Beaujolais Wine Tour – Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

Discover the Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings and Gourmet Picnic

This full-day wine tour in the Beaujolais region offers a charming taste of rural France, all for $196.66 per person. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting from Lyon’s city center, with convenient pick-up arrangements. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed exploration of small, family-owned wineries, paired with scenic views, authentic local food, and visits to picturesque villages. The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and has received a perfect 5.0-star rating from 10 reviews, with 100% recommending it.

The tour is well-suited for wine enthusiasts, culture lovers, or anyone eager to enjoy a day discovering lesser-known gems just outside Lyon. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to try exceptional wines in intimate settings. While the inclusion of a gourmet picnic is a highlight, it’s worth noting that the tour is carefully paced to allow ample time at each stop, making it perfect for those who appreciate a leisurely exploration.

Key Points

• Full-day experience in the Beaujolais wine region from Lyon
• Visits to two family-owned wineries with guided tastings
• Enjoy a gourmet picnic with fresh, local ingredients amid vineyards
• Explore Pierres Dorées, famous for its golden stone villages, and Oingt, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages
• Limited group size (up to 8 people) for a personalized adventure
• Includes pick-up and drop-off in Lyon’s city center

Starting Point and Easy Access from Lyon

The tour begins at Place des Terreaux in Lyon, a central and accessible location close to public transportation. The pick-up process is coordinated via messages for convenience, removing the hassle of navigating Lyon’s busy streets. The return is also to the same meeting point, making this tour straightforward to fit into a day of sightseeing.

The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, where guides can share detailed insights about each location. This setup also guarantees more personalized attention, making the experience both comfortable and engaging for all participants.

Visiting Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin for Scenic Vineyard Apéro

The first stop takes place in Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, a village known for its medieval castle and vineyard views. Here, the tour features a scenic apéro—a relaxed wine tasting paired with local cheeses and saucisson—set amidst the vineyards overlooking the castle. This 45-minute visit offers a beautiful introduction to the region’s landscape and set the tone for the day.

The casual setting encourages conversation and appreciation of the local scenery, making it a memorable way to kick off the tour. The free admission to this stop means the focus remains on enjoying the views and the wine.

Exploring Denice’s Family-Owned Wineries

The next stops take place in Denice, where you’ll visit two family-owned wineries. The first tasting lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing an in-depth look at the winemaking process in a small-scale setting. Guests can expect personalized attention from the winemakers and a chance to sample locally produced wines.

The second visit in Denice coincides with the gourmet picnic, a highlight of the tour. The picnic lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and features fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. The picnic setup allows guests to relax, enjoy their food and wine amid the vineyards, and take in the peaceful countryside. The fresh, local produce and scenic surroundings make for a laid-back, delicious experience.

Rivolet’s Family Winery Visit in the Afternoon

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to another family-owned winery in Rivolet. This 1-hour and 15-minute stop emphasizes the tradition and craftsmanship of small-scale winemaking. Guests have the opportunity to taste more local wines and learn about the region’s viticulture from passionate producers.

The emphasis on small, family-run wineries provides an authentic experience that differs from larger commercial vineyards. The focus on personal stories and local techniques highlights the personal touch behind each bottle.

Exploring Pierres Dorées and Oingt Village

The Pierres Dorées area, known for its golden stone villages, offers a glimpse into regional architecture and heritage. The tour includes time to walk through these charming villages, appreciating their quaint streets, artistic facades, and scenic surroundings.

Later, the visit to Oingt, one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, rounds out the day. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views, Oingt’s medieval streets and stone buildings provide an ideal backdrop for photographs and leisurely exploration. The one-hour stop allows plenty of time to soak in the beauty of this historic village.

Scenic Return to Lyon

After the village visit, the tour returns to Lyon, with a one-hour transfer back to the original meeting point. This relaxed schedule ensures the day flows smoothly and allows travelers to reflect on their experiences as they head back to the city.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is booked on average 27 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors seeking a tailored, small-group experience. The 8-hour duration provides a relaxed pace, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the wines, scenery, and food without rushing.

A mobile ticket makes booking straightforward, and the free cancellation policy allows for flexibility—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour start.

Why This Tour Excels for Small-Group Wine Enthusiasts

The limited group size (up to 8 guests), combined with the personalized visits to family-owned wineries, makes this experience stand out. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude, making the day both informative and enjoyable.

Guests rave about the delicious picnic lunch, which features fresh, local ingredients, and the stunning scenery encountered throughout. The tour’s focus on authentic small wineries and picturesque villages offers a genuine taste of the Beaujolais terroir.

Final Thoughts on the Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Picnic

This tour offers a comprehensive, relaxed introduction to the Beaujolais region, combining wine tastings, scenic villages, and a delicious picnic in a small-group setting. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic experience with local producers, without the rush of larger tours.

While the all-inclusive nature and personalized attention are strong points, the eight-hour duration may be long for some guests. However, the pacing and variety of stops keep the day engaging and memorable.

This highly-rated tour promises a warm, authentic glimpse into France’s wine country—a great choice for wine lovers, culture seekers, and anyone craving a relaxed day exploring the charming villages and vineyards of Beaujolais.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour welcomes all levels of wine knowledge and provides guided tastings suitable for novices.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $196.66 per person, including tastings, the picnic, and transportation.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Place des Terreaux in Lyon and ends at the same location after the village visit.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, tastings are included at each winery, and the gourmet picnic features local cheeses, meats, and fresh produce.

What stops are included in the itinerary?
Stops include Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, two wineries in Denice, the Pierres Dorées area, Oingt village, and the return to Lyon.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions are not listed but are likely based on general tour policies.

How do I cancel if needed?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour stand out?
The focus on small, family-owned wineries, personalized guidance, scenic villages, and the gourmet picnic make this a memorable and authentic experience.

Can I customize the tour?
While specific customization options are not detailed, the small-group format and responsive booking process suggest flexibility and attentive service.