Lyon is often called the gastronomic capital of France, but it’s also a fantastic base for exploring some of the most celebrated wine regions nearby. Thanks to its proximity to the Beaujolais and Northern Rhône Valley, Lyon offers a wealth of wine-tasting adventures that suit a wide range of interests and budgets. Whether you’re after a quick half-day experience or a private, in-depth tour, Lyon has options that deliver authentic, memorable encounters with French wines. We especially like the Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Tour, which combines charming villages with expert insights, perfect for history and wine lovers alike.
What makes Lyon a standout for wine tours is not just its location, but how accessible and diverse the experiences are. From small-group tastings to exclusive private visits, each tour offers a taste of the region’s rich viticultural tradition. Many tours also include delightful meals, charming villages, and behind-the-scenes visits—making the wine tasting as much about the culture as the glass.
Quick Overview
This list of the best wine tours in Lyon includes a variety of options:
- Half-day tours exploring Beaujolais and the Northern Rhône, perfect for a short but rich experience (Tour #2, Tour #4)
- Full-day guided experiences with winery visits and regional insights (Tour #5)
- Private tours, offering personalized attention and exclusive access (Tour #6, Tour #9)
- Unique transportation options, like vintage Land Rovers or chauffeur-driven days (Tour #12)
- Combination of food and wine experiences, perfect for those who want more than just tasting (Tour #11)
Below, we break down each tour with details to help you choose the best fit for your trip.
1. From Lyon: Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Tour
At number 1, this tour is a favorite for its combination of region highlights and cultural charm. It takes you through Southern Beaujolais, a less touristy part of the region, with a focus on local winemaking techniques and authentic tasting experiences. The highlight is a visit to the medieval village of Oingt, famous for its golden stone buildings. The tour includes a tasting of regional wines, paired with traditional snacks during a “machon” breakfast—an experience that feels both rustic and refined.
What makes this tour stand out is its expert guidance, with insights directly from winemakers themselves, enriching your understanding of the region’s wine tradition. The reviews praise the friendly guides and the scenic drive, noting the relaxed pace and the chance to try diverse wines. At $116 per person and lasting approximately 4.3 hours, it offers excellent value, especially for those wanting an immersive half-day adventure.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Beaujolais, with authentic village visits and expert insights.
2. From Lyon: Beaujolais Wine Route Half-Day Tour
This 4-hour tour is perfect if you want a taste of Beaujolais’ landscape and wine culture without committing a full day. It includes visits to several wineries, where you’ll meet winemakers and taste multiple wines, including some of the most famous from the region. The tour emphasizes diversity in wine styles, allowing you to compare and appreciate different expressions of Beaujolais.
The guide is praised for being informative, sharing insights into regional winemaking traditions. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, making it easier to ask questions and get recommendations. At $116 per person, it’s a good choice for those looking for a well-paced half-day with authentic tastings.
Bottom line: A solid, balanced option for travelers wanting a quick yet comprehensive taste of Beaujolais wines.
3. From Lyon: Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings
This 4-hour experience mirrors the previous tour but emphasizes discovering and tasting a broad spectrum of famous Beaujolais wines. It takes you through the beautiful landscape and includes a chance to meet local winemakers. The tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and the opportunity to taste multiple varietals in a relaxed setting.
The guide takes pride in sharing regional culture and wine secrets, making this tour an educational and flavorful journey. The price remains at $116 per person, offering good value for a half-day exploration of the region’s top wines.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a combination of scenic views, cultural insights, and diverse wine tastings.
4. Northern Rhône Valley Wine Tour from Lyon Half Day
This 4-hour tour is ideal for fans of Syrah and Viognier, focusing on France’s iconic Northern Rhône wines. Traveling in a comfortable, WIFI-equipped minibus, you’ll visit three key wine locations: a scenic estate, a panoramic vineyard in Ampuis, and an exclusive winery in Condrieu. The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s most exclusive appellations.
Reviews highlight the expert guide and the stunning vineyard landscapes. The bonus of passing through the Roman city of Vienne adds a touch of history. At $125.61, this tour offers excellent value for wine lovers seeking depth and regional insight.
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in premium wines and scenic drives combined with expert storytelling.
5. Beaujolais Day Guided Tour – Winery Tours and Tastings
This full-day tour (8-9 hours) offers a comprehensive immersion into Beaujolais, led by a local guide, Justine Poncet. The journey covers several villages, including Oingt, and includes multiple winery visits with tastings of 4-6 wines. The highlight is the opportunity to meet winemakers, learn about wine aging, and enjoy regional views.
Guests rave about Justine’s knowledge and the authenticity of the experience. It’s a more expensive option at $176.69 but offers a deep dive into regional wine culture, making it perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn.
Bottom line: Best for dedicated wine lovers wanting a day-long, educational, and engaging experience.
6. Private Beaujolais Wine Tour
For those seeking a personalized experience, this private tour is tailored to your preferences. Starting early, you’ll visit two wineries, exploring vineyards, cellars, and tasting around 20 wines, including vintage 20th-century bottles. The itinerary features a scenic picnic in heights with wines from the 1960s onward, making it a true journey through time.
