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The 7 Best Bordeaux Wine Tours & Tastings For All Budgets

Author: Kylie Lang
May 3, 2024May 7, 2024

Last updated on May 7th, 2024 at 09:02 am

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • My Top 3 Picks: The Best Bordeaux Wine Tours in [year]
  • The 7 Best Bordeaux Wine Tours
    • No 1. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings
    • No 2. Médoc Private Wine Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings
    • No 3. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Wine Tour Tasting & Lunch
    • No 4. ​​Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch in St Emilion
    • No 5. From Bordeaux: Full Day to Saint-Emilion and Medoc
    • No 6. Luxurious full-day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla
    • No 7. Saint Emilion Half-Day Wine Tasting Trip
  • What to take with you on a Bordeaux Wine Tour
  • FAQs About the Best Bordeaux Wine Tour
    • What is the best time to visit Bordeaux for a wine tour?
    • Can I visit Bordeaux vineyards without a tour?
    • Can I buy wine directly from the vineyards?
    • Can you stay at a wine chateau?
    • Can you do wine tasting at the vineyards in France?
    • What is the famous wine village near Bordeaux?
  • Final Thoughts: Wine Tours in Bordeaux
  • MY TOP PICK
    • Read More:

Are you taking a trip to Bordeaux soon and fancy doing some wine tasting?

Well you’re in the right place as I’ve hand-picked seven of the best Bordeaux wine tours to suit all tastes and budgets.

And living in the Charente, I’m just 90 minutes away from Bordeaux and have enjoyed all of the tours below. It was a hard job but someone has to do it because with over 7,000 wineries to choose from you are spoilt for choice.

So let’s dive in and see which ones I’ve picked for you to try.

My Top 3 Picks: The Best Bordeaux Wine Tours in [year]

#1 Top Pick
The villate of Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux with a church in the background
Check Price >>>

Full-Day Saint Emilion Wine Tasting Tour

✅ This 8-hour tour has 800 5-Star Reviews

✅ Visit a Grand Cru Classé chateau

✅ St-Emilion, is a UNESCO-listed village

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2 Pick
An old chateau and driveway with treelined driveway
Check Price >>>

Médoc Private Wine Tour & Tastings

✅ Visit three wine châteaux in the Medoc 

✅ A personalised tour with guided tastings

✅ Explore winemaking villages such as Margaux

#3 Pick
A group of people on bikes cycling through vineyards in Bordeaux
Check Price >>>

Electric Bike Wine Tour Tasting

✅ Guided tour of two chateaux

✅ Picnic Lunch & Wine Tasting

✅ Hire fees for your electric bike

The 7 Best Bordeaux Wine Tours

Considered to be one of the wine capitals of the world Bordeaux has a lot to offer, and it can be a little overwhelming with so much choice.

Maybe you should do a self-guided tour. Perhaps you’d enjoy wine tasting as part of a group. Or you might prefer a private tour.

It’s no great secret that I enjoy a glass or two of wine, and Bordeaux wine is some of my favourite.

So, I’m slowly but surely working my way around the different Bordeaux wine regions and having done all seven of these tours I’ll leave you to decide which one you think you’ll enjoy the most.

No 1. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings

The village of Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux with a church in the background

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

This is hands down my favourite wine village in the Bordeaux region, it’s stunning!

The tour combines two châteaux visits with a walk around the village of St Emilion. Enjoy tasting red and white wines from Saint-Emilion from the Saint-Emilion and Pomerol wine region.

No need to worry about driving; you’ll be driven everywhere you need to go in an air-conditioned coach.

Starting at a chateau in St-Emilion you’ll learn about the effects the soil and climate have on the grapes before enjoying a 45-minute walking tour of the village.

The second chateau is a Grand Cru Classé chateau and you’ll tour the wine cellars before tasting some for yourself.

What’s included:

  • An 8-hour day trip
  • Visit two châteaux
  • A walking tour of St Emilion village
  • English speaking guide
  • Wine tasting and vineyard tours

We had a fabulous day visiting 3 chateaux and St Emilion town itself. We have to say that our tour guide, Helena, was superb. She was so enthusiastic throughout and full of knowledge.

matthew (read more reviews)

▶︎ BOOK The St Emilion Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings


No 2. Médoc Private Wine Tour with Chateau Visits & Tastings

An old chateau and driveway with treelined driveway part of the best Bordeaux wine tours

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

I have to say this is my favourite full-day tour because the region has some of the best wines, including Malbec, my favourite.

It’s a personalised private tour just for you, allowing you to explore the region which brings you not only Malbec but Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot too.

You’ll see winemaking villages such as Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, and St Estephe and have time to learn about Bordeaux wines, as well as tasting some robust reds.

