Visit : Château du Moulin-à-Vent, where time is an ally

Experience the Charm of Château du Moulin-à-Vent for $92

The Château du Moulin-à-Vent offers an engaging 2-hour private tour that combines history, terroir, and wine aging. Priced at $92 per person, this experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore a benchmark estate established in 1732. The tour includes visits to historic cellars, the emblematic Clos de Londres vineyard, and a tasting of 7 wines, featuring a vertical tasting of vintages 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2022.

The tour starts from 4 Rue des Thorins and is accessible with wheelchair accommodations. It’s designed to suit private groups seeking a detailed, yet manageable, look at the estate’s craftsmanship. The guided experience offers both scenic views of the appellation and insights into the estate’s evolution, making it a compelling choice for visitors interested in both wine and history.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $92 per person for 2 hours, the tour provides good value with a comprehensive experience.
• Historic Estate: The estate has been operating since 1732, with a visit to its 16th-century vaulted cellar.
• Vineyard Visit: The Clos de Londres vineyard, an iconic part of the estate, showcases the estate’s commitment to organic farming and micro-cuvées.
• Wine Tasting: Sample 7 wines, including a vertical tasting of vintages 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2022, stored under optimal aging conditions.
• Spectacular Views: The terrace viewpoint offers a privileged perspective over the Moulin-à-Vent appellation and its granite soils.
• Private and Accessible: The experience is private, led by knowledgeable guides, and wheelchair accessible.

Starting Point and Booking Flexibility

The tour begins at 4 Rue des Thorins, with a simple walk to the Moulin-à-Vent windmill landmark. The meeting point is just a short 300-meter walk from the windmill, on the right side of the street. Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. This makes it convenient for spontaneous plans or adjusting schedules.

Exploring the Château’s Historic Cellars

The vaulted cellar, dating from the 16th century, stands out as a highlight of the visit. It reflects the estate’s long-standing wine-making tradition and offers a glimpse into traditional aging methods. The guide explains the technical aspects of wine production, including harvest decisions and aging processes, providing clarity on how the estate achieves its renowned quality.

The Viewpoint Over the Appellation

From the estate’s terrace, visitors enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Moulin-à-Vent terroir. The guide highlights the estate’s granite soils, characterized by pink sands, and discusses how winds influence the vineyards. The diversity of five terroirs out of sixty-nine is explained, giving a sense of the complex environment that shapes the wines.

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Visit to the Clos de Londres Vineyard

The Clos de Londres is the estate’s emblematic vineyard, located on the “Le Moulin-à-Vent” terroir. It features organic farming practices and was the starting point for innovations like massal selection and micro-cuvées. The vineyard provides a view of the historic mill, symbolizing the estate’s connection to its roots and ongoing evolution.

The Vertical Wine Tasting of Iconic Vintages

The tasting takes place in the Chapelle des Thorins, where you sample the Château du Moulin-à-Vent cuvée across different vintages: 2005, 2011, 2015, and 2022. These bottles, stored in the estate’s private cellars, demonstrate the aging potential of the wines. The tasting concludes with single-parcel selections from 2022: “Les Vérillats,” “Champ de Cour,” and “La Rochelle,” showcasing the estate’s diverse terroirs.

The Experience of the Guided Tour

Led by a live guide fluent in English and French, the tour balances technical explanations with storytelling about the estate’s history. The private group setting ensures an intimate experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and appreciate the scenic views. The pace is well-managed, giving enough time to enjoy each highlight without feeling rushed.

Accessibility and Flexibility

This tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of visitors. The private group format allows for a personalized experience, with flexibility in scheduling thanks to the advance booking options. If you appreciate detailed explanations combined with beautiful scenery and exceptional wines, this tour fits well into a well-planned visit to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

A Review of the Only Available Feedback

The single available review gives the tour a perfect 5-star rating, praising the “magical weather” and “beautiful nature” around the estate. The guide, Emilie, is noted for being adorable and informative, helping guests learn a lot during the experience. Such feedback confirms the tour’s quality and engaging presentation.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

Compared to other wine experiences, this tour emphasizes history, terroir, and aging, with a focus on vertical tasting of rare vintages. The private setting and guided explanations make it particularly suited for those who want an in-depth look at the estate rather than just a tasting. The inclusion of scenic views and historic cellars adds to its appeal.

The Sum Up: A Rich Journey Through Time and Terroir

The Château du Moulin-à-Vent private tour offers a well-rounded exploration of one of Beaujolais’ most renowned estates. Its combination of historic cellars, panoramic views, and exclusive tastings makes it a compelling choice for wine lovers interested in both craftsmanship and landscape. The price reflects the quality and depth of the experience, with flexible booking options adding convenience.

While it’s focused on wine and history, the tour’s personalized approach and stunning scenery ensure it’s a memorable outing. Ideal for those seeking a detailed, relaxed, and scenic encounter with Beaujolais wines, this experience stands out as a thoughtful, authentic journey into the estate’s legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 hours, including both the guided visit and the wine tasting.

What is included in the tasting?
You taste 7 wines, including a vertical of vintages 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2022, stored under ideal aging conditions.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing comfortable access to the estate and cellar areas.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 4 Rue des Thorins, near the Moulin-à-Vent windmill.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The focus on wine and history makes it suitable for adult visitors; no specific age restrictions are mentioned.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English and French, ensuring clear communication.

What makes this tour unique?
The vertical tasting of rare vintages, the historic cellars, and the scenic viewpoint set this experience apart.

How many people are in each group?
The experience is private, tailored to your group size, ensuring personalized attention.

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