Beaujolais Wine Tour from Lyon: Golden Villages & Tastings

Summary

Golden Beaujolais hills, wine tastings and medieval Oingt village

You’ll ride out from Lyon into Beaujolais’ glowing hills with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Wander medieval Oingt’s quiet lanes, taste estate wines with a friendly winemaker near Belleville, and snack on local pastries and charcuterie. Expect laughter, new flavors, and that soft gold light everywhere—plus pickup and transport sorted so you can just take it all in.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through those rolling Beaujolais hills before I’d even finished my coffee — the minivan windows catching bits of early sun on the golden stone houses. Our guide, Jean, kept pointing out these little details: shutters painted that deep green you only see in France, a baker’s van parked crooked by a vineyard. There was this earthy smell in the air, kind of like warm bread and wet grass. I remember thinking, “Okay, this is nothing like the city.”

The first stop was Oingt — I still can’t pronounce it right — where we wandered narrow lanes between honey-colored walls. There’s something about the way light bounces off those stones that makes everything look softer. Jean told us stories about medieval traders and pointed out an old carving above a doorway (I missed half his words because a cat darted past and everyone laughed). It’s not huge, but you could get lost in those alleys if you tried.

Later we met Luc, the winemaker at his family’s place outside Belleville. He poured us two glasses — one bright and almost peppery, the other deeper — while explaining how each patch of land changes the taste. We had slices of saucisson and this flaky pastry I can’t remember the name of (something with pralines?). The room smelled like barrels and sweet must. Luc grinned when I guessed which wine came from his oldest vines — got it wrong, obviously. But he said most people do.

I keep thinking about that drive back to Lyon: fields sliding by, everyone a bit quieter than before. Maybe it was just the wine or maybe it was that feeling you get when you’ve seen something gentle and real for a few hours. Hard to say.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beaujolais wine tour and tastings

• Visit medieval golden stone village
• Enjoy wine tasting in vineyards
• Discover Beaujolais scenic landscapes
• Meet winemaker at family winery
• Taste estate wines with local mâchon

Top questions

How long is the Beaujolais wine tour from Lyon?

The tour is a day trip departing from Lyon with several stops in southern Beaujolais including Oingt and Belleville.

Is transport included in this Beaujolais wine tasting tour?

Yes, transport by air-conditioned minivan is included along with pickup.

Do we visit any villages during the day trip?

Yes, there’s time to explore Oingt—a 12th-century hilltop village known for its golden stone streets.

Are food tastings part of this Beaujolais tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy local pastries as well as a traditional Lyon “mâchon” with cold meats and cheeses during your winery visit.

Will we meet a local winemaker on this tour?

You’ll visit a family-owned winery near Belleville where the winemaker hosts your tasting session.

Is wine tasting included for all guests?

Wine tasting is included but only for guests aged 18 or older; minors are not permitted to drink alcohol by French law.

Is this Beaujolais wine tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional driver-guide speaks French and English; check ahead if you need another language.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Lyon by air-conditioned minivan with your driver-guide leading through southern Beaujolais’ scenic villages. You’ll have guided walks in Oingt, an introduction to wine tasting amid vineyards near Belleville, two estate wines paired with pastries, plus a traditional mâchon lunch of local meats and cheeses at a family winery before heading back to Lyon together.