Hooves, vines, and a glass of local wine. This Grimaud outing pairs a calm beginner horseback ride through vineyards and the Maures forest with a wine tasting at a small family estate, guided with context about the Gulf of Saint-Tropez before it became famous.

I love the way the experience is paced for newcomers, with a helmet and professional coaching so you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of worrying. I also really like the finish: a tasting that feels intimate and local, not like a rushed stop in a busy tourist circuit.

One thing to consider is that it runs only in good weather. If conditions are poor, they’ll offer a different date or a full refund, so build in a little flexibility.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Beginner-friendly horseback ride for about 1 hour around Grimaud’s vineyards and into the Maures forest
• Helmet included and you’ll ride with an expert plus a certified horse coach
• Small group size (max 8), which makes it easier for the team to help you settle in
• Wine tasting at a small family estate at the end of the tour
• Winery backup plan: if the estate is closed, you still get a glass of wine on site

Horseback Through Grimaud’s Vineyards and the Maures Forest

If you want a St-Tropez area experience that feels more like countryside life than sightseeing, this is the ticket. You start in Grimaud and spend about an hour on horseback, moving through vineyards and then into the Maures forest area. It’s the kind of route that lets you see the Gulf of Saint-Tropez countryside beyond the shoreline crowds.

I like that the guide doesn’t treat it like a simple horse ride where you just sit and hope for the best. You’ll get explanations along the way about the region and its historical and cultural context—how this area was shaped by farming and wine growing, long before it became a fame magnet.

And yes, you’ll hear the horses’ hooves more than you’ll hear other people. That soundtrack alone makes the ride feel worth doing, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

Getting Ready at the Ranch: Meet Point and What’s Actually Provided

The tour meets at Chemin de la Tour, Chemin de la Tour, 83310 Grimaud, France, and it starts at 3:00 pm. Plan to arrive a bit early so you’re not stressed about parking or getting everyone in your group together.

Once you’re at the ranch, the big practical win is that you’re not going in unassisted. The ride includes a helmet and you’ll be accompanied by an expert with a certified horse coach. That combination matters because beginners often need more than just a sign pointing to the horses.

Also, the group stays small—maximum 8 people. That tends to make a difference in how quickly the team can check in with you, adjust for your comfort level, and keep things calm.

One practical note: transport to the ranch in Grimaud isn’t included. If you’re staying in St-Tropez town, you’ll need to plan your own way there and back so you don’t lose the start time.

Beginner-Level Riding That Still Feels Like an Adventure

This is listed as beginner level, and it shows in how the experience is described and handled. You’re on horseback for about 1 hour, and the emphasis is on a relaxed, guided walk through the vines and forest rather than something technical or high-speed.

The best part for me is that you get to enjoy the scenery instead of constantly thinking about control. You can take souvenir photos, enjoy the fresh air, and let the route do the work.

From what’s shared by a rider who came with first-timers, the coaching and attitude are a major reason this works. Sonia is named in the feedback, and the comments point to super careful moderation for novices, with an obvious focus on making sure beginners feel comfortable throughout. That’s the kind of detail that tells you this isn’t just a ride that happens to allow beginners—it’s a ride designed with beginners in mind.

What the Guide Brings to the Ride (Beyond Just Directions)

A horseback tour can be two things: either scenic and mostly quiet, or scenic with context that makes it feel meaningful. Here, the guide explains the region’s historical and cultural context as you go.

That matters because Grimaud sits in a part of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez that has changed a lot over time. The idea behind this experience is that the Gulf was once home to farmers, winegrowers, and fishermen, not just wealthy holidaymakers and beach crowds. Hearing that while you’re riding through vines adds a layer that feels real, not staged.

So instead of thinking you’re just paying for an hour on a horse, you’re also getting a sense of how the landscape connects to the people who worked it. It turns the ride into a story you can walk away with.

