Saint-Emilion & Médoc Wine Day Tour with Lunch

We had a wonderful day with Rustic Vines touring both the left and right banks of the Garonne. Of course we chose to do the tour because we enjoiy wine but we were so grateful to have the opportunity to listen to experts whilst also trying a large variety of wines. In total, this tour enabled us to taste 14 wines...that actually takes some doing but we did not feel rushed and, for us, having the opportunity to explore both the St Emilion and Medoc traditions was a big bonus. Ismail our host and driver from Rustic Vines was a superstar...ensuring we kept to time (almost :-) ) sharing his experience and knowledge and participating in our group banter. As well as the ability to taste wines and learn from experts, the joys of these tours is the ability to share thoughts and conversation with like minded people. All in all, this trip was a highlight of our holiday and will provide memories and friendships that will stay with us. Thank you Rustic Vines.

Daniel was our tour guide for the Saint -Emillion & Medoc Wine Day Tour with Lunch. Daniel is originally from the U.S. and speaks fluent French, so was able to communicate effectively with the eight English speaking participants on the tour, as well as the representatives at the wine tastings. The drive time is a bit extensive, and Daniel used that time to explain the history of the region and details about the wines we would taste. I give him a 5/5. Lunch was a picnic at a Chateau with a nice assortment of local breads, cheese, and charcuterie. Our favorite stop was Saint-Emilion. The village is a must do experience. We would like to go back to Saint-Emillion for a more immersive experience. (Rustic Vines has an excursion that focuses on Saint-Emillion.) The visits to the chateaus in Medoc were nice. If course all of the ones in the left bank and the right bank are superb, and distinct. I would strongly encourage participants to be punctual at the start and during the tour. There were two women on our tour who arrived late and delayed our start, then disappeared in Saint-Emilion to go find coffee. The entire group had to wait for them and it took away from our time to see more of Saint-Emilion, because Daniel understandably has to stay to a schedule out of courtesy to the participants and the wine tastings venues. Daniel did his best with a good balance of patience yet making certain the experience met the expectations of the participants. Again - arrive early for the tour and follow the guide’s lead and it will enhance the experience for all. I give Rustic Vines and Daniel a high recommendation. They provide a great experience at a good value. We will without a doubt go back to Rustic Vines for our next Bordeaux wine adventure.

We had a great experience with this tour. Our tour guide Daniel was fun, kind, and so knowledgeable about the region!

We had a great day. Chloe was excellent - great driver, conversationalist, knowledge-sharer. Our various wineries were all great, including the walk through St. Emilion and a visit to the wine shop - which was a really great primer. Next time I'd bring a sandwich or something - picnic was glorious but cheese and bread and fruit (no meat for me) can only go so far; I was starving by the end and full of wine! Would definitely recommend this to others - really easy and well organised.