Half-Day Cotes du Rhone Private Wine Tour from Lyon

Lyon , France

Half-Day Cotes du Rhone Private Wine Tour from Lyon

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Welcome to the Northern Cotes du Rhone french wine region, homeland of the legendary Syrah (Shiraz) & Viognier grapes varietals!
After a 25 min transfer by minivan, discover along this private half day wine tour from Lyon, one of the oldest and steepest vineyards in the France starting under Roman times! After a stop in Vienne City, do some wine-tasting at two family wineries and enjoy Cote Rotie, Condrieu & St Joseph wines considered among the most prestigious Cotes du Rhone names.

Available options

Half-Day Cotes du Rhone Private Wine Tour from Lyon

Pickup included

What's included

Guiding in English, Spanish & French languages

Expert guide in wine and Lyon region.

Wine tasting included (11/12 wines)

High Comfort vehicle with air-conditionning

Detailed itinerary

En route to the Cotes du Rhone wine region, make stop in Vienne city to enjoy a spectacular view on the 2000 year’s old roman theatre and the stunning panorama on the Rhone Valley. With your Lyon wine guide, learn about "terroir", the geography, Cote Rotie, Condrieu and St Joseph wine appellations.

Cross Ampuis town, the world capital of Shiraz grape and visit "Cote Rotie" vineyards literally "roasted hillside". Drive on the precipitous vertigo inducing terraced slopes of "Cote Brune" and "Cote Blonde" and appreciate the 30 to 60 degree angles hills bathed in sun facing the beautiful Rhône River.

Later drive through Condrieu, birth town of Viognier grape which produces the world famous Cotes du Rhone white wine. The group will get to know its unique story, how this grape varietal almost died a few years ago.

Push the door of a first family Cotes du Rhone winery and enjoy a private tour of the vineyards: learn about the differents operations grape-growers have to realize over the season to get the best possible quality of grape.

Then, go to the picturesque wine-taste room to enjoy 5-6 different Cotes du Rhone wines among them, Cote Rotie, Condrieu, St Joseph crus appellations

Visit a second winery and enjoy a private tour of the winery facilities: learn some secrets about the unique Rhone wine-making savoir-faire and the art of wine barrel aging.

Then, delight yourself with another 5-6 beautiful Cotes du Rhone wines: take time to enjoy the intense aromatic Viognier and the quasi absolute perfection of Syrah (Shiraz) grape in their birth regions

What's not included

No lunch in this tour

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age for wine-tasting is 18 years old in France

Important notes

Private wine tour with visits and wine-tastings included.

Transportation in deluxe vehicle with air-conditioning.

Walking shoes & warm jacket recommended.

Guided tour in English & French and Spanish

If you stay in an hotel located in Lyon City or close suburbs, please wait for your private guide down in the hotel lobby 10 min before tour departure time.

If you stay in an appartment or an house in Lyon city or close suburbs, to ease pick up for your private guide, please be waiting outside in the street at your accommodation address - 10 min before tour departure time. Thank you!

About Lyon

Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is a vibrant blend of Roman history, Renaissance architecture, and modern innovation. Known for its gastronomy, silk weaving heritage, and UNESCO-listed historic sites, Lyon offers a rich cultural experience with a lively atmosphere and stunning landscapes.

Top Attractions

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Vieux Lyon is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance district with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming courtyards. It's one of the most picturesque areas in Lyon and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, €5-€10 for museum entries

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

This stunning basilica sits atop Fourvière Hill and offers panoramic views of Lyon. The basilica is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and a symbol of the city.

Religious 1-2 hours Free entry, €3 for the crypt and treasury

Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

One of the oldest and most prestigious museums in France, the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.

Museum 2-3 hours €10 (free on the first Sunday of the month)

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

This renowned food market is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and gourmet products. It's a great place to sample Lyon's culinary delights.

Food Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary by stall

Parc de la Tête d'Or

This vast urban park is a green oasis in the heart of Lyon, featuring a lake, botanical gardens, a zoo, and plenty of space for picnics and relaxation.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (€5 for boat rental)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Quiche Lyonnaise

A savory tart made with eggs, cream, and lardons (small strips of pork), often served with a side of green salad.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Salade Lyonnaise

A traditional Lyon salad made with frisée lettuce, croutons, lardons, a poached egg, and a Dijon vinaigrette.

Salad Contains pork and eggs

Coq au Vin

A classic French dish of chicken braised in red wine, typically with bacon, mushrooms, and onions.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Cervelle de Canut

A traditional Lyon cheese spread made with fresh cheese, garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian, contains dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in Les Monts du Lyonnais Cycling along the Rhône and Saône rivers Rock climbing and via ferrata in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Parc de la Tête d'Or Boat tours on the Rhône and Saône rivers Enjoying a leisurely meal at a bouchon Exploring the historic sites of Vieux Lyon Visiting the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Lyon, with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city comes alive with outdoor events, cultural activities, and vibrant nightlife.

18°C to 30°C 64°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lyon is generally a safe city for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache

By bus

Lyon Perrache Bus Station, Lyon Part-Dieu Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Lyon Metro consists of four lines (A, B, C, D) and is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Vieux Lyon (Old Town) Presqu'île Croix-Rousse Confluence

Day trips

Beaujolais Wine Region

30 km from Lyon • Half day to full day

The Beaujolais region is famous for its red wines and picturesque vineyards. It's a great destination for wine tastings, scenic drives, and exploring charming villages.

Pérouges

20 km from Lyon • Half day

Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a rich history. It's a great destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Annecy

100 km from Lyon • Full day

Annecy is a picturesque lakeside town in the French Alps, known for its stunning lake, historic old town, and beautiful gardens. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and scenic views.

Festivals

Festival of Lights • Early December Lyon Biennial of Contemporary Art • September to December (every two years) Lyon Jazz Festival • June to July

Pro tips

Visit the Traboules of Vieux Lyon, hidden passageways used by silk merchants in the past, which can still be explored today.
Try local specialties like quiche Lyonnaise, salade Lyonnaise, and coq au vin, and sample the city's renowned wines and cheeses.
Explore the historic sites and attractions of Vieux Lyon, including the Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and the Roman Theatre of Fourvière.
Take a day trip to the Beaujolais wine region, known for its red wines and picturesque vineyards, or visit the charming medieval village of Pérouges.
Attend a performance at the Opéra de Lyon, one of the city's most renowned cultural institutions, or visit the Gadagne Museums for a fascinating look at Lyon's history and the history of puppetry.