Private Beaujolais wine tour

The Private Beaujolais wine tour offers an engaging and personalized experience for wine lovers eager to explore the renowned Beaujolais region. Priced at approximately $1,187 per person, this 8 to 9-hour tour departs from Lyon, France, and includes hotel pickup, group discounts, and mobile tickets for seamless access. Led by a knowledgeable guide who is a WSET3 graduate and a wine merchant, this tour promises an in-depth look into Gamay wines, from 20th-century vintages to today’s contemporary styles.

With a private chauffeur driving a Tesla or Mercedes E-Class, the journey is comfortable and tailored to your group size. The tour is highly recommended, with a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 15 reviews, and is booked an average of 48 days in advance—indicating its popularity among visitors seeking an immersive, expert-led day in Beaujolais. While the price might seem steep, the inclusion of visits to boutique wineries, a scenic picnic, and wine tastings from different eras make it a compelling choice for dedicated wine enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Personalized private tour with a knowledgeable guide, Hugo, a WSET3 graduate and wine merchant
• Visits to two biodynamic and traditional wineries in the heart of Beaujolais
• Tastings of six wines at each winery, including vintage wines from the 20th century
• Lunch at a scenic hillside location with a tasting of wines from the 1960s to current day, paired with cheeses and gourmet products
• A panoramic visit to Mont Brouilly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Comfortable transportation in a Tesla or Mercedes, with hotel pickup included

Exploring the Heart of Beaujolais: The Itinerary

Visiting Fleurie’s Biodynamic Winery

The day begins with a visit to a biodynamic, natural wine estate within the Fleurie crus, one of the 10 regional crus of Beaujolais. This choice showcases the dynamic scene of modern Beaujolais, highlighting the new generation of winemakers dedicated to sustainable practices. The site is located in the Fleurie, Morgon, Brouilly, and Julienas areas.

Guests enjoy a roughly one-hour visit where they learn about the winery’s history and winemaking philosophy. The tasting includes around six wines, one of which is an old vintage, offering a taste of how Beaujolais wines have evolved. The visit is designed to be engaging, providing insights into natural winemaking and the region’s terroir.

Exploring Morgon’s Heritage Winery

Next, the tour visits a heritage winery that operates in the way it did in the 1970s and 1980s. This contrast emphasizes generational differences and the evolution of winemaking techniques in Beaujolais. The winery is located in the Morgon crus and offers a different perspective on vintage processing and vineyard management.

During this one-hour visit, guests taste another six wines, including an old vintage. The focus is on understanding how winemaking practices have changed across generations, giving a clearer picture of regional traditions versus modern approaches. The winery’s authenticity gives a tangible sense of Beaujolais’ history and winemaking evolution.

Mont Brouilly: A Panoramic View and UNESCO Heritage Site

A highlight of the day is the 30-minute stop at Mont Brouilly, a mountain viewpoint producing the Côte-de-Brouilly and Brouilly wines. From this vantage point, visitors gain a spectacular view of the region’s terroirs, illustrating why Beaujolais has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This stop offers not only scenic photography opportunities but also an appreciation of the region’s unique landscape that influences the wines’ character. It’s a perfect moment to absorb the diverse terroirs that make Beaujolais so distinctive.

Scenic Lunch and Vintage Wine Tasting in the Hills

In the hillside of Beaujolais, about three hours are dedicated to a picnic lunch. Set at a magnificent spot in the heights, this meal includes wines from the 1960s to today, paired with a dozen cheeses and seasonal gourmet products.

This midday break is designed to deepen the understanding of Gamay grape varieties across decades, providing a taste spectrum that showcases how styles and flavors have shifted over time. The lunch not only offers culinary delight but also serves as an educational experience about wine aging and regional food pairings.

Final Wine Tasting and Return to Lyon

Before heading back, the tour concludes with a last tasting session that emphasizes the diversity of Beaujolais wines. The private chauffeur then transports the group in luxury vehicles—either a Tesla or Mercedes—back to Lyon, with hotel pickup included for convenience.

The entire experience balances educational insights, scenic beauty, and culinary pleasures, making it suitable for those who appreciate both wine complexity and regional landscapes.

The Logistics and Transport Experience

The private tour begins promptly at 9:00 am with hotel pickup, ensuring a smooth start. The use of luxury vehicles enhances the comfort of the journey, whether traveling as a couple or a small group. The Tesla or Mercedes options accommodate different group sizes, making the experience feel exclusive and tailored.

The tour’s bookings are typically made 48 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. Since it is a private activity, only your group participates, allowing for a personalized and flexible experience. The tour also offers group discounts and mobile tickets for easy access.

The Value of a Guided, Educative Experience

A key feature of this tour is the presence of a guide who is not only a professional guide but also a wine merchant with a WSET3 certification. This expertise ensures rich insights into French wine characteristics, regional differences, and vintage variations.

Guests praise the guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and passion. The combination of visits to small, family-run wineries and the opportunity to taste vintage wines adds a layer of depth rarely found in larger group tours or tastings.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This private Beaujolais wine tour appeals particularly to avid wine enthusiasts, those interested in wine history, and travelers seeking a personalized experience. It suits people who want expert guidance, exclusive tastings, and scenic views.

The price point of around $1,187 per person reflects the luxury and depth of the experience, including transportation, visits, tastings, and lunch. It’s best suited to those willing to invest in a comprehensive, educational day exploring Beaujolais’ terroirs and winemaking traditions.

Final Thoughts on the Beaujolais Private Tour

This tour provides a thoughtfully curated experience that blends wine discovery, regional scenery, and culinary delights. Its focus on small wineries, vintage wines, and expert guidance makes it stand out from more generic offerings. The hotel pickup, luxury transport, and private setting add a touch of exclusivity.

While the cost may be a consideration, the depth of insight and quality of visits justify the price for serious wine lovers. The highly positive reviews underscore its reputation, with perfect ratings and commentary praising the knowledgeable guides and excellent wine selections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is accessible to those with little wine knowledge, as guides provide explanations about wine styles and regions. The focus on vintage wines and regional diversity offers educational value for all levels.

What is included in the lunch?
The lunch features a scenic picnic with wines from the 1960s to today, a dozen cheeses, and seasonal gourmet products. The emphasis is on pairing wines with regional foods.

Can wines be purchased during the tour?
Yes, wines tasted during the visits can be bought and shipped to your home for convenience.

What vehicles are used for transportation?
A Tesla or Mercedes Class E is used for couples, while a Mercedes Class V Van accommodates groups of three or more, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 48 days in advance; early reservations are recommended due to the tour’s popularity.

Is the tour customizable?
Since it is a private experience, there is potential for some customization based on your interests, within the scope of the scheduled visits.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking at winery sites and scenic viewpoints, but no detailed physical limitations are specified. It is generally suitable for most travelers able to stroll and enjoy outdoor sites.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

This Private Beaujolais wine tour offers a comprehensive, expert-guided journey through the region’s best wineries, culminating in a memorable scenic picnic and vintage tastings—a true treat for wine aficionados and curious travelers alike.