Northern Rhône Valley: Wine Tasting Tour & Local Estates

Summary

Meet Rhône winemakers taste Syrah Viognier explore steep vineyards

You’ll ride through steep Rhône vineyards with a local guide, taste up to ten wines at two estates (including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne), meet winemakers who actually shake your hand, snack as you sip, and catch those hillside views that linger in your mind after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how the vines just cling to those steep hills near Chavanay — honestly, I’d seen photos but it’s different when you’re right there. Justine, our guide (she knows everyone, I swear), pointed out the old stone terraces as we rolled past in her Mercedes. The air smelled faintly green, like crushed leaves and something mineral after last night’s rain. We stopped and stepped out — I almost slipped on the wet grass, which made Justine laugh. She told us about how Syrah grows best on these slopes; I tried to remember all the names but mostly just felt small in a good way.

The first tasting was at a family-run estate. The owner shook my hand — his palm was rough, like he’d been in the vines that morning. We tasted four wines; I still think about that first sip of Condrieu, all apricot and something floral I couldn’t name. Someone asked about the difference between Marsanne and Roussanne and Justine explained it so simply — “Marsanne is rounder, Roussanne is sharper,” she said. There were little crackers to nibble between glasses. At one point, Li from our group tried to pronounce “Côte-Rôtie” and everyone burst out laughing (including the winemaker). It felt easy — not formal at all.

We drove again through narrow roads lined with poppies and wild fennel. Second stop was another estate; this one had a view over the river that kind of sneaks up on you when you step outside. The reds here were deeper, more peppery — Justine said that’s classic for this part of the Northern Rhône Valley. She answered every question without making us feel silly for asking (I asked what “AOP” meant twice). By then the sun had come out and everything looked brighter than before.

I didn’t expect to leave feeling so connected to a place just from half a day tasting wine with strangers who didn’t stay strangers for long. On the way back, someone dozed off and someone else took photos out the window. There was this quiet contentment — maybe it was just the wine or maybe it was something about being shown around by someone who really loves where she lives.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Rhône Valley wine tour

• Pass through Rhône Valley villages
• Stop to admire steep vineyards
• First wine tasting near Chavanay
• Taste 4 to 6 wines at first estate
• Visit second wine estate
• Taste 4 to 6 regional wines
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How many wineries do we visit on this Northern Rhône Valley wine tasting tour?

You’ll visit two different wine estates during the tour.

Are tastings included in the price?

Yes, commented tastings of around 8-10 wines are included.

Is transportation provided for this day trip?

Yes, transport is provided in an air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle.

Do we meet actual winemakers during the tour?

Yes, you’ll meet members of the wine estates during your visit.

What grape varieties will we taste?

You’ll taste Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne wines typical of Northern Rhône Valley.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No full lunch is included but snacks are provided during tastings.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Are tours available in English?

Tours are conducted in English or French depending on participants’ needs.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup in an air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with your local guide Justine accompanying you throughout; visits to two Northern Rhône Valley wine estates; meetings with winemakers; guided tastings of 8–10 regional wines including Syrah and Viognier; plus snacks to pair with your sips before returning comfortably to your starting point.