Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais

A Fine Day in Beaujolais: A Private Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon

If you’re visiting Lyon and craving a taste of authentic French countryside, this private full-day tour into Beaujolais offers a delightful blend of scenic drives, quality wines, and local culinary treats. For around $560 per person, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours exploring picturesque villages, historic sites, and vineyards, all while riding comfortably in vintage Land Rovers. The guide, often a local with genuine passion, will tailor the experience to your interests and the weather, making each trip feel uniquely yours.

What we love about this experience is how it balances structured stops—visiting renowned crus like Moulin-à-Vent and Fleurie—with flexibility that allows you to focus on what interests you most. Plus, the inclusion of local snacks, cheeses, and grape juice adds wonderful flavor to the day, making it more than just a wine tasting; it’s a taste of the region’s soul.

One small consideration is that the lunch isn’t included in the price, so you might want to plan ahead or budget for a meal in one of the village restaurants or pack a picnic. This tour is perfect for those who appreciate authentic, less touristy experiences and want to go beyond the typical wine route—ideal for curious travelers who love history, scenery, and good conversation.

If you’re interested in discovering underrated terroirs with a friendly, knowledgeable guide, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially great if you enjoy personalized experiences and want the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Key Points

Personalized experience: The tour is tailored to your interests and the weather, making each day unique.
Authentic charm: You’ll visit small villages, historic sites, and family-run wineries rather than crowded tourist spots.
Scenic backroads: Riding in vintage Land Rovers is fun and offers breathtaking views of vineyards and countryside.
Quality wine tastings: Expect to sample a variety of local wines, including reds from the crus like Moulin-à-Vent and Fleurie.
Local foods and cheeses: Snacking on cold cuts and cheeses enhances the wine-tasting experience and connects you to regional flavors.
Flexible lunch options: You can choose a restaurant or picnic in the vineyards—your choice, your pace.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Vergisson: White Wines and Scenic Vines

Your journey begins in Vergisson, a charming village in the Mâconnais region, famous for its crisp, refreshing white wines. Here, you might visit a local winery, or simply open a bottle in the vineyards, soaking in the peaceful views. This stop is about 40 minutes, with free admission, and provides a gentle introduction to the area’s viticulture.

This part of the tour is particularly appreciated by those who enjoy a relaxed start, with one reviewer mentioning, “A wonderful trip through the countryside exploring local wineries.” It’s an invitation to taste the region’s signature whites and get a feel for the landscape.

La Roche de Solutre: Prehistoric and Historical Significance

Next, you’ll visit La Roche de Solutre, a small hill with a fascinating past. Historically used by prehistoric natives to hunt, it’s also a memorial site for the French resistance. For those who enjoy a bit of physical activity, a 30-minute hike will reward you with stunning panoramic views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.

The free access and easy walk make this stop a great opportunity to stretch your legs and connect with the region’s deep history. Visitors often comment on the mix of natural beauty and historical weight, making it more than just a scenic overlook.

Solutre-Pouilly: Charming Village and Tasting

In Solutre-Pouilly, you’ll get a taste of one of the most picturesque villages in Mâconnais. Whether visiting a wine producer or enjoying a professional tasting, this stop is about savoring both the scenery and the wines. Expect about 40 minutes here, with free admission, and the chance to taste wines in a charming setting.

This village is frequently praised for its “as charming as they get” atmosphere, making it clear why many travelers see this as a highlight.

Leynes: New Wave Winemaking

The last stop in Mâconnais is Leynes, home to a newer generation of winegrowers. A visit to a family-run domaine, started only a few years ago, offers insight into modern techniques and philosophies. Tasting their wines provides a glimpse into the evolving wine culture of the region. You’ll spend about an hour here, with free entrance.

This part of the tour particularly appeals to those interested in craftsmanship and innovation, and some reviews mention that the wines from this young couple perfectly represent the fresh, new wave of Beaujolais.

Transition to Beaujolais: Saint-Amour-Bellevue

Crossing into Beaujolais, you’ll visit Saint-Amour-Bellevue, where lunchtime is the perfect occasion to relax and indulge. Whether you choose a local restaurant (not included in the tour price) or enjoy a picnic in the vineyards, this is a time to savor regional delicacies and conversation.

