Beaujolais Wine Discovery: Private Half-Day Tour from Lyon

Summary

Explore Oingt & Southern Beaujolais Vineyards on a Private Tour

You’ll wander golden-stone villages, meet local winemakers, taste eight unique Beaujolais wines—including sparkling—and soak up real stories behind every glass. This private tour is relaxed but packed with discoveries you won’t find on your own.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Lyon only took about half an hour, but it felt like we’d landed in another world—rolling hills, vineyards everywhere, and those golden stone villages that almost glow if the sun’s out. Our guide, Claire, called this area the “Small French Tuscany,” and honestly, I get why. We stopped in Bagnols for a quick look—there’s this spot where you can see the whole valley spread out below you. The air smelled faintly of earth and wildflowers; even in early spring, it was mild enough to walk around without a jacket.

Oingt was next—a tiny medieval town with winding lanes and yellow stone houses. It’s officially one of France’s prettiest villages (Claire had the list handy), but it didn’t feel touristy at all. Local artists have little shops tucked into corners; I picked up a handmade ceramic cup from a guy named Luc who chatted about his kiln while we browsed. As we wandered, Claire explained how Beaujolais’ soil and hills make its wines so different from others in France.

The real highlight? Tasting at two family-run wineries. First stop: sparkling white and rosé Beaujolais—something I’d never tried before. The winemaker showed us how to swirl and sniff properly (I always thought I looked silly doing that). We learned about French wine labels—what “cru” means versus “villages.” At the second winery, we met Madame Girard, who walked us through her cellar and explained “semi-carbonic maceration”—basically, they pick grapes by hand and don’t crush them right away. You could smell yeast and oak in the caveau as we tasted several reds; each one had its own story. On the way back to Lyon, everyone was quiet—maybe just enjoying that mellow post-wine feeling or watching the light fade over the vineyards.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beaujolais Wine and Villages Tour

• Drive to southern Beaujolais region
• Visit Oingt medieval town and explore streets
• Wine tasting at two wineries and learn wine making

Top questions

Is this wine tour suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The guide explains everything step by step—from tasting basics to wine classifications—so no experience needed.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, kids are welcome. There are infant seats available and space for strollers or prams in the minivan.

How many wines will we taste?

You’ll try eight different wines across two wineries—sparkling, white, rosé, and red Beaujolais varieties.

Are there stops for photos or breaks?

Yes! There are scenic stops in Bagnols for panoramic views and time to stroll through Oingt’s streets at your own pace.

What’s included

Your private tour includes transport from Lyon in a deluxe Mercedes minivan, guided visits to Oingt and Bagnols, tastings of eight wines at two welcoming wineries (sparkling, white, rosé & red), plus plenty of local stories along the way. Infant seats are available if you need them.