Beaujolais Day Guided Tour – Winery Tours and Tastings

If you’re eyeing a day dedicated to exploring France’s famous wine region, this Beaujolais Day Guided Tour offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, authentic wine experiences, and charming villages. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews, carefully curated itinerary, and thoughtful features suggest it delivers genuine value for wine lovers and culture seekers alike.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to sip a variety of local wines in different estates, enjoy stunning panoramic views from hillside vineyards, and walk through the well-preserved medieval streets of Oingt. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, Justine Poncet, whose familiarity with the region and its secrets adds a layer of authenticity you won’t get from just any winery visit. Plus, the seamless logistics—luxury vehicle, planned stops, and small-group size—make for a relaxed, personal journey.

One potential consideration is that the lunch isn’t included in the cost—though a reservation at a local restaurant is made for the group, so you’ll need to budget an additional 25 euros or more if you want to indulge in regional dishes. Still, this allows some flexibility for different tastes or dietary needs.

This tour suits those who love wine, history, and scenic landscapes, particularly travelers who prefer a structured, informative day with minimal planning. It’s perfect for people wanting to combine cultural sights with wine tasting, all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package.

Key Points

• Authentic wine experiences with guided tastings at two different estates.
• Charming villages like Oingt and Fleurie, known for their medieval streets and picturesque views.
• Expert guide who shares insider knowledge about the region’s wines and history.
• Comfortable transportation in a luxury Mercedes vehicle, with a small group for a personalized experience.
• Delicious regional cuisine with a well-planned lunch stop, not included in the price.
• Well-organized day that balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation.

Detailed Breakdown of the Beaujolais Tour

Meeting Point & Introduction

The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. from the statue of Saint Exupéry at Place Bellecour in Lyon. From this central location, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes van with a maximum of only 8 travelers—meaning you’re unlikely to feel lost in a crowd or rushed through the day. The small group size often earns praise for the personal touch and engaging guide.

First Stop: Oingt and Wine Tasting in the South of Beaujolais

Your day kicks off in the village of Oingt, famous for its cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. The guide, Justine, is highly praised for her knowledge, providing insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and history. Walking through Oingt, you get a chance to soak in its authentic atmosphere and enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards.

Next up, a guided tasting at a local winery where you’ll sample between 4 to 6 wines. Reviewers like Deborah, who called it “fantastic,” appreciated the opportunity to learn about wine growing, winemaking, and aging right from those who craft the wines. The tasting lasts roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, and you’ll be encouraged to ask questions and savor the nuanced flavors of Gamay and Chardonnay grapes—regionally emblematic varieties.

Scenic Drive & Village Exploration

After the initial tasting, you’re in for a short scenic drive through the golden stone villages of Bagnols and the Pierres Dorées area, renowned for their distinctive architecture. The route offers breathtaking views of the vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see—perfect for photo enthusiasts or anyone wanting to appreciate the landscape that makes Beaujolais so renowned.

Lunch Break in Mont Brouilly

Midday, you’ll stop for a local lunch at a restaurant in Mont Brouilly. The group makes a reservation in advance, with menus starting around 25 euros. While the price isn’t included in the tour fee, this is an excellent chance to enjoy regional specialties paired with local wines. Reviewers like Stephen underscore how the regional cuisine complements the wine experience, making the meal a highlight of the day.

Afternoon Discoveries in Fleurie

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Fleurie, a village celebrated for its delicate wines and scenic vineyards. Here, another estate awaits, offering a second tasting of 4-6 wines. The focus is on understanding how different terroirs and grape varieties influence the final product, with Justine explaining winemaking techniques in an understandable, engaging way.

According to reviews, the second estate provides a more nuanced taste of Beaujolais wines, which helps deepen your appreciation for the region’s diversity—something that often surprises visitors expecting only light reds.

Return to Lyon

The tour wraps up around 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., depending on traffic, back at the original meeting point. The journey back is a good time to reflect on the day’s highlights and share impressions with fellow travelers.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At approximately $177 per person, this experience packs in more than just tastings. You’re getting guided insights, visits to two different estates, and a small-group setting that encourages personalized interaction. The fact that most reviews mention the guide’s knowledge and friendliness highlights how much this adds to the overall enjoyment.

The transportation in a luxury vehicle makes the journey comfortable, especially when traveling through rolling hills and narrow village streets. The well-planned itinerary ensures you get both the scenic beauty of the region and an educational experience—a combination that many travelers find worth the price.

Final Thoughts

This Beaujolais tour is an excellent choice for those who want to combine wine tasting with cultural exploration in a relaxed, well-organized setting. The focus on small group sizes and a knowledgeable guide means you’ll get personalized attention and plenty of insights about the region’s viticulture and history.

While the lunch is not included, the reservation at a local restaurant ensures a taste of authentic regional cuisine, making the overall experience more immersive. The tour’s flexibility and careful planning seem to be why reviewers like Deborah and Alex call it “fantastic” and “engaging.”

If you’re a wine enthusiast, someone curious about French villages, or simply looking for a stress-free way to enjoy Beaujolais, this tour offers a memorable day out from Lyon.

FAQs

What is the start time for this tour? The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. from the Statue of Saint Exupéry at Place Bellecour in Lyon.

How many people are in each group? The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Are the tastings included in the price? Yes, the tour includes two tastings at different estates, with around 10 wines sampled in total.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is not included, but a reservation is made at a local restaurant with menus starting around 25 euros.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation? The journey is in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle.

Can I ask questions during tastings? Absolutely. The guide is there to share knowledge and answer all your questions.

How long is the whole tour? The entire experience lasts about 8 to 9 hours, including travel, tasting, and lunch.

Is the tour suitable for non-French speakers? Yes, the guide offers commentary in both English and French simultaneously.

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers? The experience is primarily geared toward adults, especially since wine tasting is reserved for those over 18.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for village strolling, a camera, and any personal items you may need during the day.

This guided Beaujolais tour offers a well-rounded day filled with beautiful scenery, tasty wines, and cultural insights. The small group size, expert guidance, and thoughtfully curated stops make it a standout choice for anyone visiting Lyon who wants to truly understand and enjoy the region’s wine heritage. While lunch is an extra expense, the overall experience’s quality and authenticity are well worth it. Perfect for wine lovers, curious travelers, and those seeking a quiet escape into France’s stunning countryside.