The Wine Tasting: A Small Family Estate Finish

After the ride, the tour ends back at the meeting point, but the highlight shift is the wine tasting. It’s set at the end of the experience, in a very authentic winery—a small family estate.

This is one of those choices that tends to beat the big-factory feeling. A family operation usually means you get a more human, grounded tasting. And because this is paired with the horseback ride, the wine doesn’t feel disconnected from what you saw earlier in the vineyards.

There’s also a smart backup plan: if the estate is closed or not available, you’ll still receive a glass of wine on site at the end. That means you’re not walking away empty-handed if something changes.

Timing That Works: 90 Minutes Total Without Feeling Rushed

The total duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes. That includes the horse time and the finish with wine tasting. It’s short enough to fit into a day without eating your whole afternoon, yet long enough to feel like you actually did something outdoors.

Starting at 3:00 pm also tends to be a sweet spot. You’re not starting in the hottest part of the day, and you still get enough daylight for photos in the vineyards and forest paths. If you’re building a St-Tropez base itinerary, this one can slot in nicely between morning beach time and a slower evening meal.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For at $86.82

At $86.82 per person, the price might look simple at first glance. But it’s really paying for three key things that often cost extra separately when you book them on your own:

• A guided, beginner-friendly horseback ride with a helmet and certified horse coaching
• Small group attention (max 8), which increases the odds you actually get help when you need it
• A wine tasting experience at a small family estate (plus a glass of wine if needed)

So you’re not just buying an animal experience. You’re buying guidance, safety support, and an included tasting that connects to the area you rode through.

If you’re deciding between a self-guided activity and a guided one, I’d lean toward guided here—because horse riding gets much more enjoyable when someone is actively helping you stay comfortable from the start.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This one fits best if you:

• Want a countryside experience near St-Tropez that isn’t another beach-and-crowds day
• Are a beginner rider who still wants professional coaching and structure
• Enjoy short, focused tours that include a cultural element plus a tasting at the end

It can also work well if you like small groups and you’d rather have your guide’s attention than be part of a large crowd.

I’d think twice if you really don’t want to ride at all, or if you’re uncomfortable with being on horseback even at a beginner pace. Also remember the good weather requirement—your plans need a little flexibility.

Small Tips That Make a Big Difference

A few practical things can make your ride smoother:

• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty, especially around vineyard paths.
• Plan for a phone-free moment during the ride. It’s much more fun if you occasionally put the camera away and just enjoy the sound and motion.
• If you’re nervous, say something at the start. Since the ride is designed for beginners and the team cares about novice comfort, it’s the kind of group where honesty helps.

And if your guide is Sonia, follow the guidance closely. The feedback specifically calls out careful moderation for first-timers, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re learning how to settle in.

Should You Book This Grimaud Horse Riding + Wine Tasting?

I’d book it if you want an authentic Gulf of Saint-Tropez feel with two halves that actually connect: horse ride through vineyards and forest, then a small family wine tasting.

It’s especially worth it when you want a change of pace from the St-Tropez scene—more fresh air, fewer crowds, and a finish that feels local instead of mass-touristy. The beginner focus, the included helmet, and the small max group size are strong signals that you’ll be looked after.

The only real deal-breaker is weather. If you’re traveling with strict plans and no wiggle room, you might prefer something less weather-dependent. But if you can be flexible, this is a smart, good-value way to experience Grimaud and its wine culture on horseback.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride and wine tasting?

The experience runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes total, with a horseback ride of about 1 hour plus the wine tasting at the end.

Where does the tour start?

You’ll meet at Chemin de la Tour, Chemin de la Tour, 83310 Grimaud, France.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 3:00 pm.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The horseback riding is described as beginner level, and the experience includes expert support and coaching.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the 1-hour horseback ride with a helmet, accompaniment by an expert and a certified horse coach, and alcoholic beverages including a glass of wine at the end.

What if the winery estate is closed?

If the estate is closed or not available, a glass of wine will be offered on site at the end.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t receive a refund.