5 Best Lyon Wine Tours – All You Need to Know (2024)
Surrounded by some of the best vineyards in all of France, Lyon is known as one of the premier destinations for wine lovers. Thus, anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the region’s amazing flavors and vibrant culture should definitely consider going on one of the many Lyon wine tours available!
From leisurely tasting tours to full-scale vineyard visits right outside the city, Lyon wine tours offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape with your significant other, an educational experience with friends and family, or traveling solo and simply want a fun taste of French gastronomy, Lyon has it all!
And to help you find the perfect wine tour, I’ve put together a list of the 5 best wine tours in and around Lyon! By the end, you’ll be able to confidently book the ideal tour that will give you the experience of a lifetime!
🍷 PRO TIP: I know we are all busy people, so if you’re short on time and don’t want to spend lots of time reading, click here to jump to the recap section, where I have a table that summarizes the 5 best Lyon wine tours
Lyon Wine Region
Before I tell you which Lyon wine tours are the best, let me give you a quick background about the Lyon wine region and why Lyon is a crowd-favorite for all wine lovers, enthusiasts, and aficionados.
Located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, Lyon is known for its rich viticulture, with over 70,000 hectares of vineyards cultivated in the region. It is home to some of the most acclaimed wines from all over France and beyond. A few notable wine regions within this area include Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is located to the north of Lyon and is globally recognized for its longstanding history in winemaking. In particular, though, the region is known for its light-bodied fruity red wines that have high acidity, and low tannins, and are made from Gamay grapes.
In addition, Beaujolais is famous for the highly sought-after Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a seasonal wine that’s officially released on the third Thursday of every November.
Côtes du Rhône
Located to the south of Lyon is Côtes du Rhône, which produces some of the world’s most famous and renowned wines. This region is well-known for its red wines and rosés, which often are made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and cinsault grapes.
These wines often taste rich and full-bodied. The Grenache grapes provide fruity notes of plums and dark cherries, the Syrah brings earth and spice tones, and the Mourvedre provides an excellent hardy tannic structure.
That said, the Côtes du Rhône area is also home to some of the best white wines. The final blend of these white wines must be 80% grenache blanc, but often include Viognier, Clairette, and Marsanne grapes. These wines are usually full-bodied and have flavors of peach, apricot, and honey.
Now that you have a better understanding of the region, and why it is so beloved among wine lovers, let’s take a look at some of the best tours in and around Lyon!
5 Best Lyon Wine Tours
1. Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon
⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours
The Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon includes:
- The start time is at 9:00 am
- Private transportation from Lyon with up to 8 guests
- First stop: A Chapel with a gorgeous view + a couple of wine tastings
- Second Stop: Exploring the charming, medieval town of Oingt
- Third Stop: A vineyard that has been in the same family for three generations
- Walking around the vineyard & tasting the vineyard’s grapes
- A lesson on the production of Beaujolais wines
- How they tend and grow the vines
- Where the grapes are processed
- How the wine is aged and stored
- Several wine tastings from the vineyard with meat, cheese, and bread
- Arrive back in Lyon in the early afternoon
Why choose this tour?
This is one of the highest-rated Beaujolais wine tours and the most popular wine tour from Lyon. It’s also the best in that you get the biggest bang for your buck since the tour is one of the most affordable options, and you get to enjoy multiple wine tastings!
Plus, with the Beaujolais region being located only 30 minutes from Lyon, you won’t have to spend all your time in transit.
So, if you’re looking to have an unforgettable adventure while getting a glimpse into the famous Beaujolais wine region, I highly recommend this amazing Lyon wine tour! 🍷
“One of our favorite tours on our trip. Thoroughly enjoyed this small group tour to the lovely countryside. Loved the passion of the owner/operator. Visited a winery and shown around by the owner, you won’t regret booking this tour.“
– Visitor from Australia (see more reviews)
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon
2. Prestige Tasting of Great French Wines & Exceptional Food Pairing
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Prestige Tasting of Great French Wines & Exceptional Food Pairing
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
The Prestige Tasting of Great French Wines & Exceptional Food Pairing includes:
- Meet in Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
- In-depth lesson on French vineyards and dishes of the Auvergne region
- An intimate dining experience with French products of the highest-quality
- 6 Wine tastings
- 2 white wines, 2 red wines, a sweet wine, and a champagne
- Starter meal that consists of various kinds of Lyonnais cheese sourced from Auvergne along with white wines
- The main course, which consists of dishes special to the Rhône Valley region and served with red wines
- Dessert with traditional Lyon sweets, cheeses, and a final wine-tasting
- Historical explanations of each of the dishes served
- Tasting booklet
Why choose this tour?
