About this tour
Spend a full day exploring the steep-sided vineyards of the Northern Côtes du Rhône, where terraced slopes drop dramatically to the river below. This small-group tour from Lyon visits three working estates to taste around 16–18 wines, focusing on the Syrah and Viognier varieties that thrive in this challenging terrain. You'll see how generations of growers have shaped the landscape into one of France's most distinctive wine regions.
Highlights
- Taste 16–18 wines across three family-run estates
- Navigate vertigo-inducing terraced vineyards of Côte Rotie
- Learn Viognier production in Condrieu, its spiritual home
- Travel by air-conditioned minibus from Lyon
- Small group keeps pace intimate and unhurried
- Bilingual guide (English and French throughout)
What to expect
You'll depart Lyon mid-morning and head north into river-carved valleys where vineyards cling to near-vertical slopes. Each winery stop involves walking through working terraces and tasting directly with growers or their teams. Expect a mix of older, traditional cellars and modern production spaces. The pace is leisurely—you're not rushing between sites, and each tasting sits for 30–45 minutes. The final stop typically wraps by mid-afternoon, allowing time for a final glass before the drive back.
Good to know
Lunch isn't provided; plan to eat in a village between tastings or bring supplies. The terrain is genuinely steep in places, and sensible shoes are essential. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns. Public transport runs nearby if you prefer not to use the minibus.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.