Full-Day Wine Trip to St-Émilion and Margaux review

Our verdict: the most-booked Bordeaux wine tour — a full-day minibus trip covering both the right bank and left bank in one day. Morning in Margaux (Cabernet power, 1855 growths), picnic château lunch, afternoon in Saint-Émilion (Merlot warmth, medieval village). Eight wines across three châteaux, small group, someone else drives so you taste freely.

4.8★★★★★698 reviewsfrom €180

Duration9 hours

TransportMinibus from central Bordeaux

Tastings8 wines across 3 châteaux

LunchChâteau picnic included

Group sizeSmall (max ~12)

CancellationFree, 24 hrs

What the day actually looks like

Central Bordeaux pickup around 8 am. The minibus heads north toward Margaux on the D2 Châteaux Road. You arrive mid-morning at a classified-growth winery or Cru Bourgeois on the left bank — your guide leads you through the cellar (12–14°C, bring a layer) and pours Cabernet from the barrel. Second tasting at another winery nearby. Around noon, the van heads back toward Bordeaux and crosses east to the right bank. Lunch is a picnic set up in the grounds of a château — bread, cheese, charcuterie, wine from the property. You have an hour to eat and breathe. Afternoon tasting in Saint-Émilion, usually a Grand Cru Classé estate where one pourer often walks you through the cellar and pours generously. After tasting, you have free time in the medieval village (shops, narrow streets, macaron stalls). Van back to Bordeaux by 5–6 pm.

What works

Both banks in one day; you see the two Bordeaux landscapes side-by-side
Château lunch included; no restaurant bill
Small minibus group means you hear the guide
Freely taste without drink-drive worry; someone drives
Free time in the UNESCO village to walk and explore
Highest-rated tour (4.8 from 698 reviews)

Worth knowing

9-hour day is long; not ideal if you have limited stamina
Morning-to-afternoon pace is steady; little downtime at each site
Peak season books out weeks ahead; book early
You see three châteaux but spend 1.5–2 hours at each

Price€180

Rating4.8 / 5

Reviews698

Duration9 hrs

Châteaux3

Wines tasted8

Insider tip

Book this early in your Bordeaux stay, not the day before peak season. Bring a light sweater for cellars. Wear flat shoes for cobbles in Saint-Émilion. The afternoon tasting is often in a cooler cellar; a cardigan is essential even in summer.

Who it’s for, and who it’s not

This is for first-time Bordeaux visitors who want the signature experience — both banks, tastings, and the village. It’s best for couples, small groups, and anyone who can sit comfortably on a minibus for nine hours. It’s not for people on a tight budget — try the €60 budget tour. Not for those who want depth at one estate — see the private tour.

Real reviewers on this tour

“Hugo our guide was great, beautiful scenery and lots of wine tasting.”
— Siddharth, Switzerland

Check dates & book the full-day combo

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

We’re an independent guide, not a tour operator. Booking links go to GetYourGuide and are affiliate links — book through them and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Other full-day options

Full-day Médoc

Frequently asked questions

Is the 9-hour day worth it?

Yes, if you want both banks and a real village walk in one day. You see Margaux’s 1855 names, taste warm Merlot in Saint-Émilion, and walk cobbles in a UNESCO village. But read more on whether one day is enough and consider splitting into two half-days if you have more time.

What if I don’t like one of the châteaux?

The guide chooses the estates each day based on availability and group interest. If you have preferences (prefer Merlot to Cabernet, for example), mention it at pickup and the guide can adjust. Contact us if you had a poor experience.

Can I spit at tastings?

Yes, expected. Crachoirs (spit buckets) are at every tasting. It’s professional and normal. Read more on etiquette.