Northern Cotes du Rhone wine tour

Morning

Vienne City and Côte Rotie Vineyards

At 9:00 am, your 8-seater minibus leaves Place Bellecour in Lyon to the Northern Cotes du Rhone region.

Start this full day wine tour in Vienne city with a stunning panorama on the Rhone valley from Notre Dame de Pipet Mount. With your guide, be introduced to the different grapes varietals of the Northern Cotes du Rhone, the crus wine appellations and the philosophy of the region relying on "terroir".

Take time also to admire the spectacular old roman theatre as you guide tell you about the fascinating history of the wines from Vienne which were famous in Roma, 22 centuries ago.

Then, cross Ampuis town, the world capital of Syrah and visit "Cote Rotie" vineyards literally "roasted hillside". Drive on the precipitous vertigo inducing terraced slopes of "Cote Brune" and "Cote Blonde" and appreciate the 30 to 60 degree angles hills bathed in sun facing the beautiful Rhône River.

Around 10:45 am, visit a first winery and learn some secrets about the Rhone wine-making savoir-faire. Walk through the barrels room and talk about the art of aging wine. Then go to the wine-tasting room and taste 3 white and red wines including Condrieu, white & red St Joseph and Cote Rotie appellations.

Lunch

Lunch in a Cotes du Rhone Restaurant

Delight yourself with a delicious meal in a local restaurant which serves Cotes du Rhone cuisine. Our guide will be happy to translate and explain all the different courses for you! Menus start from € 20 during the week (Special of the day) and € 25 on weekends. Lunch is not included.

Afternoon

Wine-tasting at 2 wineries of Cotes du Rhone:

In early afternoon, cross Condrieu, birth town of Viognier grape which produces the world famous white wine. The group will get to know its unique story, how this grape varietal almost died a few years ago.

Then, push the door of a family winery and taste 5-6 different Cotes du Rhone wines among them, Condrieu, St Joseph or/and Cote Rotie appellations.

Finally, stop at a third winery to delight yourself with another 5 beautiful Rhone wines: take time to enjoy the intense aromatic Viognier and the quasi absolute perfection of Syrah grape of the Northern Cotes du Rhone in their original terroir.

For Syrah & Viognier wine lovers!