Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais

Explore Beaujolais with a Private Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon

This private full-day tour offers an engaging way to taste the depth of Beaujolais’ wines and savor local flavors, all within approximately 8 hours. For $561.73 per person, participants enjoy exclusive transportation in vintage Land Rovers, guided visits to renowned and lesser-known wineries, and plenty of time for tasting regional wines paired with local cheeses and cold cuts. This tour is ideal for those seeking a personalized experience, as it is tailored to your interests and the weather. With group discounts available and pickup offered, it simplifies logistics and maximizes comfort.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its blend of scenic stops, cultural insights, and authentic wine tasting. It’s a comprehensive way to dive into Beaujolais’ unique terroir, from its cru villages to historic landmarks. The tour’s reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and unforgettable moments, making it a great choice for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. Keep in mind, the tour is most suited for those able to walk or hike a little, especially at stops like La Roche de Solutre.

Key Points

• Private full-day experience in Beaujolais, departing from Lyon
• Includes wine tastings at multiple wineries and scenic stops
• Vintage Land Rovers provide a fun and unique way to explore the region
• Tailored itinerary based on weather and personal interests
• Local cheeses, cold cuts, and grape juice offered for tasting and pairing
• Ends back in Lyon after approximately 8 hours of discovery

Starting Point and Logistics in Lyon

The tour departs from Gare de Belleville-sur-Saône, 15 Bd Gambetta, Belleville-en-Beaujolais at 9:00am. It is a private activity with only your group participating, ensuring a personalized and relaxed atmosphere. The provider, Marrakech Insiders, offers pickup services and a mobile ticket, making the start seamless. The tour uses private transportation in vintage Land Rovers, adding a sense of adventure and nostalgia to the day.

Participants should be prepared for a full day, and most travelers can participate, though physical activity at stops like La Roche de Solutre is an easy 30-minute walk. The tour concludes back at the starting point, allowing for easy connections to other plans in Lyon.

Discovering the Vineyards and Landmarks: The Itinerary

The itinerary is flexible but includes several highlights that showcase Beaujolais’ diversity and charm. The first stop, Vergisson, takes place in the Mâconnais region, where only white wine is produced. Visitors may visit a winery or enjoy a bottle open in the vineyards, depending on interest. This introduction sets the tone for the day’s focus on regional wines.

Next, the tour visits La Roche de Solutre, a small hill known for its prehistoric significance and historical connection to French resistance. An easy 30-minute hike to the top offers sweeping views and insight into local history, making it an engaging break from tastings.

In Solutre-Pouilly, the group visits a renowned wine producer or does a professional wine tasting in the village, which exudes charm. This stop emphasizes the region’s exceptional wine culture and picturesque setting.

The visit continues to Leynes, where a young, innovative wine domain run by a local couple offers a tasting. This represents the new wave of wine growers blending modern techniques with tradition, providing fresh perspectives on Beaujolais wine production.

Transitioning to Beaujolais’ cru villages, the tour arrives at Saint-Amour-Bellevue for a lunch break. Guests can choose to dine at a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in the vineyards, weather permitting. This stop highlights the importance of local cuisine and the region’s culinary pairing traditions.

After lunch, the tour visits the church of Saint-Amour-Bellevue, where historical stories and local insights are shared, enriching the experience with cultural context.

Next, the group explores Chenas, known for its red wines and a castle-turned-cooperative that hosts wine tastings. This stop emphasizes the red wine production that dominates the area.

Château du Moulin-à-Vent is a major highlight, as the “lord of Beaujolais wines” and a historic windmill from the 15th century. The guide shares stories about its past, and visitors taste wines from this prestigious cru.

Fleurie, often called the most feminine cru, is renowned for its delicate and aromatic wines. The stops here range from a local cooperative bar to a spectacular viewpoint in the vineyards, where long chairs and bottles create a relaxed, scenic tasting experience.

The final stop, Julienas, offers a taste of authenticity in a building formerly owned by the Catholic church. Known as the rebel cru, its wines are budget-friendly, typically served at less than $2 per glass, often shared among local wine growers. This authentic setting provides a fitting close to the day.

