Southern Burgundy Wine Tour – Full Day Shared tour from Lyon

A detailed look at the Southern Burgundy Wine Tour from Lyon

If you’re a wine lover planning a trip to France, a tour through the Southern Burgundy region offers a chance to taste some of the country’s most acclaimed wines while soaking up stunning scenery. This full-day shared experience from Lyon, offered by KANPAI TOURISME, promises an intimate exploration of the Macon and Beaujolais areas, with a focus on authenticity and expert guidance. It’s a well-curated option for anyone eager to deepen their wine knowledge without sacrificing comfort or local flavor.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its small-group format—capped at just eight travelers—ensuring personal attention, plenty of interaction, and space to ask questions. Plus, the itinerary includes visits to family-owned estates and iconic sites like La Roche de Solutré, giving you a genuine taste of the region’s heritage. The only potential drawback? The tour’s start time at 9:00 am means an early rise, but it’s a small price to pay for the value packed into this day.

This experience suits those who prize quality over quantity, want to learn about wine in a relaxed setting, and enjoy scenic drives paired with cultural stops. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or simply curious about Burgundy’s legendary wines, this tour offers a blend of education, breathtaking sights, and tastings that make for a memorable day.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Small groups (max 8) foster personalized attention and a more authentic experience.
• Diverse Tastings: Up to 12 regional wines, including Pouilly Fuissé and Brouilly, offering a broad spectrum of Burgundy’s best.
• Scenic & Cultural Stops: From the granite landscapes of Beaujolais to the historic streets of Cluny, the tour combines wine with scenic beauty.
• Comfortable Transportation: All-inclusive, air-conditioned minivan ensures a smooth ride and relaxed travel.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share insights into wine-making, regional history, and local traditions.
• Flexible & Practical: No hidden costs; lunch isn’t included but there’s a recommended menu option, and tickets are flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An In-Depth Review of the Southern Burgundy Wine Tour

Starting Point & Early Morning Convenience

The tour kicks off at the Lyon Office of Tourism and Congress on Bellecour Square, a central and easily accessible meeting point. At 8:50 am, your guide—fluent in both English and French—meets you for a quick briefing before boarding a cozy, air-conditioned minivan. The early start might be a challenge for some, but it pays off by giving you a full day of exploration, avoiding the late-afternoon rush or crowds.

Scenic Drive & Beaujolais’s Granite Landscapes

A 40-minute ride north from Lyon transports you to the heart of Beaujolais. This part of the trip is more than just transportation—it’s a preview of the region’s beautiful landscapes and distinctive granite terroirs. One of the first stops is Moulin-à-Vent, a famous village and vineyard site where you can snap photos and appreciate the rugged beauty of the land. Here, your guide shares insights into the Gamay grape, which thrives in this rocky soil and produces the light, fruity reds that Burgundy is renowned for.

Reviewers mention the breathtaking scenery as a highlight, with one noting that the landscapes and granite formations are truly “spectacular.” This stop also sets the tone for understanding how geography influences flavor profiles in Burgundy wines.

Exploring Macon & Pouilly-Fuissé

Following Beaujolais, the journey continues towards Macon, a region celebrated for its Chardonnay. Around 10:45 am, you arrive at a family-owned estate in Fuissé—a place that combines tradition with passion. Here, you’ll learn about wine-making techniques, aging in barrels, and the delicate balance of finesse and freshness in Burgundian whites.

The guided tasting includes Pouilly-Fuissé wines, a renowned appellation known for its elegant, slightly oaked whites. Comments from previous visitors highlight the balanced, crisp, and slightly oak-infused flavors, which truly showcase the craftsmanship behind these wines. One reviewer remarked that the wines were “perfectly balanced,” and felt a finesse that’s unique to this region.

La Roche de Solutré & Natural Wonders

Next, you’ll visit La Roche de Solutré, a towering limestone formation that dominates the landscape. This site isn’t just scenic; it’s archaeological, listed as a major Palaeolithic site. Travelers often describe the view as “imposing and awe-inspiring,” with some mentioning it’s perfect for photography and soaking in the natural beauty. It’s a brief stop—around 10 minutes—but it adds a dramatic touch to the day’s mix of nature and wine.

