About this tour
This 4.5-hour private tour departs Lyon for the Northern Côtes du Rhône, home to some of France's steepest and oldest terraced vineyards. After a 25-minute drive, you'll visit Vienne and taste wines at two family-run estates, sampling 11–12 wines from the region's prestigious appellations: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, and Saint-Joseph. Your guide brings expertise in both viticulture and local history, with commentary available in English, Spanish, or French.
Highlights
- Terraced vineyards dating to Roman times, steepest in France
- 11–12 wine tastings across two family wineries
- Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, and Saint-Joseph appellations
- Stop in medieval Vienne town
- Private minivan with air-conditioning and knowledgeable guide
- Learn Syrah and Viognier grape histories
What to expect
Your guide collects you for the short minivan ride into the Northern Côtes du Rhône valley. En route, you'll learn how Roman settlers first planted these steep slopes—a feat that shaped European winemaking. In Vienne, a brief wander orients you to the town's architecture before heading to the first estate. Expect unhurried tastings with the vignerons themselves; they'll walk you through their approach to Syrah, Viognier, and blends. The second winery follows a similar rhythm. You'll taste around a dozen wines total, with time to ask questions and linger over bottles that catch your interest. No meal is provided, though the winery owners often recommend local spots.
Good to know
Minimum age for wine-tasting is 18. The terrain is hilly; those with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns should check with their doctor first. Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven vineyard paths. The tour is private, so timing is flexible—discuss preferences with your guide beforehand. Public transport links the region if needed.
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.