Beaujolais is a fantastic region for wine lovers who want more than just a tasting. Its charming villages, rolling vineyards, and historic châteaux make it a perfect place for guided tours that combine learning, tasting, and a bit of local history. We’re especially drawn to experiences like Visit: From Château des Thorins to Château du Moulin-à-Vent, which offers a balanced mix of guided visits, tastings, and incredible views. It’s a great way to learn about the region’s character, with a private tour of a château dating back to 1732 and tastings of four different cuvées, including two single-vineyard options.
While some tours focus mainly on wine tasting, others like the Château des Ravatys wine tasting and tour provide a deeper dive into vineyard life, history, and the chance to sample some of the finest grands crus like Côte et Brouilly and Brouilly. Whether you prefer a full-day adventure or a shorter, more focused visit, Beaujolais has options that will satisfy your curiosity and palate. Below, we explore the two best tours to help you find the right fit.
1. Visit : From Château des Thorins to Château du Moulin-à-Vent
This tour offers a full day exploring two of the most iconic spots in Beaujolais. Starting at the Château du Moulin-à-Vent, you’ll enjoy a guided 30-minute tour of this historic domain, established in 1732. The visit includes a look at the vaulted cellar from the 16th century—a real treat for history buffs—and an opportunity to taste three different cuvées, including an older vintage and two from single-vineyard plots. This makes it stand out as a thorough experience for those interested in both tradition and modern winemaking techniques.
The highlight is the privileged terrace overlooking the appellation, where you can savor four cuvées while soaking in stunning views. The tour emphasizes the balance between history and contemporary winemaking, giving you insights into how the region’s unique terroir shapes the wines. The private setting and small group size mean you’ll get personalized attention, making it a good pick for couples or small groups seeking a relaxed, in-depth experience. The tour is accessible and flexible, with options to reserve and pay later.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a full day of learning, tasting, and enjoying the landscape of Beaujolais’s most famous vineyard areas, all led by an expert guide.
2. Château des Ravatys wine tasting and tour
For a shorter but equally memorable experience, the Château des Ravatys offers a 1.5-hour deep dive into the vineyard’s production and history. This tour takes you through the vineyards, cellars, and ends with a wine tasting featuring some of the region’s top grands crus, including Côte et Brouilly and Brouilly. The Château’s location within the Geopark adds an extra layer of fascination, highlighting the region’s geological diversity and its influence on wine quality.
This experience is perfect for those who want a quick yet comprehensive visit with a focus on quality and heritage. The guide shares insights about the vineyard’s evolution and the unique qualities of each wine, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced wine connoisseurs. Since the tour emphasizes tasting some of the best wines directly from the Château’s cellars, it’s a solid choice for travelers interested in premium wines and local history.
While reviews are not available, the combination of vineyard walk, cellar visit, and tastings typically offers good value for time and money. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time but a desire to understand the diversity of Beaujolais’s terroirs.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want a taste of Beaujolais’s best wines with educational insights, this tour hits the mark.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Beaujolais
When selecting between these experiences, consider your available time, budget, and interest level. The Visit: From Château des Thorins to Château du Moulin-à-Vent is a great full-day option offering a comprehensive look at the region’s history and wines, perfect for those wanting an immersive experience. On the other hand, the Château des Ravatys provides a quicker, focused visit for those on a tighter schedule but still eager to taste some top-tier wines and learn about vineyard practices.
Think about your interests: if you’re passionate about historic architecture and vintage wines, the first tour will delight you. If your priority is sampling premium wines and exploring geological influences on terroir, the second tour offers targeted insight without the full day commitment. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and group size.
In summary, Beaujolais offers a range of tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. For an in-depth day soaking up history, scenery, and wine, the first tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a shorter, quality-focused visit that still delivers the region’s essence, the second is an excellent pick. Both experiences promise memorable moments and a better understanding of what makes Beaujolais one of France’s top wine regions. Whether you’re a casual taster or a dedicated oenophile, these tours will help you appreciate the region’s rich wine culture—so book early and get ready to enjoy your taste of Beaujolais.
