Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour With Wine Tasting From Lyon

The Northern Rhône Valley is a renowned wine region that offers a captivating glimpse into the art of French winemaking. This day tour from Lyon promises an immersive experience, allowing guests to explore renowned appellations, taste up to 12 Côtes du Rhône wines, and gain insights from expert winemakers. With transportation, a guided exploration, and a delicious lunch included, this comprehensive tour provides an in-depth appreciation for the influential role of terroir in shaping the area’s renowned vintages. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious about the region’s viticultural heritage, this tour presents an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities that make the Northern Rhône Valley so captivating.

Key Points

• This day tour explores the renowned Rhône Valley wine region, including the Hermitage, St Joseph, and Crozes Hermitage appellations.
• The tour features tasting experiences at two renowned wineries, allowing participants to sample up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines.
• Participants will gain insights into French wine and ‘terroir’ from winemakers, delving into the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
• The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, a driver/guide, local guide, and professional guidance, as well as a provided lunch.
• The tour starts and ends at the central meeting point in Lyon, with a cancellation policy allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The Rhône Valley wine region is the setting for this comprehensive day tour, which features tasting experiences at two renowned wineries within the Hermitage, St Joseph, and Croze Hermitage appellations.

Participants can sample up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines and learn about French wine and ‘terroir’ directly from the winemakers.

The tour provides an immersive look into the rich viticultural heritage of this storied region, allowing visitors to deepen their appreciation for the distinct characteristics that define these esteemed appellations.

With the guidance of a professional driver and local expert, the tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the Northern Rhône Valley’s exceptional wines and the unique factors that shape their acclaimed profiles.

Included Features

This tour includes a wine tasting experience with samples of up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines. Visitors will also enjoy a driver/guide, local guide, and professional guide to provide insights about the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

Transport by air-conditioned minivan and a lunch are also provided as part of the tour.

The tour package includes:

• Wine tasting with 3cl/glasses
• Knowledgeable driver/guide, local guide, and professional guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon, located on Place Bellecour in Lyon, which also serves as the end point for the tour. The tour kicks off promptly at 9:30 am, so it’s best to arrive a few minutes early. From there, the group boards an air-conditioned minivan for the scenic drive to the Rhône Valley wine region.

Meeting Point	Start Time	End Point
Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon, Place Bellecour, Lyon	9:30 am	Same as meeting point

Appellation Experiences

After boarding the air-conditioned minivan, the tour heads out to the Rhône Valley wine region, where travelers will explore two renowned wine appellations, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage, for a tasting experience.

The winemakers will guide visitors through a sampling of up to 12 different Côtes du Rhône wines, providing insights into French wine and the concept of ‘terroir’.

This immersive tasting allows participants to:

• Discover the distinct characteristics of the Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage appellations
• Gain a deeper understanding of how the local geography and climate influence the wines
• Interact with the passionate winemakers and learn about their winemaking techniques

Tasting and Learning

Upon arrival at the renowned wineries, visitors can expect to explore the nuances of the Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage appellations.

The winemakers will guide them through a tasting of up to a dozen distinct Côtes du Rhône wines, offering insights into the influential role of terroir in shaping the character and flavors of these exceptional vintages.

Participants will have the chance to learn directly from the experts about the intricate winemaking processes and the unique characteristics that define the region’s renowned wines.

This hands-on tasting experience allows guests to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of French winemaking and the distinct terroir that gives the Northern Rhône wines their world-class reputation.

Transportation and Guide

The tour will transport guests in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey through the Northern Rhône Valley.

An experienced, knowledgeable driver-guide will accompany the group, providing valuable insights and commentary throughout the day’s activities.

The tour includes:

• A local guide who’ll share their expertise on the region’s wine, terroir, and history
• Professional guidance from start to finish, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off at the central meeting point in Lyon, making the tour accessible for all participants

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled less than 24 hours before the tour, no refund will be provided. Any changes requested less than 24 hours in advance won’t be accepted.

In case of weather cancellation, travelers will be offered a different tour date or a full refund.

The cancellation policy is designed to be fair and flexible. Giving 24 hours’ notice allows the tour operator to fill the spot, while last-minute cancellations are more difficult to accommodate. Weather cancellations are outside the customer’s control, so a full refund or date change is offered. The policy strikes a balance between the needs of the operator and the traveler.

Additional Information

This Northern Rhône Valley day tour from Lyon has a few important details to keep in mind. It’s not wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.

The tour operates rain or shine, so weather won’t cancel the experience.

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, so you can rest assured your spot is secured.

Plus, the tour departs from and returns to the same meeting point, the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon, making logistics straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food for the Lunch?

No, you cannot bring your own food for the lunch on this tour. The tour includes a provided lunch, which is part of the included features. Bringing outside food is not permitted.

Will the Tour Guide Speak English?

The tour guide will likely speak English, as the tour is marketed to English-speaking travelers. The guide is described as a "professional guide," indicating they are equipped to lead the tour in the participants’ language.

Do I Need to Bring a Water Bottle?

Bringing a water bottle is recommended during the tour. The tour involves wine tasting, so staying hydrated is important. Water will help balance the effects of alcohol consumption and keep you feeling refreshed throughout the day.

Can I Take Photos During the Wine Tastings?

Yes, guests are generally encouraged to take photos during the wine tastings. However, it’s best to avoid using flash as it can disrupt the tasting experience. Be mindful of others and follow any specific guidelines provided by the winery.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Casual attire is suitable for the relaxed, informal nature of the wine tastings.

Recap

This Northern Rhône Valley day tour from Lyon provides an immersive experience in the region’s renowned wine appellation.

Guests will explore the Hermitage, Saint Joseph, and Crozes-Hermitage appellations, tasting up to 12 Côtes du Rhône wines while gaining insights into the influential role of terroir.

The tour includes transportation, a guided exploration, and a delicious lunch, offering an in-depth appreciation for the art of French winemaking.