The 1.5-hour stop is often praised for its laid-back, authentic vibe, with some reviewers noting that having the option to picnic in the vineyards adds a special touch that feels true to the region.

Exploring Beaujolais Crus: Chenas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Julienas

Your journey through Beaujolais is a deep dive into its most celebrated crus, each with its own character and history:

• Chenas: Known for its red wines and the village’s castle-turned-cooperative, this stop is about reds and authentic local wine culture.
• Moulin-à-Vent: Famous as the lord of Beaujolais, this area was once competing with Romanée-Conti in the late 19th century. The highlight is the 15th-century windmill — a perfect photo opportunity and a taste of history.
• Fleurie: Often called the most feminine of the crus, its wines are elegant. You might visit a cooperative with a cozy tasting bar or relax at the viewpoint with a glass from the vineyard you stand in.
• Julienas: The rebel cru, where you’ll find a former church building serving Julienas wine at less than $2 a glass and a lively local scene.

Each stop lasts about 40 minutes and is free to visit. Travelers love the authenticity of the Julienas tasting spot, describing it as a glimpse into local life and wine-making traditions.

The Highlight: Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent

A special stop is at the Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent, where an authentic 15th-century windmill and stories about the historic wines that once competed with the best in France make this a memorable experience. The lord of Beaujolais earned this area its legendary status, and the windmill is a tangible reminder of that history.

This site’s historical significance and scenic setting make it a favorite among visitors, especially those interested in wine history and architecture.

Final Stop: Fleurie

Your last stop is in Fleurie, considered the most feminine of the crus, and historically popularized by a woman in the last century. Depending on your mood, you might visit a cooperative tasting or enjoy the viewpoint overlooking the vineyards with a glass of local wine from the very vineyard you’re standing in.

It’s a peaceful, reflective ending to a day packed with tasting and sightseeing, with about an hour allocated to this experience.

Wrapping Up in Julienas

Your tour concludes in Julienas, famous for its rebellious character. You can visit a former church building serving Julienas wine for around $2 a glass, often filled with local growers and a lively, authentic atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to finish a day, soaking in more local flavor and stories.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This experience is particularly suited for wine lovers eager to go beyond the tourist trail and immersed in local culture. The vintage Land Rovers add a playful touch to the scenic drives, and the flexible itinerary means you can focus on what interests you most—whether that’s tasting wines, exploring villages, or absorbing history.

The value is also quite strong—alongside generous tastings, snacks, and private transportation, the personal touch and authenticity set this apart from larger, generic tours. The reviews consistently highlight knowledgeable guides and the quality of wines as key advantages.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking an authentic, personalized, and scenic look into Beaujolais, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that balances traditional charm with modern techniques. If you enjoy learning about wine, exploring quaint villages, and having a bit of adventure in a vintage vehicle, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

Keep in mind, the lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly. It’s ideal for those who appreciate local, less touristy experiences and want to spend quality time in the company of knowledgeable guides.

In short, this tour is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to combine scenic drives with wine tasting and discover the hidden gems of Beaujolais in a relaxed, authentic setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you enjoy scenic drives, wine tasting, and cultural sites, this tour is a good fit.

How long is the driving in the vintage Land Rovers?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the day roughly lasts 8 hours, with plenty of stops for sightseeing, tasting, and exploring.

Are the wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, wine tastings are part of the experience, including tastings at each winery and cooperative visits, along with local snacks and grape juice for non-drinkers.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the guide will tailor the itinerary based on your interests and the weather conditions, ensuring a personalized experience.

What’s not included?
Lunch is not included, so you should plan for a meal or picnic during the day.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, private transportation in vintage Land Rovers ensures a fun, comfortable ride through the countryside.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 85 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your preferred date.

To sum it up, if you’re after a personalized, authentic taste of Beaujolais—complete with scenic views, delicious wines, and local charm—this tour hits the mark. Perfect for curious travelers who want more than just a quick tasting, it offers a memorable day in one of France’s most underrated wine regions.