The Original Syrah Wine Tour (2:00 pm – 6:30 pm) – Small Group Tour from Lyon

If you’re planning a trip to Lyon and have a passion for wine, this Small Group Rhone Valley Tour offers a fantastic opportunity to taste regional wines while soaking in some of France’s most iconic vineyard scenery. While the tour is relatively short—lasting about four and a half hours—it delivers a well-rounded experience packed with wine, history, and gorgeous views. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts who want an authentic taste of the Northern Rhone, without the hassle of planning transportation or navigating vineyards alone.

Two things we love about this tour are the expert guiding—who clearly knows the region inside and out—and the small-group size, which ensures a more personal, relaxed experience. Plus, the chance to sample 10 different wines across several appellations makes this a real treat for lovers of reds and whites alike. But, as with any organized tour, you’ll need to be comfortable with a packed schedule and a few quick stops. This tour suits travelers who want a manageable, insightful day with plenty of tastings and a taste of local culture, without the fuss of going solo.

Key Points

• In-depth wine tasting of 10 regional wines, including Côtes du Rhône, Condrieu, and Cote Rotie
• Comfortable transportation in a small, air-conditioned minibus
• Visit two family-run wineries for private tours and tastings
• Stunning scenery including terraced vineyards and a Roman theater
• Knowledgeable guide providing insights into wine production and regional history
• Ideal for small groups (max 8 travelers), ensuring an intimate experience

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour starts promptly at Lyon’s Bellecour Square around 1:50 pm, with the group meeting in front of the Office of Tourism. From there, a comfortable 8-seat minibus whisks you away towards the vineyards. The small size of the group means you’ll get more personal attention and the chance to ask plenty of questions. The guide speaks both English and French, making it accessible and engaging.

Travel & Scenic Stops

The journey itself is a highlight. En route, you’ll make a quick stop at the Roman Theatre of Vienne, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Rhône Valley and learn about the region’s ancient history. Our guides often praise Olivier’s extensive knowledge here, adding context to the scenery—something that sets this tour apart from a simple tasting.

Next, the drive takes you through the vividly terraced slopes of Ampuis, the world capital of Syrah. You’ll see the famous “Côte Brune” and “Côte Blonde” hills, where vineyards cling to vertiginous slopes at 30-60 degrees. Several reviews mention how breathtaking these views are—if you love dramatic landscapes, you’ll find plenty to admire here.

Vineyard Visits: Private Tours & Tastings

The core of the experience is visiting two family-run wineries, where you’ll gain a behind-the-scenes look at wine-making. The first stop in Chavanay offers a chance to taste six whites and reds, including some from the Condrieu, St Joseph, and Cote Rotie appellations. The second winery in Malleval is a smaller, private operation, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the facilities and sample five more wines, including barrel-aged reds and whites.

Reviews highlight how welcoming and knowledgeable the hosts are, and how the tastings often include some exclusives or lesser-known appellations. The art of barrel aging and the nuances of soil and climate are explained in simple, engaging terms—perfect for those wanting to deepen their understanding of what makes Rhone wines special.

The Wines & Tasting Experience

Expect to sample about 11 or 12 wines in total, with a good mix of reds like Cote Rotie and whites such as Condrieu. The tasting is described as generous, with some reviews noting that the guide shares secrets of wine-making, making the experience more educational than just a sip-and-swirl. For those concerned about value, consider that the price includes all tastings and guides, which can be costly if attempted independently, especially at wineries with private tours.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Lyon’s Bellecour Square: The tour kicks off at 1:50 pm with a meet-and-greet in front of the city’s main tourist hub. From here, you board the minibus, which seats just eight people, ensuring a cozy and attentive experience.

Stop at Vienne’s Roman Theatre: A quick 10-minute photo and history break, offering a stunning vista and some background on the region’s ancient past. Previous guests appreciated the way the guide shared insights into the “terroir” and grape varieties, blending history with viticulture.

Drive through Ampuis: The highlight for many is the drive past the terraced vineyards—an Instagram-worthy view if you’re into scenic landscapes. The hills here are famous for Syrah, and the vineyards seem to cling to the slopes like colorful mosaics.

Cross Condrieu: The town is notable for Viognier, a white grape that nearly disappeared in the 1960s but has since made a comeback. Our guides often mention how this varietal’s revival is a testament to local resilience and dedication.

Visit two family wineries: The stops are short but packed with flavor—both figuratively and literally. The first winery offers a tasting of 6 wines, and the second provides a deeper look into wine production, including barrel aging secrets.

Return to Lyon: The tour wraps up around 6:30 pm at Bellecour Square, closing a day filled with learning, tasting, and scenery.

Authenticity and Value

This tour isn’t just about sipping wine; it’s about understanding what makes Northern Rhone wines unique. The guide’s extensive knowledge and the private winery visits mean you’ll get insights that are often hard to find in larger, less personalized tours.

At $124.96 per person, including 11-12 tastings, the price begins to seem reasonable—especially considering the private tours and expert guidance. For those who want a curated, intimate experience that combines scenic beauty with wine education, this tour offers compelling value.

Many reviewers mention how the guide, Olivier, enhances the experience, with comments like, “Olivier was an excellent guide and a master at herding our wandering family,” highlighting the personal touch that sets this apart.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love wine tasting and want to learn directly from passionate locals, this is a fantastic choice. It’s well-suited for small groups who prefer a more personalized experience and enjoy scenic drives and vineyard views. The tour is also ideal for those interested in regional history and wine production, as the guides make efforts to explain the nuances.

However, keep in mind that it’s a fairly packed schedule with multiple stops in a limited time, so those who prefer a more relaxed, unstructured day might find it a bit hurried. Also, the tour is geared toward adults, given the wine tastings involved.

Final Thoughts

This Syrah-focused afternoon tour from Lyon offers a fine balance of scenic views, wine education, and small-group intimacy. The guided visits to private wineries allow a peek behind the curtain of Rhône winemaking, and the stops at historic sites add a cultural layer to the experience. The tour’s popularity—booked on average 151 days in advance—speaks to its quality and appeal.

It’s an excellent way to spend an afternoon if you’re eager to deepen your appreciation of French wines while enjoying the stunning landscape and history of the Rhône Valley. The knowledgeable guides and the carefully curated itinerary make it especially worthwhile.

For travelers seeking a manageable, engaging, and authentic wine-tasting adventure in the Loire region, this tour hits all the right notes. Just remember to pace yourself—there’s a lot of excellent wine and scenery to enjoy!

FAQs

Do I need to be experienced in wine tasting?
Not at all. The tour is designed to be accessible for all levels, with guides explaining the wines and production process along the way.

How long is the drive between stops?
The itinerary involves some short drives, generally about 10 minutes each, making it easy to enjoy the scenery without long transit times.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not part of this tour. It focuses on wine tastings and scenic stops.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 8 travelers, which helps ensure a personalized experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the minibus is air-conditioned and designed for comfort on the approximately four-and-a-half-hour journey.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

In summary, if you’re after a rewarding, small-group exploration of the Rhone’s best wines combined with scenic beauty and cultural insights, this tour from Lyon is a standout choice. It balances education, tasting, and sightseeing in a way that’s approachable and genuinely enjoyable for lovers of wine and travel alike.