If you’re looking for a Lyon wine tour that offers great wines and a perfectly curated three-course meal, then this is the perfect option.
With knowledgeable guides and an exclusive dining experience, you’ll get to intimately learn about the incredible regional vineyards and food special to Lyon. Plus, this tour is offered right in Lyon’s city center so no transportation is required!
So if you’re looking for a Lyon wine tour that focuses on both culinary experiences and great wines, then I highly recommend you book this Prestige Tasting of Great French Wines & Exceptional Food Pairing Lyon wine tour!
“Very fun experience. Loved learning about the various wines, cheeses, and meats we tasted. Hugo was very friendly and knowledgeable. Fun experience.”
– Jessica (see more reviews)
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Prestige Tasting of Great French Wines & Exceptional Food Pairing
3. Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10 – 12 hours
The Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch includes:
- The start time is 8:30 AM
- Private transport from Lyon to Northern Crus des Côtes du Rhône
- Knowledgable wine expert
- Learning about a vineyard rooted in ancient times
- Entrance to two family-run wine estates that are true hidden gems
- Private meetings with the winegrowers
- Wandering through their private wine cellars
- Learning about their wine-creation methods that have been passed down for generations
- Several wine tastings of the most prestigious Crus in the Northern Côtes du Rhône
- Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, etc.
- An exquisite culinary experience that consists of local dishes paired with carefully selected wines
- A local gastronomic workshop with a talented artisan
- A second customized tasting experience where you get to try the artisan’s homemade cheese, honey, biscuits, charcuteries, and pastries
- Visit a second vineyard and meet with the winemaker
- A final wine tasting with more wines from renowned Crus of the Côtes du Rhône
🍷 NOTE: For those who don’t know, “Cru,” means a region that is legally recognized for its impeccable quality and the distinct terroir (or specific natural environment in which the wine was produced)
Why choose this tour?
Are you a wine aficionado and love wine so much you could learn about (and drink) it all day long? If yes, then this all-inclusive experience is heaven and will be absolutely worth it for you!
It’s on the pricey side, but in return, you will get to fully explore, taste, and enjoy the finest wines available from the most prestigious Crus in the Northern Côtes du Rhône. Plus, you’ll get to partake in multiple specially curated food-tasting experiences!
So, if you want to understand the region from an authentic perspective, then I recommend this wonderful day tour from Lyon, France.
“I had a great weekend, full of good times and lessons. Arnaud is an excellent guide. Enthusiastic and attentive, he knew how to create a very friendly atmosphere, in particular thanks to quizzes which punctuated his explanations. Oscillating between history, heritage, and technicality, he taught me a lot, especially about the northern vineyard. The tastings were quite amazing; I was able to make some great discoveries there. A “big thank you” to him and a “book quickly” to all!“
– Visitor from France (see more reviews)
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch
4. Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles Tour
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours
The Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles Tour includes:
- The start time is 2 PM
- Transport in a comfortable mini-bus that seats 8
- Expert English and French-speaking wine guide
- Passing by Mont Brouilly, a dormant volcano
- Travel through Cerceir, Morgon, and Fleurie
- Spending an hour at a family winery and meeting the passionate winemaker
- Learning about their wine production
- Sampling different cru Beaujolais wines
- Stopping at La Madone Chapel for gorgeous views of the wine region
- Exploring the incredible wine cellar of a Castle estate
- Wine tasting session amongst the many oak barrels
- Return to Lyon around 6:30 PM
- Total of 9-10 wine tastings
Why choose this tour?
This is one of the best wine tours from Lyon that focuses on more than just tasting various exquisite wines. Plus, this tour is both affordable and one of the highest-rated tours offered.
You’ll be able to explore and learn about the vineyards near Lyon, pass through several idyllic and quaint towns as well as see a dormant volcano! And unlike some of the other options, this tour leaves in the afternoon so you can happily sleep in!
“Olivier the tour guide was excellent! So knowledgeable about the region and winemaking. The views through Beaujolais were spectacular. We visited a local wine producer that is family-owned, Nicole Chanrion, who was inspirational, and a larger cave for a tasting. All in all a lovely afternoon enjoyed in good company!”
– AnaLuca (see more reviews)
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles Tour
5. Lyon Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Lyon Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5.0 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.25 hours
The Lyon Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour includes:
- Leave from Lyon at 9:00 AM
- Private transport from Lyon to Côtes du Rhône
- Enjoy panoramic views in Vienne and see an old roman theatre
- Pass through the Ampuis and learn about the birthplace of Syrah grapes
- Visit the Cotes Rotie vineyards and take in the terraced slopes
- Tour a winery and taste 3 different red wines & 3 white wines
- Pass through Condrieu and learn about the birthplace of Viognier grapes
- Visit another family winery and taste 5-6 Côtes du Rhône wines
- Final stop at a third winery and taste 5 more Rhône wines
- Return to Lyon ~ 5:15 PM
- Total of 16-18 wine tastings
Why choose this tour?
