Making an unexpected stop for a few days (en route Dordogne) to explore this beautiful town.
Your recommendations for a stellar “wine tour” (as well as other outstanding activities) greatly appreciated!
Bien á vous! :oD
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
303 posts
I like Rustic Vines and have used them a few times. You can take their tours from Bordeaux center or from St. Émilion. They offer tours in both left and right bank. https://rusticvinestours.com/
Posted by
OP
SF Bay Area
55 posts
Thanks for the recommendation Kimberly, I’ll check them out!
Posted by
90 posts
The tourist office has a bunch of tours listed. We did 2 when were there and both were very good. One went to a number of smaller wineries, and the other went to one winery, and we helped with the harvest then had a great lunch!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
What time of year? I was there during a wine festival (mid-June) that was great for wine tasting because hundreds of vineyards came to the town center. I believe they have at least two big wine festivals in town every year.
Posted by
St. Petersburg, FL
146 posts
We did 3 days of private tours with rustic vines last year. Highly recommend!!
Posted by
3390 posts
I planned a trip to Bordeaux that didn't happen. I has planned to use Ophorus for a couple of wine tours. We had used them previously in Alsace, and were pleased with every aspect of the experience.
https://www.ophorus.com/destination/5/france/aquitaine/bordeaux
Posted by
SoCal
933 posts
Our experiences with Ophorus in Bordeaux were good. Right bank tour was especially enjoyable, and this is coming from a cabernet sauvignon fanboy.
Posted by
20 posts
Hi Isabel,
There a couple of reputable tour companies. In my opinion Ophorus and Bordeaux Wine Trails are the two most notable. However, I would recommend that you visit the wineries on your own. It will save you a lot of money. Chateau Pape Clement and Les Carmes Haut-Brion are located within the city of Bordeaux, you can visit their websites and book a tour.
I would also check out this website: (https://sauvistication.com/). It will teach how to navigate Saint-Emilion and Margaux on your own.
Safe Travels!
Posted by
SoCal
933 posts
Stefan, you make a good point about cost. But if I were visiting châteaux on my own, I'd need to hire a driver, which would wipe out any savings, and then some. Those who have someone else to drive them who won't enjoy the vineyard products should certainly follow your guidance.
Posted by
20 posts
Fair point Jphbucks,
I've often rented a bike for the ones nearby Bordeaux. In Saint-Emilion there are a good few wineries walking distance from the train station.