Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon

Taking a wine tour from Lyon into the Beaujolais region is a tempting way to escape the city’s hustle—especially if you love good wine, scenic countryside, and a touch of history. The Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tour offers a compact yet enriching experience, weaving together picturesque villages, family-run wineries, and a solid tasting session—all in about four hours. With a 4.5-star rating based on 124 reviews, this tour has built a reputation for being well-organized, personable, and value-packed.

One particular aspect we love about this tour is its small-group format, which ensures that you’ll get plenty of personal attention from knowledgeable guides like Francois or Clotilde. The chance to visit medieval villages like Oingt, often compared to Tuscany, and to taste authentic Beaujolais wines directly from a family estate makes for a genuine experience. However, some travelers might find the time constraints a little rushed, especially if you’re eager to linger longer in each spot.

This tour is perfect for those who want a quick yet immersive look at the Beaujolais countryside without splurging on a full-day trip. Whether you’re a wine novice or an enthusiast, the blend of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural insights makes it a compelling choice—just keep in mind it’s a shared, 4-hour experience with a maximum of 8 travelers.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Visits to family-owned wineries and medieval villages create a genuine taste of the region.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Francois and Clotilde are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Beautiful Scenery: Expect gorgeous views of vineyards and scenic landscapes throughout the day.
• Small Group Vibe: The tour caps at 8 travelers, ensuring personalized service.
• Value for Money: At around $115, it includes multiple tastings, a pastry, and transportation, making it a worthwhile half-day activity.
• Ideal for Short Visits: Perfect for travelers wanting a brief escape from Lyon or those new to wine tasting.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon in Place Bellecour, a central and easily accessible location. The use of air-conditioned minivans adds to comfort, especially during warmer months or if you’re traveling in summer. The small group size (up to 8 guests) keeps the journey intimate, and most travelers find the pickup logistics straightforward, with many reviews highlighting how smoothly the process goes.

Visit to Oingt: The Medieval Jewel

The first stop is Oingt, a charming medieval village often compared to Tuscany for its golden stones and picturesque cobblestone streets. Tourists have praised this part for its stunning architecture and quaint atmosphere. As one reviewer noted, the village’s golden stones add to its quaintness, and the afternoon light makes it especially photogenic. Visitors can wander freely, soak in the history, and enjoy the quiet charm of a village that dates back to the 12th century.

While this stop is only about 30 minutes, many find it enough to capture some beautiful photos and get a sense of old France. The free admission lets you enjoy the scenery without additional costs, and it sets a relaxed, scenic tone for the rest of the tour.

Vineyard and Wine Tasting in Saint-Laurent-d’Oingt

Next, the tour moves into the vineyards of Saint-Laurent-d’Oingt where you’ll get an introduction to wine tasting amid the lush vines. Expect to spend around 20 minutes here, with tasting opportunities that have garnered positive remarks for their informative and approachable nature. The guide explains the wine production process and details about Beaujolais wines, making it ideal for newcomers or those eager to learn.

One reviewer appreciated the guide’s ability to speak both English and French, which made the explanations accessible to a diverse group. This stop is more about setting the scene and getting your palate ready for the estate visit, so don’t expect a formal winery tour here—more of a tasting introduction with great views.

The Family Winery Experience

The highlight for many is visiting the small, family-owned winery where you’ll meet the winemaker and participate in a more in-depth tasting. This part lasts about an hour and is frequently praised for its authenticity and personal touch. Guests get to see the estate’s vintage equipment, learn about the winemaking process, and sample several estate wines.

According to one review, the owner’s dog even makes an appearance, adding to the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The tasting here isn’t rushed, and the guide points out the distinctive qualities of each wine, giving you a better appreciation of what makes Beaujolais special. Several guests, like Colin, mention that they bought bottles to take home, indicating the quality of the wines on offer.

Scenic Views and Additional Tastings

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of rolling vineyards and the French countryside—a reminder that this is more than just wine; it’s about experiencing the landscape. Some reviews highlight how beautiful the countryside looks, especially in the afternoon light, making the drive worthwhile even if you’re not a huge wine fan.

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, one reviewer mentioned the possibility of enjoying cheese or salami pairings at the vineyard, adding an extra layer of flavor and local authenticity. The focus remains on wine tasting and scenery, with some reviews noting that the experience can feel rushed, especially if you wish to linger longer.

Final Return and Reflection

The tour concludes back at the starting point in Lyon, making it convenient. Most find the 4-hour duration just right for a quick escape, providing enough time to enjoy the sights, learn about wine, and taste some of the region’s best offerings without feeling overwhelmed.

Practical Details and Value

The cost of approximately $115 per person includes all tastings, a pastry, transportation, and a guide. Given the inclusion of multiple wine tastings and the opportunity to visit a real family estate—plus scenic villages and vineyards—the price offers good value for a half-day experience.

While it doesn’t include lunch or hotel transfers, the centrally located meeting point simplifies logistics for most travelers staying in Lyon. The tour’s small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, and many reviewers comment on guides being friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share insights.

A notable point from reviews is that the tour is particularly suited for those new to wine tasting or travelers wanting a quick yet authentic snapshot of Beaujolais. Regular wine enthusiasts might find the tasting stops somewhat limited, but the overall experience seems to hit the right notes for most.

The Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and wine discovery. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want to see picturesque villages, learn about local wine production, and enjoy some delicious tastings without committing an entire day. The tour’s small-group format and friendly guides make it a relaxed, personalized experience that feels authentic and approachable.

It’s ideal for visitors based in Lyon looking for a half-day escape into the French countryside—and for those curious about Beaujolais wines but not ready for a lengthy or expensive tour. Keep in mind, if you’re passionate about wine or prefer a less rushed pace, you might wish for a bit more time at each stop, but overall, this tour balances quality, scenery, and fun quite nicely.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan from the centrally located meeting point.

What is the tour duration?
Approximately 4 hours, including visits to villages, a winery, and tastings.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available, with a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but a pastry is offered during the vineyard tasting. Additional food options are not part of this tour.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

Is this suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While alcohol consumption is legal only for those 18 and over, the scenic and cultural parts can be enjoyed by all. Non-drinkers can opt out of tastings and still enjoy the views and villages.