Guided Day Tour and Wine Tasting Northern Rhône Valley

Explore the Northern Rhône Valley’s Finest Wineries with a Local Guide

This 8.5-hour guided tour from Lyon, priced at $188.55 per person, offers a comprehensive look at the prestigious wines of the Rhone Valley’s northern region. Led by Justine Poncet, a knowledgeable local guide, the tour combines visits to small, family-run wineries with scenic views, engaging explanations, and tastings of around 12-15 wines. The journey is conducted in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, ensuring comfort and ease as you explore.

The tour’s highlights include stops at several key locations, such as Condrieu, Chavanay, and Tain-l’Hermitage, where you’ll dive into the region’s viticulture methods, sample renowned wines like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu, and learn about grape varieties like Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. With a focus on authenticity, this experience offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal interactions with wine estate members.

While the tour is packed with wine tastings, scenic views, and expert insights, it is worth noting that lunch is not included in the price but is arranged at a local restaurant with a menu from €25. The total group size is limited to 8 people, fostering an intimate environment ideal for those eager to learn and savor the region’s best wines.

Key Points

• Price: $188.55 per person for an 8.5-hour experience
• Expert Guide: Led by Justine Poncet, a knowledgeable local with strong relationships with wineries
• Wineries Visited: 3 different estates, including family-run and boutique wineries
• Wine Tastings: About 12-15 wines, including whites and reds, with detailed explanations
• Stops Include: Condrieu, Chavanay, and Tain-l’Hermitage, with scenic views and vineyard insights
• Lunch: Not included but arranged at a local restaurant from €25 per person
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers for a personalized experience
• Transportation: In a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle
• Departure: Starts at 9:00 a.m. from Pl. Bellecour in Lyon
• Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance

Introduction to the Tour’s Highlights

This guided day trip provides an immersive look into the Northern Rhône wine region, widely celebrated for its prestigious wines. The tour’s main draw is the chance to visit three distinctive wineries, each offering different styles and production methods. Travelers gain insight into viticulture on steep slopes, learn how winemaking techniques shape the final products, and taste wines directly from boutique estates, many of which are family-owned.

The experience is not limited to tastings; it also includes scenic drives through picturesque villages and spectacular views of vineyards perched on rugged hillsides. These visual delights complement the tasting experience, enriching your understanding of how terroir influences the wines.

From the Village of Condrieu to the Shores of Tain-l’Hermitage

The tour begins with a visit to Condrieu, where vines are planted on very steep slopes. Here, you observe the unique viticulture methods suited to the terrain and learn about the regional work involved in maintaining these vineyards. This stop lasts about 45 minutes and is free of admission fees, offering a perfect introduction to the area’s landscape.

Next, the journey continues to Chavanay or Ampuis, where a first wine tasting occurs at a local estate. This stop lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, during which 4 to 6 wines are sampled. The focus here is on understanding winemaking and aging processes in the region, providing a solid foundation before moving on to more specific tastings.

The drive proceeds to Tain-l’Hermitage, where scenic views of steep hillsides set the perfect backdrop for the next stops. Passengers enjoy approximately 45 minutes to take in the landscape and appreciate the terroir that influences the wines.

Enjoying a Scenic Lunch Along the Rhone River

A highlight of the tour is the lunch break in Tain-l’Hermitage, set at a local restaurant with a view of the river. The lunch reservation is made for all participants, with menus starting from €25 per person. While the meal is not included in the tour price, this stop offers a chance to relax, savor regional cuisine, and discuss the morning’s tastings.

The scenic location, combined with good food, makes this lunch break a memorable part of the experience. It provides a well-earned rest amid a day packed with wine exploration and sightseeing.

Tasting in Two Distinct Estates Near Tain-l’Hermitage

In the afternoon, the tour visits two different estates near Tain-l’Hermitage. These sessions last about 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering the opportunity to compare wines from different producers and learn more about cellar work. The tastings include white wines made from Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, and red wines crafted from Syrah.

The visits are complemented by personal interactions with estate members, enabling deeper insights into winemaking techniques and vintage variations. These estate visits are an authentic look at boutique and family-run wineries, which are less commercial and more personal.

Return to Lyon with Scenic Views

The journey concludes with a return drive to Lyon, expected to arrive between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. depending on traffic. The one-hour ride offers a final chance to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

The meeting point for the tour is Pl. Bellecour in Lyon, with the experience starting promptly at 9:00 a.m. The tour emphasizes a small group setting, ensuring personalized attention from Justine, who is praised for her knowledge, friendliness, and ability to seamlessly manage the logistics.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

This Northern Rhône wine tour stands out for its focus on small, boutique wineries and personalized tastings. The in-depth explanations about grape varieties such as Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne offer a rich educational experience. Travelers appreciate the behind-the-scenes access and the relationship-based approach of the estate members.

The scenic drives through vineyard-covered hillsides and the delicious lunch with a view elevate the experience beyond typical tastings. The luxury vehicle and limited group size create a comfortable, intimate setting that allows for meaningful engagement with the guide and estate staff.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

The tour includes tastings of about 12-15 wines, with fees included in the price. The guidance is bilingual, accommodating both English and French speakers simultaneously. The small group size of 8 ensures a personalized experience, while the free cancellation policy offers flexibility if plans change.

Since lunch is optional and not included in the base price, travelers can opt for the pre-arranged meal at a local restaurant from €25. The tour departs promptly at 9:00 a.m. from Pl. Bellecour in Lyon, making punctuality important for a full experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This guided wine tour appeals strongly to those interested in learning about Rhône wines from knowledgeable locals. It suits visitors who appreciate small, family-run wineries, scenic landscapes, and wine education. The experience favors adults with an interest in wine tasting, viticulture, and regional food.

The personalized approach, scenic drives, and quality tastings make it ideal for wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, and food lovers looking for an authentic experience outside the city’s urban sights.

Final Thoughts on the Northern Rhône Valley Tour

This well-rated tour offers a comprehensive and intimate look at the prestigious wines of the Northern Rhône. The combination of expert guidance, scenic scenery, and small estate visits make it a reliable choice for those eager to deepen their understanding of Syrah, Viognier, and other Rhône varieties.

While lunch is not included in the price, the arranged restaurant with a view adds to the overall value. The small group size and luxury transport ensure a comfortable, engaging day. This tour suits enthusiasts of wine and regional culture who want a focused, authentic experience in the Rhône Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, from departure at 9:00 a.m. to return around 5:45-6:30 p.m.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers guided tastings of 12-15 wines, visits to 3 wineries, personal guidance, the journey in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, and snacks to accompany tastings.

Are lunch expenses covered?
No, lunch is not included but a reservation at a local restaurant is made for all participants, with menus starting from €25.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample white wines made from Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne and red wines primarily from Syrah. You’ll also explore wines from prestigious appellations like Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu.

What is the group size?
The group is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and relaxed experience.

Is the guide experienced?
Yes, Justine Poncet is praised for her knowledge, friendliness, and ability to share detailed insights about the region’s wines and estates.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before the tour starts.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Pl. Bellecour in Lyon and ends back at the same location.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed to be accessible, with comfortable transport and engaging explanations.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provider Sur les Sentiers de l’Oenotourisme with confidence, knowing the tour has a perfect 5-star rating based on 33 reviews.