Beaujolais is world-famous for its ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ whose sale in wine futures makes the press every year. But its reputation should not overshadow the diversity of Beaujolais production – vins de garde and the highest quality appellations – and the beauty of its rolling vineyards, its medieval chateaux and villages made from golden stones. So many fantastic reasons to go on holiday to witness the art of winemaking in Beaujolais, with the opportunity to roam the 55 kilometres of vineyards, between Mâcon and Lyon, while discovering its cuisine, wines and wine-makers along the way.
This wine region’s wonderful oenological introduction is a cultural and relaxed discovery. On the cultural side, visit the Beaujolais chateaus, its medieval and historic villages (Villefranche, Beaujeu); nature-wise, soak up its hilly countryside offering stunning views of the vineyard and the green Beaujolais region, which will easily appeal to hiking fans. All interspersed with visits to wineries and Beaujolais tasting!
Winemaking stays in Beaujolais – Key figures:
Area: more than 18,000 hectares
Production: 1 million hectolitres produced annually
The Beaujolais appellation areas:
- Regional Beaujolais Appellation
- Beaujolais villages Appellation
- 10 vineyards: Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à vent, Régnié, Saint-Amour
Legally attached to the Burgundy wine region, the Beaujolais wines share with their Burgundian neighbours a complexity, suppleness and delicate fruit. The gamay, the emblematic grape of Beaujolais, covers 99% of the vineyard, which straddles the Rhône and Saône-et-Loire departments. Only the chardonnay planted on the northern border with the Mâcon area competes very marginally with the supremacy of the Gamay grape variety. Wine weekends in Beaujolais will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with its fantastic wines and see one of the few wine regions still loyal to manual harvesting. Oenology in Beaujolais often begins with an introduction of the “Beaujolais Nouveau” so you can really discover a more diverse and complex production.
Types of wine to taste: predominantly red wines, but also white and rosé Beaujolais.
Associated with the Lyonnais vineyards, the Beaujolais shares with them the tastes of eating well and gourmet itineraries that will perfectly complement your oenological journey on the lands of the Gamay! Finally do not pass up the best of Beaujolais gastronomy; the local cheeses, confectionary, and local delicatessens – sabodet, sausage, tablier de Sapeur,….