Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais

If you’re considering a day trip from Lyon into France’s renowned wine region, the Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour in Beaujolais offers a lovely blend of local charm, tastings, and scenic driving. While I haven’t taken this tour personally, I’ve gone through the details to give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

What I really like about this experience is how customizable it seems — your day isn’t just a cookie-cutter itinerary but tailored to your interests and the weather, ensuring a more personal touch. Plus, the focus on local food and authentic stops makes it feel genuine rather than touristy.

On the flip side, this is a full-day commitment, which might feel a little long if you prefer more relaxed or less structured outings. Also, it’s priced around $560 per person, so it’s an investment, but considering the private transport, tastings, and curated stops, it’s likely worth it if you love wine and exploration.

This tour suits those who want to dive into Beaujolais’s lesser-known spots, enjoy wine tasting in a comfortable and private setting, and appreciate good food along the way. If you’re a wine enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone who loves authentic experiences, it could be just right.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: The itinerary is flexible, allowing the guide to tailor stops based on your interests and the weather.
• Comprehensive wine tasting: Multiple stops, including well-known crus and charming villages, with plenty of opportunities to sample local wines.
• Cultural and scenic stops: Not just wine, but also visits to historic sites like La Roche de Solutre and the village of Saint-Amour-Bellevue.
• Gourmet food included: Snacks like cheese and cold cuts accompany tastings; lunch is optional, with options for a restaurant or picnic.
• Comfortable transport: Traveling in a vintage Land Rover adds a fun, nostalgic element to the day.
• Local insights: The tour is run by locals who love their terroir, and guides are knowledgeable about the wines and history.

A Deeper Dive into the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Off in Mâconnais: Vergisson and La Roche de Solutre

The day kicks off with a visit to Vergisson, a perfect first stop for those interested in white wines. Depending on your preference, you might visit a winery or simply enjoy a bottle in the vineyards. The relaxed pace allows you to soak in the countryside and get a sense of France’s wine-growing regions firsthand.

Next, a visit to La Roche de Solutre is a highlight for many. This small hill has prehistoric significance, once used by early natives for hunting. It’s also a poignant memorial to the French resistance. If you’re up for a leisurely 30-minute walk, the view from the top is well worth it — but it’s entirely optional, so don’t feel pressured. This stop provides a mix of history, nature, and stunning scenery, all at no cost.

Visiting Charming Villages and Modern Wine Makers

The tour then moves to Solutre-Pouilly, one of the most picturesque spots in the region. Whether you end up visiting a winery or just tasting with a professional, the village’s charm is undeniable. Many visitors find this a favorite for the authentic feel and lovely surroundings.

Later, in Leynes, you meet a younger generation of wine growers—a couple who started making wine a few years back. Their philosophy and technique reflect the evolving face of Beaujolais wine. Tasting their wines offers insight into the modern approach to winemaking.

Exploring Beaujolais Crus: Saint-Amour, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, and Julienas

The core of the tour is the series of crus, which are designated premium wine-producing areas. Each has its unique character, and your guide will introduce you to their stories and flavors.

• Saint-Amour kicks off the Beaujolais segment with a lunch break, either at a local restaurant or picnic in the vineyards. This is a fantastic opportunity to relax and enjoy regional cuisine, complemented by wine tastings. The meal isn’t included in the price but is worth considering given the authentic experience.

• After lunch, a visit to the church of Saint-Amour offers a glimpse into the village’s history. It’s a short stop but adds a layer of cultural depth.

• Moving on to Chenas, you’ll visit a cooperative housed in a castle, where red wines take the spotlight. The setting is charming, and the tasting here offers a chance to explore local reds.

• Chateau du Moulin-a-Vent brings an element of history and grandeur. Known as the “lord of Beaujolais wines,” it even features a 15th-century windmill. The story of its competition with Romanée-Conti adds a fun historical twist.

• Fleurie has an air of femininity, and its wines are often described as delicate or elegant. Depending on your mood, you might enjoy tasting in the cooperative or relaxing at a scenic viewpoint with a glass in hand.

• The tour wraps up in Julienas, a rebellious cru. The tasting spot is a former church, and the wines are very affordable, at less than $2 per glass. This stop feels very local and authentic, often frequented by wine growers themselves.

The Experience in Practice

Several reviews highlight the warm, knowledgeable guides who add a lot of value. One guest mentioned how the vehicle itself made the day extra fun, emphasizing the relaxed and jovial atmosphere. The inclusion of snacks like local cheese and cold cuts pairs well with the tastings, making each stop feel generous and well thought out.

The private nature of the tour means you won’t be sharing with strangers, allowing for a more intimate experience. If you’re someone who appreciates storytelling, history, or simply wants to take their time exploring, this setup works well.

Transportation and Logistics

Traveling in a vintage Land Rover not only offers comfort but also adds a nostalgic, fun element that makes the journey memorable. Pickup is available from Lyon, and the entire day is designed to be approximately eight hours long, from start to finish. You’re back to the meeting point, ready to unwind after a full day of sights, tastes, and stories.

Price and Value for Money

At roughly $560 per person, this tour is on the higher end, but it includes private transport, multiple tastings, snacks, and a flexible itinerary. The reviews suggest that the experience feels personalized and authentic, which many travelers find worth the cost. If you’re a wine lover or eager to explore Beaujolais beyond the usual tourist spots, the value is definitely there.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience works best for those who enjoy wine, good food, and scenic drives — and who want to do it in a comfortable, private setting. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a full day of culture, rather than just a quick tasting. If you appreciate local stories, historical sites, and the chance to meet passionate growers, you’ll find plenty to love here.

While not explicitly designed for families, it’s suitable for anyone comfortable with a full day on the road and some walking at stops. If you’re seeking a relaxed, educational, and tasty adventure into Beaujolais, this tour could be just what you need.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get private transportation, multiple wine tastings, bottled water, snacks like cheese and cold cuts, and soda or grape juice if you prefer non-alcoholic options. WiFi is available on board to share your photos or stay connected.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included in the tour price. You can choose to dine at a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in the vineyards, which adds a lovely, relaxed aspect to the day.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience is approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and concluding back at the meeting point.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the guide will tailor stops and activities based on your interests and the weather, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically geared toward families, the tour is generally accessible for most travelers, with some walking involved. It’s best for older children or those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

What is the price per person?
The cost is around $561.73 per person, reflecting the private, curated nature of the experience.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 85 days ahead, so planning ahead is recommended if you want to secure a spot.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Last-minute changes aren’t possible, so be sure of your schedule.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to explore the heart of Beaujolais with a knowledgeable guide, enjoy tasting some of France’s finest wines, and want a day filled with scenic views and cultural stops, this private tour makes a compelling choice. It offers a good balance between comfort, authenticity, and fun, making it suitable for wine enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The tailored approach, combined with varied stops from historic sites to charming villages, ensures you won’t feel like just another tourist. Instead, you’ll gain a genuine appreciation for the region’s wine-making tradition and its beautiful landscape.

For those who value quality experiences over rush and crowds, this tour is likely to deliver a memorable day. Just remember to book early, prepare for a full schedule, and come with an appetite for both wine and discovery.