Explore Saint-Emilion & the Right Bank: Private Vineyard Tour & Tastings

FAQ

• Where is Saint-Émilion in France?

  Saint-Émilion is a village of France located in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, Gironde department, about 48 kilometers (30 miles) east of the city of Bordeaux. The medieval villages is perched on a limestone plateau, above the vineyards that are world renowned for producing a full bodied red wine of which Merlot is the dominant grape variety. Saint-Émilion village and wine region is our most popular wine tour destination for a day trip from Bordeaux.

• What type of Wine is Saint-Émilion?

  Located on the right bank of the river Garonne the appellation specialises in red wines from the grape varieties Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wines of Saint-Émilion are generally delightfully complex and elegant. Common fruit flavours include plums, strawberries, cherries which can become more dried and stewed with age. Oak ageing is very common, providing balanced flavours of vanilla, toast and nutmeg.

• What is there to see & do in Saint-Émilion?

  History is alive and well, and very visible on any visit to Saint-Émilion today. First, don’t miss the impressive Romanesque church, in the heart of the old town. The streets and buildings constituting Saint-Émilion medieval village are some of the few surviving examples of a traditional hilltop village near Bordeaux. Largely intact despite the passing centuries, walking through the village literally feels like going back in time.

  Walking up the narrow winding streets, you will come to several superb vantage points, which offer sweeping views over the Dordogne Valley. But the village of Saint-Émilion’s main historical attraction is underground. Beneath the village, lies a network of tunnels covering more than 120 miles. These tunnels are left over from the many quarries that were exploited until the 19th century to supply stone that was used to build villages, towns and cities such as Bordeaux.

• What type of vehicles are used during a Bordeaux private wine tour?

  Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.

• Do you organize pick up and return at accommodation for Bordeaux private tours?

  Yes, absolutely. We will come and pick you up at your Hotel, accommodation or AirB&B in Bordeaux. We can also come and pick you up if your accommodation is located within a 30 kms (20 miles) radius around Bordeaux, at no extra cost.

• Who conducts your private wine tours from Bordeaux?

  We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of museums, guided walking tours in cities, visit of historical monuments and so on.
  
  In some regions, where wine tours prevail (Bordeaux, Alsace) the tours are conducted by professional local guides or sommeliers that are experts in Wines.

• Can we choose which wineries we will visit during your Bordeaux private wine tours?

  Yes, we will be happy to organize and pre-book your winery tours of Saint Emilion. Please note that most wineries open their doors to visitors but some high end wineries such as Chateau Cheval Blanc, Petrus and a few others do not welcome any visitors. Also, it is important to mention that we only make the required Chateau reservations once you have booked your private wine tour with Ophorus.

• Can one visit Pétrus?

  NO, unfortunately it is not possible to visit Pétrus. Only wine merchants or persons of the wine trade can one day hope to visit the premises. Pétrus is the lead winery located in the appellation of Pomerol. This is certainly one of the most frequent questions that we have.
  
  We do, however, offer tours in the Pomerol Appellation. If you are a Pomerol wine lover, don't hesitat to contact us and we will design a specific Private Bordeaux Wine Tour that will include winery visits in the Pomerol appellation.

• Are the winery Tours private on your Bordeaux wine tours?

  Yes, we pre-book winery visits and tasting session just for you and your party. This means that you will enjoy a private visit of the installations followed by a private commented wine tasting session.

• How many Bordeaux wines will I taste during this Private Saint-Émilion Wine tour?

  Unlike other wine tasting sessions that you might have followed around the world, the tastings in Bordeaux are not as generous in terms of pours . The amount of wine tasted is not what many would expect but here it is all about elegance, fruit, quality, aromas and flavors rather than quantity.
  
  Each Chateau will have you taste their premium wine and what we call the 'second' wine of the estate. Sometimes, Château owners also add a tasting of some other wine if they happen to be the owners of another Château in Bordeaux. So basically, at each winery visited it will be 2 to maximum 4 wines tasted.
  
  In the village, there is a possibility to taste wines from all the Bordeaux wine regions. Usually, the number of wines tasted there are between 4 to 8 depending on which bottles have been opened. It will also be possible for you to purchase some wine there and shipping is possible to the United States and all over the world. 
  
  If you wish to taste more wine, lunch in Saint-Émilion village is a perfect location to sample other appellations - it is easy to order wines by the glass. To further enhance your wine experience, it is always possible to buy some bottles at the wineries visited.

• Is lunch included on this private Saint-Émilion Wine tour from Bordeaux?

  No, we never include lunch on our private tours. However, if you would like to include lunch don't hesitate to reach out and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you. It is also possible to ask your guide for suggestions. On this full day tour, free time for lunch will be given in Saint Emilion village where there are numerous possible options.