Lyon Wine Tasting: Burgundy, Beaujolais & Rhône with Sommelier

Summary

Sample Burgundy, Beaujolais and Rhône wines in Lyon’s historic heart

You’ll sip five regional wines in a sunlit Lyon silk loft with an English-speaking sommelier guiding you through stories and flavors from Burgundy, Beaujolais & Rhône. Nibble local cheese and charcuterie as you learn why Lyon is France’s wine capital—and leave with new friends and maybe even a favorite grape.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about my French pronunciation when we walked into the old silk loft in central Lyon—there’s something about saying “Beaujolais” out loud that makes me second-guess myself. Our sommelier, Camille, just grinned and poured the first glass (a Crémant de Bourgogne, all bubbles and green apple), so I guess she’s heard worse. The place smelled faintly of toasted bread and something floral—maybe the wood beams? There were only eight of us around this long table, which made it feel more like a dinner party than a class.

Camille had this way of talking about wine that didn’t make me feel dumb for not knowing my Syrah from my Gamay. She pointed at the map on the wall—turns out Lyon really does sit right between Burgundy, Beaujolais, and the Northern Rhône. Each wine came with a story: one bottle from a family vineyard where the winemaker still uses his grandfather’s press; another “wild card” that tasted like cherries and something earthy I couldn’t quite name. I tried to repeat the word terroir but probably butchered it—Camille just laughed.

The cheese and charcuterie board was almost too pretty to eat (almost). Salty slices of saucisson, creamy Saint-Marcellin cheese, hunks of baguette—the kind that leaves flour on your fingers. We talked about everything from food markets to how hot Lyon gets in July (the AC in here is no joke). Someone asked if you could actually do a day trip to all these wine regions from Lyon—Camille said you could try, but why bother with all that driving when you can taste them here? That stuck with me. I still think about that last glass from the Northern Rhône—a little smoky, almost peppery—and how everyone went quiet for a second after tasting it. Funny how wine does that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting in Lyon's wine regions

• Arrive at restored 1800s silk loft
• Meet English-speaking sommeliers
• Start tasting with Crémant de Bourgogne
• Taste wines from Beaujolais, Burgundy, Rhône
• Enjoy a wild card wine
• Sample local cheese and charcuterie board
• Learn about grapes and winemaking traditions
• Socialize with up to 10 guests

Top questions

How many wines are included in the Lyon tasting?

The tasting includes five glasses of wine selected from Burgundy, Beaujolais, Northern Rhône and one surprise pick.

Is food included during the wine tasting?

Yes, local cheese, charcuterie and artisan baguette are served alongside the wines.

Where does the Lyon wine tasting take place?

The tasting is hosted in a restored 1800s silk loft in central Lyon.

Are guides English-speaking?

Yes, tastings are led by English-speaking sommeliers.

Can I attend if I have dietary restrictions?

You should contact them at least 24 hours in advance if you have dietary restrictions.

How many people join each session?

The maximum group size is 10 guests per session.

Is transportation provided for this tour?

No transportation is included; however, public transport options are available nearby.

What time do tastings start?

Tastings are offered at 12pm or 4pm daily.

What’s included

Your experience includes five glasses of regional French wine—from Crémant de Bourgogne to reds from Beaujolais and Northern Rhône—served with local cheese, charcuterie and fresh baguette in a historic silk loft setting. An English-speaking sommelier leads your small group tasting; just show up—no driving or prior knowledge needed.