The Beaujolais Wine Region of France
An insider’s view of the region - where to taste, what to see, where to eat - and a little secret: Don’t sleep on the South!
Map of Beaujolais, courtesy of WineFolly
Location
Just 30 minutes North of Lyon, the Beaujolais wine region runs 54 km long, plush with vineyards, wines, and villages steeped in history. While geographically a continuation of Burgundy, Beaujolais tells its own story - with an amalgamation of granite-rich soils in the north and clay-limestone in the south. This unique terroir gives Gamay wines a vibrant, expressive character that captures the essence of the region.
Beyond Beaujolais Nouveau: A Focus on Quality
Within the the last decade, a new generation of winemakers has into a world beyond Beaujolais Nouveau,’ transforming the reputation of her region with profound levels of creativity, collaboration, and organic farming that makes one go ‘wow’ when the wine hits the palate.
Despite challenges like the devastating 2016 vintage, these growers have collaborated, shared resources, and elevated the region’s status. Today, both the prestigious northern Crus and the value-packed southern appellations.
On my most recent visit with guests in June, found once again a resilience and collaborative spirit with wines that continue to allure.
The ‘La Galoche’ wines from Raphaël St-Cyr’s organic vineyards in Southern Beaujolais
Wine Tasting in Beaujolais: Top Estates to Visit
Wine tasting in Beaujolais is refreshingly accessible.
Château du Moulin-à-Vent in the northern Cru focuses exclusively on its namesake appellation, producing wines in the traditional Burgundian style. In the scenic “Pierres Dorées” area of the south, Famille Chermette offers wines from multiple Crus, Beaujolais-Villages, and even Crémant. Whether you tour the region in a day or take two for full immersion, Beaujolais delivers a rich & diverse experience.
Wine tasting at Château du Moulin-à-Vent
Food & Wine Pairing in Beaujolais:
Beaujolais wines’ fruit-forward, low-tannin profile makes them incredibly food-friendly — and a playground for pairing. Two go-to restaurants in the region are:
Épicerie du Bojo ,a 10-minute drive from the must-see view atop Mont de Brouilly, is run by winemaker Rémi Dufaître and his partner Anne, talented chef who left Paris for the slower pace of the Beaujolais. Specializing in local,organic ingredients and an all-natural wine selection, this is the perfect place to unwind experience the luxuries of the region.
Cafe Terroir Chez St-Cyr, combines farm-to-table dining, organic wines, and panoramic countryside views. Together, they showcase how Beaujolais blends fine wine, gastronomy, and rural charm into a must-visit destination.
Plat du jour at Épicerie du Bojo
If you are visiting Lyon or are on the wine route South from the Côte d’Or, reach out to experience Beaujolais with me and the people & places that make it so special.