Rated perfect by reviewers, this tour costs $1,186.83 per person but offers ultimate exclusivity. It’s ideal for special occasions or serious wine aficionados who want a bespoke experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers looking for an intimate, luxurious day with extensive tastings and exclusive access.
7. Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour
This 4-hour tour takes you through villages like Morgon, Julienas, and Fleurie, with a focus on famous wineries and local stories. It includes a visit to a family winery where you taste 17 wines and learn about production methods. The guide ensures a personalized, engaging experience and the chance to meet the winemaker.
Rated 4.5/5, the tour costs around $114.95 and is ideal for those who want a comprehensive tasting without a full day commitment. It’s particularly suitable for families or groups, as it’s designed for ages 12-99.
Bottom line: A great middle ground for those wanting diversity, local interaction, and value.
8. Beaujolais Wine Discovery – Half Day Small Group Tour
This small-group tour (maximum of 8 people) concentrates on the Golden Stones villages like Bagnols, Oingt, and Châtillon d’Azergues. It combines visits to at least three villages with tastings of up to eight wines, including sparkling whites and rosés. The tour emphasizes intimate, authentic experiences and scenic drives.
Guests appreciate the personal attention and the chance to explore genuine local spots. At $116, it’s a fantastic option for travelers wanting a relaxed and informative experience with a small group.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a cozy, local feel with flavorful tastings.
9. Private Rhône-Valley Wine Tour
This private day trip offers a customized exploration of the Rhône Valley’s premium wines. Visiting manor houses and exclusive wineries, the tour is ideal for travelers looking for a luxury, intimate experience. The focus is on high-end wines and unique atmospheres—a true treat for connoisseurs.
Rated 5/5 by reviewers, the tour price of $1,755 reflects its exclusivity and tailored approach. It’s best suited for serious wine collectors or those celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a luxury, private experience with bespoke tastings.
10. France: Private Wine Tasting Tour with Chauffeur from Paris
This full-day private tour transports you from Paris, with a luxury chauffeur guiding the way. It includes visits to prestigious estates, private cellars, and a Michelin-starred meal. While costlier, it offers the chance to cover multiple regions, including Champagne, with an emphasis on exclusive tastings.
Ideal for travelers who want a stress-free, all-inclusive experience with the flexibility to customize stops. It requires advance booking and is best for luxury travelers or those celebrating special moments.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, private tour with fine dining and private tastings.
11. Lyon: Private Food Tour with Meal and Wine Pairings
This 2.5-hour tour combines gastronomy and wine in Lyon’s lively food scene. Visiting three restaurants, you’ll enjoy bistronomic courses paired with local wines, learning about Lyon’s culinary traditions along the way.
While not strictly a wine tour, it offers a delicious complement to wine-focused trips, ideal for travelers eager to experience local flavors in a social setting. The reviews are positive, highlighting the local stories and authentic atmosphere.
Bottom line: Great for foodies who want to combine wine and local cuisine without a long commitment.
12. Lyon: Private Half Day Beaujolais Wine Tour by Defender
This 4-hour private tour takes you on a vintage Land Rover Defender, exploring hidden wineries and crus far from the crowds. The focus is on off-the-beaten-path spots, with expert insider guidance and a chic vineyard tasting if weather permits.
Rated perfect by two reviewers, it’s suited for travelers wanting a unique, luxury experience with exclusive access. The tour cost is $269 per person, reflecting its customized, high-end nature.
Bottom line: Best for adventurous travelers seeking private, stylish exploration of lesser-known wine spots.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lyon Wine Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you’d prefer a group experience or a private outing. For example, if you love luxury and exclusivity, the private tours (#6, #9, #12) deliver personalized attention and access to private cellars. But if you want a more casual introduction, the half-day tours or small-group options (#8) provide excellent value and an authentic feel.
Think about regional focus: the Northern Rhône Valley is perfect for lovers of Syrah and Viognier, while the Beaujolais region shines in tours like the Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Tour. For those pressed for time, a half-day offers the essentials; for a deep dive, a full-day or private experience is best.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours or high season (May-September). Check each experience’s details to see if lunch, transportation, or special access is included.
Final Thoughts
Lyon is a fantastic starting point for exploring some of France’s most famous wine regions without having to travel far. Whether you prefer a relaxed half-day tasting, a full-day immersion with local guides, or a luxury private tour — options abound to suit your interests. If you’re eager to learn about Gamay, Syrah, or Viognier, you’ll find tours that satisfy your curiosity and palate.
For casual travelers, the Beaujolais wine route half-day gives you a taste of rural charm and wine diversity, while connoisseurs seeking exclusivity might opt for the private Beaujolais wine tour. Either way, booking early and clarifying your preferences will ensure you get the most out of your wine adventure in Lyon. Cheers to discovering France’s wonderful wines—one glass at a time!