Ampuis stands out as a fantastic spot for wine lovers and those eager to explore the Rhône Valley’s scenic beauty. With its stunning hillside vineyards and authentic winemaking traditions, Ampuis offers more than just wine tasting; it’s about enjoying the landscape and heritage that shape these wines. Among the many options, we particularly like the Hiking & Wine between Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu for its blend of outdoor adventure and sensory delight, and the Visit to Vineyards of Côte-Rôtie with Aperitif for its relaxed, personal experience. These tours showcase the region’s blend of natural beauty, artisanal craftsmanship, and delicious local flavors.
If you’re after a comprehensive experience that combines walking, storytelling, and tasting all in one, the Full View tour of Côte-Rôtie from slopes to cellar offers a deeper dive into the landscape and winemaking process. Whether you’re looking for a light walk with a scenic outlook or a more detailed exploration behind the scenes, Ampuis’s tours cater to different interests and energy levels.
Quick Overview
Our top picks in Ampuis include a guided hike with wine tasting (Hiking & Wine between Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu), which combines outdoor activity with panoramic views and local wines. For those who want a more intimate look at the vineyard, the Slopes to Cellar Tour (Ampuis: Côte-Rôtie in Full View From Slopes to Cellar Tour) offers a guided walk followed by a private visit to a winery. Finally, the Vineyards Visit with Aperitif (Visit to Vineyards of Côte-Rôtie with Aperitif) provides a relaxed tasting experience with local snacks, perfect for those wanting a bite-sized introduction to the region’s wines.
1. Hiking & Wine between Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu
This tour is a perfect choice if you’re keen to combine outdoor activity with wine tasting. Starting at 86 Bd des Allées, you’ll enjoy a guided hike through the steep, terraced vineyards of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu, areas famous for their complex, aromatic wines. The hike lasts about 40 minutes, offering stunning views of the Rhône River below. Along the way, you’ll stop for a wine tasting session with panoramic views that make the experience memorable—not just for the wine but for the scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is its authentic approach—you’re walking through vineyards that are still managed with traditional techniques, not staged tourist spots. The guide shares insights into the local terroir and winemaking history, enriching your understanding of what makes these wines special. The tasting includes wines from the region, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu varieties.
At 41 dollars per person, this tour offers great value, especially considering the scenic hike, local wine tasting, and the chance to learn about the region’s heritage in a natural setting. It’s well-suited for active travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience outside the typical cellar tour.
Bottom Line: A no-fuss, authentic experience perfect for outdoor lovers and wine aficionados wanting a taste of Côte-Rôtie’s landscape and vineyards.
$41 per person
2. Ampuis: Côte-Rôtie in Full View From Slopes to Cellar Tour
For around $53, this full view tour takes you on a guided walk through the hillsides of Côte-Rôtie, revealing the stunning landscape that shapes the region’s wines. The tour begins with a brief 10-minute walk around Ampuis, offering your first glimpse of the terraced vineyards and panoramic views. Then, you’ll meet a local winemaker—an essential part of this experience—who shares their craft and passion directly with you.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on both landscape reading and winemaking techniques. The guided walk is followed by an approximately 1.5-hour private tour of a winery, which varies depending on the season and availability. This means you get to explore the winemaking process firsthand, from grape to glass, and ask detailed questions about terroir, fermentation, and aging.
Guests consistently appreciate the personalized attention—small groups foster closer conversations with the guide and winemaker. The tour is ideal for those who want to combine scenic beauty with technical understanding of wine production. Reviewers highlight the friendliness of the hosts and their ability to make wine accessible without jargon.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a detailed, personal journey into Côte-Rôtie’s landscape and winemaking, all within a manageable 3-hour window.
$53 per person
3. Visit to Vineyards of Côte-Rôtie with Aperitif
This relaxed 2.5-hour tour offers a taste of the local wine and culinary culture. Starting at 86 Bd des Allées, you’ll visit different viewpoints of Côte-Rôtie or Condrieu, soaking in the spectacular scenery. The tour emphasizes understanding the region’s 2000-year history of winemaking, giving context to the wines you’ll taste.
The highlight is the wine tasting paired with local products such as charcuterie, cheeses, and regional vegetables. The visit uses your own vehicle for transportation, making it flexible and convenient. As you sip wines from nearby estates, you’ll learn about the distinctive traits of Côte-Rôtie wines and how they reflect their terroir.
This tour is especially appealing if you prefer a casual, convivial atmosphere. Small groups facilitate good conversations and personalized insights from the guide and winemaker. Reviewers mention how approachable and authentic this experience feels, with many noting the high quality of local snacks and wines.
While it doesn’t include a lengthy walk or extensive winery tour, it provides a delicious snapshot of the region. It’s great for those who want a relaxed afternoon with good wine and local flavor.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers seeking a friendly, intimate experience with tastings and regional snacks in a flexible, informal setting.
$53 per person
How to Choose
When selecting your tour in Ampuis, consider your interests, fitness level, and available time. If you enjoy active outings and want to combine hiking with tasting, the Hiking & Wine tour (Hiking & Wine between Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu) is ideal. For a deeper dive into the landscape and winemaking, the Full View tour (Slopes to Cellar) offers a more comprehensive experience. If you prefer a relaxed, social atmosphere with regional snacks and tastings, the Vineyards & Aperitif (Visit to Vineyards of Côte-Rôtie with Aperitif) fits the bill.
Budget-wise, all three are quite comparable, with prices between $41 and $53 per person, offering good value considering the included experiences. The hiking tour is shorter but packed with scenery, while the full view and aperitif tours provide more intimate contact with winemakers.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak wine season in late summer and fall, to ensure availability. Think about whether you want a more physically active experience or a leisurely tasting, and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Ampuis offers a rich variety of wine-related tours that cater to different tastes and activity levels. Whether you prefer hiking through terraced vineyards, exploring the hillsides with a winemaker, or simply relaxing with local wines and snacks, there’s an option for you. The Hiking & Wine tour is perfect for active travelers craving scenic views, while the Full View tour offers a deeper understanding of the landscape and craftsmanship. For a laid-back day with regional flavors, the Vineyards and Aperitif tour delivers a friendly, authentic experience.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll come away with a better appreciation for Côte-Rôtie’s wines and the landscape that makes them unique. Book early, plan according to your interests, and get ready to enjoy one of France’s most scenic wine regions.