The Original Syrah Wine Tour (9:00 am – 1:30 pm) – Small Group Tours from Lyon

An Intimate, Expert-Led Wine Experience Near Lyon at an Accessible Price

The Original Syrah Wine Tour offers a focused half-day journey that highlights the best of the Northern Rhone Valley. Priced at $115, this 4-hour 30-minute tour is perfect for wine lovers keen to explore the Syrah and Viognier grapes in their native terroirs. It departs from Lyon’s Bellecour Square and features small groups capped at eight participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

This tour combines wine tastings at two family-run estates with scenic stops such as the Roman theater in Vienne. The experience is led by an expert guide who is fluent in English and French, providing enriching insights into local wine production and the history of the region. While the tour is compact, it includes private estate visits, tastings of 11+ wines, and a brief sightseeing break, making it ideal for those seeking a concentrated, enjoyable day without the crowds.

Key Points

• Small group size of up to eight travelers fosters a personalized experience
• Includes tastings of 11+ Rhone wines, such as Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, and St Joseph
• Visits two family-run wineries with private tours of vineyards and cellars
• Stops at historic sites like the Roman theater in Vienne with panoramic views
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned 8-seater minibus
• Expert guidance in both English and French, with insider knowledge of the region

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics in Lyon

The tour begins promptly at 8:50 am outside the Lyon Office of Tourism and Congress on Bellecour Square. After a short walk, the group boards an 8-seat minivan, designed to ensure a cozy and intimate experience. The tour ends back at the same location around 1:30 pm, providing a convenient schedule for those staying in Lyon.

Participants should note that the tour operates with confirmed bookings and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The group size is limited to 8 travelers, so booking early is recommended to secure a spot.

Scenic Drive and Highlights in Vienne

The journey from Lyon takes just a few minutes to reach Vienne, where the guide points out the 2,000-year-old Roman theater. This site offers breathtaking views of the Rhone Valley, and the guide shares insights into the region’s terroir and the grape varieties that thrive here.

This stop is ideal for guests interested in history and scenery, with the Roman theater providing a glimpse into the area’s ancient past. The panoramic vistas of the Rhone River and surrounding hills make for memorable photos.

Visiting Ampuis, the Capital of Syrah

Next, the tour crosses into Ampuis, recognized as the world capital of Syrah. Here, the group visits the “Cote Rotie” vineyards, known as “roasted hillside”, with steep terraced slopes that face the Rhone River. The drive along the vertiginous terraces of “Cote Brune” and “Cote Blonde” showcases the dramatic landscape where these premium grapes are cultivated.

This part of the tour highlights the unique terroir of the region, with sun-drenched hills at angles of 30 to 60 degrees, which contribute to the intensity and character of the wines produced here. Visitors gain appreciation for the specialist vineyard practices used in this challenging terrain.

Private Vineyards and Wine Tastings at Tupin-et-Semons

At Tupin-et-Semons, the group visits two family-run wineries, enjoying private tours of the vineyards. These visits focus on the vinegrowers’ craftsmanship, including the seasonal jobs involved in producing high-quality grapes.

The wine tastings feature a total of 11 wines, including Condieu, St Joseph, Cote Rotie, and more. Both white Viognier and rich Syrah reds are presented, emphasizing the original terroir of each vineyard. The tasting experience provides an up-close look at aromatic profiles and grape perfection.

The Viognier Connection in Condrieu and Malleval

As part of the tour, the group drives through Condrieu, the birthplace of the Viognier grape. This region nearly faced extinction in recent years, and the guide explains this unique story. The white wines from Viognier are noted for their aromatic intensity, making them a highlight for white wine enthusiasts.

In Malleval, a second family winery offers further insight into wine-making techniques, including the barrel aging process. Here, visitors taste another 6 wines, with particular attention to the aromatic richness of Viognier and the perfection of northern Rhone Syrah.

The Role of Expert Guidance and Local Knowledge

Throughout the small-group experience, the guide delivers informative commentary in both English and French. With a background in wine and regional history, the guide shares stories behind each vineyard, explains terroir influences, and discusses local wine classifications like Côte Rôtie and St Joseph.

This personalized approach ensures that guests leave with a deeper understanding of the region’s winemaking traditions and distinctive grape varieties. The friendly guide makes the experience engaging without feeling rushed.

Comfortable Transport in a Small, Air-Conditioned Minibus

The 8-seater minibus provides a comfortable and private ride throughout the day. Its air-conditioning ensures a pleasant journey regardless of the weather, while the intimate group size allows for flexible stops and personal interaction.

This transport setup is ideal for small groups seeking a more personalized and less crowded experience compared to larger tours. It also makes the journey between vineyards and sites much more relaxed and scenic.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This Syrah wine tour caters especially to wine aficionados with an interest in Northern Rhone grapes. It suits those who enjoy private estate visits, tastings of premium wines, and scenic drives through historic landscapes. The tour is also popular among history lovers due to the inclusion of Vienne’s Roman theater.

Given the small group size, it offers ample opportunity for questions and personalized insights, making it a great choice for enthusiasts who prefer a more intimate setting over large, generic tours.

Final Thoughts on the Syrah Tour from Lyon

The Original Syrah Wine Tour delivers a focused, quality experience that combines wine tasting, regional history, and scenic views. Its small-group format guarantees personalized attention, and the inclusion of two private wineries offers a closer look at local craftsmanship.

While it covers just part of the Rhone Valley, the tour packs in a lot of highlights in a manageable half-day. It is especially recommended for those passionate about Syrah and Viognier or seeking a personal, engaging introduction to the area’s wines.

The $115 price includes tastings of 11+ wines, private estate visits, and expert guidance. It’s a practical and enjoyable way to taste the best of the Northern Rhone without needing a full-day commitment or traveling far from Lyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $115 fee covers all wine tastings (11+ wines), private visits to two family-run wineries, transportation in an air-conditioned 8-seater minibus, and guidance in English and French.

What stops are part of the tour?
Stops include Lyon’s Bellecour Square for meeting, Vienne’s Roman theater, Ampuis with its Côte Rôtie vineyards, Tupin-et-Semons vineyards, Condrieu, and Malleval for additional tastings.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, with time allocated for driving, walking tours, and tastings.

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, the guide delivers commentary in both English and French, making it accessible for international visitors.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking at the vineyard stops and steep hillside vineyards, but overall it’s manageable for most with good mobility.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility in case of changes.

What type of wines are sampled?
Expect to taste Cote Rôtie, Condrieu, St Joseph, and other northern Rhone reds and whites, with a focus on Syrah and Viognier.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and those wanting an intimate, informative experience with premium Rhone wines in a scenic setting.