What makes this Graves & Saint-Emilion wine tour truly unique is the contrast between the two appellations. Graves, with its gravelly soils and elegant blend of reds and whites, couldn’t feel more different from the limestone plateaus of Saint-Emilion, where Merlot reigns and every château seems to tell a centuries-old story. Tasting both in a single day gives you a rare, side-by-side understanding of what makes Bordeaux the most complex, and captivating, wine region in the world.
This is not a fast-tracked tour. The pace is deliberately laid-back, with time to ask questions, linger over a glass, and truly absorb each estate’s atmostphere. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply a curious learner, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Bordeaux wine, and very likely, a few bottles to take home!
Why choose this tour over others?
This Graves and Saint-Emilion wine tour stands apart because it combines two completely different wine worlds in a single, seamlessly organized day. Most tours stick to one appellation — we take you across both banks of Bordeaux, giving you a richer, more complete picture of why this region has captivated wine lovers for centuries.
With a maximum of 8 guests per group, every visit feels personal rather than commercial. Your guide (an expert in Bordeaux wines) is there not just to drive, but to decode every label, every terroir, every sip. And when you sit down for your gourmet picnic lunch amongst the vines, with a glass of château wine in hand and the vineyards stretching out around you, you’ll understand why our guests consistently call this the best day of their trip to France.
Wine tasting in Bordeaux couldn’t be better than our Graves and Saint-Emilion tour, which is truly the ultimate French lifestyle experience. First you’ll visit a prestigious winery in the Graves area, followed by a gourmet picnic lunch amongst the vines, where you’ll be savoring local charcuterie and cheeses with the château’s wines under the warm south west sun! The wine tour continues in the medieval village of Saint-Emilion, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, tasting several world-renowned red wines. We can guarantee that by the end of your journey with us, you’ll know all there is to know about Bordeaux wines. An exclusive tour that will not disappoint to impress your taste buds and give you a real sense of life in France!
Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at least 48 hours prior to your tour. The picnic is mostly composed of local cheeses, cured meats and salad or fresh seasonal vegetables. We cannot guarantee vegan catering.
For the protection of the environment, we will no longer provide bottles of water during our tours. Guests are kindly invited to bring their own. Water will also be available at the chateaus.
Program
09:05
Meet your guide in front of the Bordeaux Tourist Office at 12 cours du 30 Juillet
09:15
En route to the Pessac-Léognan vineyard
09:45
Visit of a Pessac-Léognan or Graves prestigous winery, wine tasting of the château’s red & white wines
12:00
Tour of a family-owned vineyard in Saint-Emilion wine region with a picnic style lunch at the vineyard accompanied with wine selected from the winery
14:30
Explore the quaint streets in a short guided walking tour of the village of Saint-Emilion
15:30
Tour of a chateau in the Pomerol or Saint-Emilion appellation. You’ll be welcomed by the chateau host for one last exclusive wine tasting!
17:30
Back to the Tourist Office
Meeting Point
Bordeaux Tourist Office
Duration
Approximately 8 hours
Transportation
Premium 8 seater minivan
Languages Spoken
English
What to Bring
Comfortable footwear & water bottle
Meeting point
Office de tourisme de Bordeaux
12 Cours du 30 Juillet 33000 Bordeaux
Q&A
Do you accept groups of 9 people and above?
Yes! Just send us a private tour request and we will get back to you with a quote.
Do you accept children on this tour?
The minimum age to be part of our group wine tours is 12. However, wine tasting (or any other alcoholic beverage) is strictly reserved for individuals more than 16 years of age with the consent of their legal guardian.
What is recommended as appropriate attire?
Wear closed shoes for the cobblestone streets in Saint-Emilion, and warm clothing for the wine cellars where the temperature is around 59°F (15°C).
Can we bring our luggage on the tour?
You can carry your luggage with you on request. It will depend on the size of the luggage and the space available in the van. But your chauffeur-guide will accompany you during your visits, so, any luggage or personal effects inside the vehicle will be left unattended. Bordeaux Wine Trails cannot be held liable in the event of theft or damage to your property.
How many wines will we taste at each estate?
Between 2 and 3 at each estate.
Can we bring our pets along on the shared group tour?
We regret to inform you that pets are not welcome on our group wine tours.
Do we have free time in Saint-Emilion?
Yes, you will be given around 15 minutes (for half days) and 30 minutes (for full days) to visit the centre of Saint-Emilion. But the amount of time is subject to change depending on the traffic conditions and punctuality.
Is a meal included in the shared group tour?
A meal is included only for the full-day wine tours. At some wine estates, the tastings will include local gourmet products such as cheeses, cold cuts, macaroons, etc. We will also arrange for some afternoon snacks to go with your tastings. In case of any dietary preferences or restrictions please inform us at least 48 hours before the tour.
What happens if I'm late for the tour?
In the tour descriptions, you’ll find an interactive map that shows you the address and rendezvous point at the Bordeaux Office du Tourisme (Tourist Office). The directions are very clear, so it is very rare for clients to miss the departure time. We will wait for you in case of a minor delay but if you arrive 15 minutes after the designated meeting time, our guides must leave for the tour without you in order to be punctual and ensure the tour schedule. Clients will not receive a refund if they arrive after a tour has already departed.
Do you visit the underground monument on shared group tours in Saint-Emilion?
No, we don’t visit the underground monument for group tours.
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