Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley

If you’re looking to explore the prestigious wines of the Northern Rhône Valley without the hassle of driving, this guided wine tour from Lyon offers a perfect half-day experience. Priced at $138.38 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes and is led by Justine Poncet, a local guide with deep knowledge of the region. The tour departs from Pl. Bellecour in Lyon, with a small group size capped at 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on small, family-owned wineries rather than large commercial estates, providing an authentic taste of local wine craftsmanship. With a carefully planned itinerary that includes visits to Condrieu, Chavanay, and Ampuis, you’ll sample around 8 to 10 wines and get a genuine look at the region’s most celebrated appellations, such as Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Condrieu. Many bookings are made around 56 days in advance, so early planning is recommended for those eager to secure a spot.

While the tour offers an excellent balance of scenic views, expert commentary, and tastings, it is best suited for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, small-group intimacy, and a genuine connection to local winemaking traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic wine experience at small family-owned wineries in the Northern Rhône.
• Expert guidance from Justine Poncet, a knowledgeable local guide.
• Tastings include 8 to 10 wines, including prestigious appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage.
• Beautiful scenery with stops at steep vineyard slopes and panoramic viewpoints.
• Luxury vehicle transportation in an air-conditioned Mercedes for up to 8 guests.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows for full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The Tour Starts at Lyon’s Pl. Bellecour

The adventure begins at Pl. Bellecour in Lyon, a central and easily accessible meeting point. From here, Justine drives the group in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride through the rolling landscapes of the Rhône Valley. The tour’s small size, limited to 8 participants, creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for engaging with the guide and fellow wine lovers.

The journey is designed for relaxation and enjoyment, with everything planned so you can focus solely on tasting wines and soaking in the scenery. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, making it convenient for onward plans or exploring Lyon afterward.

Exploring Condrieu: Vineyards on Steep Slopes

The first stop is in Condrieu, renowned for its steep vineyard slopes. Here, visitors admire the vines planted on very steep terrain, which is a hallmark of the region’s viticulture. This stop lasts 45 minutes and provides stunning views of the landscape, highlighting what makes Rhône Valley wines so unique.

While there’s no admission fee, this stop offers a chance to appreciate the terrain that influences the region’s wine characteristics. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile, offering a perfect photo opportunity of the lush, terraced vineyards.

Wine Tasting in Chavanay: Small Wineries and Quality Wines

Next, the group visits a family-owned winery near Chavanay for a tasting session lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. Expect to sample between 4 and 6 wines, with guidance that explains the regional styles. This stop showcases the region’s Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne grapes, offering a taste of both white and red wines.

The focus on small wineries means you get to experience more intimate tasting sessions, often with members of the estate present. Many of the wines sampled here are regional specialties that are rarely found outside France, adding a special touch to your tasting experience.

Discovering Ampuis and Its Wine Estates

Following Chavanay, the tour moves to Ampuis, home to another family vineyard. Like the previous stop, this tasting lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes and includes 4 to 6 wines. Here, you’ll learn about the production of prestigious wines from renowned appellations like Hermitage and Condrieu.

This visit emphasizes regional diversity, allowing you to compare wines from different estates and see how terroir influences flavor. The tastings are complemented by Justine’s expert commentary, which adds context to each wine’s unique profile.

Scenic Views and Vineyards Along the Route

Throughout the day, the route offers beautiful vistas of the Rhône Valley, with vine-covered slopes and panoramic viewpoints. A notable highlight is the detour to view the mountains and vineyards from a mountaintop perspective, as suggested by the guide based on reviews. These scenic stops provide excellent opportunities for photography and reflections on the region’s viticultural landscape.

The itinerary is paced to balance wine tastings with scenic appreciation, making sure you have enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Premium Transportation in a Mercedes Vehicle

Transportation is a key feature of this tour, with air-conditioned Mercedes vehicles providing luxury comfort. The vehicle can accommodate up to 8 guests, ensuring a relaxed and intimate environment. The driver and guide, Justine, are praised for their safe driving, especially on the twisty roads of the vineyard regions.

This element of comfort enhances the overall experience, allowing guests to focus on the scenery and tastings rather than transportation concerns.

Guidance and Insights from Justine Poncet

Justine Poncet, the founder of Sur les Sentiers de l’Oenotourisme, leads the tour with warmth and expertise. She shares in-depth knowledge about the history, estates, wines, and secrets of the Rhône Valley. Many reviews highlight her ability to answer questions thoroughly and make guests feel at ease, whether they are beginners or seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Her passion for the region and commitment to offering a genuine, local experience shines through. She makes the tour approachable and engaging, often providing little storytelling moments about the region’s wine traditions.

Sampling Wines at Prestigious and Family Wineries

The tastings include wines from renowned appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Condrieu. Many of these wines are difficult to find outside France, making this tour an exceptional opportunity to taste prestige wines in a relaxed setting.

The focus on family-owned wineries means the wines are often less commercialized, offering authentic flavors and craftsmanship. The variety of styles—white and red—provides a broad spectrum of Rhône wines, suitable for all palates.

Ease of Booking and Flexibility

The tour is available for $138.38 per person, with most bookings made about 56 days in advance. A major advantage is the free cancellation policy, which allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours before the scheduled start. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your visit with confidence.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the meeting point at Plaza Bellecour is easily accessible via public transportation, simplifying logistics for visitors to Lyon.

Final Thoughts on the Rhône Valley Wine Tour

This half-day guided tour offers a well-rounded experience combining scenic views, authentic tastings, and expert insights from a passionate local guide. It is ideal for those who want to sample prestigious wines while avoiding large, impersonal tours. The focus on small wineries and hidden gems makes this tour stand out for wine lovers seeking a genuine connection to the region.

While the tour is primarily designed for relaxation and enjoyment, participants should be prepared for some walking at vineyard stops and a moderate pace. The luxury vehicle and small group size contribute to a comfortable and intimate environment, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or those wanting a personalized experience.

This tour delivers excellent value, stunning scenery, and insider access to the best of the Northern Rhône Valley’s wine world. It is a perfect choice for visitors to Lyon who want to dive into the region’s wine culture without the stress of planning their own itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, guided tastings of around 8 to 10 wines, meeting with members of the wine estates, and snacks to accompany tastings.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, providing ample time for visits, tastings, and scenic stops.

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

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, the guide provides guidance in both English and French simultaneously, accommodating participants of different language backgrounds.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample a selection of white and red wines, including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, from prestigious appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Condrieu.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Is this tour physically demanding?
Most stops involve outdoor walking on vineyard slopes, with some elevation change. However, there are no specific physical requirements mentioned, and the pace is generally relaxed.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What makes this tour unique?
Its focus on small, family-run wineries, expert guidance, and scenic vineyard views make it stand out among Rhône Valley tours.

Is the tour good value for money?
Considering the included tastings, transportation, and expert guidance, the price offers excellent value, especially given the positive reviews highlighting quality wines and personalized service.