Northern Rhône Valley From Lyon to Hermitage Full Day

Discover the captivating Northern Rhône Valley on a full-day tour from Lyon. This immersive experience takes you through the renowned wine regions of Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage, where you’ll savor exceptional Syrah-based wines. Guided by passion, you’ll visit esteemed wineries, learn from winemakers, and indulge in a delightful local lunch, all while surrounded by the valley’s stunning landscapes. It’s a chance to dive deep into the rich winemaking heritage of this enchanting region.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour exploring the renowned wineries and appellations of the Northern Rhône Valley, including Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage.
• Opportunity to sample up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines and learn about the unique terroir from knowledgeable winemakers.
• Immersive culinary experience with a high-quality lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional regional dishes.
• Intimate group size of up to 20 guests, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
• Convenient air-conditioned minivan transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Lyon.

Tour Overview

This full-day Northern Rhône Valley tour from Lyon takes visitors on an immersive journey through the renowned winemaking region.

Starting at 9 AM, the tour whisks you away in an air-conditioned minivan to explore two esteemed wineries in the Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage appellations.

With a maximum group size of 20, the experience offers an intimate exploration of the local terroir and flavorful wines.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included, rounding out the day’s delightful wine tasting and educational components.

The tour ends back in Lyon, with hotel pickup and drop-off available.

Winery Visits and Wine Tasting

The heart of the Northern Rhône Valley tour lies in the carefully curated winery visits and wine tasting experiences.

Guests visit two renowned wineries in the Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage appellations.

The tour offers:

1. Sampling up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines, with each pour measuring 3cl.
2. Learning about French wine and ‘terroir’ directly from winemakers, providing deeper insights.
3. Enjoying a high-quality, included lunch at a local restaurant praised for its culinary excellence.
4. Exploring the stunning natural landscapes that define the Northern Rhône Valley’s unique character.

Exploring Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage Appellations

Though the Northern Rhône Valley is renowned for its exceptional Syrah-based wines, the tour delves deeper into the distinct terroirs and appellations that define this esteemed wine region.

Visitors explore two wineries showcasing the Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage appellations. These prestigious sites offer tastings of up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines, allowing guests to discern the nuances between the unique microclimates and soil compositions.

Under the guidance of knowledgeable winemakers, participants gain insights into the concept of "terroir" and its profound influence on the complex flavors and aromas of these celebrated vintages.

Educational Experience With Winemakers

As visitors explore the renowned wineries, they’re immersed in an educational experience led by the winemakers themselves.

The tour includes:

1. Insights into the unique ‘terroir’ of the Northern Rhône region, shaping the characteristics of the Côtes du Rhône wines.
2. Explanations of traditional winemaking techniques and their influence on the final product.
3. Opportunities to sample up to 12 different wines, allowing guests to appreciate the nuances between appellations.
4. Engaging discussions with the winemakers, who share their passion and expertise, enriching the overall experience.

This educational component elevates the tour, providing guests with a deeper understanding of the region’s winemaking heritage.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

During the tour, participants enjoy an included lunch at a highly praised local restaurant. The meal provides a welcomed respite and opportunity to savor the regional cuisine. The menu features:

Course	Selection
Appetizer	Tarte flambée with crème fraîche and lardons
Main Course	Beef bourguignon with buttered potatoes
Dessert	Crème brûlée

The lunch is praised for its quality, authenticity, and ability to complement the wine tastings. This culinary experience allows guests to fully enjoy the local culture and traditions of the Northern Rhône Valley.

Meeting and Pickup Logistics

The tour begins at the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon, located on Place Bellecour in the heart of Lyon.

From there, guests are picked up in an air-conditioned minivan for the journey to the Northern Rhône Valley.

The tour offers several convenient features:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off available for added convenience.
2. The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Lyon.
3. The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers.
4. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Accessibility and Weather Considerations

While the Northern Rhône Valley tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it may still be suitable for most travelers. The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant women due to the minivan transport.

However, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so appropriate dress is advised. Guests should come prepared for potential rain, wind, or sunshine.

The tour’s scheduling is flexible enough to accommodate changing weather, ensuring visitors can enjoy the stunning views and wine tastings regardless of the day’s forecast. As long as guests can manage the minivan transport, this tour offers an immersive experience in the Northern Rhône region.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Northern Rhône Valley tour, as evidenced by its impressive 4.8-star rating based on 128 reviews.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

1. Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide valuable insights into French wine and terroir.
2. Stunning landscapes and breathtaking views throughout the tour.
3. High-quality wine tasting experiences at renowned local wineries.
4. Enjoyable and tasty lunch at a locally praised restaurant.

While some customers noted concerns about the van’s air conditioning and the lack of historical context, the overall tour experience has been well-received by the vast majority of guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize My Wine Tasting Experience?

While the tour provider doesn’t offer customizable wine tastings, they do sample up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines. Guests can discuss their preferences with the knowledgeable winemakers to tailor the experience to their liking.

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted on the Tour?

The tour accepts various forms of payment, including credit cards and debit cards. Customers can conveniently pay for the experience upon booking or directly with the tour operator on the day of the tour.

Are Any Snacks or Refreshments Provided During the Tour?

The tour includes a wine tasting where travelers can sample up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines. Plus, a local restaurant lunch praised for its quality is provided as part of the experience.

Can I Purchase Wines From the Visited Wineries?

Yes, participants can purchase wines from the wineries visited during the tour. The tour includes wine tastings, and travelers are able to buy bottles of the Côtes du Rhône wines they sample directly from the producers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but visitors can purchase wines from the visited wineries. The experience is designed as a full-day excursion with a fixed itinerary and schedule.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Lyon to the Northern Rhône Valley offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the region’s winemaking heritage. Visitors can indulge in tastings of up to 12 Syrah-based wines, gain insights from passionate winemakers, and enjoy a delightful local lunch amidst stunning landscapes, enriching their understanding of this renowned viticultural area.