Guided Day Tour and Wine Tasting Northern Rhône Valley

Planning a trip to Lyon and looking to explore some of France’s most acclaimed wines? This guided day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the Northern Rhône Valley, combining visits to family-run wineries with scenic drives and exceptional tastings. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, Justine Poncet, you’ll get insider insights and authentic experiences in some of the region’s most prestigious appellations.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances personalized wine tastings at different estates with ample opportunities to soak in the breathtaking landscapes of steep vineyards and charming villages. The luxury transport and carefully curated itinerary ensure a smooth, hassle-free day that maximizes your time and enjoyment. One potential consideration? The day is quite packed, so if you’re not a fan of long days on your feet or vehicle, this might feel a bit intense.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers eager to deepen their understanding of Rhône wines, travelers who appreciate scenic drives and authentic vineyard visits, or those wanting a comprehensive, guided experience without the stress of planning. It offers a great value for the price, especially considering the number of tastings, expert guidance, and the scenic journey.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience: Led by Justine, a local guide with deep knowledge of the region.
• Authentic visits: Focus on small and family-run wineries for a genuine taste of local craftsmanship.
• Diverse wines: Tasting of about 12-15 wines including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.
• Beautiful scenery: Stunning views of vineyards on steep slopes and charming villages.
• All-inclusive: Tastings, transportation, snacks, and meeting with winery members included.
• Well-organized: Smooth logistics with a luxury vehicle and thoughtfully planned stops.

An Overview of the Experience

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Northern Rhône’s renowned wine region over roughly 8.5 hours. Priced at $188.55 per person, it includes multiple tasting stops, scenic drives, a delicious lunch, and personal guidance. With a maximum group size of 8, it provides an intimate atmosphere where you’ll feel like you’re exploring the region with a knowledgeable friend rather than a large tour group.

The journey begins in Lyon at Pl. Bellecour, with a 9:00 a.m. start, and takes you through picturesque villages and iconic vineyards. A major highlight is the opportunity to taste some of the most prestigious wines in the region—think Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Condrieu—plus a variety of whites and reds made from local grape varieties.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: Condrieu – Vines on Steep Slopes

Your day kicks off with a scenic drive through the vines planted on very steep slopes in Condrieu. Here, Justine will share insights into viticulture methods specific to such terrain, which requires diligent work from winegrowers year-round. You’ll have about 45 minutes to admire the views and learn about vineyard cultivation.

One reviewer highlighted how this stop showcases the unique terroir of the region, emphasizing the dedication needed to cultivate grapes here. And yes, those slopes are impressive—the vineyards look like they’re clinging to the hillside for dear life.

Stop 2: Chavanay – First Tasting in a Family Winery

Next, you’ll stop near Chavanay or Ampuis for your first wine tasting. Expect to sample between 4 and 6 wines—a great way to get an initial feel for the region’s style. Here, you’ll gain understanding about winemaking and aging techniques that give Rhône wines their distinctive character.

Reviewers praised this part for its authenticity, noting the small family-run wineries provide a more genuine experience than corporate estates. One guest remarked: “We visited three different wineries in size and each introduced us to different aspects of winemaking,” highlighting how varied the experience is.

Stop 3 & 4: Tain-l’Hermitage and Lunch

Your journey continues southward to Tain-l’Hermitage, with scenic views of the steep hillsides that characterize the area. After soaking in the vistas, you’ll enjoy a lunch reservation at a local restaurant with a daily menu from €25 per person. The lunch is not included in the tour price but is organized for the entire group, adding convenience and ensuring a good local experience.

Guests have described the lunch as fabulous with spectacular views of the river, and a welcome break in an otherwise full day. It’s a chance to relax, recharge, and reflect on your morning tastings.

Stops 5 & 6: In-Depth Tastings & Return to Lyon

In the afternoon, you’ll visit two additional estates near Tain-l’Hermitage for more tastings. This part offers a deeper insight into winemaking techniques, cellar work, and how different estates craft their wines. Tasting wines side-by-side allows you to compare styles—crucial for wine enthusiasts eager to understand terroir influence.

According to reviews, this part of the tour is especially appreciated for its authenticity. Many guests mentioned the personalized attention from Justine and the opportunity to see small and family-run wineries that aren’t heavily commercialized.

The return journey to Lyon is about an hour, with an expected arrival between 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., depending on traffic. The comfort of the Mercedes vehicle and the smooth scheduling help make the day feel relaxed, not rushed.

Why the Experience Works

This tour is not just about tasting wine—it’s about understanding the people, land, and craft behind it. The focus on small wineries offers a more authentic experience, and the expert guidance helps you understand the nuances of each wine encountered. The scenic drives and stops to admire the vine-covered hills elevate the experience beyond just wine tasting.

The fact that lunch is organized and included in the sense of a reservation (though not paid for separately in the tour fee) means you don’t need to worry about finding a good spot or waiting for a table—just enjoy the views and good food.

The Value for Money

At $188.55, the tour offers around 12-15 tastings plus insightful commentary, which many reviewers felt was excellent value. With visits to multiple wineries and a private guide, the personalized touch makes a significant difference. The included snacks and the luxury vehicle add comfort to the experience, especially considering how much ground you cover.

Several guests specifically appreciated the knowledgeability and friendliness of Justine, noting her ability to explain complex wines simply and her effort to build relationships with the winery owners. This makes a noticeable difference in the quality of tastings and behind-the-scenes access.

What Could Be Better

The main consideration is the full day’s length, which might be tiring for some. The schedule is tightly planned, with only brief pauses between stops. Also, lunch isn’t included in the tour fee, but the group’s pre-reserved seating makes it seamless. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or a less structured day, this might not be the best fit.

This Northern Rhône Valley wine tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn, travelers wanting an authentic regional experience, and those who enjoy scenic drives and charming villages. If you’re someone who appreciates small wineries and wants insider access, this tour delivers.

It’s also perfect if you prefer a well-organized, guided experience where logistics are handled for you, leaving you free to focus on tasting, learning, and soaking in the views.

In essence, this tour offers a comprehensive, immersive journey into the heart of the Northern Rhône’s famed wine scene. With expert guidance from Justine, you’ll explore a variety of estates—from hillside vineyards to family-run wineries—each adding layers of authenticity and depth to your understanding of Rhône wines.

The scenic drives, combined with high-quality tastings and a delicious lunch, make this experience a fantastic value for those serious about wine or simply wanting to enjoy a memorable day in beautiful surroundings. It’s a tour that balances education with enjoyment, making it a standout option for anyone visiting Lyon interested in France’s wine heritage.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours, starting at 9:00 a.m. and returning to Lyon around 5:45–6:30 p.m.

Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
The focus is on wine tastings, but snacks are provided along the way. Lunch is pre-reserved at a local restaurant; if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to check with the provider beforehand.

How many wineries will we visit?
You’ll visit three wineries in the morning and two more in the afternoon, for a total of five estate visits.

Are tastings included in the price?
Yes, about 12-15 wines are sampled, with fees included in the tour price.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll travel in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with a small group, ensuring comfort and ease of travel.

Who is the guide?
The tour is led by Justine Poncet, a local guide with extensive knowledge of the region, who shares stories and insights throughout the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. Any later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is the group size small?
Yes, a maximum of 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour offers English and French commentary simultaneously, accommodating bilingual travelers.

This guided tour of the Northern Rhône Valley promises an authentic, scenic, and educational day that wine lovers will cherish. Whether you’re after deep insights into Rhône wines or simply want to enjoy some spectacular views and good company, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.