Beaujolais Day Guided Tour – Winery Tours and Tastings

Explore the Beaujolais Region in Style and Comfort

The Beaujolais Day Guided Tour, priced at $176.69 per person, offers an immersive experience into one of France’s most renowned wine regions. With a duration of approximately 8 to 9 hours, this tour combines scenic drives, cultural visits, and wine tastings in two distinct estates. Guided by Justine Poncet, the founder of “Sur les Sentiers de l’Oenotourisme,” participants get detailed insights into local winemaking, regional history, and the secrets behind the famous Gamay and Chardonnay grape varieties. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience.

This tour departs from Lyon’s Place Bellecour at 9:00 am and ends back in Lyon between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Everything is arranged for ease and comfort, including transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, with commented tastings of around 10 wines included in the price. While lunch is not included, a reservation is made at a local restaurant for all participants, offering authentic regional cuisine starting from €25 per person.

This guided excursion is ideal for wine enthusiasts and those interested in discovering the picturesque villages and scenic landscapes of Beaujolais, with reviews praising its expert guide, beautiful countryside, and delicious wines.

Key Points

• Expert-led tour with guide Justine Poncet providing detailed commentary
• Includes two wine tastings in different estates, with approximately 10 wines sampled
• Scenic visits to the villages of Oingt, Fleurie, and Mont Brouilly
• Small group size of up to 8 participants for a personalized experience
• Luxury transportation in a Mercedes vehicle
• Authentic regional cuisine reserved at a local restaurant (lunch not included)
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 18 reviews

Meet Justine Poncet, the Passionate Guide of “Sur les Sentiers de l’Oenotourisme”

The tour is led by Justine Poncet, whose knowledge of the Beaujolais region enhances every aspect of the experience. Her engaging storytelling covers history, estates, wines, and regional secrets, making the day both educational and enjoyable. The reviews highlight her as very knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating, ensuring that questions are answered and preferences considered throughout the journey.

Participants appreciate her ability to share insights in both English and French, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Her enthusiasm makes the day feel personalized, with many noting her delightful personality as a highlight.

Visiting Oingt: The Heart of Beaujolais’ Scenic Charm

The tour begins at the village of Oingt, renowned for its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. A guided visit allows participants to soak in the authentic atmosphere, with panoramic views of surrounding vineyards. This stop offers an authentic taste of regional heritage and picturesque scenery.

Following the village visit, the group heads to a winery in the south of Beaujolais for a guided tasting. Here, between 4 and 6 wines are sampled, allowing a deep dive into local winemaking techniques, aging processes, and aromas that define Beaujolais wines.

Tasting in a Beaujolais Winery: A Deep Dive into Local Wines

The first tasting takes place in a winery located in the southern part of Beaujolais. Guests are welcomed warmly and guided through a tasting of 4 to 6 wines. The focus is on Gamay and Chardonnay grapes, the region’s signature varieties, and the guide explains how terroir and winemaking styles influence each wine’s character. The tasting experience also touches on wine growing and aging, providing a comprehensive understanding of regional practices.

The guided tastings are complemented by snacks, enhancing the tasting experience without overwhelming the palate. The entire experience at this estate lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Exploring the Village of Oingt: Medieval Charm and Panoramas

After the first winery visit, the tour allows time to stroll through Oingt’s narrow streets and admire its well-preserved medieval architecture. This 30-minute stop offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience the village’s authentic ambiance. Visitors enjoy walking along cobblestone paths, observing medieval buildings, and appreciating the panoramic vineyard views.

This stop is free of charge, and it provides a break between wine tastings, perfect for soaking in the region’s picturesque charm.

Lunch in Mont Brouilly: Authentic Regional Cuisine

Midday, the group travels to Mont Brouilly for a lunch stop at a local restaurant. The meal features regional dishes that highlight Beaujolais culinary traditions, and participants are encouraged to pair their meal with local wines. The lunch menu starts at €25 per person, and reservations are made for the entire group, ensuring a smooth dining experience.

While lunch is not included in the tour price, this shared meal offers a chance to relax and enjoy genuine flavors in a cozy settings, enhancing the overall cultural experience.

Discovering Fleurie and Its Famous Wines

After lunch, the tour proceeds northward to Fleurie, a village celebrated for its famous wines. Here, participants visit a second estate for a guided tasting of another 4 to 6 wines. This tasting emphasizes terroir differences, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques that make Beaujolais wines distinctive.

The Fleurie estate offers insights into how various soil types and microclimates influence wine profiles, giving guests a broader appreciation of the region’s diversity.

Scenic Drive and Village Passages Through Beaujolais

Throughout the day, the tour passes through several golden stone villages, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Beaujolais landscape. The journey offers frequent photo opportunities and the chance to see the vineyards stretching across rolling hills. The guide shares stories about each village’s history and local traditions, enriching the sightseeing experience.

Return to Lyon: Relaxed End to a Full Day

The tour concludes with a return trip to Lyon in the late afternoon or early evening, arriving between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm depending on traffic. Although the journey back is in a comfortable vehicle, it provides a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the scenic views one last time.

Logistic Details and Practical Information

The meeting point is at the Statue of Saint Exupéry in Place Bellecour in Lyon. The tour departs at 9:00 am and is designed for most travelers, with confirmation received within 48 hours of booking. The tour is suitable for those aged 18 and over due to alcohol consumption.

Transportation is in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle, and the group size is limited to 8 travelers for a more intimate experience. The tour features simultaneous French/English commentary, and snacks are provided during tastings.

While toilets are not available on board, the included wine tastings and the lunch reservation make this tour a well-rounded, relaxing way to explore Beaujolais.

The Experience: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The personalized attention from Justine Poncet and her extensive knowledge make this tour memorable. Reviewers consistently praise her friendly demeanor and ability to explain complex wine details in an engaging way. The scenic villages, delicious wines, and authentic regional cuisine create a balanced, enjoyable day.

Most reviewers highlight the beautiful countryside and excellent wine selection as key highlights. The small-group format enhances interaction and makes the experience feel exclusive. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 18 reviews, this tour has proven to be a trusted choice for wine lovers visiting Lyon.

Beaujolais Day Guided Tour: An Authentic Taste of France’s Wine Heart

This tour offers an accessible, well-organized way to experience the best of Beaujolais’s landscapes and wines. The guided visits to two estates, charming villages like Oingt, and a regional lunch make for a rich cultural day. The expert guidance and comfortable transportation ensure that even those unfamiliar with wine can enjoy and learn.

While not including lunch in the price, the pre-arranged restaurant ensures a taste of regional cuisine at a reasonable price, rounding out the experience. The small group size and high reviews make this an excellent choice for those seeking personalized, informative, and delightful wine touring in France.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I book this tour?
Most bookings are made about 59 days in advance, given the popularity and limited group size.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are reserved for participants aged 18 and over.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included in the price, but a reservation is made at a local restaurant with menus starting at €25 per person.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How is transportation arranged?
Participants are driven in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with air conditioning, making the day both comfortable and stylish.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves some walking through villages; those with mobility concerns may want to check further details.

What languages are available during the tour?
The guide provides commentary simultaneously in English and French.

What can I expect at the wine tastings?
You will sample around 10 wines across two estates, with detailed explanations about each wine’s characteristics.

Are there provisions for snacks during tastings?
Yes, small snacks accompany the tastings to enhance the experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Statue of Saint Exupéry in Place Bellecour and concludes back in Lyon, near the starting point.

This Beaujolais Day Guided Tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, authentic wine experiences, and cultural insights, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.