Wine and Food Pairings: Tastings and Local Flavors

Throughout the day, participants enjoy wine tastings at several wineries, with a focus on regional reds and whites. The tour includes locally produced cold cuts and cheeses, carefully chosen to complement the wines. For those who do not drink alcohol, grape juice is readily available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience equally.

The tour emphasizes pairing local foods with wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure informative commentary and a relaxed atmosphere to savor the flavors.

The Unique Experience of Vintage Land Rovers

Traveling in vintage Land Rovers adds a distinctive touch to the tour. This mode of transport makes scenic drives more exciting and aligns with the region’s rustic charm. The vehicles also allow access to back roads and off-the-beaten-path spots, enriching the exploration of Beaujolais’ lesser-known corners.

Guests appreciate how the vehicles contribute to the fun, making the journey as memorable as the destinations. The authenticity and style of these vintage cars complement the regional character, adding to the overall appeal.

Authenticity and Cultural Insights at Beaujolais Cru Villages

Visiting Saint-Amour, Chenas, Fleurie, and Julienas, the tour offers more than just wine tasting. The stops involve visits to historic churches, castles, and cooperatives, revealing the cultural and historical significance of each area. Guests learn stories about the cru classifications, local legends, and the evolution of winemaking in Beaujolais.

Particularly, Julienas stands out for its informal, local atmosphere, with wine served at less than $2 per glass. It’s a glimpse into the authentic life of Beaujolais and its small-scale wine communities.

The Scenic and Cultural Highlights of Beaujolais

Beyond wine, the tour offers stunning views from viewpoints like La Roche de Solutre and vineyard terraces in Fleurie. These scenic spots provide perfect photo opportunities and a chance to absorb the region’s natural beauty.

The stops also include historical sites, such as the church of Saint-Amour and Château du Moulin-à-Vent, which add depth to the experience by connecting the region’s past and present.

Flexibility and Personalization of the Tour

This tour distinguishes itself by being highly customizable. The itinerary can adapt based on weather conditions, interests, and energy levels. Participants can choose to do a picnic in the vineyards or dine at a local restaurant during lunchtime, ensuring comfort and preference are prioritized.

The private nature of the tour means the experience is tailored to your group, creating a more intimate and engaging day. The guides aim to make the experience meaningful and avoid typical tourist crowds.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Beaujolais

The combination of expert guides, personalized itinerary, and the fun of vintage Land Rovers makes this tour a standout. Participants get to taste a wide variety of wines, learn about local wine-making techniques, and enjoy cultural stories at historical sites.

The value for money is clear, given the inclusion of tastings, snacks, and private transportation, which typically would cost more if booked separately. The reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and the relaxed, authentic atmosphere.

Final Thoughts on the Beaujolais Full-Day Tour

This private full-day tour is an excellent choice for those who want to explore Beaujolais’ wine and culture without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. The mix of scenic drives, tastings, and cultural stops provides a well-rounded experience.

While the tour involves some walking, the physical demands are manageable, and the large variety of stops ensures a lively, engaging day. The flexibility and personal touch make it particularly appealing for those seeking an authentic, memorable exploration of this underrated wine region.

Boldly recommended for wine lovers, history buffs, and anyone eager to see Beaujolais through local eyes. Just remember to book well in advance as it is popular, often reserved 85 days ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes wine tastings, bottled water, snacks (cold cuts and cheese), soda/grape juice, private transportation, and WiFi onboard.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Guests can choose to dine at a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in the vineyards if weather allows.

What are the stops in Beaujolais?
Stops include Saint-Amour-Bellevue, Chenas, Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, and Julienas, each offering tastings and cultural insights.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the itinerary is tailored to your interests and weather conditions, allowing flexibility in stops and activities.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Most stops require only easy walks, such as a 30-minute hike to La Roche de Solutre. If you have mobility concerns, inform the guide in advance.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with a start at 9:00am and ending back at the starting point in Lyon.

Are children or non-drinkers accommodated?
Yes, grape juice is available for non-drinkers, and the tour is open to most travelers who can handle the physical activity involved.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked around 85 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended to secure your preferred date.

What makes this tour different from others in Beaujolais?
The private, personalized experience, combined with vintage Land Rovers and a focus on authentic local culture, sets this tour apart.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility in case of changes or weather concerns.