Your Private Saint-Émilion Wine Tour Itinerary
Your day begins as your private driver-guide collects you from your hotel in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle.
As you leave the city behind, your guide shares the story of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, renowned for its velvety Merlot-driven wines and centuries-old traditions.
First Grand Cru Château – Private Estate Visit & Tasting
Your first stop is at a prestigious wine estate, selected according to your preferences — elegant châteaux such as:
- Château Figeac
- Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
- Château La Dominique
- Château Soutard
- Château Canon
Meet estate experts as you tour the vineyards and historic cellars, learning how Saint-Émilion blends modern innovation with ancestral techniques. Your personalised tasting introduces you to the region’s iconic silky, fruit-forward wines.
Medieval Village of Saint-Émilion – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Your guide then leads you into the heart of Saint-Émilion, an impossibly picturesque hilltop village of winding medieval streets, golden limestone buildings, and sweeping vineyard panoramas.
You’ll explore:
- The ancient Cloister of the Cordeliers
- The iconic King’s Tower (Tour du Roy)
- The charming central square and artisan wine shops
- Cobbled lanes lined with stone houses and viewpoints
- 12th-century monastic ruins hidden between the vineyards
Your guide’s storytelling brings to life the monks, merchants, and winemakers who shaped the region’s identity over nearly 12 centuries.
Optional: Private Underground Monuments Tour
Upgrade your experience with a private visit to Saint-Émilion’s incredible underground sites (access is strictly by guided tour only):
- The Monolithic Church — carved entirely from limestone
- The Hermitage of Saint Émilion
- The Trinity Chapel & catacombs
This is one of the most extraordinary architectural feats in France, and a highlight for many travellers.
Second Château Visit – Grand Cru Tasting
In the afternoon, continue to a second hand-selected wine estate.
Your guide ensures you experience a different style of winemaking, perhaps an organic château, a family-run estate, or a Premier Grand Cru Classé.
Enjoy a private tasting of 3–6 wines, compare aging techniques, and learn how terroir, slope orientation, and barrel influence shape each vintage.
Final Village Stroll & Macaron Tasting (Optional)
Before returning to Bordeaux, stop for a tasting of Saint-Émilion’s famous ancient-style macarons, a delicacy made according to a 400-year-old secret recipe created by Ursuline nuns.
Return to Bordeaux
Your driver-guide returns you comfortably to your hotel, expect to arrive back in Bordeaux in the late afternoon.
Optional Extras for Your Saint-Émilion Tour
- Lunch at a Château restaurant in the vineyards (Michelin options available)
- Electric bike tour through the vineyards
- Barrel tasting directly from the cask
- Professional photography session in the vines
- Blend-your-own-wine workshop
FAQs for the Saint-Émilion Wine Tour
1. Can We Replace the Second Château with an Electric Bike Ride Through the Vineyards?
Absolutely. E-bike tours are a popular upgrade and offer a scenic way to explore the countryside from château to château.
2. How Long Is the Drive from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion?
Approximately 45 minutes, all in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with your private driver-guide.
3. What Is the Best Season to Experience Saint-Émilion at Its Most Beautiful?
May–October offers green vineyards and warm weather, while September (harvest season) offers exceptional energy. Winter is quieter and perfect for private cellar experiences.
4. Is Photography Allowed Inside the Châteaux and Underground Monuments?
Photography is typically allowed in outdoor and cellar areas, but restrictions may apply inside the Monolithic Church and certain private rooms. Your guide advises in real time.
5. How Far in Advance Should I Book to Secure Premier Grand Cru Classé Visits?
We recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during harvest or summer, as the most prestigious estates limit daily visitor numbers.
