Private Beaujolais Wine Tour

Exploring the Beaujolais Wine Region with a Private Guide

When it comes to wine adventures in France, few experiences can match the charm and intimacy of a Private Beaujolais Wine Tour. For a price of $1,287 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours immersed in the heart of this celebrated vineyard area, guided by a knowledgeable French sommelier. We loved the way this tour combines personalized attention—with a private guide and chauffeur—and a wide variety of tastings, from fresh fruity wines to rare vintage bottles. The tour also includes a delicious gourmet lunch paired with the wines you’ve sampled throughout the day, making it perfect for those who want to indulge without the hassle of planning.

Two things really stand out—first, the chance to taste nearly 20 different wines from small, family-run wineries, which gives a true taste of local craftsmanship. Second, the masterclass on vintage wines adds a layer of depth, offering insight into how wines age and evolve over time. That said, one potential consideration is the price point, which might seem steep for some, but the personalized, comprehensive experience offers real value for wine enthusiasts.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate fine wine, enjoy learning about wine history and production, and want to explore a scenic region in comfort. If you’re looking for a curated, intimate experience that covers both tasting and education, this private journey could be a perfect fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Exclusive Access: Private tour means personalized attention and fewer crowds.
Diverse Tastings: Nearly 20 wines, including old vintages and barrel tastings.
Expert Guidance: Led by a certified sommelier, with additional insights from Hugo, a WSET3 graduate.
Gourmet Lunch: A scenic picnic with a dozen cheeses and seasonal products, paired with Beaujolais wines.
Comfort & Convenience: Chauffeured in a luxury electric vehicle, with pickup and drop-off included.
Flexible Locations: Multiple pickup points, including Lyon, Paris, Geneva, and others, making it accessible from various cities.

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A Deep Dive into the Beaujolais Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins early, with pickup from your hotel or designated location—choices include Lyon, Paris, Geneva, Nice, Beaune, and Avignon. This flexibility is helpful whether you’re staying locally or just want a convenient start. Once on the road, about an hour of travel takes you from the city to the rolling hills of the Beaujolais region, home to famous grape varieties like Gamay.

The first winery visit involves a guided tour of the vines and cellars, where you’ll see traditional wine-making processes and get a behind-the-scenes look at small, often family-run wineries. Tasting sessions here include wines from the 20th century, offering a chance to taste both current vintages and historical bottles—”a rare treat,” as one reviewer put it.

The second stop in Fleurie is equally engaging, with another guided tour and tasting. Fleurie, known for its floral wines, offers a sensory delight that complements the broader spectrum of Beaujolais wines you’ll explore.

The Scenic Picnic and Vintage Tasting

Around midday, the group heads to a spectacular vantage point in the heights of Beaujolais for a picnic. This isn’t just a casual snack but a thoughtfully curated meal with a dozen cheeses, seasonal delights, and gourmet products, all paired with wines from the 1960s to the present. This tasting of vintages offers a visual and gustatory journey through time, demonstrating how the Gamay grape has evolved and aged.

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The Final Tasting & Return

Post-lunch, the last tasting session takes place in Juliénas, a renowned appellation. Here, you’ll sample wines that highlight the region’s diversity and learn how terroir influences flavor. Before heading back to Lyon, you’ll enjoy a final round of tasting, reflecting on the day’s journey through history and taste.

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The Transportation & Guides

Travel is in a luxury Tesla or Mercedes E-Class for couples, or a Mercedes Class V Van for larger groups, ensuring comfort and environmental friendliness. Hugo from JEANGUYOT Wine Agency accompanies the group, sharing insights and answering questions, making the experience not just about tasting, but about understanding the nuances of French wine.

Authenticity and Education

One of the highlights is the expert guidance. The guide, a WSET3 graduate, is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, explaining everything from grape varieties to aging processes with clarity. You can ask all your burning questions about wine making, aging, and regional differences—adding a layer of educational depth that enhances your appreciation and understanding.

Value for the Price

While $1,287 can seem significant, consider what’s included: transportation, multiple guided tastings, a gourmet lunch, and expert insights. The private setting means no rushed group or crowded tasting rooms, and the opportunity to buy wines directly from the wineries to be shipped home adds a practical benefit. For wine lovers seeking a personalized and comprehensive experience, the value is compelling.

Authenticity and Local Charm

Small wineries tend to be more genuine and passionate about their craft, and visiting them provides a connection you can’t get from large commercial operations. The tour balances education with enjoyment, emphasizing authentic regional flavors rather than commercialized wine tourism.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you love wine, enjoy learning about its production, and prefer private, tailored experiences, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those with a keen interest in vintage wines and regional terroir, or travelers who want a comfortable, all-in-one day out without the hassle of logistics.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Private Beaujolais Wine Tour offers more than just tastings; it’s a thoughtfully curated journey into one of France’s most charming wine regions. The combination of expert-guided visits, vintage tastings, scenic lunch, and environmentally friendly transport makes it an excellent choice for wine aficionados and curious travelers alike.

You’ll love the personalized attention from Hugo and the guide, the chance to sample wines spanning decades, and the beautiful landscapes that serve as a perfect backdrop. The price reflects the quality and exclusivity, making it ideal for those who want to invest in a memorable, educational experience. If you’re seeking a relaxed, authentic, and immersive wine adventure, this tour delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price?
All aspects of the day—transportation, three winery visits with tastings, a full lunch paired with vintage wines, and guidance from a certified sommelier—are included. No hidden fees.

Can I buy wines during the tour?
Yes, wines can be purchased and shipped to your home, adding a practical souvenir to your experience.

What type of vehicle will transport us?
For couples or smaller groups, a Tesla or Mercedes E-Class is used. For larger groups, a Mercedes Class V Van is available, both offering comfort and style.

Are there pickup options?
Pickup is included from your hotel or chosen location in Lyon, with other pickup points available like Paris, Geneva, Nice, Beaune, and Avignon.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, starting around 9:00 am, including travel, visits, tastings, lunch, and return.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience with minimal crowds.

What makes the vintage wine masterclass special?
It allows you to taste wines from the 1960s to today, providing a rare glimpse into how wines age and how the Gamay grape’s character has evolved over time.

Is there educational content during the tour?
Absolutely. Hugo and the guide share insights throughout, explaining regional characteristics, winemaking techniques, and aging processes.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the schedule isn’t specified, spring and fall typically offer the best views and wine conditions, but check availability as the experience is year-round.

Who should avoid this tour?
If you’re not a fan of wine or prefer very casual, low-cost experiences, this might be more than you need. It’s best suited for those eager to learn and indulge in quality wine tasting.

In the end, this tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the Beaujolais region, perfect for those who savor good wine, enjoy meaningful education, and want to explore France’s scenic vineyards in style and comfort.