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Private Graves & Sauternes Wine Tour from Saint-Emilion – Full-Day Experience
Personalized Pick-Up from Your Saint-Emilion Accommodation
Begin your exclusive Bordeaux wine adventure with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Saint-Emilion. Meet your English-speaking driver-guide, a local expert in Bordeaux wines. They will review the day’s itinerary and ensure everything is tailored to your preferences. Afterward, settle into your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and embark on a scenic journey to the renowned Graves and Sauternes wine regions.
Travel in Comfort with a Premium Mercedes Minivan
Your full-day Bordeaux wine tour is conducted in a spacious Mercedes minivan, designed for up to 8 passengers. With air conditioning, an onboard P/A system, you’ll enjoy a smooth and informative ride, no matter where you sit.
Explore the Historic Graves Wine Region
Departing from Saint-Emilion, you’ll travel to the picturesque left bank, home to the prestigious Graves wine region. This area is celebrated for its rich winemaking heritage, dating back nearly 2,000 years to when the Romans first planted vineyards here. The region’s name, “Graves,” refers to its deep layers of gravel, stone, and sand, which give its wines distinct characteristics.
The Graves AOC is famous for its full-bodied red wines, primarily made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Your first stop will be a carefully selected winery, such as Château Haut-Bailly, Château La Louvière, or Château Carbonnieux. Enjoy a private tour led by the winery's expert guide, followed by a tasting of both red and white wines produced on the estate.
Discover Pessac-Léognan: Bordeaux's Premium Wine Appellation
As you continue your journey, you’ll explore the Pessac-Léognan appellation, a prestigious sub-region of Graves known for its high-quality wines. Awarded its own appellation in 1987, Pessac-Léognan produces both red and white wines of exceptional quality. The region’s terroir, rich in gravel and stones, creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sémillon grapes.
One of the most iconic wineries in this area is Château Haut-Brion, a First Growth in the 1855 classification and the only one located outside the Médoc and Sauternes regions. A visit to a top Pessac-Léognan winery will offer you an in-depth look at the winemaking process, followed by tastings that showcase the estate’s best wines.
Afternoon Visit to the Sauternes Wine Region
After lunch, your tour continues to Sauternes, world-famous for its sweet white wines. The region’s most renowned estate, Château d’Yquem, holds the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé status. Sauternes wines are crafted primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes, with the unique influence of Botrytis Cinerea, a beneficial fungus that causes “noble rot.” This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, producing intensely sweet, golden wines with rich aromas of honeysuckle, stone fruits, and florals.
At a prestigious Sauternes estate, you’ll explore the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle, learning how this exceptional wine is crafted. Following the tour, enjoy a guided tasting of these unique dessert wines and discover the best food pairings for Sauternes, from savory dishes to sweet treats.
Return to Saint-Emilion
After a day filled with wine, history, and breathtaking scenery, your private guide will bring you back to your accommodation in Saint-Emilion. This full-day tour offers an unparalleled experience of Bordeaux’s left bank wine regions, perfect for both wine enthusiasts and those new to the world of Bordeaux wines.
Book Your Private Graves & Sauternes Wine Tour Today
Secure your place on this exclusive private tour to discover the world-renowned wine regions of Graves and Sauternes. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveler, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations.
