Beaujolais Wines & Castles – Private Tour – Half Day

A perfect choice for wine enthusiasts and those keen to explore the scenic Beaujolais region, the Beaujolais Wines & Castles – Private Tour – Half Day offers a thoughtfully curated experience. For $284.96 per person, this 4-hour 30-minute private adventure departs from Lyon in a luxurious Mercedes minivan, providing both comfort and style. The tour includes visits to two distinct wineries, where up to 10 different wines are tasted, and features special stops at scenic viewpoints like La Madone Chapel. Guided by an experienced professional, the trip combines wine tasting, cultural sights, and stunning vistas, making it ideal for those who appreciate both quality wine and beautiful landscapes.

While there is no included lunch, the focus on premium wine tastings and personalized service makes this tour particularly appealing. The small-group atmosphere, with private arrangements, ensures that guests can enjoy a relaxed, tailored experience. This tour is accessible and suitable for most travelers, emphasizing comfort, educational insight, and memorable scenery.

Key Points

• Private Tour with a Mercedes minivan ensures a comfortable, exclusive experience.
• Visit two wineries with a tasting of up to 10 wines, including crus Beaujolais.
• Stops at Mont Brouilly and La Madone Chapel offer scenic views and cultural insights.
• Learn about the unique “semi-carbonic” wine-making process directly from passionate local producers.
• Tour duration is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with plenty of time for tasting and sightseeing.
• No lunch is included, so plan accordingly if you want a full-day experience.

Starting from Lyon: Pickup and Transportation in Style

The tour begins with a pickup from your Lyon hotel, where a luxurious Mercedes minivan awaits to whisk you away to the Beaujolais region. This private setup guarantees an intimate environment, ideal for a relaxed exploration. The transportation adds a touch of elegance, and the small group size ensures personalized attention throughout the journey.

Guests are driven along the famous Beaujolais “Route des Vins”, a picturesque road lined with vineyards and charming villages. The comfortable vehicle makes the roughly 4.5-hour experience smooth and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities for photography and taking in the scenery.

Exploring Mont Brouilly and the Beaujolais “Crus”

The first stop is at Mont Brouilly, where the guide explains the importance of terroir—the combination of soil, climate, and tradition that shapes Beaujolais wines. This area is notable for being a dormant volcano covered in secular vineyards, offering sweeping views and a vivid sense of the land’s influence on wine.

Passing by Regnié, Morgon, and Fleurie, travelers get a glimpse of the distinctive wine towns that contribute to the region’s reputation. The 10-minute stop is free of admission fees but rich in visual appeal, perfect for snapping photos of the rolling vineyards and the dramatic volcanic landscape.

La Madone Chapel: A Scenic Viewpoint

Next, the tour stops at La Madone Chapel, which presents an excellent vantage point over the Beaujolais wine region. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Alps and Mont Blanc, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the tasting experience. The 10-minute break here offers time to admire the panoramic views and appreciate the landscape that influences the local wines.

Visiting a Family-Owned Winemaking Cellar in Fleurie

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to a small family winery in Fleurie. The passionate winemaker explains the “semi-carbonic” wine-making method unique to Beaujolais, which emphasizes fermentation in whole grapes to produce fresh, fruity wines. The decorated caveau or tasting room provides a cozy setting where guests sample several crus Beaujolais wines.

This stop delivers an authentic, hands-on perspective of local winemaking, with the guide describing how aromas, balance, and complexity develop through this traditional process. The 50-minute visit combines education with the chance to savor wines in a friendly atmosphere.

Château Wine Estate in Chénas: Barrel Cellar and Tasting

The journey continues along the Beaujolais wine road to Chénas, where a magnificent château hosts a cellar full of oak barrels. Here, visitors taste several crus wines from different terroirs, gaining insight into the diversity within the Beaujolais appellation.

The guide provides descriptions of each wine’s aromas, balance, and complexity, making this stop both educational and sensorial. The 50-minute tasting offers a memorable experience in a stunning cellar setting, with ample time to appreciate the variety and craftsmanship behind each wine.

All-Inclusive Tastings and the Private Experience

The wine tastings are comprehensive, with 9-10 wines enjoyed across both wineries, all included in the tour price. This focus on quality and variety allows guests to explore different styles and learn about regional differences firsthand.

As a private tour, this experience ensures that all elements—timing, pace, and attention—are tailored to your group’s interests. The lack of a lunch option means that participants might want to plan a meal before or after the tour.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Details

Confirmed within 48 hours of booking, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility and peace of mind. The activity is suitable for most travelers, with no specific physical requirements noted. The private nature of the tour ensures a relaxed, intimate environment, perfect for couples, friends, or small groups.

The tour is arranged by KANPAI TOURISME, with contact information available for inquiries. Group discounts are offered, making it a potentially affordable option for parties traveling together.

Beaujolais Wines & Castles: Ideal for Wine Lovers and Scenic Seekers

This tour stands out as a personalized and scenic exploration of the Beaujolais region, blending wine tasting, cultural sights, and stunning vistas. The inclusion of two wineries, a viewpoint at La Madone Chapel, and detailed explanations of winemaking make it comprehensive without feeling rushed.

The expert guide’s knowledge and friendly demeanor shine through, as noted in reviews praising Olivier for his welcoming attitude and expert insights. Guests appreciate the quality of wines, especially the opportunity to taste crus Beaujolais in authentic settings.

While there is no lunch included, the tour’s focus on wine and scenic stops makes it a rewarding half-day experience. The private setup and luxury transport add a touch of elegance, ideal for those seeking a refined yet relaxed outing from Lyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?
The price covers wine tastings of 9-10 wines across two wineries, transport in a Mercedes minivan, and visits to scenic and cultural stops.

Are there any physical requirements?
The data does not specify physical requirements, indicating most travelers can participate comfortably.

Is lunch included?
No, this tour does not include lunch; it focuses entirely on wine tastings and sightseeing.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What is the style of the wineries visited?
You visit a small family winery with a focus on semi-carbonic winemaking, and a château estate with a cellar full of oak barrels.

Is the tour suitable for groups?
Yes, it is a private activity, ideal for small groups, couples, or friends.

What makes this tour different from others?
The personalized private experience, expert guide, and the combination of scenic viewpoints with authentic winemaking set it apart.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Booking confirmation is required, and the tour offers flexibility with cancellation, but no specific preparations are necessary.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with a pickup from your Lyon hotel.

This Beaujolais Wines & Castles – Private Tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, educational insights, and delicious wines in a comfortable, private setting. It’s an excellent choice for those eager to deepen their understanding of Beaujolais wines while enjoying the region’s stunning landscapes.