Beaujolais, France Best Wine Tours & Tastings

Beaujolais, an emblematic wine region, is pleasant to visit all year round thanks to its temperate climate. Certain periods stand out and are particularly favorable for making the most of your stay.

In spring, the Beaujolais vines begin to bud. Discover landscapes full of greenery between March and May. During this time, the mild temperatures are ideal for hiking in the vineyards and participating in outdoor wine tastings.

During the summer season, many festive events around the wine world take place. The summer months are the most lively, the temperatures are warm and the evenings very pleasant. In July, take part in “La Fête des Crus du Beaujolais” and take part in wine tastings on the terrace. Many wine lovers gather each year around tastings, concerts and various events. Why not you ?

In autumn, from September to November, take part in the grape harvest, as this is when the grape harvest takes place. You can also take part in festivities, such as the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration in November. Did you know ? More than 100 festivals linked to Beaujolais Nouveau are organized in the region. The most famous festival is that of Sarmentelles, it takes place in Beaujeu. The winner of the annual tasting competition wins his weight in wine!

Visit the wine estates and wine cellars of Beaujolais. This early wine exists under two appellations: the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée Beaujolais, and the Beaujolais-village Appellation. Every year, this wine goes on sale worldwide, starting on the third Thursday in November. This light and delicate red wine is (very) easy to drink.

Even in winter, the region retains all its charm. Cellars and wineries remain open, offering tastings by the fire. This is also the time of year when crowds are lower: ideal for a relaxing getaway

The Beaujolais vineyards are renowned for their quality and diversity. There are productions of red wines, but also rosés and white wines.

A brief overview of the main types of wines that you can discover during your cellar visit in Beaujolais:

Red Wines:

• Beaujolais Nouveau : Famous for its annual release in November, marking the end of the harvest, this light and fruity wine is intended to be consumed young. A wine suitable for a festive tasting.
• Beaujolais Villages : Produced in 38 villages in the region, these wines offer more complexity and depth compared to Beaujolais Nouveau. They include fruity notes like cherry, raspberry and sometimes even spices.

The 10 Crus du Beaujolais: These crus represent the peak of Beaujolais production. A cellar visit in Beaujolais allows you to discover these subtle differences. Each of them has a unique character, which ranges from light and floral wines to more robust and structured wines. To name a few, you can find vintages from Beaujolais controlled appellations, such as Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent or even Brouilly.

White Wines:

• Beaujolais Blanc : Less famous than the reds, Beaujolais Blanc is made from Chardonnay. These wines are fresh, with aromas of white flowers, peach and apple. Take part in a refreshing experience tasting a Beaujolais Blanc during a Beaujolais cellar tour.

Rosé wines:

• Beaujolais Rosé : Produced from the Gamay grape variety, like the reds, but with a different vinification. Beaujolais rosés are Light and fruity, Beaujolais rosés are perfect for summer tasting.

The main grape varieties used in Beaujolais are:

• Gamay : This is the king grape variety for red and rosé wines. It gives wines with aromas of red fruits, violets, and sometimes spices.
• Chardonnay : Used for white wines, it produces wines of beautiful freshness, thanks to its floral and fruity aromas.

By visiting a cellar in Beaujolais, you will have the opportunity to discover these different wines, each of them reflecting the diversity of the terroirs and the know-how of local winegrowers. Whether you are a fan of fruity red wines, elegant whites or refreshing rosés, Beaujolais has something to satisfy every palate.

Beaujolais is an ideal destination for a wine getaway, whether for a day or a weekend. The region offers a multitude of activities to discover its wines, its heritage and its magnificent landscapes. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your stay.

For a day in Beaujolais, go to Villefranche-sur-Saône, the historic capital of the region. Stroll through the city center and be amazed by its medieval architecture and charming streets.

After a cultural morning, head to a winery for a gourmet lunch. Many estates offer meals accompanied by tastings of their wines. Take the opportunity to savor local dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal produce.

In the afternoon, take the Golden Stones route, considered by many to be French Tuscany. Visit the villages of Oingt and Ternand, built in golden stone. This stone brings a warm and welcoming color to homes. Each village has its own cellars open to visitors, perfect for continuing your wine exploration with a cellar visit in Beaujolais.

Finally, end your day with a stroll in the vineyards, on foot or by bike. Let yourself be seduced by these hilly landscapes and stop at an estate for a last tasting of the day. Some of them offer guided tours of the vineyards, to learn more about the different grape varieties and terroirs of the region.

If you want to spend a whole weekend in Beaujolais, you could also discover the wines of Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly. These cellar tours will allow you to learn more about the winemaking process, while tasting typical wines from the region. Or explore the wines of northern Beaujolais. The wine villages of Morgon, Chiroubles and Fleurie are ideal for discovering the particularities of each vintage.

The Beaujolais wine route winds through the vineyards and picturesque villages of the region. It is divided into several thematic itineraries, each allowing you to discover part of the Beaujolais wines.

To discover it, go to the vineyards of Villefranche-sur-Saône and Beaujeu. The thousands of hectares of vines bordered by the Saône are waiting for you! You can taste certain vintages directly in the cellar, and learn everything about the production and history of Beaujolais. With the help of a guide, or directly with the winegrower, you have the opportunity to discover the best Beaujolais wine experiences in just a few clicks on Winalist.

Whether you choose a cellar visit in Beaujolais, a tasting on a terrace, or a hike in the vineyards, each activity will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of this unique wine region.

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• The duration of the experience: The longer the visit and tasting, the higher the cost.
• The type of visit: Visit to a cellar, wine estate, or distillery.
• The presence of a guide: A tour guided by an expert, especially over a half or full day, can increase the price.
• Services included: Premium tastings, number of wines tasted, and additional activities such as wine workshops or meals.