Beaujolais Wine Tour

Pick up this morning at your hotel in Lyon or Lyon airport and head to the bewitching Beaujolais wine country. First stop is in Chasselay, just 20km north of Lyon this tiny village is home to the Guy Lassausaie restaurant and where an incredible welcome lunch will be waiting for you. Current owner and head chef Guy is the fourth generation of his family to lead this, now 2 Michelin starred eatery. You will feast on mouth-watering creations based on typical lyonnaise dishes with an exotic touch, perfectly paired with exquisite wines. After lunch, you will visit some of the most emblematic historic hamlets such as Anse, Oingt or Alix. A local guide will lead you through a great walking tour. Anse, historically important for defense is a fascinating medieval town, highlights include the chapel of Saint Cyprian and its modern spire, which despite only being erected in 2005 fits perfectly in with its ancient surroundings. Oingt proudly holds the “Les Plus Beaux Villages” status; narrow cobblestoned streets are lined with elegant, golden stone houses and magnificently preserved monuments. read more

After a leisurely breakfast, your chauffeur will be waiting to lead you to Château Thivin. Steeped in history, dating back to the 13^th century, you will receive a private VIP tour with friendly hosts Evelyne and Charles Geoffray, who take great pride in sharing their experiences and stellar wines including Côte de Brouilly, Brouilly, Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais roses from Odenas. Some of the most impressive examples of ancient practices, supreme terroir, and modern techniques. All of these fruity wines will undoubtedly have awoken your appetite, and lunch follows at Michelin starred Auberge de Clochemerle. Chef Romain Barthe leads the realm here. The pleasure and pride he takes in enhancing the flavors and textures of “nature’s gifts” as he refers to his raw ingredients are clearly expressed in each dish. Sit back and relax in the convivial and stylish dining room or join Romain and his team at the “host’s table” in the kitchen for an enjoyable behind the scenes experience. read more

You are in for a real treat this morning – a private visit to the gorgeous Château de Javernard. Not only is this one of the most picturesque estates in the region, owner Arthur Fourneau, and friend and business partner, Pierre Prost can be confident that they culture vines on some of the best terroirs of Chiroubles. The resulting wines are the definition of finesse. After a stroll around the stunning grounds, your tasting will include their white Macon-villages, Chiroubles Vielles Vignes and the very special Chiroubles Indigene. It is then just over a half an hour drive to Château de Buffavent; an elegant 16th-century country house surrounded by darling gardens. Admire the luscious vineyards that spread across the rolling hills as far as the eye can see, before sitting down to a wine tasting lunch in the stunning dining room or pretty terrace. Lovingly prepared local delicacies will be perfectly paired with their sumptuous wines. read more

This morning you will visit the esteemed Château des Jacques; steeped in viticultural history and regarded for many years a top Beaujolais producer. This stature was enhanced by further improvements and innovation by owner Louis Jadot and winemaker Guillaume de Castelnau, who has been at the helm since 1996. Dense, concentrated, structured and capable of aging – truly some of the most majestic Beaujolais on the market. After such a scrumptious tasting you will be ready for lunch. Today your table awaits at Japanese/French fusion Michelin starred restaurant; Au 14 Fevrier – true art on a plate. The tasting menu is spectacular, each dish building on the “wow factor”. Such mouth-watering delights might include; “Grilled scallops with smooth egg yolk sauce scented with white truffle” or “Pan-seared duck foie gras wrapped in a red pepper crepe with fennel and mushrooms a la crème. read more

This morning you will have time to visit one more estate; the utterly delightful Chateau de Bellevue for a private tour and tasting. This quaint 19^th century stately home has the prettiest of gardens from which you can look out over the village of Villié-Morgon. The tour will take in the impressive vatting room and cellars and finish with a tasting to include Château de Bellevue – Morgon as well as choice wines from their other estates in Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent and Saint-Amour. Lunch follows at Les Platanes de Chénas, a delicious farmhouse lunch with a gorgeous view. Sit back, relax and savor the tasty regional dishes whilst admiring the stunning landscape from the tree-sheltered terrace. read more