Tastings and private guided tour SOUTH BURGUNDY: Le Maconnais

A Complete Guide to the South Burgundy: Le Maconnais Private Wine Tour

If you’re craving an authentic, relaxed day exploring some of France’s most esteemed vineyards, this private tour from Lyon to South Burgundy offers just that. Focusing on the Beaujolais and Mâconnais regions, the experience combines scenic drives, intimate tastings, and a taste of local life. With visits to family-run estates and opportunities to taste notable wines like Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint Véran, Morgon, and Fleurie, this tour promises a well-rounded journey into Burgundy’s viticulture.

What we love about this experience is the expertly curated itinerary — it balances educational moments with leisurely enjoyment. The luxury Mercedes vehicle ensures comfort throughout, and the guide’s passion and knowledge shine through, making the day both insightful and fun. On the flip side, it’s a full-day outing, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a longer adventure and eager to indulge in wine and regional cuisine.

One potential drawback? The cost of nearly $940 per person may seem steep for some, but consider that it includes around 10-12 wine tastings, private guide service, and transportation. For wine lovers and those looking for a personalized, immersive experience in France’s wine country, this tour offers excellent value. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, educational day with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn from passionate locals.

Key Points

• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable, passionate guides enhance the experience.
• Diverse tastings: Multiple wine regions and crus are explored, offering a broad taste of Burgundy wines.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning vineyard vistas and panoramic views.
• Comfortable transport: A luxury vehicle makes the day smooth and relaxing.
• Local cuisine: A regional lunch is included, pairing well with the wines.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Exploring South Burgundy: The Itinerary in Detail

This tour’s itinerary strikes a thoughtful balance between wine exploration, scenic beauty, and regional culture. Covering approximately eight hours, it’s a full but relaxed day designed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed.

Departure from Lyon and the Journey North

Your day begins at 9:00 am, leaving promptly from Lyon. The drive north towards the Mâconnais region offers a scenic introduction — you’ll pass the hills of the central massif, which are the backbone of the Burgundy vineyards. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes, the small group (private tour) means less crowding and a more intimate atmosphere.

Stop 1: Fuisse and Roche de Solutré

Your first stop is Fuisse, where you can soak in views of the Roche de Solutré, a limestone landmark that provides a stunning backdrop to the vineyards. Here, the guide shares insights into the vine cycle throughout the year, enhancing your understanding of how Burgundy’s climate and terrain influence the grapes.

While the stop is brief — about 20 minutes — it’s enough for some striking photos and a quick chat about the region’s natural beauty. The Roche de Solutré is a UNESCO-listed site, so you’ll find it’s worth the time for both the vistas and the history.

Vineyards and Cellar Visits: The Heart of the Day

The third stop is at a winery on the way to Fuissé, where you’ll get a guided tour of the cellar. This is where the magic of winemaking really comes alive. You’ll learn about the different stages of vinification and aging, adding valuable context to your tastings.

This visit includes sampling five wines, including Pouilly-Fuissé or Saint Véran, both of which showcase the region’s signature Chardonnay grapes. Reviewers have highlighted the quality of these tastings, with one noting the “superb selection of meticulously chosen wines,” and describing the experience as “an incredible guide super friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the region.”

Exploring Chaintre and the Maconnais Cru Wines

Next, the tour heads to Chaintre near Saint Amour, where you’ll taste four or five more wines. This part of the day emphasizes Burgundy’s Gamay and Chardonnay varieties. The focus here is on understanding the differences among the crus like Fleurie and Morgon, which are known for their distinctive flavors and aging potential.

The guide’s storytelling — sharing anecdotes and regional insights — really enriches these tastings. One reviewer appreciated the “good humor and knowledge” of the guide, making each wine tasting lively and memorable.

Lunch: Savoring Regional Flavors

Midday, the tour pauses for a delicious regional lunch, typically at a local restaurant. You can opt for a menu starting around €25, with regional dishes that pair beautifully with Burgundy wines. The meal gives you a welcome break and a chance to relax, chat about what you’ve seen, and digest all the tastings so far.

While the cost of lunch isn’t included in the tour price, the opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine with local wines adds great value, offering a genuine taste of Burgundy’s culinary culture.

Afternoon: Cru Wineries of Morgon and Moulin à Vent

Post-lunch, your journey continues with visits to a winery in Villie-Morgon, exploring crus like Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Brouilly, and Régnié. These wines are especially praised for their depth and aging potential, and one reviewer described the experience as “drinking his words and the superb selection of meticulously selected wine.”

The guide fosters understanding of how terroir influences flavor and style, making these tastings both educational and enjoyable. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Burgundy’s diverse wine landscape.

Return to Lyon

By approximately 5 pm, the tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to Lyon. The journey allows for reflection on what you’ve learned, tasted, and seen during the day — a satisfying end to a comprehensive wine adventure.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience a cut above many group tastings or self-guided visits is the personalized attention and the depth of knowledge shared by the guide, Justine, who has received glowing praise from past travelers. One reviewer called her “an incredible guide super friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate,” and her anecdotes made the day come alive.

The scenic stops like Roche de Solutré and the vineyard vistas are a highlight, giving you fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of place. The variety of wines tasted — from white Chardonnays to bold reds — ensures you’ll leave with a well-rounded understanding of Burgundy’s offerings.

The luxury transportation ensures comfort and convenience, making the long day feel effortless. And the inclusion of about 10-12 tastings, with meetup and commentary, means you get great value for the $939 price tag.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Burgundy’s different crus and grape varieties. It also suits those who appreciate a luxurious, private experience with personalized attention. Food lovers will enjoy the regional lunch pairing, and scenic lovers will appreciate the breathtaking views along the way.

Travelers looking for a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and flavor will find this tour hits the spot. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity, and who want to avoid the hassle of planning transport or winery visits themselves.

FAQs

How early should I book this tour?
Most travelers book around 42 days in advance, which helps secure your preferred date and ensures availability, especially during peak seasons.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides a private Mercedes vehicle, which is air-conditioned and comfortable for the entire day.

What’s the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup in Lyon to return.

Are tastings included in the price?
Yes, you’ll enjoy around 10-12 wines with tasting fees covered, and the guide will add commentary throughout.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if plans change.

Is lunch included?
No, the lunch is not included in the price but is available at a nearby restaurant starting from €25 per person.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
You should inform the provider ahead of time; most regional restaurants can accommodate dietary needs.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on wine tasting, the scenic drives and cultural stops are suitable for most age groups, but tastings are aimed at adults.

What type of wines will I taste?
The tour features white wines like Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint Véran, and red wines from the Crus du Beaujolais such as Morgon and Fleurie.

Final Thoughts

This private wine tour from Lyon to South Burgundy offers a richly immersive experience that balances education, scenic beauty, and exceptional wines. The personalized approach, guided by passionate professionals, transforms a simple tasting into a storytelling journey through Burgundy’s terroirs.

Ideal for wine lovers, foodies, and those seeking a touch of luxury in their tasting adventures, it’s a perfect way to deepen your appreciation of France’s most celebrated wine regions. While the price might be on the higher side, the quality of tastings, comfort, and in-depth learning make it a worthwhile investment for a memorable day.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in your curiosity about Burgundy’s wines, this tour promises a comprehensive, authentic, and enjoyable experience.