Private Tour
Available languages
24 hours
Mobile ticket
St Emilion is called the 'hillside of a 1000 châteaux' and you will get a great insight into the famous classified properties and their wines contrasted with the smaller producers here.
Despite the famous names here (such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton) this atmospheric place is still dominated by small family run places (these I call the SIPs - Small Independent Producers). We will visit 3 châteaux of contrasting terroirs and styles. I am an insider here. My partner makes Grand Cru classé wine here too so this will be an additional stop. I will delight in sharing with you the key sites and the gossip! We will have time to visit the picturesque St Emilion village founded in the 9th century (if you like instead of a 3rd wine château there is an underground monolithic church organised by the Tourist office). We will visit the small neighbouring appellation of Pomerol too where the iconic Petrus is located. Lots to see, taste and great passionate people to meet in my home town!
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
It can get chilly in the cellars so a light jacket or shawl is recommended
Dress code is smart casual
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Wine tasting
Expert local wine guide
Third party insurance
Transport by private vehicle
Tailor-made organisation
Chateaux visits
Lunch (menu usually around 25€pp in a local brasserie)
For an upmarket meal option contact me for details
Bordeaux SIP Wine Tours
The days are normally 9 to 6.30pm with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or boat within the city of Bordeaux. I like to visit three properties per day of a range of styles to show you some of the different aspects involved in Bordeaux vine growing and wine making. Most of my favourite properties are still family-owned, most are classified and all produce great wine. I like to include if possible a smaller independent producer (SIP) where we can meet the winemaker to see the 'other side' (there are 7000 properties in Bordeaux and only around 200 of them belong to the elite group called the Grand Cru Classé). St Emilion (Right Bank) is a beautiful wine region with its vineyards planted on rolling hills around its medieval village. The properties are smaller here and many are still family-owned. It is known as 'the hill of a thousand châteaux' and it is important to visit some contrasting styles from the classified property where we go under the vines in limestone caves and another, which has been ‘organic forever’ and is run by the 14th generation of the same family today who we would meet. We will have time to visit the fascinating medieval town and its cobbled streets and pass through Pomerol where Bordeaux’s most expensive wines are found including Petrus. I will be organising your individual itinerary. Twenty-five years as a wine professional in the region enables me to open doors and offer you a unique insider’s authentic view of Bordeaux. It will be a fun, informative experience you will never forget and quite different to the other wine tours of Bordeaux available. Also note that what I charge is all inclusive (tailor-made organising and advice, third party insurance, accompanying on the day by expert wine guide, pick-up and drop-off from Bordeaux centre, transport, chateaux visit and tasting fees) except meals. Please advise if you have any particular Bordeaux favourites yourself or areas of special interest.
Pickup included
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Mark M,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
We had a very enjoyable day. Nicolle was able to pick us up early and planned a nicely balanced day of touring the town of St. Emilion and visiting two very different wineries. With her intimate knowledge of the town and the wine industry she was able to provide a lot of insight and answer any question we had. Highly recommended!
J L,
May 7, 2025
- Viator
Nicolle was a greate guide with all the knowledge you would need. Went to small and medium size wineries which what we were looking for as they are more intimate. Couldn't have asked for a better overall experience.
Courtney A,
Oct 4, 2024
- Viator
Thank you for a beautiful and unique experience. I will absolutely recommend this tour to anyone who is looking to explore the Saint Emilion area.
Mike V,
Dec 7, 2023
- Viator
We had a great day with Emanuel. She had the perfect day planned. Three fantastic wineries and touring St Emilion. The day was filled with great wine, great scenery and wonderful conversation
Johnetty K,
Sep 25, 2023
- Viator
Nicolle is phenomenal! She is truly an expert in all things wine related while being professional and super friendly. We did not have to plan one aspect of this tour. Nicolle took care of everything. She did communicate along the way while requesting our input, but it was great to have expert recommendations and planning. It was the perfect balance of education, fun, and personalization.
Operated by SIP Wines