Guided Day Tour and Wine Tasting Northern Rhône Valley

Exploring the Northern Rhône Valley: A Guide to the Guided Day Tour and Wine Tasting Experience

If you’re considering a day trip from Lyon to explore France’s renowned wine regions, this guided tour through the Northern Rhône Valley might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a well-organized, immersive experience that appeals to wine lovers and curious travelers alike. It promises a full day of wine tastings, scenic drives, and expert insights—all in a comfortable setting with a knowledgeable guide.

What immediately draws us to this tour are the intimate visits to family-owned wineries and how it offers a chance to taste prestigious wines like Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Condrieu. Plus, the fact that it’s limited to just eight travelers means there’s plenty of room for a personal touch and meaningful conversations. The chance to learn about the region’s grape varieties—Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne—adds an educational layer that elevates the experience beyond simple tastings.

One thing to keep in mind is that the lunch isn’t included in the price, but a reservation is made at a local restaurant with a decent menu from €25 per person. This setup gives you flexibility to choose your preferred fare or dietary options. The only real consideration might be the itinerary’s length and pace—if you’re not a fan of long days or structured tours, this might feel a bit packed. Still, for those eager to dive into the Rhône’s wine culture, this trip offers a solid blend of education and enjoyment.

This tour is best suited for adults who appreciate wine, scenic drives, and small-group experiences. If you’re after a relaxed, comprehensive look at the region’s top wines and picturesque villages, you’ll find it works well. It’s not overly touristy, and the focus on authentic, local wineries makes it particularly appealing.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 8) ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Expert guidance by a local, knowledgeable guide enhances understanding of the wines and region.
• Visits to three distinct wineries offer a broad perspective on regional wine styles and production methods.
• Excellent value for the price, considering the multiple tastings, guided visits, and scenic stops.
• Flexible, scenic itinerary with stops at picturesque villages and viewpoints.
• Comfortable transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle makes the day relaxing and hassle-free.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The journey kicks off at the Statue of Saint Exupéry in Lyon’s Place Bellecour, setting a central and accessible meeting point. From there, the luxury vehicle whisks you off into the Rhône Valley, a region famed for its steep vineyards and complex wines. Our imagined experience, based on reviews and the itinerary, is one of a carefully curated day—well-paced, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy both the scenery and the wines.

Stop 1: Condrieu

Your day begins with a drive through the charming villages of the Rhône Valley before arriving at Condrieu, renowned for its white wines made from the Viognier grape. Here, you’ll admire the vines planted on steep slopes, a sight that showcases the skill and effort of local winegrowers. The 45-minute stop is free of admission fees but offers a chance to learn about the unique viticulture methods in the region. From the reviews, travelers love observing the vines and hearing about the annual work involved—”we loved the way the vines are planted on such steep slopes,” as one traveler noted.

Stop 2: Chavanay (or Ampuis)

Next, you’ll visit your first tasting at a local estate near Chavanay or Ampuis. This 1 hour 15-minute stop involves sampling between 4 and 6 wines, giving you a taste of the region’s reds and whites. The hosts are usually welcoming, and the focus is on explaining winemaking and aging processes. Multiple reviews praise the diversity of wines and the chance to learn about different production styles—”each winery introduced us to different aspects of winemaking,” one guest shared.

Stop 3: Tain-l’Hermitage

Driving further south, you’ll arrive at Tain-l’Hermitage, a picturesque village with a reputation for its steep hillside vineyards. The 45-minute stop here is more about enjoying the views and soaking in the landscape, which a lot of travelers find mesmerizing. The scenery alone makes this worth the trip, and many comment on how the landscape highlights why Rhône wines are so distinctive.

Stop 4: Lunch Break

Lunchtime is at a local restaurant in Tain-l’Hermitage, with a reservation organized for the group. The menu, starting from €25, is described as simple but delicious, with a focus on local ingredients. While not included in the tour price, the reviews mention the meal’s quality and the scenic river views—”fabulous lunch with a picture-postcard view,” one reviewer stated. This break provides a well-earned rest and an opportunity to chat about the morning’s tastings.

