Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day Trip From Bordeaux (shared)
Highlights
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English-speaking, hand-picked, local guides expert in wines.
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Visit a Classified Grand Cru winery of Saint Emilion.
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All wine tasting fees 100% included.
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Professional but relaxed commented wine tasting.
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Visit the magical village of Saint Emilion.
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Free time to explore on your own after a short guided tour.
Summary
Take it slow with a Saint Emilion wine tour and village visit! Discover the medieval streets and delicious wines of this 2000 year old wine making area at a relaxed pace within a short period of time.
Tour info
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
8
Pricing (From)
Adult:
(18-99 years)
€75.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point
12 cours du 30 Juillet, Bordeaux, France, 33110
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
8.50am or 1.50pm - Meet your guide in front of the Bordeaux Tourism Office
9.00am or 2.00pm am Depart from Bordeaux
10.00am or 3.00pm Visit & Wine tasting in Saint Emilion winery
11.00am or 4.00pm Visit & free time in the village of Saint Emilion
12.15pm or 5.15pm Depart from Saint Emilion
1.00pm or 6.00pm return to Bordeaux
9.00am or 2.00pm am Depart from Bordeaux
10.00am or 3.00pm Visit & Wine tasting in Saint Emilion winery
11.00am or 4.00pm Visit & free time in the village of Saint Emilion
12.15pm or 5.15pm Depart from Saint Emilion
1.00pm or 6.00pm return to Bordeaux
Experience the Magic of One of Our Favorite Villages and Favorite Wines on this half day wine tour.
PICK UP AT CENTRALLY LOCATED MEETING POINT IN BORDEAUX
This morning, we will come and pick you up at in front of the Bordeaux Tourism Office. The Bordeaux tourist office is located at 12 cours du 30 Juillet, 33000 BORDEAUX, in the heart of the city, facing the CIVB Bordeaux wine syndicat building. The tourism office is located close to all the hotels located in the city center, usually a maximum 10 minutes walking distance.
This morning, we will come and pick you up at in front of the Bordeaux Tourism Office. The Bordeaux tourist office is located at 12 cours du 30 Juillet, 33000 BORDEAUX, in the heart of the city, facing the CIVB Bordeaux wine syndicat building. The tourism office is located close to all the hotels located in the city center, usually a maximum 10 minutes walking distance.
PLEASE BE ON TIME AS WINERY VISITS HAVE BEEN PRE-BOOKED JUST FOR US!
For all our shared day trips from Bordeaux, we ask our clients to be present 10 minutes before departure time. It is important to be on time as Bordeaux wine tours imply strict timing as all the wineries visited have been pre-booked especially for our clients. Due to this, all our tours must leave on time to meet this schedule. In Bordeaux, unlike many other wine destinations, it is not possible to just show up at a winery for a tour, especially for the wineries that are highly demanded.
For all our shared day trips from Bordeaux, we ask our clients to be present 10 minutes before departure time. It is important to be on time as Bordeaux wine tours imply strict timing as all the wineries visited have been pre-booked especially for our clients. Due to this, all our tours must leave on time to meet this schedule. In Bordeaux, unlike many other wine destinations, it is not possible to just show up at a winery for a tour, especially for the wineries that are highly demanded.
If you think that you might be late, please contact us rapidly by sms, phone or email so that we can advise the driver/guide to wait. However, waiting time is limited to 10 minutes maximum. If you are not present at the time of departure, your reservation will be considered as a no show and will not be refunded!
MEET YOUR ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER/GUIDE WHO IS A LOCAL EXPERT ON BORDEAUX WINES
Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them.
Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them.
Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to the Saint Emilion wine producing region.
All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guide's commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another.
WINE & HISTORY COMBO ON A SAINT EMILION HALF DAY TOUR
This half day small group wine tour packs a lot of delights into a few hours. On this tour of St Emilion organized by Ophorus, you will enjoy tasting delicious Bordeaux wines. Add to this the rich historical attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage site and you see why the half day option makes for such a great tour.
This half day small group wine tour packs a lot of delights into a few hours. On this tour of St Emilion organized by Ophorus, you will enjoy tasting delicious Bordeaux wines. Add to this the rich historical attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage site and you see why the half day option makes for such a great tour.
DEPART FROM BORDEAUX AND REACH THE RIGHT BANK WINE REGION
Starting in the city of Bordeaux, a short drive in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan brings you out of the city to the picturesque countryside plains and rolling hills of the right bank wine producing area. This is the heart of Bordeaux's famous wine region, where many vineyards carry the Saint Emilion AOC designation. Each of these local wineries produce vintages with distinct soil features backed by a long winemaking heritage.
Starting in the city of Bordeaux, a short drive in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan brings you out of the city to the picturesque countryside plains and rolling hills of the right bank wine producing area. This is the heart of Bordeaux's famous wine region, where many vineyards carry the Saint Emilion AOC designation. Each of these local wineries produce vintages with distinct soil features backed by a long winemaking heritage.
Your first major stop on the St Emilion half day trip will be in one of the local estates for a visit and wine tasting at a Grand Cru Chateau. Here, you will get to tour and taste different vintages in a carefully selected domain.
The wines are a blend of Merlot grapes with deep, bold flavors, along with other local grape varieties, especially Cabernet Franc and, to a lesser degree, Cabernet Sauvignon. A local guide of the winery will reveal all the steps in the wine production process for you, as well as share some historical details about the estate.
Your Ophorus guide will be with you during the visit so don't hesitate to ask any questions. All our driver/guides have great knowledge about wines and they will be happy to share any basic or more technical information concerning French or Bordeaux Wines. Whether you have questions about history, technique, flavors, aromas, food & wine pairings don't hesitate to ask them anything that relates to wine to make this day a very special one.
THEN VISIT A MOST CHARMING VILLAGE
Following your wine tasting session, your half day tour continues with a guided walking tour of the eponymous village. Stroll through the quaint, cobbled streets of this medieval town, while your tour guide recounts local history, from the days of the 8th century hermit Emilion, to the 19th century mining galleries, which still lie beneath the village.
Following your wine tasting session, your half day tour continues with a guided walking tour of the eponymous village. Stroll through the quaint, cobbled streets of this medieval town, while your tour guide recounts local history, from the days of the 8th century hermit Emilion, to the 19th century mining galleries, which still lie beneath the village.
Important historical sites include the Romanesque cloister and the Monolithic church carved into the limestone cliffs (also known as the underground monuments – not included on this tour. This can be booked on our private full day Saint Emilion tour)
It is no coincidence that Saint Emilion has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. After the walk, enjoy some free time to explore on your own in the village. Why not enter one of the many wine cellars to continue your tasting session? Finally, you will head back to Bordeaux where the wine tour concludes after having learned a lot about this famous wine producing area.
A FAMOUS MONK, A CAVE AND CENTURIES OF WINE MAKING
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne Valley, the picturesque rooftops and medieval stone buildings of the beautiful village of Saint Emilion are a delight to the eye. A unique microclimate and Saint Emilion's fertile soil made the area a haven of wine making.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne Valley, the picturesque rooftops and medieval stone buildings of the beautiful village of Saint Emilion are a delight to the eye. A unique microclimate and Saint Emilion's fertile soil made the area a haven of wine making.
This tradition goes back to the later centuries of the Roman Empire. The first vineyards were planted here in the second century AD. In the fourth century, the Roman poet Ausonius already mentioned the delicious grapes of Saint Emilion.
THE LEGEND OF EMILIAN
The first indications of human settlements in the area date back to the Roman Empire, but the story of Saint Emilion starts in the eighth century AD. At that time, a monk from Brittany, fleeing persecution in his hometown of Vannes sought refuge in one of the natural caves near the settlement of Ascum Bas.
The first indications of human settlements in the area date back to the Roman Empire, but the story of Saint Emilion starts in the eighth century AD. At that time, a monk from Brittany, fleeing persecution in his hometown of Vannes sought refuge in one of the natural caves near the settlement of Ascum Bas.
Although he lived the simple and secluded life of a hermit, Saint Emilion allegedly performed several miracles from his Aquitaine hideaway. Soon, his renown spread far beyond the town and region, bringing pilgrims and disciples from far afield to visit him. The small settlement grew fast as it became a religious center. After Saint Emilion died, his followers made sure he would be remembered by giving the town of Ascum Bas the new name Saint Emilion.
Much later, monks developed more intensive and widespread vineyards. This is when the reputation for Saint Emilion wines started building towards what it is today. The rich Merlot-based blends of these fertile plains have given local wines a great appeal, and several wines produced in chateaux near Saint Emilion have been given the highest possible awards under the French appellation wine rating system.
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE OR DO IN SAINT EMILION?
History is alive and well, and very visible on any visit to Saint Emilion today. First, don’t miss the impressive Romanesque church, in the heart of the old town. The streets and buildings constituting Saint Emilion medieval village are some of the few surviving examples of a traditional hilltop village near Bordeaux. Largely intact despite the passing centuries, walking through the village literally feels like going back in time.
History is alive and well, and very visible on any visit to Saint Emilion today. First, don’t miss the impressive Romanesque church, in the heart of the old town. The streets and buildings constituting Saint Emilion medieval village are some of the few surviving examples of a traditional hilltop village near Bordeaux. Largely intact despite the passing centuries, walking through the village literally feels like going back in time.
Walking up the narrow winding streets, you will come to several superb vantage points, which offer sweeping views over the Dordogne Valley. But the village of St Emilion’s main historical attraction is underground. Beneath the village, lies a network of tunnels covering more than 120 miles. These tunnels are left over from the many quarries that were exploited until the 19th century to supply stone that was used to build villages, towns and cities such as Bordeaux.
A further highlight of Saint Emilion, is the underground Monolithic Church. The foundation of the church is built directly into the limestone of the rocky site, a rare construction feat. By lack of time it will not be possible to visit the monolithic church on this half day tour but if you have more time, this option is possible on a full day private tour and we highly recommend this tour.
What’s included?
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Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point in Bordeaux. -
English-speaking driver guide. -
Travel in comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes Minivan. -
Free WiFi access on board. -
Visit and wine tasting in a Grand Cru Chateau of Saint Emilion -
All Wine tasting fees. -
Walking tour of St. Emilion -
Bottled water in the minivan -
Entrance fees to monuments, museums, attractions.
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Personal insurance & expenses.
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Lunch.
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Gratuities for the driver guide.
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
Before you book
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Instant booking confirmation
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Adult-only tour, no children allowed under 18 years
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Prices are per person
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Currency is in Euros
Before you go
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Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
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Tour is operated in English
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Tour is not wheelchair accessible
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Tour involves some walking, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Covid Policy
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
Cancellation Policy
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Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Pricing
MORNING TOUR
Adult:
(18-99 years)
€75.00
AFTERNOON TOUR
Adult:
(18-99 years)
€85.00
About operator:
Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France.
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world.
Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...
