From Lyon: Beaujolais & Burgundy Private Tour by Defender

Key Points

• Private, customizable day trip exploring Beaujolais and Burgundy regions.
• Travel in style in a vintage Land Rover Defender with privileged access.
• Visit 2-3 exclusive wineries, tasting some of the best crus in both regions.
• Experience a private home of a former winemaker turned druid, Philip, with a unique wine cellar.
• Enjoy wine and food tastings in scenic vineyards, weather permitting.
• Tour price is $556 per person, including private guiding and tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Charm of Beaujolais and Burgundy by Vintage Land Rover

This private tour from Lyon costs $556 per person and spans one full day of exploration in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. The experience is designed for wine enthusiasts who want to go beyond typical visits, with privileged access to hidden wineries and exclusive cultural stops. Traveling in a charming vintage Land Rover Defender, the journey feels both stylish and intimate, perfect for those seeking personalized attention and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

The tour emphasizes customization, allowing the guide to tailor the day based on your interests—whether that’s exploring historic sites, visiting artisanal farms, or uncovering regional secrets. This flexibility makes it particularly appealing for visitors who prefer a personalized experience over cookie-cutter excursions.

Exploring Beaujolais and Its Hidden Wineries

The first part of the day is dedicated to Beaujolais, a region famous for its lively reds and scenic vineyards. You’ll visit 2 to 3 hand-picked wineries that are typically closed to the general public. These visits offer insider access to exclusive crus, giving a genuine taste of the region’s best wines.

At each winery, you’ll find tastings of top Beaujolais crus, allowing you to savor the unique flavors that define this region’s reputation. The visits are usually followed by wine tastings lasting between 30 and 40 minutes, giving ample opportunity to learn about the winemaking process directly from passionate producers.

Inside the Home of a Former Winemaker Turned Druid

One of the tour’s highlights is entering Philip’s private home in Burgundy. Philip is a former winemaker who now embraces a druid lifestyle, and his personal wine cellar offers a fascinating glimpse into his new role. This visit provides behind-the-scenes insights into his craftsmanship and the region’s winemaking traditions.

Guests are invited to learn about Philip’s journey from winemaker to a spiritual guide, making this stop both a cultural and personal experience. The exclusive access to his home and cellar is a rare opportunity to connect directly with local passion and talent.

Scenic Wine and Food Tasting in the Vineyard

Weather permitting, the tour includes a chic wine and food tasting set amid the vineyards. This al fresco experience presents local wines paired with cheese and cold cuts, offering a genuine taste of regional flavors. The tasting is designed to be relaxed and scenic, with breathtaking landscapes serving as a perfect backdrop.

For lunch, guests can choose between an elegant countryside picnic or a cozy local restaurant. Either option emphasizes seasonal, regional ingredients, and provides a chance to savor local cuisine in a convivial setting.

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Visiting Cultural and Scenic Hidden Gems

Beyond wine, the tour offers options to explore cultural and historical spots, depending on your interests. Potential stops include a privately owned medieval château, opened exclusively for the group, or a charming goat farm where fresh, artisanal products are sampled.

The tour’s flexibility allows for additional discoveries tailored to your passions, whether that’s history, terroir, or traditional crafts. The focus remains on hidden gems that are not accessible on typical tourist routes, enhancing the sense of discovery.

Lunch Options and Regional Flavors

The lunch break lasts around 80 minutes in either a local restaurant or as a picnic in the vineyards. The regional cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients and local specialties, providing a satisfying complement to the prior tastings.

The tour’s flexible approach means dietary restrictions can be accommodated, with options to replace wine with local grape juice or adjust the menu for vegan or other preferences. This ensures a tailored dining experience that suits individual needs.

The Route and Timing Breakdown

The itinerary includes several stops across Beaujolais and Bourgogne, with a total of 4 to 5 tastings spread throughout the day. The schedule allows enough time to visit wineries, cultural sites, and enjoy tastings without feeling rushed.

Start your day with a pickup in Lyon, and expect to spend around 20 hours exploring. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Lyon’s Vaise area, and can optionally include train tickets for convenient transportation.

The Guide and Personalization

Led by passionate local insiders, guides excel at sharing stories about the region, the vineyards, and the people behind the wines. They are known for tailoring the day to your interests, whether that’s focusing on specific wine styles, historical sites, or culinary delights.

The tour is fully private, meaning you can enjoy an intimate experience without the distractions of a large group. Guides speak French and English, ensuring clear communication and personalized attention throughout the day.

Accessibility and Practical Details

This tour is wheelchair accessible and designed for groups of any size, though it remains private for your party. It is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

Guests should note that smoking in the vehicle is not allowed, and it’s helpful to inform the organizers of any food or drink restrictions in advance. The tour emphasizes local food and drink options and is flexible enough to accommodate dietary preferences.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this Lyons-based private tour truly special is the combination of hidden wineries, exclusive cultural stops, and personalized guidance. The use of a vintage Land Rover adds a sense of adventure and charm, making the day feel both luxurious and authentic.

Multiple reviews praise knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and outstanding wine tastings, confirming that this experience offers more than just standard visits. The opportunity to visit private properties like Philip’s home and taste regional specialties in scenic settings appreciates the authentic character of the Burgundy and Beaujolais regions.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private tour suits wine lovers seeking exclusive access and artisans interested in regional traditions. It’s perfect for those wanting a bespoke experience that combines gastronomy, culture, and scenic beauty. The tour’s flexible format makes it ideal for personalized itineraries, whether for a special celebration or a relaxed day of exploration.

Because of its customization, it is especially fitting for visitors who wish to skip crowded tourist spots and discover the hidden stories behind the wines and places.

Final Thoughts on the Beaujolais & Burgundy Private Tour

This private tour from Lyon offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of Beaujolais and Burgundy, emphasizing hidden wineries, cultural sites, and local flavors. The vintage Land Rover adds character, and the privileged access to exclusive properties makes it stand apart from standard wine tours.

While the $556 price per person may seem high, it reflects the personalized, in-depth experience and access to private venues. This tour is best suited for avid wine enthusiasts, culture seekers, and those who appreciate bespoke journeys through France’s celebrated wine regions.

If you’re looking for a luxurious, flexible, and off-the-beaten-path exploration of Burgundy and Beaujolais, this private guided experience balances scenic beauty, authentic wine tastings, and insider stories in a way few other tours can match.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many wineries will I visit during this tour?
  You typically visit 2 to 3 wineries, with tastings at 2 to 4 different locations.

• Is the tour suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
  Yes, the tour can accommodate food and drink restrictions, with options to replace wine with local grape juice and adjust food offerings.

• What is included in the tour price?
  The price includes private guiding, tastings at several wineries, visits to hidden cultural or scenic spots, wine, cheese, and cold cuts tasting, and pickup in Lyon (if selected).

• Can I customize the itinerary?
  Absolutely, the tour is fully customizable based on your interests and preferences.

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The full experience lasts around 20 hours, covering Beaujolais and Burgundy with a focus on personalized stops.

• Is this tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
  Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

• Are children allowed on this tour?
  The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year.

• What languages are guides available in?
  Guides speak both French and English.

This private Beaujolais and Burgundy tour offers a deep dive into wine, culture, and landscape—perfect for those eager to explore France’s lesser-known treasures with expert local guides.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby