Private Beaujolais Wine Tour

Exploring the Beaujolais wine region through a private tour offers a uniquely intimate and flavorful experience. While the region is famous for its fruity reds, this tour goes well beyond the basics, combining visits to small wineries, tastings of vintage wines, and a memorable picnic in the hills. Led by a WSET3-certified sommelier and accompanied by a professional chauffeur in an electric vehicle, this experience is curated to be both educational and relaxing—perfect for wine lovers who want depth without the crowds.

What I genuinely appreciate about this tour is the opportunity to taste nearly 20 wines from a variety of small wineries—some dating back to the 20th century. The chance to taste wines straight from barrels and discuss nuances with the winemakers adds a layer of authenticity that big commercial tours often miss. Plus, the highlight for many is the luxurious picnic atop scenic heights, where vintages from the 1960s to today are paired with cheeses and seasonal delicacies.

One possible consideration is that the day runs around nine hours, which might be a long time for some, especially if you’re not a dedicated wine enthusiast. Also, while the tour includes all tastings and lunch, travelers should be prepared for a full, sometimes leisurely pace—perfect if you’re in the mood to relax and savor every moment, but perhaps less so if you prefer a quick overview.

Key points / Takeaways

• Expert guidance: Led by a WSET3-certified sommelier, ensuring insightful explanations and answers to all your wine questions.
• Small wineries focus: Visits are to small, artisanal wineries offering authentic, less commercialized experiences.
• Vintage variety: Tasting wines from the 1960s to present day provides a broad perspective on how the Gamay grape has evolved.
• Scenic picnic: The lunch stop in a breathtaking spot offers not only delicious food and wines but also stunning views of the Beaujolais hills.
• Luxury transportation: A private chauffeur in a Tesla or Mercedes E-Class (or larger van for groups) makes the day smooth and comfortable.
• Educational masterclass: The tour provides a rare opportunity for a vintage wine masterclass—a must for those wanting to deepen their wine knowledge.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Entering the Heart of Beaujolais: Your Itinerary Unpacked

The adventure begins around 9:00 am, with pickup from your hotel—no early morning rush, as the flexibility of six pickup locations (Nice, Geneva, Avignon, Lyon, Paris, Beaune) makes it accessible from many points. From there, a short one-hour drive takes you through the rolling hills of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to the first winery. The private driver ensures you can relax and enjoy the scenic ride without worries.

First Stop: Small Wineries and Old Vintages

Your first visit is to a small winery where you’ll tour the vines, walk through the cellar, and taste wines that include some from the 20th century. The focus on small producers makes this a more authentic experience compared to larger commercial wineries. Here, you’ll get the chance to ask your guide, possibly Hugo from JEANGUYOT Wine Agency, all your wine questions, and learn about local viticulture and techniques. Expect to sample around 7-8 wines, some straight from barrels, which offers a rare peek into the winemaker’s craft.

Fleurie and Villié-Morgon: Guided Tours and Tastings

Next, the tour moves to Fleurie and Villié-Morgon, famous for their vibrant, fruity wines and rich terroirs. Guided visits at these wineries deepen your understanding of Gamay’s versatility, with tastings that may include some vintage wines reflecting different decades. The guides here are known for their welcoming nature and knowledge, making these stops both educational and enjoyable.

The Scenic Picnic in the Heights

Around 1:00 pm, you’ll arrive at a spectacular viewpoint for a leisurely picnic. Here, vintage wines from the 1960s to recent years are served alongside a variety of cheeses, seasonal foods, and gourmet products. This part of the day is about savoring the landscape and wines, with plenty of time to relax, chat, and soak in the panoramic views. The wines sampled here span several decades, giving you a taste of how the Gamay grape and Beaujolais style have evolved over time.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Wineries: Juliénas and Limousine

Post-lunch, your journey continues to Juliénas and Limousine, smaller appellations known for their unique expressions of Gamay. At Juliénas, you’ll get another guided tour and tasting, experiencing wines that can be both lively and complex. The last tasting is designed to leave you with a well-rounded impression of Beaujolais’ variety.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

After a final hour-long drive back in your private vehicle, you’ll be dropped off at your original pickup location, often with a new appreciation for French wine and the scenic beauty of the region. The tour ends around 6:00 pm, giving you ample time to reflect on your day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The knowledgeable guides truly make a difference. The fact that Hugo, a wine merchant and WSET3 graduate, joins the tour, ensures you’re not just tasting wine but also gaining insights that enhance your understanding of French viticulture. Several reviews highlight how guides are passionate, engaging, and eager to answer every question—even about vintage specifics or wine pairing tips.

The small-group format (private for your party) guarantees personalized attention, plus the luxury of private transportation in eco-friendly vehicles. This makes the journey comfortable, relaxed, and truly tailored to your pace. The lunch at a gastronomic restaurant and the opportunity to buy wines directly from the producers to ship home adds tangible value.

Price and Value Considerations

While the tour is a full nine hours, the price encompasses all tastings, lunch, transportation, and expert guidance, which is quite a comprehensive package. Compared to larger group tours, the private aspect offers both intimacy and flexibility—ideal if you’re keen on a detailed, less rushed experience. The inclusion of vintage tastings, small wineries, and a masterclass justifies the cost for those genuinely interested in deepening their wine knowledge and enjoying authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits wine enthusiasts, especially those who want to learn more about vintage wines and small French wineries. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate scenic drives and gourmet experiences in a private setting. If you’re seeking a relaxed, educational day with plenty of tastings and a chance to ask all your wine questions in a small group, this tour checks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

The Private Beaujolais Wine Tour offers a balanced blend of education, authenticity, and scenic beauty. Guided by knowledgeable experts, you’ll explore small wineries, taste vintage wines, and enjoy a memorable picnic in a stunning landscape. The private transport, personalized attention, and comprehensive tastings make it a strong choice for serious wine lovers.

If you’re looking for a day that combines learning about Gamay, enjoying vintage wines across decades, and relaxing in the beautiful hills of Beaujolais, this tour delivers on all counts.

For travelers craving an in-depth, authentic experience that emphasizes quality over quantity—without rushing—you’ll find this tour well worth the price. It’s a perfect day trip to deepen your appreciation for French wines and the artistry behind them.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour?
  It lasts about 9 hours, starting around 9:00 am, with pick-up from your hotel and ending around 6:00 pm.

• Are all tastings included?
  Yes, all wine tastings at three wineries, lunch, and vintage tastings are included in the price.

• What transportation is used?
  A private chauffeur drives a Tesla or Mercedes E-Class for groups of two, or a Mercedes V Van for larger parties, ensuring a comfortable ride.

• Can I buy wine during the tour?
  Yes, wines tasted during the day can be purchased and shipped to your home.

• Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
  The focus is on wine tasting, but non-drinkers can still enjoy the scenery and learn from guides.

• How many people are in the tour?
  It’s a private group, so the experience is tailored to your party size.

• Is lunch included?
  Yes, a full lunch with wine pairings at a gastronomic restaurant is part of the tour.

• What language guides are available?
  Guides operate in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, and others.

• How far are the wineries from Lyon or Paris?
  The drive to the first winery is around one hour; from other pickup locations, travel times vary.

• Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
  Just ensure your pickup location is confirmed and be ready to ask all your wine questions—guides love sharing their knowledge!

  You can check availability for your dates here:
  More Great Tours Nearby