Travel bucket list idea:
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
The hugely well-known wines of the Beaujolais region are produced northwest of Lyon. The vineyards are set in 14,500 hectares of beautiful hills west of the Saone, in 12 appellations. Many of the wine villages are stunning and well worth a visit alongside the wineries themselves.
The best-known wine areas, such as Fleury, Brouilly or Morgon lie in the north, but the vine-growing areas to the south almost surpass them in beauty. The vineyards are utterly stunning and the area blissfully unspoiled, despite Beaujolais’s famous name.
The official website documents a 140km circular wine route, through the main wine region’s attractions, and a number of lovely routes for walking and cycling.
There are several good wine museums too across the area, including the popular Le Hameau Duboeuf in Romaneche-Thorins. La Maison du Terroir Beaujolais in Beaujeu is also good, one of several smaller poles oenologiques (wine centres). They have exhibitions, tastings, a wine shop and even bike hire, so that you can pedal out into the surrounding vineyards.
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
The Beaujolais wine harvest festival (every 3rd Thursday in November) brings boozy and foodie events to cafes, restaurants and wineries all around Lyon, with some celebrations spilling into the street.
Good for age: 18+
Duration: 1 day
When: 3rd Thursday in Nov
Freq: annually
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
Book ahead for tastings at this 18th-century castle known for rose-petal-pink Cuvee Rosana rose, with notes of berries, and Juienas Cuvee le Clos, a deep red with notes of liquorice that goes well with red meats.
Good for age: 19+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
This lovely winery, with vines nestled on a church-topped hillside and views over the village of Chiroubles, makes excellent red, white and rose Beaujolais wines, including a surprising dark-pink sparkling wine, with sweet fruits notes.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
You can just turn up to this excellent vineyard in the Brouilly region, famed for its berry-red 3 Madones wine, which goes well with duck or lamb, and its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne, which gives Champagne a run for its money.
Good for age: 18+
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France
Experience
A vast theme park dedicated to wine production, with interactive attractions, a wine-making centre and an educational wine village as well restaurants and tasting opportunities.
Adult price: £16
Good for age: 18+
The region is a 3-minute drive from the city of Lyon. Organised tours are available through the Lyon tourist office website, or with specialist operators (see our recommendations below).
If you want to tour the vineyards independently by (hire) car, allow half a day or more and follow the Beaujolais wine route, which is clearly signposted and works in tandem with free downloadable route maps. Check the maps to see which vineyards require you to book in advance. Not all do.
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