. This tour is available mornings and afternoons. Book here.
Saint-Émilion Food and Wine Tour
This full-day tour includes visits to three châteaux and a picnic at one of them. It’s a 6-hour trip full of wine and culinary delights. Book the tour here.
Afternoon Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting
Perfect for an afternoon visit, this tour includes tastings at two wineries (a family estate and a Grand Cru) and an early evening village tour. Book the tour here.
Biking Wine Tours in Saint Emilion
Cycling through the vineyards is a must-try experience, especially with electric bikes to tackle the hilly terrain. A la Francais offers one of the best biking wine tours, where you’ll visit two wineries, savor local specialties, and explore hidden gems of the medieval village. You can start from Bordeaux or meet directly in Saint Emilion. Book your tour here.
Best Private Tours in Saint Emilion
Private Wine Tours from Bordeaux
Private wine tours from Bordeaux can be pricey, but with the right guide, they’re unforgettable. The best guides have personal connections with winemakers, offering exclusive access to hidden gems.
For Saint Emilion, I recommend Nicolle from SIP, who focuses on small producers. Nicolle has been a wine guide for over 20 years and can also arrange tours in Médoc and Pessac Leognan. For Sauternes, consider Anne from Aquitaine Travel Guide.
If you want to plan your wine visit without a guide, here are a few of my guides that can help you in this task:
Best wineries to visit in Saint Emilion
A guide to the Bordeaux wine region
A day trip to Saint Emilion
How to visit wineries in the Bordeaux wine region without a car
A weekend in the Medoc wine region
Best wineries to visit in Sauternes
Best wineries in Bordeaux to visit with kids
If you’re planning on a wine road trip with several winery visits, I highly recommend renting a car. You can find good prices for rental cars in Bordeaux here. If you’ve already decided what chateaux you’re planning to visit and you just want a driver to take you there, you can find one here.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:
Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂
