Private Wine Tour in Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, has a beautiful medieval town perched atop a hill overlooking the surrounding vineyards. It is under an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, so it can easily be a day trip, yet it is such a gem in its own right that it merits a good few days of exploring. UNESCO inscribed the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion on its World Heritage List in 1999, recognizing a remarkable historic wine landscape shaped over centuries. Above ground, highlights include the King’s Keep, the Collegiate Church and its magnificent cloisters, while the steep, narrow cobbled streets known as les tertres connect the town’s high and low parts. They are somewhat challenging to walk along, yet immensely pretty. Underground, there is almost as much to explore, with numerous wine cellars and the extraordinary monolithic church, carved from limestone in the early 12th century.
As a wine region, Saint-Émilion is thoroughly engaging, with a somewhat more dynamic classification system than elsewhere in Bordeaux, as it is periodically revised and rarely without causing quite a stir. Alongside the famous classified châteaux are scores of smaller estates, some producing wines every bit as sought after as those of their grander neighbors. Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate here, producing the supple, perfumed and often richly textured reds for which the Right Bank is celebrated. Saint-Émilion also has one of France’s oldest organized wine traditions: the Jurade of Saint-Émilion traces its origins to 1199, when it was granted authority over the town and its vineyards.
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience organizing private food and wine tours, Cellar Tours creates tailor-made journeys that combine serious wine experiences with the food, culture and places that make each region distinctive. On this private, tailor-made tour, you will explore not only Saint-Émilion but also the neighboring appellations of Pomerol and Fronsac, along with an excursion south to Sauternes. Winery visits are privately arranged for your party and accompanied by tastings. Meanwhile, your chauffeur-driven Mercedes lets the day unfold at an unhurried pace, without the practicalities of driving between estates. The itinerary also leaves room for the region’s other pleasures: the market at Libourne, a hands-on cooking experience, medieval Saint-Émilion, and some seriously good dining.
For food and wine lovers, Saint-Émilion makes a superb base: luxurious accommodation, exceptional wines, and winning eateries amid some of Bordeaux’s most striking vineyard landscapes. This five-day journey is a sample private itinerary and can be tailored to your interests, preferred pace, and travel dates. We will select and confirm your final hotels, restaurants, winery visits, and guides in advance in your personal proposal.
As featured in
Signature journey
Highlights include private winery visits and tastings, chauffeur-driven touring, Michelin-starred dining, a Libourne market cooking experience, and guided time in Saint-Émilion.
Day 1Saint Emilion Town
Hôtel de Pavie
On arrival at either Bordeaux airport or train station, your elegant chauffeur-driven Mercedes will be waiting to transfer you to Saint-Émilion. First up is a wine tour at Château Fonplegade; this captivating château takes its name from the historic fountain “Fonplegade,” meaning fountain of plenty, which historically quenched pilgrims’ thirst and, more recently, provided an additional water supply to the vines in drier vintages. Sterling wines have been produced on these superior lands for many years, passing through the hands of several great Saint Emilion families. However, Château Fonplegade’s second “belle époque” began in 2004 under the new ownership of the esteemed Stephan and Denise Adams. The cellar and winery have greatly benefited from a fabulous renovation.
After your private tour and tasting of their Château L’Enclos and Fonplegade wines, you will move on to Les Belles Perdrix de Troplong Mondot for a welcome lunch. Set in the heart of Troplong-Mondot Château’s vineyards, Les Belles Perdrix is one of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Saint Emilion. Chef David Charrier leads the Michelin-starred kitchen, with precise, seasonal cooking shaped by the estate’s gardens and local sourcing.
After lunch, enjoy a private guided walking tour of the town’s most emblematic streets, squares, hidden corners, and underground monuments. Saint-Émilion has endless wondrous monuments to admire and explore, but the underground treasures are genuinely remarkable. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the fascinating history of the monolithic church carved into limestone in the 12th century. The nearby Hermitage of Saint-Émilion contains the monk’s meditation seat, known as the “fertility seat,” which local legend associates with wishes for a child.
Then enjoy a free evening to settle into your handsome abode, the exclusive Hôtel de Pavie, set in the heart of town with some of the most magical views. The Hôtel de Pavie is an exquisite 5-star Relais & Châteaux that boasts a storied heritage deeply intertwined with the region’s renowned vineyards and illustrious wine culture. Originally a convent, this architectural gem became a luxury destination when the Perse Family acquired it in 2001. Then, in 2020, through a collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno, the hotel rebranded its restaurant as La Table de Pavie, offering exceptional dining experiences. Welcome to Saint-Émilion.
Day 2Montagne - Fronsac - Saint Emilion
Stéphane Gabart
After an exquisite breakfast, the effervescent and aesthete cook, food blogger, and photographer, Stéphane Gabart, will meet you and take you to the lively Libourne market; alternatively, if your trip doesn’t fall on market day, Stèphane will show you to the best local traditional food shops, assisting you in selecting goodies for your upcoming cooking demo.
Stéphane will then take you to his historic family townhouse in Libourne, where he will guide you through preparing your authentic Bordelaise dishes. Afterward, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor, accompanied by superb local wines.
After lunch, visit the stunning Château de La Rivière with Stéphane. Perched high above Fronsac, this imposing château is one of the region’s most memorable estates, with impressive underground cellars and beautiful views across the surrounding vineyards. Enjoy a private tour and tasting before returning to Saint-Émilion.
Then, it’s back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before a magnificent dinner awaits at the Michelin-starred Logis de la Cadene; you will enjoy tantalizing masterpieces by Chef Thibaut Gamba, who elaborates on classic French cuisine, adding innovation and modern elegance, with the most vibrant array of colors, tastes, and textures.
Day 3Pomerol - Sauternes - Saint Emilion
Gourmet Dining at Maison Claude Darroze
This morning, you will visit the tiny neighboring wine region of Pomerol. There is no village center here, and although vines have grown here since Roman times, this collection of small châteaux has only recently become prominent on the wine map. Sitting at the highest point of the Pomerol plateau, the darling Château Petit-Village, newly renovated, is an absolute joy to discover.
Enjoy a private tour and tasting of their superlative wines, then head to lunch at Maison Claude Darroze in Langon. This long-established family restaurant now serves seasonal, product-led cooking rooted in the Southwest.
After lunch, a comfortable 20-minute drive with your driver will take you to the renowned Sauternes region. Here, you’ll visit the esteemed Château Guiraud for a private tour and private tasting of their exquisite wines. Sauternes is unique not only within the region but also probably in the world. Producing this incomparable golden nectar is a back-breaking job, quite literally at harvest, often requiring the vines to be passed up to seven times to select only the grapes most affected by the Botrytis fungus, or “noble rot.” Château Guiraud was classified as a Premier Cru in the 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac. After your tasting, return to Saint-Émilion for a free evening to enjoy this lovely town, particularly charming at night.
Day 4Saint Emilion
Château Figeac
This morning, after breakfast, your driver will take you to the romantic Clos Fourtet, a Premier Grand Cru Classé since the first Saint-Émilion classification in 1955. The immaculate vineyards and gardens are secluded behind ancient walls. There is almost as much to explore below ground as above, with 13 hectares of an underground cave network beneath its 22 hectares of vineyards, which is truly remarkable. Then, you will sit down for a private tasting of their outstanding wines.
A light lunch follows at the glorious Clos Mirande, overlooking the vines on the splendid terrace, weather permitting; inside, the restaurant is equally alluring, with stone walls and a homely fireplace. Imaginative twists on local dishes are presented perfectly with 5-star service. You can expect the likes of “Delicacies of crab and langoustines, green asparagus, condiment Yuzu ginger” or “Roasted lamb filet, Buckwheat with dates, peas and pie lamb confit with marjoram” or dishes equally as inviting from their ever-evolving, seasonal menu, perfectly paired with an attractive selection of local wine.
The last stop is the renowned Château Figeac, oozing with history, with origins dating back to the 2nd century and the Figeacus family who gave the estate its name. However, the Manoncourt family, which has owned Figeac for over 120 years, has shaped its reputation and authentic character. Located west of Saint Emilion, almost touching neighboring Pomerol, Château-Figeac spans 54 hectares, including 41 hectares of vineyards and nearly 12 hectares of preserved natural areas. Touring the estate is an absolute delight, culminating in a much-anticipated finale: tasting some of Château Figeac’s finest wines.
Your chauffeur will then pop you back into Saint-Émilion town, where you can spend some free time shopping and strolling before your blow-out dinner at the 2 Michelin-starred eatery of Hotel de Pavie, “La Table de Pavie.” You will undoubtedly appreciate Chef Yannick Alléno’s core values: sourcing the highest-quality ingredients, which are utterly flavorful in their own right; the cooking techniques serve to enhance, never to distort.
Day 5Saint Emilion - Bordeaux
See you again soon, Au Revoir!
A free morning to potter around this adorable village, then Mercedes transfer to Bordeaux airport, town, or train station at your preferred time. Bon Voyage!
Genevieve has spent more than 20 years creating private food and wine journeys across Spain, Portugal and France. She regularly visits the regions featured in these collections, meeting winery, hotel, local guides, and restaurant partners, exploring new experiences, and reviewing feedback from Cellar Tours guests. Her role is to help travelers choose the wine region, itinerary style, and pace that best match their interests—not simply the destination with the most famous name.
This five-day Saint-Émilion journey explores Bordeaux’s Right Bank through privately arranged château visits in Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac, with an excursion south to the sweet wines of Sauternes.
Between tastings, the program includes Michelin-starred dining, a Libourne market and cooking experience, and private guiding through medieval Saint-Émilion and its remarkable underground monuments, with your chauffeur handling transfers between estates.
Your personal proposal will detail the hotel, château appointments, meals, guides, chauffeur services, and experiences included for your dates.
International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional spa treatments, gratuities and meals or tastings not listed in your itinerary are usually not included unless specifically stated.
All wine visits and tastings are private and pre-arranged for your party.
We plan your Saint-Émilion journey around your individual requirements. Share mobility considerations, allergies, dietary preferences, and pacing needs early so we can adapt hotels, transportation, dining, château visits, and walking tours wherever possible.
