Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour (9:00 am to 5:15 pm) – Small Group Tour from Lyon

Explore the Best of Northern Côtes du Rhône on a Small-Group Tour from Lyon

This Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour offers a full-day experience that appeals to wine lovers eager to explore France’s renowned wine region without the hassle of driving. Priced at $178.22 per person, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes and departs from Lyon’s Bellecour Square. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small-group format ensures personalized attention, while the English-speaking guide makes complex wine concepts easy to understand.

What makes this tour particularly attractive is its detailed itinerary, which includes visits to 3 wineries and more than a dozen wine tastings, featuring Cotes Roti, Syrah, and Viognier. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 based on 24 reviews, and is recommended by 100% of participants. The combination of scenic views, expert guidance, and in-depth tastings makes it ideal for those interested in both wine appreciation and cultural exploration.

What’s Included in the Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour

The tour provides a comfortable air-conditioned minibus that transports guests between stops. The guides are fluent in French and English, ensuring clear explanations for all participants. The main highlight is the wine tastings, which include about 16 to 18 wines, covering a range of regions and varietals.

Lunch is not included, but the tour offers a delicious local meal at a restaurant in Les Roches-de-Condrieu, with menus starting at $20 during the week and $25 on weekends. This is a great chance to enjoy regional cuisine and take a break before more tastings. The all-inclusive aspect of the tastings and transport provides excellent value for the experience offered.

Starting Point: Lyon’s Bellecour Square

The adventure begins at 8:50 am in front of the Lyon Office of Tourism and Congress on Bellecour Square. The guide, Olivier, meets guests here, and after a brief walk, the group boards an 8-seater minivan. This organized start ensures smooth logistics for the day and a chance for travelers to meet their guide before heading out.

The central meeting point is easily accessible via public transportation, making it a convenient departure for visitors staying in Lyon. The small-group size guarantees a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for questions and personal interaction.

Scenic Drive and Vienne’s Roman Theatre Views

The first stop features a scenic drive to Vienne, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Rhône Valley from Notre Dame de Pipet Mount. Here, the guide introduces key grape varietals and explains the region’s terroir philosophy. The sightseeing includes a visit to the impressive Roman Theatre, a testament to Vienne’s long-standing wine tradition dating back 21 centuries.

This stop provides a wonderful combination of natural beauty and historical context, setting the tone for a day immersed in France’s wine and cultural heritage. The free admission makes it easy to enjoy these highlights without extra costs.

Visiting Ampuis: The Heart of Syrah

Crossing through the town of Ampuis, known as the world capital of Syrah, the group visits the Cote Rotie vineyards. These steep, terraced slopes called “Cote Brune” and “Cote Blonde” are notable for their 30 to 60-degree angles, bathed in sunlight and overlooking the Rhône River.

Standing on these rocky hillside terraces, visitors get a sense of the precision and effort involved in cultivating grapes in such challenging terrain. The landscape’s dramatic terracing is a major visual highlight, showcasing the unique terroir that produces some of the region’s most sought-after wines.

First Winery Visit in Malleval: Learning Rhone Winemaking

At 10:45 am, the first winery tour begins at Malleval. Here, the guide leads guests through the barrel room, discussing wine aging techniques and the craftsmanship behind Rhone wines. Guests then taste three white and three red wines, including Condrieu, St Joseph, and Cote Roti.

This visit emphasizes the art of winemaking and aging, providing insight into how flavor profiles develop over time. Tasting these renowned appellations offers a tangible understanding of the diversity within the region’s wines.

Lunch in Les Roches-de-Condrieu

Following the winery visit, the tour makes a 1 hour and 15-minute stop at a local restaurant in Les Roches-de-Condrieu. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy Cotes du Rhone cuisine, with menus starting at $20 during weekdays and $25 on weekends. The guide assists with translation and explanations of each course.

While lunch is not included in the tour price, this break allows time to savor regional dishes and recharge before afternoon tastings. The restaurant experience adds a cultural flavor to the day, highlighting local gastronomy.

Exploring Condrieu: The Viognier Birthplace

In the early afternoon, the group crosses into Condrieu, renowned as the birthplace of the Viognier grape. This varietal produces the world-famous white wine, and the guide shares its fascinating story, including near-extinction and revival.

Guests visit a family winery in Condrieu, where they taste 5-6 different wines, including Condrieu, St Joseph, and Cote Roti. This tasting showcases the diversity and complexity of the region’s white wines and provides an intimate look at family-run wineries.

Final Winery Stop in Chavanay: Rhone’s Red and White Gems

The last tasting stop takes place in Chavanay, where guests sample another 5 Rhone wines. Here, the focus is on the aromatic Viognier and the Syrah grapes that define the Northern Cotes du Rhone terroir. The intense aromatics and balance of flavors highlight why these wines are prized worldwide.

This final winery visit caps off the day with rich, full-flavored wines and a chance to compare different expressions of the region’s grapes in their original terroir.

Returning to Lyon’s Bellecour Square

At 5:15 pm, the guide drops guests back at Bellecour Square, ending the day on a high note with a rundown of the Northern Cotes du Rhone. The concise 8-hour schedule balances wine exploration, scenic views, and cultural insights, making it a well-paced experience.

The tour’s structure ensures participants finish early enough to enjoy the rest of their evening in Lyon or plan additional activities.

Why This Tour Stands Out for Wine Enthusiasts

This tour is particularly praised for its knowledgeable guides, especially Olivier, who receives high praise for his expertise and communication skills. The tastings are extensive, offering over a dozen wines, including some of the finest Cotes Roti, Syrah, and Viognier.

The small-group setting enhances the experience, allowing for personalized attention and easy interaction. Scenic stops such as Vienne’s Roman Theatre and the terraced vineyards add a visual dimension that complements the tastings.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is rich in wine and culture, lunch is not included, so travelers should plan accordingly. Participants should also be comfortable with walking and some steep terrain in vineyard areas like Cote Rotie. The group size is limited to 8 people, which is ideal for a more intimate experience but requires early booking, as the tour is often booked 97 days in advance.

Who Will Love This Tour the Most?

This Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts interested in exploring prestigious vineyards and tasting diverse varietals in a relaxed setting. It suits those who appreciate scenic drives, cultural insights, and guided tastings without the stress of navigation.

For visitors seeking a comprehensive, immersive day of Rhone wines with professional guidance, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, expert storytelling, and extensive tastings—all within a manageable schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this wine tour?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour provides an opportunity to enjoy a regional meal in Les Roches-de-Condrieu at your own expense.

How many wines will I taste during the tour?
You will taste approximately 16 to 18 wines, including Cotes Roti, Syrah, Viognier, and others across three wineries.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking and navigating steep vineyard slopes like those at Cote Rotie. Travelers should be prepared for some physical activity.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is often booked 97 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended to secure a spot.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The small-group size, extensive tastings, scenic vineyard views, and expert guidance from Olivier are key strengths. The inclusion of historic and natural sights like Vienne’s Roman Theatre enhances the experience.

This Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour from Lyon combines beautiful scenery, rich wine tasting, and personalized guidance to create a memorable day for dedicated wine lovers and curious cultural explorers alike.