Saint Emilion Wine Adventure: Private Bordeaux Vineyard half-day tour

Uncover the treasures of Saint Emilion, a charming village renowned for its exceptional red wines, on our exclusive private tour departing from Bordeaux. Let our expert guides take you on a journey through the prestigious Grands Crus Wineries, where you'll indulge in the flavors of fabulous Saint Emilion wines. Immerse yourself in the UNESCO-listed St Emilion village and its captivating Underground Monuments, all while being accompanied by our knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Unveil the Secrets of Bordeaux Wines with our English-Speaking Experts

Join us for an immersive Bordeaux Wine Tour, guided by our team of English-speaking experts. From the moment we pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Bordeaux, you'll be introduced to our certified driver/guides, who possess the necessary licenses to conduct tours in historical villages like Saint Emilion. With their exclusive access to monuments and museums, you'll enjoy a truly enriching experience.

Travel in Comfort and Style aboard our Premium Minivans

Our private Bordeaux Wine Tour to Saint Emilion ensures a comfortable journey in our luxurious and spacious Mercedes Minivans, designed to accommodate up to 8 individuals. Equipped with an on-board P/A system, you'll easily hear the informative commentary from your driver/guide, regardless of where you're seated.

Indulge in the Perfect Blend of Wine and History on our Saint Emilion Half Day Wine Tour

Delight in a wine and history combo on our private half day small group wine tour, an exquisite blend of wine tasting and historical exploration. Limited to a maximum of 2 to 8 persons, this exclusive tour organized by Ophorus offers the opportunity to savor exquisite classified growth Bordeaux wines. Enhancing the experience is the wealth of historical attractions found in this UNESCO World Heritage site, making it an exceptional choice for a half day excursion.

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to the Right Bank Wine Region from Bordeaux

Embark on a remarkable journey from Bordeaux as our comfortable air-conditioned minivan swiftly transports you to the picturesque countryside plains and rolling hills of the right bank wine producing area. Immerse yourself in the heartland of Bordeaux's renowned wine region, where numerous vineyards carry the prestigious Saint Emilion AOC designation. Each winery showcases vintages with distinct soil characteristics, reflecting a rich winemaking heritage.

Your first major stop on this personalized St Emilion half day trip will be at one of the Grand Cru estates, where we have arranged an exclusive appointment for you. Enjoy a visit and wine tasting session at one of the Grands Crus Classés Chateaux. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and invited to explore the vineyards, tour the estate, and savor a selection of carefully crafted vintages.

These exceptional wines, predominantly made from Merlot grapes, offer deep, bold flavors complemented by other local grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Accompanied by a knowledgeable winery guide, you'll gain insights into the intricate winemaking process and uncover fascinating historical details about the estate.

Throughout the visit, your Ophorus guide will be available to answer any questions you may have. Our driver/guides possess extensive knowledge about wines and are delighted to share both basic and technical information about French and Bordeaux Wines. Whether you seek insights into history, winemaking techniques, flavors, aromas, or food and wine pairings, feel free to make this half day tour truly special by engaging with your guide.

Explore the Enchanting Village of St Emilion

Following the wine tasting experience, your private half day trip continues with a guided walking tour of the captivating village of St Emilion. Wander through the charming cobbled streets of this medieval town while your guide regales you with local history, from the tales of the 8th century hermit Emilion to the underground mining galleries dating back to the 19th century.

Highlights of the tour include the Romanesque cloister and the Monolithic church, a remarkable underground monument carved into limestone cliffs. As a private tour with privileged access, we can arrange a private visit to this attraction upon request, allowing you to immerse yourself in both culture and wine.

It comes as no surprise that Saint Emilion was bestowed the UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. After the guided walk, enjoy some free time to explore the village at your leisure. Take the opportunity to visit one of the many wine cellars, extending your tasting session. 

Finally, we will return to Bordeaux, where the wine tour concludes, leaving you with a wealth of knowledge about this renowned wine-producing region.

Unravel the Legend of Emilian and Centuries of Wine Making

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Dordogne Valley, the captivating village of Saint Emilion boasts picturesque rooftops and medieval stone buildings that captivate the eye. Blessed with a unique microclimate and fertile soil, Saint Emilion has thrived as a haven for wine making.

This cherished tradition dates back to the later centuries of the Roman Empire, with the first vineyards planted in the area during the second century AD. As early as the fourth century, the Roman poet Ausonius praised the delectable grapes of Saint Emilion.

The legend of Saint Emilion traces back to the eighth century AD when a monk from Brittany sought refuge in a natural cave near the settlement of Ascum Bas, escaping persecution in his hometown of Vannes. Rumored to have performed miraculous acts, Saint Emilion's fame spread far and wide, attracting pilgrims and disciples from distant lands. The small settlement flourished, eventually becoming a renowned religious center. To honor Saint Emilion, the town of Ascum Bas adopted the name Saint Emilion.

In later centuries, monks expanded the vineyards, propelling the reputation of Saint Emilion wines to its present-day prominence. The region's fertile plains produce rich Merlot-based blends, garnering international acclaim and prestigious awards under the French appellation wine rating system.

Immerse yourself in the legend, history, and exquisite wines of Saint Emilion on this exceptional wine tour, where every moment promises to be truly unforgettable.