From Lyon: Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour

Nestled just north of Lyon, the Beaujolais wine region is a true hidden gem. This day tour from the city offers travelers a chance to step into this enchanting world, exploring picturesque villages and uncovering the secrets of winemaking at a family-owned estate. With intimate group sizes and a focus on culture, it’s an opportunity to savor the flavors and traditions that make this corner of France so special. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a unique day trip, this tour promises an experience you won’t soon forget.

Key Points

• This 258-minute Beaujolais wine tasting tour from Lyon offers a guided exploration of the picturesque region, including visits to historic villages and a family-owned winery.
• The tour provides an introduction to the Beaujolais wine varietals and includes tastings accompanied by traditional regional specialties like cold meats and cheeses.
• Participants will have the opportunity to stroll through the 12th-century village of Oingt, admire the well-preserved medieval architecture, and experience the authentic character of the Beaujolais wine region.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants and is conducted in English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned minivan, and the tour includes a traditional mâchon breakfast as well as bottled water and snacks throughout the day.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of the southern Beaujolais region, departing from the vibrant city of Lyon.

The tour lasts 258 minutes and is priced from $107.67 per person, with group sizes limited to 8 participants. It’s conducted in English, and travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include discovering the region’s wine traditions, tastings at local vineyards, a scenic journey through picturesque villages, and learning winemaking techniques from experts.

Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan and select snacks are included in the tour.

Discovering Southern Beaujolais

As the day begins, participants embark on a captivating exploration of the southern Beaujolais region, home to a rich wine heritage.

The tour takes them on a scenic journey through picturesque villages, such as the 12th-century commune of Oingt, where they can:

1. Stroll through the medieval streets, admiring the charming architecture.

2. Visit a family-owned winery, learning about the winemaking techniques from the local vintners.

3. Indulge in a traditional mâchon breakfast, savoring local delicacies.

4. Taste a variety of Beaujolais wines, including the renowned Beaujolais Nouveau.

This immersive experience allows participants to truly appreciate the essence of southern Beaujolais and its vibrant wine culture.

Wine Tasting Experience

After being picked up from their hotel in Lyon, participants begin their wine tasting experience with an introduction to the region’s renowned varietals. They sample two different wines alongside locally-made pastries, whetting their palates for the tastings to come.

The tour then ventures to the picturesque 12th-century village of Oingt, where travelers can explore the medieval streets before visiting a family-owned winery. Here, they learn winemaking techniques directly from the source and indulge in tastings complemented by traditional cold meats and cheeses.

The day’s immersive experiences provide a well-rounded exploration of Beaujolais’ renowned wine culture.

Picturesque Villages of Beaujolais

Nestled among the rolling hills of Southern Beaujolaus, the picturesque villages of the region charm visitors with their medieval architecture and rich winemaking heritage.

These charming towns include:

1. Oingt – A 12th-century village renowned for its well-preserved houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

2. Morgon – Home to prestigious Beaujolais vineyards and boasting panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

3. Fleurie – Featuring quaint squares, historic churches, and opportunities to explore local artisanal shops.

4. Julienas – Known for its stately châteaux and scenic hiking trails that wind through the vineyards.

Exploring these picturesque villages allows visitors to enjoy the authentic character of the Beaujolaus wine region.

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Winemaking Techniques and Insights

The wine tasting and tours on this Beaujolais day trip provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the region’s winemaking techniques and insights.

Guests learn from local winemakers about the traditional methods used to produce the renowned Beaujolais Nouveau. They’ll discover the importance of the Gamay grape and how it’s carefully harvested, fermented, and aged to develop the wine’s distinct flavor profile.

Throughout the tours, participants gain appreciation for the meticulous attention to detail required to craft the light, fruity Beaujolais wines. This hands-on experience offers a true insider’s look at the artistry behind these beloved regional specialties.

Traditional Mâchon Breakfast

A highlight of the Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour is the opportunity to savor a traditional mâchon breakfast.

This local specialty includes:

1. Freshly baked brioche or croissants served warm.

2. Regional charcuterie like rosette sausage and smoked ham.

3. Artisanal cheeses from small Beaujolais farms.

4. Seasonal fruits and homemade jams or honey.

Guests enjoy these delicacies while learning about their origins and production from the knowledgeable tour guide.

The knowledgeable tour guide educates guests on the origins and production of the delectable mâchon specialties.

The mâchon sets the stage for a day of immersion in Beaujolais’ rich food and wine culture.

Transportation and Inclusions

The tour begins with pickup from the Lyon tourist office in Bellecour Square, where guests board an air-conditioned minivan for the scenic journey to Southern Beaujolais.

The tour includes wine tastings at local vineyards, as well as a traditional mâchon breakfast with local delicacies. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the day.

The tour excludes lunch, drinks in the vehicle, and any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour company has an environmental commitment, so bottled water isn’t provided – guests are encouraged to refill their reusable bottles.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with the Beaujolais Wine Tasting Day Tour, as evidenced by its 4.7/5 overall rating based on 362 reviews.

The tour’s guide and transportation earn especially high marks, scoring 4.7/5 and 4.8/5 respectively. Reviewers praise the tour’s value for money, with a 4.6/5 rating in this category.

Common praise includes:

1. Informative and engaging guides who share insights on winemaking.

2. Scenic stops in picturesque villages like Oingt.

3. Well-organized logistics and comfortable transportation.

4. Opportunity to sample high-quality Beaujolais wines and local delicacies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are allowed on the tour, but alcohol consumption is forbidden for those under 18. Guardians must ensure their underage children comply with this policy. The tour includes stops suitable for all ages.

Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?

Bringing your own wine to the wine tasting is not allowed. The tour includes wine tastings at local vineyards, so you’ll have the opportunity to sample the Beaujolais wines during the tour. Bringing outside alcohol is not permitted.

What Should I Wear for the Winery Visit?

The tour recommends wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for the winery visit. It’s best to dress casually, as you’ll be exploring the vineyard and cellars during the tasting experience.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour offers a group discount. According to the details, the tour is limited to 8 participants, suggesting group pricing may be available. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider for specifics on group discounts.

Can the Tour Be Customized to My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to some extent to accommodate your preferences. While the main itinerary is set, the guide may be able to adjust details or timing based on your interests. It’s best to discuss any specific requests with the tour operator.

Recap

This Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon offers a delightful opportunity to explore the charming villages and sample the region’s renowned wines. Visitors can look forward to an intimate winery experience, where they’ll learn about traditional winemaking techniques and enjoy tastings paired with a traditional mâchon breakfast. With convenient transportation and a small group size, this tour provides an immersive and personalized wine country adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: