Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château De Champ-Renard

The Château de Champ-Renard in Lyon, France, offers a delightful Cheese and Wine Accord Tour that takes visitors on a guided exploration of its medieval château and picturesque vineyards. Led by an animated winemaker, this intimate experience allows guests to discover the wine-growing process and the concept of ‘terroir’ while savoring expertly paired vintage wines and matured cheeses. With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour provides a personalized and informative adventure.

Key Points

• Guided walking tour of a medieval château and surrounding vineyards in Lyon, France, focusing on the wine-growing process and cheese-wine pairing.
• Intimate tasting experience featuring four vintage wines paired with matured cheeses, led by a knowledgeable winemaker.
• Maximum group size of 10 travelers for personalized attention during the tour and tasting.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted and infants can sit on laps.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, subject to availability.

Tour Overview

The Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château de Champ-Renard in Lyon, France offers a guided walking experience through the medieval château and vineyards.

Accommodating a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, the experience provides an intimate setting to learn about the wine-growing process and ‘terroir’.

Guests will receive undivided attention from the knowledgeable guide, who’ll share insights into the château’s history and the art of winemaking.

With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 10 reviews, this tour promises an informative and immersive exploration of the region’s rich wine and cheese traditions.

Experience and Highlights

Guided walking tours of the medieval château and surrounding vineyards let visitors enjoy the region’s winemaking heritage.

Guests gain insight into the wine-growing process and learn about the concept of ‘terroir’ from the knowledgeable guide.

The intimate tasting features four vintage wines, each paired with a matured cheese, bringing out the flavors in both. An animated winemaker leads the tasting, offering in-depth explanations.

With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, participants receive personalized attention.

Many reviewers praise the informative and engaging guide, as well as the beautiful château setting and quality of the wine and cheese selections.

Tasting Details

During the Cheese and Wine Accord Tour, guests can sample four vintage wines, both red and white, each paired with a complementary matured cheese.

The tasting includes:

• A guided exploration of the wines’ notes and terroir by a knowledgeable winemaker
• Pairing each wine with four distinct cheeses to highlight the flavors
• Ample servings of both the wines and cheeses for a fulfilling tasting experience
• An intimate, private setting that allows guests to fully appreciate the pairings.

This immersive experience provides an opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of the art of wine and cheese pairing.

Meeting Point and Pickup

To find the starting point, travelers should head to the Château De Champ-Renard, located at Route de Berne, corner of the former boarding school, in Blacé, France.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. Detailed GPS coordinates are provided – Route de Berne, corner of the former boarding school.

Travelers can expect a guided walking tour of the medieval château and vineyards, with the wine tasting experience taking place on the château grounds.

The intimate tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Accessibility and Policies

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed.

Service animals are permitted, but infants must sit on laps during the experience.

While not recommended for pregnant travelers or individuals with serious medical conditions, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start.

The confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Traveler Reviews

Traveler reviews for the Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château de Champ-Renard paint a vivid picture of the experience.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the tour’s informative and engaging guide, the stunning château and vineyards, and the delightful wine and cheese selection.

Some reviewers recommended larger portions, while others felt the experience was overpriced.

However, the consensus is that this is a highly recommended activity, with one traveler describing it as a "wonderful time" and another praising the opportunity to "learn about wine & winemaking" in an authentic castle setting.

Exploring the Château and Vineyards

As visitors arrive at the Château de Champ-Renard, they’re greeted by the impressive medieval architecture and lush, rolling vineyards that surround the property.

The guided walking tour takes guests through the château’s grounds, where they can:

1. Admire the graceful arches and stone facades of the 15th-century château.
2. Stroll through the well-manicured vineyards, learning about the winemaking process and the unique terroir.
3. Gain insights from the knowledgeable guide about the château’s rich history and its role in the local wine culture.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the intimate wine and cheese tasting to follow.

The Winemaking Process and ‘Terroir’

During the guided tour, the winemaker shares insights into the winemaking process and the concept of ‘terroir’.

Guests learn how the château’s unique geographic location, soil composition, and climate contribute to the distinct flavors of the wines.

The winemaker explains the careful cultivation and harvesting of the grapes, as well as the fermentation and aging techniques that bring out the wines’ complex aromas and balanced profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Visitors should dress appropriately for a guided walking tour and tasting experience in a historic château setting.

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Cheese to the Tasting?

No, bringing your own wine or cheese is not allowed on the tour. The tasting is limited to the wines and cheeses provided by the château, to ensure an enjoyable and informative experience for all participants.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture the beautiful château and vineyards, as well as the wine and cheese tasting experience, though it’s polite to avoid disrupting the guide or other travelers.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

Group discounts are available for the Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château de Champ-Renard. Travelers can inquire about group rates when booking the experience, which may provide a reduced per-person cost for larger parties.

How Long Does the Tasting Portion of the Tour Last?

The tasting portion of the tour lasts approximately 1 hour. Guests sample four vintage wines and pair them with four matured cheeses, accompanied by a winemaker’s explanation of the wine-growing process and "terroir".

The Sum Up

The Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château de Champ-Renard offers a delightful and informative experience for wine and cheese enthusiasts. Guests can explore the château’s medieval charm, discover the winemaking process, and savor expertly paired vintages and cheeses, all while enjoying the personalized attention of an engaging winemaker. This tour provides a memorable and immersive journey through the rich terroir of Lyon’s wine country.