What’s included:

  • A visit to three wine châteaux in the Medoc 
  • Three guided tastings
  • Private chauffeur and hotel pick-up
  • A personalised tour

Gosia was a fantastic guide who was informative and friendly. We were quite familiar with American wines prior to our visit, and she did an excellent job educating us on the unique characteristics of the Medoc region as well as Bordeaux as a whole. We highly recommend this tour!!

steven (read more reviews)

▶︎ BOOK your Private Médoc Wine Tasting and Tour


No 3. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Wine Tour Tasting & Lunch

A group of people on bikes cycling through vineyards on one of the best Bordeaux wine tours.

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  8 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

I always think there is no better way to explore the French countryside than on a bike.

And if that bike happens to be electric, meaning less work for me, all the better. That’s exactly what you get with this all-day wine-tasting bike tour.

You’ll leave Bordeaux in air-conditioned comfort and pick up your bike in the beautiful UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Emilion. As you cycle leisurely through the region, you’ll pass plenty of famous châteaux on your way.

Stopping off at a vineyard for a picnic lunch, you’ll learn all about the wine in the region and sample some for yourself. It was such a magical day!

What’s included:

  • 8.5 Hour tour
  • Air-conditioned transport to St Emilion
  • A walking tour of St Emilion village
  • English speaking guide
  • Electric bike hire
  • Picnic lunch
  • 4 Wine tasting 
  • Guided tour of 2 chateaux: vineyards and cellars

Had a fantastic day touring around Saint-Emilion. Our tour guide Dorian was very accommodating and informative. Personalised the tour to our interests. Would definitely recommend

helen (read more reviews)

▶︎ BOOK your own electric bike wine tour experience


No 4. ​​Bordeaux Super Saver Wine Tasting class with Lunch in St Emilion

A group of people stood outside a chateau near Bordeaux

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

I loved the fact that this tour combined a workshop with lunch along with a trip to the most famous of the Bordeaux wine regions, Saint-Emilion.

We spent the morning in Bordeaux learning and tasting, followed by lunch in the city. And in the afternoon we went to two chateaux in St Emilion for tours of the vineyards and more wine tasting.

This value-packed tour is limited to 8 people to ensure a more personalised experience.

What’s included:

  • A two-hour Wine Tasting Workshop with a minimum of 11 French wines paired with cheeses 
  • Lunch in the city centre
  • A road trip to UNESCO-listed Saint-Emilion
  • A visit to two châteaux for a vineyard tour and wine tasting
  • Local English-speaking guide

We did the full day tour and we are so glad we did. Tasted some amazing wine in the morning and learned all about French wine. It was really interactive! Then went out to the winery’s in the afternoon. So beautiful. Isabell was a AMAZING guide.

kelsey (read more reivews)

▶︎ BOOK the Supersave Wine Tour in St Emilion


No 5. From Bordeaux: Full Day to Saint-Emilion and Medoc

An old building in Bordeaux through a keyhole style green bush

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

This full day tour gives you the best of both worlds. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before because it’s a long, but thoroughly enjoyablle day. Enjoy the morning in Saint-Emilion and the afternoon in the Medoc combining two of the best Bordeaux wine regions.

In a small group of no more than eight people, you’ll get to explore the village of St-Emilion as well as a grand cru tasting at Château la Croizille. Back to Bordeaux for a 3-course picnic lunch with a glass of wine before heading off for the Medoc.

Here you’ll get to do tastings at Château Siran and the grand cru classé Château Marquis. And no trip would be complete without a visit to the famous Château Margaux.

What’s included:

  • Explore two Bordeaux appellations: Saint-Emilion and Margaux
  • Tastings at three different wineries
  • Picnic lunch and a glass of wine
  • Guided tour of Saint-Emilion village
  • English-speaking guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Our tour guide, Guy, was wonderful and shared a wealth of information about the wine growing regions and the certifications Chateau’s aspire to. The historic town of Saint-Emilion is quaint and beautiful. Although an all-day tour, it wasn’t overly taxing.

ronald (read more reviews)

▶︎ BOOK The St Emilion & Medoc Tour & Wine Tastings


No 6. Luxurious full-day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla

A Tesla car parked with vines behind

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  9 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

If you really want to do it in style then this is the luxury full-day tour that tops my list.

I felt like a celebrity being picked up from my hotel in a Tesla by my own chauffeur, who also doubles up as your guide. He then takes you to explore your chosen Bordeaux appellations, Saint-Émilion, Médoc or Sauternes.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll visit three châteaux, enjoy private tours and do plenty of wine tasting without the need to drive or plan anything.

Everything is taken care of for you so you can enjoy a VIP experience.

What’s included:

  • 8-9 Hour Tour
  • Private Tesla
  • English-speaking Chauffeur/Guide
  • 3 Châteaux Tours

This was fantastic! Pascal’s knowledge of French wine is tremendous. He also made the trip entertaining and enjoyable with stories of the history and the famous families who’ve built Bordeaux wine to what it is today. This by far was the highlight of our trip.

kevin (read more reviews)

▶︎ BOOK The full-day Bordeaux wine tour in a Tesla


No 7. Saint Emilion Half-Day Wine Tasting Trip

A group of people stood in the vines on a wine tasting tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  4 Hours | ✅ Check Rates & Availability!

