Côte du Rhône wine tour and tastings from Lyon

Full-day Côte du Rhône wine tour from Lyon with wine tastings, vineyard visits and expert guidance across Northern Rhône Valley estates.

The Côte du Rhône wine tour is a full-day experience departing from Lyon. It offers a detailed exploration of the Northern Rhône Valley, a region known for its structured red and aromatic white wines. This tour focuses on visiting historic vineyards, tasting several local varieties, and understanding the winemaking process. Participants are guided by a wine expert throughout the day.

This wine tour includes visits to renowned areas such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph and Hermitage. These sites are known for producing some of the most respected wines in the Rhône Valley. The landscapes consist of steep terraced hills and vineyards stretching across the riverbanks. Wine tastings include up to 10 varieties in two separate wineries, offering a clear view of the diversity of the local terroirs.

This activity is designed for small groups and is operated in a comfortable minivan. It includes pick-up and drop-off from a central location in Lyon. Participants can enjoy regional cuisine at a local restaurant during a lunch break (not included in the price). The tour combines wine education, scenic beauty and tasting sessions in a structured and informative format.

Where and When

Location

The wine tour takes place in the Northern Rhône Valley, about 50 km (31 miles) south of Lyon. The main wine areas covered include Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. These appellations are known for Syrah-based red wines and Viognier white wines.

Schedule

The Côte du Rhône wine tour runs regularly from spring to autumn. Most departures take place from April to October. Tours start in the morning around 9:00 and finish around 18:00. Departure and return are from a central meeting point in Lyon.

The experience

Morning: Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu

The day starts with a drive to the Côte-Rôtie vineyards. These steep slopes offer panoramic views of the Rhône River. The vines are mainly Syrah with some Viognier. A guided walk through the vineyards is included, followed by the first wine tasting at a local winery. You will sample 5 to 6 wines from Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph and Condrieu. A local expert will explain how the soil, slope and grape varieties influence the wine profiles.

Lunch break

Lunch is at your own expense. The guide recommends a local restaurant serving regional dishes that match well with the wines. Typical dishes may include lentils with sausage, goat cheese salads or poultry cooked in wine sauce. Average price for lunch is around €25 (£21 / $27).

Afternoon: Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage

In the afternoon, the tour continues to Hermitage, located on the opposite side of the Rhône River. The landscape includes a hill with south-facing slopes covered in Syrah and Marsanne vines. A stop is made at the Hermitage hill Belvedere viewpoint. Then, you visit another winery for a second tasting session. This includes 5 to 6 additional wines from Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage AOC. These are structured reds with notes of red fruit, spices and floral hints.

Throughout the day, the guide offers explanations about local wine history, production methods and market trends. The focus remains on tasting and learning rather than large group presentations.

The vehicle

Transport is provided in a modern minivan with air conditioning and ample space. The vehicle seats up to 8 passengers. Travel time between locations is about 30 to 45 minutes. The minivan allows access to narrow vineyard roads and provides a more direct route between tasting sites.

Benefits of the experience

• Clear overview of Côte du Rhône wine production from vine to glass
• Tasting of 10 to 12 wine varieties from top Northern Rhône appellations
• Direct contact with local producers in small, family-owned wineries
• Educational insights into wine styles, grape varieties and terroirs
• Access to remote scenic spots, often unavailable on standard tours
• Flexible format with a mix of guided tasting and free time for questions

This experience suits wine enthusiasts seeking a structured and informative day with moderate travel. It also provides an opportunity to purchase wines directly from producers at cellar prices.

Conditions and restrictions

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Group size: Maximum 8 people – the group can be privatized.
• Tour language: English or French
• Lunch not included – can be included on request
• Comfortable walking shoes recommended
• Not suitable for people with mobility issues (steep vineyard paths)
• Wine purchases not included in the price
• Not accessible to wheelchairs
• Reservation required at least 48 hours in advance

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