Discovering Cluny’s Historic Charm

Midday, the tour takes you into Cluny, a town famed for its ancient abbey and medieval streets. This part of the day offers a change of pace—strolling through historical lanes, soaking up the atmosphere, and perhaps sampling some local cuisine. While a full meal isn’t included, the suggested menus (around €24) are a delicious way to enjoy regional specialties like beef bourguignon.

One reviewer loved this part of the trip, describing it as “a perfect blend of food, history, and local charm.” The time in Cluny (about 1.5 hours) allows enough space to explore without feeling rushed, making it ideal for history buffs and culture lovers alike.

Visiting La Roche-Vineuse & Wine Tasting

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting a charming Burgundy chateau in La Roche-Vineuse. Here, you’ll explore vaulted cellars and taste six more wines—mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The atmosphere is described as friendly and relaxed, perfect for sampling wines like reds with aromatic complexity and whites with fruity bouquets, as noted in reviews.

Many find this part of the experience particularly rewarding because it combines the scenic countryside with hands-on tastings, plus a chance to ask questions about wine production. One reviewer mentioned that the wines here had a beautiful length on the palate and were characterized by aromatic complexity, making it clear this estate takes pride in their craft.

The Sum Up of the Day & Practicalities

After a full day of tasting, sightseeing, and learning, the tour concludes back at the original meeting point in Lyon. The total duration is approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, making it a well-paced trip that balances activity with leisure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The small-group size is perhaps the biggest advantage, allowing the guide to tailor the experience and give personal attention. The variety of stops—from scenic landscapes and prehistoric sites to historic towns and family-run wineries—ensures you get a well-rounded impression of Southern Burgundy. The tastings are generous, with 11-12 wines to try, covering both reds and whites, and the fact that these are from renowned appellations like Pouilly-Fuissé makes this a valuable experience for wine enthusiasts.

The comfortable transportation ensures a relaxed journey, and the inclusion of English-speaking guides helps demystify wine-making processes and regional history, making each stop informative as well as enjoyable.

Price & Value

At $166.23 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the all-inclusive transportation, multiple tastings, and personalized attention. The price encompasses not just the wine but also the skilled guidance and scenic drives—elements that truly elevate the experience beyond just a tasting session.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who have a genuine interest in wine, enjoy scenic drives, and appreciate small-group settings. It’s ideal if you want to avoid large bus tours, gain insights from knowledgeable guides, and experience authentic regional sights. Food lovers will also find the stops in Cluny and the wine tastings a satisfying complement to the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there are local restaurant options available. The recommended menu costs around €20, with regional dishes like beef bourguignon.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, including all stops, tastings, and travel time.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience with personalized attention.

Are the tastings guided?
Yes, the guide provides insights into each wine, sharing details about the region, grape varieties, and wine-making techniques.

Is transportation comfortable?
Absolutely. The tour includes an air-conditioned minivan that offers a relaxed way to travel between sites.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
While tastings are central to the experience, non-drinkers can enjoy the scenic stops and learn about wine-making. Food options are not included, so dietary considerations should be planned accordingly.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for strolling through villages and sites. Bringing a small camera, water, and layers for varying weather conditions is also advised.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, giving you flexibility in planning.

Is the tour available year-round?
While the specific schedule isn’t detailed, the tour is likely offered seasonally, with the best experience during milder months when outdoor sightseeing is more enjoyable.

Final thoughts

The Southern Burgundy Wine Tour from Lyon combines several ingredients that make for a memorable day: expert guides, scenic drives, authentic wine tastings, and cultural stops. Its small-group format ensures a personalized, immersive experience, perfect for those eager to explore Burgundy’s wines beyond just drinking—learning about their origins, production, and regional nuances.

While it involves some early mornings and a full schedule, the payoff is a well-rounded, enjoyable day that brings the best of Southern Burgundy right to your palate and eyes. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy combining education, scenery, and excellent wine in a relaxed, friendly setting.

If you’re looking for a genuine, comprehensive introduction to Burgundy’s wine culture without the fuss of large tours, this experience offers a fantastic balance of value, authenticity, and fun.