About this tour
A nine-hour private tour through the Rhône Valley's wine country south of Lyon, combining vineyard visits with chocolate tasting. Start at a family-owned winery in Tain l'Hermitage to learn winemaking techniques and sample Crozes Hermitage and Saint Joseph wines. After lunch (your own), explore the Cité du Chocolat's interactive exhibits on Valrhona's chocolate craft. Finish among Côte Rôtie's steep terraces, tasting Syrah and Viognier at another family estate. Hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport included throughout.
Highlights
- Family vineyard tour with barrel-ageing explanations in Tain l'Hermitage
- Taste Crozes Hermitage and Saint Joseph from the source
- Optional panorama from Hermitage Hill viewpoint
- Cité du Chocolat hands-on chocolate-making experience
- Côte Rôtie terraced vineyards and Syrah/Viognier tastings
- Private minivan with professional guide and driver
What to expect
Your day begins with hotel collection and a drive into the southern Rhône's wine region. At the first estate, expect a walkthrough of production methods—from vineyard to barrel—followed by tasting two distinct wine styles. You'll have free time for lunch in Tain l'Hermitage (bring cash or check venues ahead). The Cité du Chocolat session shows how cocoa transforms into chocolate; it's interactive but compact. Afterwards, you'll head uphill to Côte Rôtie's dramatic slopes and another tasting. Throughout, your guide explains terroir and production philosophy rather than pushing sales.
Good to know
Bring a reusable water bottle for refilling. Wear comfortable shoes for vineyard walking and modest footwear (no open toes) at some estates. Lunch is not included; budget accordingly. Under-18s cannot taste wine legally. The tour suits all fitness levels but involves some gentle slopes.
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.