Rustic Vines Tours

Cycling next to and between the vineyards, dotted with old stone houses/cellars and chateaus was an incredible way to experience the Saint Emilion region of Bordeaux. The e-bikes were very comfortable (somehow not clunky or too heavy) and quite easy to manage. Nice touch that helmets were provided (even though it was not clear on the website). The experience took ~8.5 hours and we only had 2 tastings. If you are going to Bordeaux principally to taste wine, this tour is not for you. While the wines were quite good (both grand cru clasee chateaus), only tasting 4 bottles from each vineyard seemed like a missed opportunity. We were hoping to taste at least 3, possibly 4, given the full day tour. The lunch was mediocre, featuring a very simple platter of cured meats, cheeses (nothing special, more grocery store quality than specialty fromagerie), and a handful of vegetables. Dessert was a canale and a chocolate soufflé (fruit for the gluten-free person in our group). After lunch we biked to the medieval city of St. Emilion. Because we had such glorious weather (no clouds, 75°f) and the leaves were starting to turn their fall colors, this 30-minute ride was the absolute highlight of the day. However, once we arrived in the medieval town, we were on our own for 90-minutes, which was not enough time to visit the monolithic church or the underground wine cloisters. I would recommend using this time for a DIY wine tasting featuring other chateaus in the region. I would also recommend reading up on the town (wikipedia or a tourism page will suffice) to give you some bearings. TL;DR. Total time biking was maybe 60, at most 70 minutes. The riding was easy and landscape absolutely stunning. Given te cost, there were too few wine tastings and lunch was underwhelming.

De hele voorstelling was perfekt . Het boeken via "bureau de tourisme " was zeer eenvoudig met de goede hulp van de bediende . Ik zou cité du vin zeker aanbevelen aan vrienden of bekenden

De hele voorstelling was perfekt . Het boeken via "bureau de tourisme " was zeer eenvoudig met de goede hulp van de bediende . Ik zou cité du vin zeker aanbevelen aan vrienden of bekenden

What a fantastic introduction to Bordeaux wine culture. Small group of 7 plus Clement our driver guide headed first to St Emilion for a very interesting and informative visit to a Grand Cru vineyard and winery including a tasting of 3 beautiful wines. Then on to the village of St Emilion where Clement gave us some history and we had some free time to wander around the village. Finally to Pomerol for another visit and tastings to round out the afternoon. Felt like we packed a lot into the tour at an easy pace. Everyone was encouraged to ask questions during the visits and it was a really enjoyable experience. Highly recommended. Lovely weather on 8th October helped too.

We would definitely recommend it. It was a lovely day with a knowledgeable and personable guide. A wonderful group of people as well

Loved the tour. I might have chosen different vineyards. Loved the small vineyard with Clemente the owner. Our tour group bought most of their wine there. I think the large vineyards are too commercial and I’d skip them. It’s an easy fix for a great tour !