Southern Burgundy Wine Tour – Full Day Shared tour from Lyon

An Authentic Full-Day Bordeaux-Style Wine Experience from Lyon for Enthusiasts

The Southern Burgundy Wine Tour from Lyon offers an immersive journey through some of the region’s most celebrated wine areas. Priced at $166.23 per person, this 8-hour and 15-minute small-group tour is designed for those eager to explore Mâcon and Beaujolais, tasting up to 12 wines, including renowned Pouilly-Fuissé and Brouilly. With a maximum of eight participants, this tour guarantees a personalized experience, guided by knowledgeable experts in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers who appreciate intimate settings, detailed explanations, and authentic tastings. Before booking, it’s worth noting that the tour requires booking around 204 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. While food is not included, the stops feature options for lunch, and guests get a comprehensive get-to-know of the region’s terroirs, wine-making traditions, and scenic highlights.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants for personalized attention
• Taste up to 12 wines, including Pouilly-Fuissé and Brouilly
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minibus
• Visit family wineries and a chateau to see traditional wine-making processes
• Includes scenic stops like La Roche de Solutre and Romaneche-Thorins
• Educational and tasting-focused, led by an experienced, bilingual guide

Meeting Point and Journey to the Vineyards

The tour departs from the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon on Place Bellecour at 9:00 am. The guide, who speaks both English and French, welcomes guests in front of the Lyon Office de Tourisme building, just 50 meters opposite the Le Royal Hotel. The group then boards an 8-seater minivan for a smooth, scenic drive through the region’s vineyards and countryside.

The transportation setup is all-inclusive, ensuring comfort and ease from the start. The journey immediately reveals the beauty of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, with a 40-minute drive northward to the Beaujolais region.

Discovering the Beaujolais Region and Moulin-à-Vent

The first stop, Romaneche-Thorins, takes the group along the magnificent wine route, showcasing the region’s breathtaking landscapes and granite terroirs. A brief 15-minute visit to Moulin-à-Vent provides a chance to learn about the Gamay grape, the star behind Beaujolais reds. This stop offers opportunities for photos and a quick overview of the distinct geology that influences the wines.

This area’s scenic beauty and terroir diversity set the tone for the day, with the guide explaining how landscape and soil shape the flavors of the local wines.

Visiting a Family-Owned Winery in Fuisse

The highlight of the morning is a visit to a family-run wine estate in Fuissé, a village known as the birthplace of Chardonnay. At 10:45 am, guests step inside to learn about the history and traditions of winemaking, including aging in barrels and the art of balancing acidity and finesse.

Guests taste several white and red wines, with particular attention on Pouilly-Fuissé wines, celebrated for their fineness and freshness, with a slight oak finish. The experience lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving ample time for questions and appreciation of the craftsmanship involved.

Admiring Solutré Roch and Its Significance

Next, the group visits La Roche de Solutré, a striking limestone formation standing 493 meters tall, often called “Sphinx” due to its shape. This natural monument also holds archaeological significance as a major Palaeolithic site.

Guests have about 10 minutes to admire the view, take photos, and learn about its importance as both a natural landmark and historical artifact. The stunning backdrop complements the morning’s wine-focused exploration.

Exploring Cluny’s Historic Abbey and Town

In the early afternoon, the tour heads to Cluny, a town famous for its historic abbey. During a 1 hour and 30-minute stop, visitors walk through the charming streets, soaking in the atmosphere of a town known worldwide for its monastic heritage.

Though lunch is not included, the local restaurants nearby offer menus such as beef bourguignon at around 24 euros, allowing guests to enjoy regional cuisine. The free time here provides a relaxed chance to explore, shop, or simply enjoy the atmosphere before the afternoon wine tastings.

Visiting La Roche-Vineuse and the Burgundy Chateau

The afternoon continues with a drive to La Roche-Vineuse, where a picturesque Burgundy chateau awaits. This estate specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, characteristic of the region’s aromatic complexity and fruit-forward profiles.

A guided tour of the vaulted cellar and wine cellar lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Guests sample 6 wines in a friendly, casual setting, savoring the length and finesse that make Burgundy wines unique. The visit highlights how terroir influences both white and red wines, adding depth to the tasting experience.

The Inclusive Tasting Experience

Across the entire day, around 11 to 12 wines are tasted, with each location offering a different perspective on the region’s wine styles. The small group size encourages an intimate atmosphere, fostering questions and personalized explanations from the bilingual guide.

The air-conditioned minibus ensures comfort throughout, especially during longer drives or when the weather is warm. The experience emphasizes education, with the guide sharing insights into wine-making, regional history, and local culture.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and near public transportation options available in Lyon. The maximum group size of 8 travelers ensures a quiet, engaging environment—ideal for those seeking a more personal experience.

While food and drinks are not included in the price, the stop options make it easy to enjoy lunch at local restaurants, with menus around 20 euros. The free cancellation policy provides flexibility, allowing cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

The Southern Burgundy Wine Tour distinguishes itself through its focus on small-group intimacy, with only eight participants maximum. Guests benefit from the expertise of guides who are fluent in both English and French, providing rich explanations and stories behind each wine and site.

The stops include iconic sites like Solutré Roch and Cluny’s abbey, combined with visits to family wineries that showcase traditional wine-making techniques. The focus on both red and white wines from Mâcon and Beaujolais provides a comprehensive taste of southern Burgundy’s diversity.

Who Will Love This Tour the Most

This tour is well-suited for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about regional varieties in an intimate setting. It especially appeals to those interested in history, scenic landscapes, and authentic winery visits rather than large, commercial tours. The inclusion of scenic stops and culinary options makes it suitable for travelers who want a balanced day of sightseeing and tasting.

Participants should be comfortable with moving around on foot during stops like Cluny and La Roche de Solutré, but overall, the tour maintains a relaxed pace with a focus on educational exploration and pleasurable wines.

Southern Burgundy Wine Tour: A Genuine, Expert-Led Day in France’s Heartland

The Southern Burgundy Wine Tour from Lyon offers a rich, personalized experience for those passionate about French wines and regional culture. Unlike larger tours, this offers a small-group setting with up to 8 travelers, ensuring each guest receives attention and insight from guides well-versed in the region’s history and wines.

The visits to family wineries, iconic natural sites, and historic towns provide a well-rounded look at Burgundy’s diverse terroirs. The tasting of 11-12 wines across locations demonstrates the region’s variety and finesse. While lunch is optional and not included, the stops offer options to enjoy local cuisine, making this a flexible yet comprehensive day trip.

This tour excels for those who want an authentic, educational experience in a comfortable and intimate environment. It’s especially recommended for serious wine lovers who value personalized explanations and a balanced mix of scenery, history, and tastings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes.

What is the maximum group size?
A maximum of eight travelers participate, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. Lunch options are available at local restaurants, costing around 20 euros.

What wines will I taste?
Guests taste around 11 to 12 wines, including Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly Vinzelles, and Brouilly.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is all-inclusive in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, with the main considerations being mobility for outdoor stops and an interest in wine and regional history.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is often booked around 204 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Place Bellecour in Lyon and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

Can I customize this experience?
The tour is pre-arranged, with no mention of customization options, but the small-group setting allows for personalized questions.

Is there a guide?
Yes, guides are bilingual (English and French), sharing insights about wines, regions, and local culture.

This Southern Burgundy Wine Tour offers an excellent blend of scenic beauty, historical sites, and exceptional wines, making it a satisfying choice for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Burgundy’s wine heritage.