Beaujolais Wine Tour – Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

Trying to decide whether a day exploring the scenic vineyards of Beaujolais is worth it? This comprehensive review covers an acclaimed full-day wine tour just outside Lyon, offering an intimate look at small wineries, delicious local food, and picturesque villages. If you love discovering authentic wine regions at a relaxed pace, this tour could be a perfect fit.

What we love about this experience is its personalized approach, the chance to sample wines from family-run wineries, and the beautiful countryside setting. It’s a small-group adventure that aims to balance wine education with genuine leisure. A potential downside? If you’re not keen on outdoor picnics or prefer larger tours, this might feel a bit intimate. Still, for those seeking authenticity and a sense of place, this tour shines.

Ideal for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of rural France without sacrificing comfort, this experience suits travelers looking for a well-rounded day out from Lyon. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour stand out—and what you might want to consider before booking.

Good To Know

• Authentic Small-Scale Experience: Visits to family-owned wineries provide a personal touch.
• Beautiful Scenery: The tour includes stunning views of vineyards, golden stone villages, and the Pierres Dorées area.
• Tastings & Picnic: Enjoy intimate wine tastings paired with a locally sourced gourmet picnic.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Petra receive high praise for their friendliness, organization, and insights.
• Convenient Pickup: Starts in Lyon’s city center with easy-to-arrange meeting points.
• Great Value: At around $196, the tour offers a comprehensive day filled with wine, scenery, and culture, with most reviews highlighting its worth.

An In-Depth Look at the Beaujolais Wine Tour

Starting Point: Lyon’s Central Location

The tour kicks off in the heart of Lyon at Place des Terreaux, a vibrant and easily accessible spot. The meet-up is flexible—guides like Petra coordinate via messages beforehand, ensuring everyone finds each other without fuss. The tour’s small size, capped at 8 guests, guarantees a more personalized experience, free from the chaos of large groups.

First Stop: Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin

After a short drive (less than an hour from Lyon), you’ll arrive in Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, renowned for its medieval castle and scenic vineyards. Here, you’ll indulge in an apéro—a relaxed wine and cheese tasting right in the vineyards themselves. Guests have noted the view of the castle and rolling hills as a highlight, with Elizabeth describing it as a “beautiful medieval castle” backdrop. The tasting not only introduces you to local wines but also sets a convivial tone for the day.

Second Stop: Denice Family Winery

Next, you head to Denice, where a family-run winery awaits. This stop offers a more intimate tasting experience, often praised for its warmth and deep connection to local traditions. Reviewers like Lucy mention learning about both old-world and new-world winemaking, which adds value for enthusiasts eager to understand regional styles.

Gourmet Picnic in the Vineyards

One of the tour’s most celebrated moments is the picnic lunch amidst the vines. Petra sources ingredients from nearby farmers—fresh fruits, cheeses, and meats—making it a true taste of local France. Guests like Michaela note the picnic’s deliciousness, even joking about the winter challenge of a “picnic in the cold,” but still appreciating the effort and quality.

This is a chance to unwind, chat with fellow travelers, and soak in the tranquil countryside. As Lucy Gaskell puts it, this picnic offers “fantastic value for an incredible experience,” blending scenery and gastronomy seamlessly.

Afternoon Visits: Rivolet and Oingt

The afternoon includes a visit to Rivolet, again with a family-owned winery. This adds to the overall sense of discovering hidden gems rather than commercialized vineyards. Reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Petra, who make each stop feel special.

The tour concludes with a walk through Oingt, classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” Its narrow streets, golden stone buildings, and panoramic views make for a stunning finale. Elizabeth describes the village as “enchanting,” perfect for snapping photos and soaking up the charm.

Return to Lyon

After a full day of exploring, tasting, and sightseeing, you’ll head back to Lyon, typically arriving around an hour later. The smooth logistics and small group size mean you won’t feel rushed or crowded, and guides often check in on how everyone’s feeling, adding a touch of personal service.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While $196 might seem steep for a day trip, it includes several key elements that add up: transportation, multiple winery visits, gourmet picnic, and expert guiding. The reviews reinforce that this experience offers exceptional value—most guests feel they received more than their money’s worth.

Participants praise Petra’s attention to detail, her storytelling, and her ability to blend education with leisure. Guests often mention how she’s accommodating—arranging outside bookings and adjusting to weather conditions—making the experience feel tailored rather than generic.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy small, family-run wineries, appreciate scenic drives, and enjoy a relaxed pace. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic, off-the-beaten-path encounters over commercialized tours. If you’re a fan of wine, beautiful villages, and local food, this day will tick all the boxes.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

Keep in mind that the tour involves outdoor elements, including walking through villages and vineyards, so a moderate level of mobility is helpful. Also, the picnic, while praised for its quality, takes place in the open air—so weather can influence the experience. Lastly, since most attractions are small wineries, those expecting grand estates or large-scale tastings might find this more intimate than they prefer.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Book at least 27 days in advance, as the tour tends to fill quickly.
• Confirm your meeting point in Lyon ahead of time—guides like Petra stay in touch via messages.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking through villages and vineyards.
• Bring a camera for Oingt’s panoramic views and charming streets.
• Be prepared for a full day, roughly 8 hours, with a mix of driving, tasting, and sightseeing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tour is centered around wine tastings, non-drinkers are welcome. You can still enjoy the scenery, villages, and picnic, and discuss alternative options with your guide.

How many wineries are visited during the tour?
You will visit two family-owned wineries, providing a relaxed and personal wine experience.

What is included in the price?
The price covers guided visits to wineries, tastings, the gourmet picnic lunch, and transportation from Lyon’s city center.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through villages and vineyards, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some walking and uneven terrain.

What is the size of the group?
Most tours are limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a cozy and personalized experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Changes less than that are not accepted.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
The picnic features local ingredients, primarily meats and cheeses, but you can inquire about dietary restrictions when booking.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup in Lyon to return.

What makes this tour stand out from others in the area?
Its focus on small, family-run wineries, combined with its picturesque setting and gourmet picnic, offers a genuine taste of Beaujolais that larger tours often miss.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an authentic, intimate introduction to Beaujolais wine and culture, this tour delivers in spades. The combination of scenic drives, engaging winery visits, and a delicious picnic creates a memorable day. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides like Petra ensure you’ll feel well cared for, while the stunning countryside scenery provides the perfect backdrop.

This experience is ideal for wine lovers, curious travelers wanting a deeper understanding of regional France, or anyone looking for a leisurely yet enriching day trip from Lyon. Expect good value for money, charming villages, excellent wines, and a relaxed atmosphere suited for all ages.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a day away from the city, this tour offers a genuine and delightful taste of Beaujolais—right at your doorstep in Lyon.