Beaujolais Wine Tour – Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch

If you’re looking to escape the city buzz and dive into France’s celebrated wine country, the Beaujolais Wine Tour offers an appealing way to see some of the region’s most charming spots while sampling its acclaimed wines. This carefully curated day trip is designed for those who want more than just a quick taste—it’s for travelers eager to enjoy small-group intimacy, authentic local wineries, and stunning countryside views.

What makes this tour particularly attractive are its personalized small-group experience and the delicious gourmet picnic lunch, packed with fresh regional ingredients. We also appreciate how it balances guided tastings with free time to soak in the scenery and explore villages. One potential consideration: the tour’s price of around $200 per person might seem steep—unless you value authentic, intimate experiences and quality local products.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, culture seekers, or anyone craving a relaxed, picturesque day out just outside Lyon. It’s perfect if you want to learn about small-scale winemaking, enjoy beautiful villages, and sample wines in a genuine setting.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances the experience, allowing for personalized attention.
• Visit to two handpicked family-owned wineries offers insight into traditional and modern winemaking.
• Gourmet picnic lunch with fresh, local ingredients adds a delightful culinary touch.
• En Route Scenery includes panoramic vineyard views and charming village walks, notably in Oingt.
• Expert guides and a relaxed pace make for a memorable, educational day.
• Convenient pickup from Lyon makes this trip easily accessible.

An In-Depth Look at the Beaujolais Wine Tour

Starting Point: Lyon’s Heart

The tour kicks off in the bustling heart of Lyon’s city center at Place des Terreaux. From here, you’ll meet your guide, and the small group setting guarantees a personalized experience. The logistics are straightforward—your guide will coordinate the meeting point via messages, making it easy even if you’re arriving from a hotel or nearby Airbnb. Being close to public transportation options is a bonus, easing initial access.

The Scenic Drive & First Stop: Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin

The journey from Lyon is under an hour, giving you a gentle transition from urban life to rolling vineyard landscapes. Your first stop is in Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, where you’ll enjoy a scenic apéro—that’s French for pre-dinner drinks—set right in the vineyards, overlooking a medieval castle. This makes for a perfect introduction, setting a relaxed tone and offering stunning views of the countryside.

One reviewer pointed out that the experience here is especially personal, with wine and local cheeses paired against the backdrop of the French countryside, making it an excellent photo opportunity. The free admission and the chance to toast while soaking in the views make this a memorable start.

Family-Owned Winery Visits: Denice

Next, the tour takes you to Denice, where you’ll visit a family-run winery. This is where you get to see the small-scale, artisanal side of wine production. The tasting here lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, giving plenty of time to learn about the specific wines and the history of these intimate wineries. Several reviews highlight the warm welcome and the personalized stories shared by the winemakers, which elevate the experience well beyond standard tastings.

Picnic in the Vineyards

A highlight of this tour is the gourmet picnic lunch, which takes place amidst the vines—an ideal way to experience the region’s flavors in their natural setting. The lunch features ingredients sourced locally from nearby farms, including fresh fruits, cheeses, and meats. One traveler humorously wondered how such a picnic could work in winter, but the guide’s flexibility and preparation make it feel cozy and authentic.

Guests are encouraged to enjoy their meal with a glass of local wine, making it a true taste of Beaujolais. The reviews underscore how this moment becomes a favorite part of the day: a peaceful interlude to relax, swap stories, and appreciate the countryside.

Afternoon at Rivolet & Oingt

The afternoon includes a visit to another family-owned winery in Rivolet, where you’ll again sample local wines. Reviewers note the good variety of wines and the personal stories shared by the winemakers, who clearly take pride in their craft.

As the day winds down, the tour explores the picturesque village of Oingt. Known as one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” Oingt offers breathtaking panoramic views and charming streets to wander. Many visitors mention the photogenic quality of Oingt, and it’s the perfect spot for some memorable photos before heading back to Lyon.

Return and Reflection

The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to Lyon, arriving after a full and rewarding day. Most travelers feel that the 8-hour itinerary strikes a good balance between sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing.

The Value of This Experience

At about $196.66 per person, this tour may seem on the higher end compared to quick tastings or self-guided visits. However, the small group size, personalized attention, and expert guidance add significant value. The inclusion of two authentic wineries, a gourmet picnic, and visits to picturesque villages makes it a well-rounded experience.

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeability of guides, who share not only tasting notes but also stories behind the wines and the regions’ heritage. The scenic drives, panoramic views, and village explorations further enrich the experience, making it more than just a wine tasting—it’s a culture.

Practical Considerations

The small group (maximum of 8 travelers) ensures a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perfect for discussions or questions. The tour’s 8-hour duration provides ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. For those concerned about transportation, the pickup in Lyon makes logistics straightforward—no need to worry about driving after wine tasting.

What Travelers Love (Based on Reviews)

• The personal touch and warm hospitality from guides and winemakers.
• The stunning views from vineyard overlooks and village streets.
• The quality of wines tasted—many mention the “great wines” and the insight into winemaking.
• The authentic, small-scale wineries that you wouldn’t find on larger tours.
• The delicious, fresh picnic lunch that complements the wines perfectly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited to wine enthusiasts eager to learn about small wineries and taste regional specialties in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for culture lovers who enjoy charming villages like Oingt and picturesque landscapes. Those seeking a personalized, intimate experience will find this tour rewarding.

However, travelers expecting a luxurious or high-end wine tour might find the focus more on authenticity than luxury. Also, if you’re on a tight schedule or budget, the cost might be a consideration, but many would agree the quality and authenticity justify the price.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is designed for most travelers; however, since it involves wine tastings and a picnic, it’s best suited for adults of legal drinking age.

How long does each stop last?
Most stops range from about 45 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, allowing for in-depth tastings and exploration without feeling rushed.

Are the wineries family-owned?
Yes, both wineries visited are family-run, offering personal insights and a warm welcome.

What is included in the picnic lunch?
The picnic features fresh, local ingredients, cheeses, fruits, and meats, paired with regional wines—delivering an authentic taste of the region.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 27 days ahead, indicating good availability if planned in advance.

What is the group size?
The tour caters to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings & Gourmet Picnic Lunch is a well-crafted adventure for anyone wanting to combine wine exploration with scenic beauty and culinary delights. It offers a relaxed, authentic taste of one of France’s most charming regions, perfect for those who appreciate personalized experiences and small-scale craftsmanship.

While it’s priced higher than some quick tastings, the value lies in the personal stories, beautiful locations, and delicious regional fare. If you want a day that combines learning, leisure, and stunning scenery—this tour hits the mark beautifully.

In sum, this experience caters superbly to travelers seeking genuine, intimate encounters with French wine and countryside. It’s best enjoyed by those who cherish authenticity over grandeur and want a memorable day of sights, tastes, and stories in the Beaujolais.