Stop 5: Tasting at Two Estates

The afternoon is dedicated to more in-depth visits at two different wineries near Tain-l’Hermitage. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll taste a range of wines and get a behind-the-scenes look at cellar work—think fermentation tanks and barrel aging. This part is highly praised for its authenticity; many reviews mention the personal attention from winery staff and the chance to compare wines from different estates. “We tasted at family-owned wineries, which felt much more genuine,” one guest said.

Return to Lyon

After a full day of tasting, sightseeing, and learning, you’ll head back to Lyon, arriving around 5:45 to 6:30 pm. The drive back offers time to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the scenery once more.

What to Expect on the Day

The tour covers about 8.5 hours, including travel, tastings, and lunch. The group is small, with a maximum of 8 travelers, creating a friendly, conversational atmosphere. The transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle ensures comfort, and the guide, Justine, is highly praised for her knowledge and personable approach.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy about 12-15 wines, with tastings in three different regions. The wines include both white and red varieties, with a special focus on Syrah and Viognier—regional specialties. Many reviews highlight the quality of wines, especially the whites, which aren’t always available elsewhere.

The Value

At $188.55 per person, the tour offers a lot—guided visits, tastings, scenic stops, and a professional guide. While lunch isn’t included in the price, the reservation helps streamline the day and ensures a good meal with excellent views. Reviewers consistently mention that the experience feels well worth the cost, especially given the personalized attention and the chance to visit small, authentic wineries.

The Guide and Experience

Reviews unanimously praise Justine, the guide, for her knowledge, friendliness, and ease of navigation. She is described as someone who truly cares about providing a memorable experience and making the region’s wines accessible and interesting. She’s also commended for her language skills, making the tour comfortable for English and French speakers alike.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adults with an interest in wine, especially those who want to learn more about the Rhône Valley’s renowned appellations. It suits travelers who prefer small-group settings, appreciate scenic drives, and enjoy tasting a variety of wines in authentic, family-run estates. If you like a blend of educational content, beautiful scenery, and excellent wine, you’ll find this tour hits the mark.

However, if you’re not keen on structured days or have limited mobility, keep in mind the pace can be quite full, and walking on vineyard slopes might be involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
The tour is primarily focused on wine tasting and sightseeing. If you don’t drink alcohol, you might find it less engaging, but you can still enjoy the scenery and learn about the region. Dietary restrictions aren’t specified but could be discussed with the organizer beforehand for the lunch reservation.

What is included in the price?
You get guided tastings of about 12-15 wines, visits to three wineries, a scenic drive in a luxury vehicle, and the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide. Little snacks accompany the tastings, but lunch is not included in the price.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 8.5 hours, from Lyon to the vineyards and back, including stops and lunch.

What is the maximum size of the group?
The tour is capped at 8 travelers, making for a very personalized experience.

Are the wine tastings in small or large wineries?
The tour emphasizes visits to small family-owned wineries and estates, offering a more authentic and intimate experience compared to large commercial wineries.

When does the tour start and end?
It begins at 9:00 am at the Statue of Saint Exupéry in Lyon and returns around 5:45 to 6:30 pm, depending on traffic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a day of exploring the Northern Rhône without the stress of organizing each visit yourself, this guided tour offers a comprehensive, engaging, and well-reviewed way to taste and learn about the region’s wines. The small group, expert guidance, and authentic visits create a balanced experience that appeals to wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

While the day is packed, the quality of the visits and the scenic beauty of the region make it worthwhile. It’s particularly suited for those who value personalized attention and want to go beyond the typical tourist spots in Lyon to see the heart of the Rhône wine country.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to deepen your wine knowledge, this tour provides a thoughtful, enjoyable way to spend a day in one of France’s most storied wine regions.