This tour is one of the most comprehensive wine-tasting tours in Beaujolais and has a perfect 5-star rating.
It’s the ideal tour for those who wish to delve into the history and background of the different grapes used to create the famous wines of the region as well as taste all the excellent wines!
“We took two wine tours with two different agencies. Wow, they were not comparable! We highly recommend Kanpai Wine tours and excursions with guide & owner Olivier Delalande. We visited 3 extraordinary wineries, each one brought a different taste to the palette. Each winery was welcoming, very generous with a minimum of 6-9 different wine tasting of both red and whites. Their passion for their craft and products are felt in their explicit description of the processes of making their own unique wines…“
– Sylvia I. (see more reviews)
✅ 🍷 Check Availability for the Lyon Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour
Recap of Best Wine Tours From Lyon
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve likely forgotten the difference between some of the different wine tours. Thus, to help you make a decision on which wine-tasting tour is for you, here is a quick recap!
🍷 PRO TIP: If viewing on mobile, I recommend turning your phone sideways for better readability!
| Tour Name | Price | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting | ~$104 | 4.5 hours | > Medieval town of Oingt > Visit one vineyard > several wine tastings |
| Prestige Tasting of Great French Wines & Exceptional Food Pairing | ~$145 | 2.5 hours | > 6 wine tastings > 3-course meal > Tour is in Lyon |
| Full Day Guided Wine Tour with Tasting and Lunch | ~$236 | 10 – 12 hours | > 2 family-run wine estates > culinary experience > gastronomic workshop |
| Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles Tour | ~$105 | 4.5 hours | > dormant volcano > visit family winery & a castle winery > 9 – 10 tastings |
| Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour | ~$146 | 8.25 hours | > 16 – 18 wine tastings > 3 vineyards > Visit the birthplace of Syrah and Viognier grapes |
Where to Stay in Lyon
Oh! And, in case you’re looking for places to stay in the city, I recommend using the interactive map below to explore the different housing options available!
You can easily compare prices and access even more up-to-date information when you put in your travel dates!
Lyon Wine Tours: FAQs
Now that you know what the 5 best Lyon wine tours are, here are answers to some commonly asked questions!
Is Lyon Worth Visiting?
As the capital city of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is definitely worth visiting.
It’s a bustling city with a rich historical background, filled with ancient churches, cobblestone streets, and plenty of hidden treasures.
Plus, Lyon is known as the capital of French gastronomy – so there are plenty of opportunities to try mouthwatering dishes and treats! For example, I highly recommend their desserts, which often feature neon pink pralines — something the city is famous for.
Some must-see city sights include La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, a 19th-century basilica that offers some of the best views in Lyon, and Parc de la Tête d d’Or, a gorgeous expansive public park.
How Much Are Lyon Wine Tours?
Wine tours in Lyon can range from $100 to well over $400 depending on the length of the tour and the type of experiences included (tastings, meals, visits to special locations, etc).
With regards to the tours I have recommended, they range from about $100 – $230.
I know this is not in the budget for everyone, but what you pay is ultimately an investment in what you will get out of the experience. The cost of the tour goes towards a carefully curated and incredibly immersive experience.
You get to learn about local culture and traditions, taste exquisite wines from renowned Crus, enjoy delicious food pairings with each tasting session, visit stunning vineyards, meet with the actual owners of the vineyards, and learn everything about their craft.
And from my perspective, the quality of everything you receive and the opportunity to get an intimate look into the local culture is well worth the money!
How Long Are Lyon Wine Tours?
The duration of the tour can vary depending on the type of wine experience you choose. Some tours are half-day tours that last 4 – 5 hours, while others are full-day tours from Lyon that last 10 – 12 hours.
Wrap-Up: 5 Best Lyon Wine Tours (2024)
Sipping wine in the glorious French countryside is a unique experience that should not be missed while visiting Lyon. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to have an unforgettable time, there’s something for everyone on these amazing day tours from Lyon, France.
You’ll be able to explore beautiful vineyards, delve into the history of wine-making, sample some of the region’s finest wines, and meet with local winemakers to get an even more personal experience.
There’s hardly a better way to get an in-depth look at the amazing culture and traditions that make this part of France so special.
All in all, whether you want to experience the vibrancy of Beaujolais or savor the blends of Côtes du Rhône, I hope this post has helped you decide which Lyon wine tour is best for you!
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