With over 400 5-star reviews, this wine tour is topping our list.

It’s history and wine combined as you’ll spend time in the UNESCO-listed medieval village of St-Emilion and enjoy wine-tasting in a grand cru estate. It’s the best of both worlds.

With numbers capped at eight, you’ll enjoy a semi-private tour and hear about the 8th-century Breton monk who first started growing grapes in this area.

And of course, you’ll get to sample some wines for yourself.

What’s included:

  • 4 Hour-guided tour
  • Short walking tour of St Emilion
  • Red wine tastings in a Château
  • Air-conditioned minibus
  • English-speaking guide

My friends and I had a 5-star wine tour from Bordeaux to Saint Emillion. Between the vast knowledge of our tour guide and incredible wine tasting, I couldn’t recommend this tour enough. 

katharine (read more reviews)

▶︎ BOOK your Half-Day Saint-Emilion Wine Tasting and Tour


What to take with you on a Bordeaux Wine Tour

Having done my fair share of wine tours, I know what to look out for and those ‘must have’ items

Sun hat – it can get pretty warm out in the vineyards. Keeping the sun off your head, shoulders, and neck will make it much more enjoyable.

Sunscreen – the last thing you want is to get burnt. So remember to take sunscreen with you, especially on an all-day tour.

A large bottle of water – although some tours provide water, you can never have too much. Between the sun and the wine, it’s easy to become dehydrated and end up with a headache.

Sensible shoes – I know it sounds boring, but in the vines, you’re likely to be walking in the dirt. 

Appropriate clothing – the full-day tours are long so wear comfy shoes and clothing. You don’t want your feet to ache or feel too hot because you’re clothes aren’t appropriate.

Cash – I know that sounds funny in this digital age but in France, a little bit of cash goes a long way. Especially if you want to tip your guide.

FAQs About the Best Bordeaux Wine Tour

What is the best time to visit Bordeaux for a wine tour?

The best times to visit Bordeaux for a wine tour are from April to June and from September to October. During these periods, the weather is usually pleasant and you get to experience the vineyards during the growing season or harvest time.

Can I visit Bordeaux vineyards without a tour?

Yes, you can. However, it’s always a good idea to check in advance as some vineyards require appointments for tastings and visits.

Can I buy wine directly from the vineyards?

Absolutely! In fact, buying directly from the vineyards often gives you access to their best selections and sometimes, exclusive wines not available elsewhere.

Can you stay at a wine chateau?

Absolutely, you can stay at a wine chateau. There are many to choose from in and around Bordeaux.

Can you do wine tasting at the vineyards in France?

Yes, you can do wine tasting at the vineyard in France. You will be shown how to taste wine properly and enjoy understanding the different types of wine. It’s a great way to try before you buy.

What is the famous wine village near Bordeaux?

Saint Emilion is the famous wine village near Bordeaux. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a beautiful, cobblestoned village.

Final Thoughts: Wine Tours in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is quickly getting the reputation for being the new Paris as it’s safer and easier to walk around with magnificent buildings and of course, great wine.

I love spending time in Bordeaux and although I’ve now been several times, I still haven’t discovered all the hidden gems the city has to share. So if you’re looking to visit Bordeaux this article on the best hotels to book will help.

Known as the wine capital of France if you love your wine then taking a wine tour in Bordeaux should be top of your list. From one day to seven, Bordeaux is a fantastic city.

MY TOP PICK

The village of Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux with a church in the background

Full-Day Saint Emilion Wine Tasting Tour

✅ This 8-hour tour has 400 5-Star Reviews

✅ Visit a Grand Cru Classé chateau

✅ St-Emilion, is a UNESCO-listed village

Read More:

The BEST Things To Do in Bordeaux | 5 Day Itinerary 2023

Top 10 Best Chateau Hotels Near Bordeaux [2023]

Is Bordeaux safe? The Essential Safety Travel Guide 2023

Discover the best Bordeaux market | Get our top picks

Where to Picnic in Bordeaux | The Hidden Gems

Bordeaux Chocolate | Discover the Best Chocolate Shops in Bordeaux

The 10 Best Museums in Bordeaux for 2023

TRAVELLING TO FRANCE?

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🚌 🍷 My favourite platform to find Day Trips and Wine Tours in France at the best price and with great reviews 

🚂 The cheapest train tickets are always on this App​

🏨 I got a 20% discount on a chateau hotel with this hotel booking tool​

I personally use these sites myself and if you use them, they will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing cost of maintaining my blog and writing about France. Thank you!

ABOUT ME

Bonjour, I'm Kylie 🇫🇷 and I've been living in France since 2016 enjoying rural French life. I've travelled extensively visiting chateaux, wineries and historic towns & villages. Now I'm here to help travellers just like you plan your bucket list French trip.

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