From Bordeaux: Half-Day Guided Tour of Saint-Émilion Winery

Explore the village of Saint-Émilion

Take a guided tour of the Saint-Émilion region, known for its premium blends and UNESCO status. Travel from Bordeaux in an AC minivan to the village and a Grand Cru Classé winery. Your bilingual English and French-speaking guide will share insights into the medieval village as you pass Europe's largest monolithic church and walk its cobblestone streets. Choose a morning or afternoon tour to fit your schedule.

Explore the Grand Cru Classe Chateau winery

Next, visit a family-run winery in Saint-Émilion, known for its quality local blends. Explore its historic cellars and learn about the region’s viticulture process. End the tour with a tasting of 2-3 premium blends, paired with French aperitifs like dark chocolate and cheese.

From Bordeaux: Half-Day Guided Tour of Saint-Émilion Winery

This half-day guided tour from Bordeaux offers a deep dive into the renowned wine region of Saint-Émilion, featuring visits to family-run Chateau wineries, ancient cellars, and picturesque vineyards. The tour is available in both morning and afternoon sessions, each lasting approximately 4.5 hours with round-trip transfers provided by comfortable air-conditioned minivans. Guests will explore the historic town of Saint-Émilion, founded in the 8th century, where they can see medieval landmarks such as the Collegiate Church of Saint-Symphorien and the Chapel of Saint-Christophe. The tour includes a visit to Château Ausone, one of the oldest vineyards dating back to Roman times, covering about 30 hectares with a cellaring capacity of over 1 million bottles. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Grand Cru Classé wineries like Château Canon La Gaffelière and Château Belair-Monange, which are known for their high-quality Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends. The tour also features a tasting session where guests can sample 2 to 3 glasses of premium regional wines paired with French cheese and dark chocolate. This experience offers an intimate look at the art of viticulture and winemaking in Saint-Émilion, providing visitors with insights into the region's rich history and cultural significance.

Explore Château Ausone

Your tour stops at Château Ausone where you can admire one of the oldest vineyards in Bordeaux, established around 37 AD. The estate covers approximately 60 acres with a cellaring capacity exceeding 1 million bottles. Visitors will see the historic cellars, which are over 20 feet deep and house some of the most prestigious wines in the region. Additionally, guests can explore the vineyards that produce world-renowned Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends, known for their complexity and depth. The site's unique history includes its connection to Roman patrician Decimus Ausonius, who was a poet and consul during the 4th century AD. Château Ausone is renowned for its exceptional terroir and microclimate, which contribute to the distinct character of its wines compared to other Saint-Émilion wineries.

Discover Grand Cru Classé Wineries

Your tour continues at the Grand Cru Classé wineries like Château Canon La Gaffelière and Château Belair-Monange, where you can explore vineyards that cover over 40 hectares each. These estates produce some of the finest Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends in Saint-Émilion. Guests will have the chance to see modern cellars equipped with state-of-the-art technology for aging wines, as well as traditional underground cellars dating back centuries. The wineries offer guided tours that last about 1 hour, providing visitors with insights into the meticulous process of wine-making and barrel aging. These Grand Cru Classé estates are distinguished by their commitment to quality and tradition, making them unique compared to other wineries in Bordeaux.

Visit Saint-Émilion Town

Your tour includes a visit to the historic town of Saint-Émilion, founded in 768 AD. The town is renowned for its medieval architecture, including landmarks such as the Collegiate Church of Saint-Symphorien and the Chapel of Saint-Christophe. These sites are significant not only for their historical importance but also for their stunning Romanesque and Gothic styles. Visitors can explore narrow cobblestone streets lined with charming houses and shops, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history and culture. The tour allows guests to spend about 1 hour in Saint-Émilion, providing ample time to appreciate its beauty and significance.

Tour Highlights

• Discover family-run Chateau wineries with English and French-speaking guides
• Explore ancient cellars dating back centuries at multiple estates
• Savor 2 to 3 glasses of premium regional blends paired with aperitifs like French cheese and dark chocolate
• Visit Grand Cru Classé wineries covering over 40 hectares each
• See historic landmarks such as the Collegiate Church of Saint-Symphorien and the Chapel of Saint-Christophe in Saint-Émilion town
• Learn about the art of viticulture, including vineyard management and wine-making techniques from local experts
• Enjoy views of sunset vineyards or spend more time in Bordeaux post-tour depending on your chosen tour time

Perfect for wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of Saint-Émilion, this half-day guided tour provides an immersive experience through visits to Château Ausone, Grand Cru Classé wineries like Château Canon La Gaffelière and Château Belair-Monange, and the historic town of Saint-Émilion. The 4.5-hour format allows you to explore medieval landmarks, ancient cellars, and picturesque vineyards while enjoying premium wine tastings.