Southern Burgundy Wine Tour – Full Day Shared tour from Lyon

If you’re visiting Lyon and have even a passing interest in wine, this Southern Burgundy Wine Tour promises an engaging and authentic experience. From what we’ve seen in reviews and tour descriptions, it’s a well-rounded day that combines scenic drives, expert guiding, and plenty of tasting opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about France’s renowned wine regions, this tour could be a great pick — especially if you’re after an intimate, small-group setting.

What we particularly like about this experience is the personalized attention you get with just a handful of travelers, and the chance to sample some 11-12 regional wines, including famous appellations like Pouilly-Fuissé and Brouilly. One notable upside is the comfortable, all-inclusive transportation, which means you don’t have to worry about navigating or driving after tasting. That said, a potential consideration might be the full-day commitment, which could be long for those who prefer more flexibility or are traveling with young children.

This tour seems best suited for wine enthusiasts eager for an authentic experience, and those who enjoy scenic drives with a bit of history and culture thrown in. It’s also a good option if you’re after expert-guided insights in a relaxed setting, without the hassle of DIY planning. Keep in mind, food isn’t included — lunch can be purchased at local restaurants, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Only up to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention.
• Variety of Wines: Tastes up to 12 wines, including whites and reds from renowned Burgundy appellations.
• Comfortable Transportation: All-inclusive, air-conditioned minivan makes the long day easy.
• Rich Itinerary: Combines scenic landscapes, historical sites, and tastings.
• Flexible & Convenient: Starts in Lyon with a central meeting point, ending back at the same spot.
• Good Value: For around $166, you get a full day of expert-guided wine exploration and scenic visits.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting Point and Early Morning Pickup

Your day kicks off at the Lyon Office of Tourism and Congress on Bellecour Square, a central, easy-to-find location. At 8:50 am, your guide — who speaks English — will meet you there before hopping into a cozy 8-seater minivan. The small group size means you’ll get more personalized interaction, which many reviews praise.

Scenic Drive to Beaujolais and the First Stop

After a short 40-minute drive north from Lyon, you’ll enter the Beaujolais region, famous for its granite terroirs and striking landscapes. The first pause is at Moulin-à-Vent, where you’ll learn about the Gamay grape, which is the star of Beaujolais wines. Here, a quick photo break allows you to soak in the countryside views, which are often highlighted as a favorite part of the day.

The Heart of Macon’s Vineyards

Next, the tour takes you into Macon, the birthplace of Chardonnay. You’ll visit a family winery at Fuisse, where the guide shares insights into wine-making and aging in barrels. The wines here include Pouilly-Fuissé, a name that wine lovers recognize for its finesse and balance. You’ll taste several whites and reds, experiencing firsthand what makes Burgundy wines so coveted — think a slight oak finish with a refreshing, balanced profile.

One reviewer mentions the delight in the finesse and freshness of these wines, and how the tasting showcased the art of balancing flavors. This part of the trip offers both education and enjoyment, especially if you’re keen to understand how terroir influences flavor.

Natural Beauty at La Roche de Solutré

A quick stop at the Solutré Roch cliffs (493 meters high) offers a chance to admire one of Burgundy’s most iconic natural landmarks. It’s not just a pretty sight — the site is also significant as a major Paleolithic archaeological location. Many visitors find this a highlight for its impressive views and sense of history, making it a worthwhile photo opportunity.

Exploring Cluny’s Charm and History

In the afternoon, you’ll wander through Cluny, a town renowned for its historic abbey. While the tour includes some free time, many might find it a perfect chance to enjoy the local vibe, perhaps peeking into shops or just soaking up the medieval atmosphere. If you’re hungry, a local restaurant offers menus around €24, though lunch isn’t included in the tour.

The Final Tasting at La Roche-Vineuse

The last stop is at a Burgundy chateau, known for producing both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. You’ll visit the vaulted cellars and learn about wine production before tasting six wines in a friendly, relaxed setting. Here, you can really savor the aromatic complexity and length on the palate that Burgundy reds and whites are prized for. One reviewer noted how the wines had a fruity bouquet, making this a fitting end to a day full of tasting.

Transportation, Duration, and Price

The air-conditioned minivan is a highlight — it’s comfortable enough to make the 8-hour journey feel relaxed rather than rushed. The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the original meeting point, giving you a good full day to explore.

At $166.23 per person, the value is quite reasonable, considering it includes multiple tastings and expert guidance. Since the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll get ample attention and a more tailored experience, which many reviews find highly beneficial.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The small-group format is often praised for making the experience more intimate and educational. Guides like Olivier are described as incredibly knowledgeable, which adds depth to the tastings and stops. The scenery, from the vineyards of Beaujolais to the cliffs of Solutré, provides a beautiful backdrop that enhances the entire day.

Fans of wine tasting, especially those interested in Burgundy’s whites and reds, will appreciate the variety of wines sampled. The inclusion of both scenic views and historical sites like Cluny and Solutré makes it more than just a wine tasting — it’s a well-rounded cultural experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxed, guided day that combines beautiful scenery, educational insights, and excellent wines, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small groups and want to learn about Burgundy’s wine culture firsthand. Food isn’t included, so if you’re a foodie, plan to enjoy a local lunch or bring snacks.

It’s less suitable if you dislike long days in the van or if you want a more flexible, DIY experience. Also, if traveling with children, keep in mind that the tour is designed for adults and involves multiple tastings, but nothing explicitly prohibits younger travelers.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included. The tour stops at a local restaurant where you can purchase a menu of the day for around €20, or you can bring your own snacks.

What is the group size?
The max group size is 8 people, which allows for a more personalized and engaging experience.

How long is the driving?
The total drive is approximately 40 minutes to reach the first stop, with scenic routes throughout the day as you travel between sites.

Are the wine tastings included?
Yes, you’ll taste about 11-12 wines during the day, including whites and reds from well-known Burgundy appellations.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
Absolutely — you can participate and enjoy the scenery and cultural stops even if you choose not to taste wine.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 9:00 am and returns to the original meeting point in Lyon around the end of the day, approximately 8 hours later.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the minivan is air-conditioned and small, designed for comfort and a relaxed experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Most travelers can participate, with near public transportation access to the starting point.

Who is the tour provider?
The experience is offered by KANPAI TOURISME, a reputable local operator.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Burgundy Wine Tour from Lyon seems like a smart choice for anyone wanting to combine scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and some of France’s most famous wines in a manageable, small-group setting. The guide’s expertise, combined with carefully curated stops and tastings, offers a more genuine taste of Burgundy than many larger, impersonal tours.

While it’s a full day, many reviewers find the experience well worth the time — especially if you value learning about wine in beautiful surroundings. Keep in mind that food isn’t included, so plan your lunch accordingly, but the rest of the day’s offerings are rich in both flavor and scenery.

If you’re a wine lover looking for a relaxed, guided adventure that balances scenery, history, and tasting, this tour could very well be the highlight of your trip to Lyon.