Beaujolais Nouveau: The Wine That Gets People Tipsy and Tipsy!
Events will jostle in Lyon on the occasion of the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. To celebrate this 2024 edition as it should be, Lyon Capital offers you a non-exhaustive list of places to enjoy it. Don’t worry, this isn’t a wine tasting marathon—unless you want it to be!
Beaujol’on stage at Place des Terreaux
Like every third Thursday of November, Place des Terreaux in Lyon will be bustling with excitement! After a small drilling party—yes, you heard that right—young farmers of the Rhône will roll out a grand tasting evening with glasses, bottles, and some serious fun under marquees. Just think of it as a giant pinata, but instead of candy, it’s full of juicy Gamay!
Single price: 16 euros on Wednesday and 20 euros on Thursday—because, let’s face it, inflation is just like your ex: relentless.
Objective 300 bottles at Petit Bouclard
Nearby, Petit Bouclard has set itself a monumental goal: 300 bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau! The Krapos brass band will be there, ensuring that nothing you hear will ruin the taste in your mouth—or enhance it, depending on how many you’ve had. And after 9:30 p.m., brace yourself for a DJ. Because why not switch gears from wine sloshing to bass thumping?
Lyon cellars in the spotlight
Wine lovers unite in Lyon! Head over to the 2nd arrondissement’s Café Terroir around 6 p.m. for tastings that promise to be wine-infused! Pair that with local products and you’ll feel like a true connoisseur—until you realize you’re still drinking out of a plastic cup. Aromo is also joining the party as a wine bar and merchant, and believe me, their selection won’t leave you feeling like a cheap date in the back of a cab.
Head to the Painter’s Café
The Café du Peintre in the 6th arrondissement promises an extraordinary experience of Beaujolais with a twist of creativity. Managed by the third generation of the Lyon living, Florence Périer—and her son, Maxime—you’ll walk in sober and walk out as a Picasso… or at least feel like one. Just remember, though, it’s their art that has class, not your abstract impressions after six glasses!
A marathon to celebrate Beaujolais
If you’re feeling ambitious—read: foolish—join the Beaujolais marathon on November 23, 2024! Sure, it’s 42 kilometers, but they offer activities and tastings along the way. Nothing screams “I’m fit!” quite like running on fermented grapes, right? It’s exercise for your body and indulgence for your spirit. Talk about a two-for-one deal!
Read also: Near Lyon: “the largest tasting of Beaujolais Nouveaux in the Universe.” Spoiler alert: the universe has expensive tastes.
(Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP)
Festivities in Lyon are set to pulse with excitement as the charming Beaujolais Nouveau makes its grand entrance for the 2024 edition. To guide you through this celebratory occasion, Lyon Capital presents an extensive list of venues where you can indulge in this delightful wine.
Beaujol’on stage at Place des Terreaux
This year, like every third Thursday of November, Place des Terreaux in Lyon will transform into a festive hub. Following the ceremonial drilling that takes place overnight on Wednesday, young farmers from the Rhône invite you to a lively tasting evening. Experience the vibrant atmosphere under the marquees on Thursday, November 21, where a glass and bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau await your enjoyment.
Single price: 16 euros on Wednesday and 20 euros on Thursday.
Read also: Beaujolais Nouveau: “fruit in a bottle” (6 minutes flat)
Objective 300 bottles at Petit Bouclard
In the 7th arrondissement, Petit Bouclard has set an ambitious goal for this year’s celebration, aiming to break its own record by uncorking an impressive 300 bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau. To ignite the festivities, the lively Krapos brass band will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a DJ taking the stage at 10 p.m. to keep the celebration alive into the night.
Lyon cellars in the spotlight
Wine aficionados are warmly welcomed to the Café Terroir cellar in the vibrant 2nd arrondissement starting at 6 p.m. Here, you can partake in a delightful tasting of Beaujolais Nouveau, perfectly paired with an array of local delicacies. Meanwhile, in the 7th arrondissement, Aromo—both a wine bar and merchant—invites you to experience their offerings. Over in the 3rd arrondissement, Le Pressoir cellar will also feature Beaujolais Nouveau tastings and sales beginning that Thursday, with tasting sessions running from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Head to the Painter’s Café
Conveniently located in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement, the Café du Peintre, situated between the lively Brotteaux district and Part Dieu, promises a warm invitation. This cherished establishment, run by Florence Périer—representing the third generation of Mother Lyonnaise—along with her son, Maxime, will present the new Beaujolais in harmony with their exquisite specialties.
A marathon to celebrate Beaujolais
On the Villefranche-sur-Saône side, participants can join the Beaujolais marathon as a spirited way to honor the new Beaujolais nouveau. Scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2024, this exciting event will include a variety of activities alongside tastings, proving to be an excellent means of covering the marathon’s challenging 42 km.
Read also: Near Lyon: “the largest tasting of Beaujolais Nouveaux in the Universe”
How do local venues like Café Terroir and Petit Bouclard enhance the Beaujolais Nouveau celebration for visitors?
**Interview with Julien Dupont, Beaujolais Enthusiast**
*Interviewer:* Hi Julien! Thanks for joining us today! With the Beaujolais Nouveau festivities just around the corner in Lyon, what are you most excited about this year?
*Julien:* Thank you for having me! I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere at Place des Terreaux. It’s such a vibrant place, and the ceremonial drilling sounds like a fun kickoff! I can’t wait to taste the new vintages and enjoy the lively vibe.
*Interviewer:* The event sounds captivating! With the ticket prices slightly increasing this year, do you think the experience is still worth it?
*Julien:* Absolutely! Wine enthusiasts appreciate not just the wine but the entire experience. Even with prices at 16 euros on Wednesday and 20 euros on Thursday, you’re getting a fantastic opportunity to drink some unique wines in a festive setting surrounded by other wine lovers. Plus, it’s a great excuse to socialize!
*Interviewer:* Speaking of socializing, I heard Petit Bouclard is attempting to uncork 300 bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau this year. Does that excite you as a local?
*Julien:* It’s thrilling, indeed! Petit Bouclard has a phenomenal vibe, and I’ve always enjoyed their celebrations. The Krapos brass band performing followed by a DJ later on adds a fun twist. It’s like combining the charm of a cozy local bar with a lively festival atmosphere, and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
*Interviewer:* There’s also the Beaujolais marathon happening. Do you think people will actually run and then enjoy wine along the route?
*Julien:* You’d be surprised! Many people love the challenge of blending fitness with fun. Plus, who wouldn’t want to reward themselves with wine after running? It’s a quirky way to embrace the spirit of Beaujolais Nouveau. As long as they drink responsibly, it could be a memorable experience!
*Interviewer:* Let’s talk about the different venues offering tastings. Do you have any particular favorite spots or hidden gems to recommend?
*Julien:* Definitely check out Café Terroir! They always showcase fantastic local products that pair beautifully with the wine. And of course, Café du Peintre has a creative twist that adds a fun layer to the tasting experience. Just be prepared to unleash your inner artist after a few glasses!
*Interviewer:* Sounds like Lyon will be the place to be for Beaujolais Nouveau! Any final words for those planning to attend?
*Julien:* Just come with an open mind and a passion for good wine. Don’t get too caught up in trying to taste everything – enjoy the moment, connect with people, and savor the glorious flavors of Beaujolais Nouveau!
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Julien! It sounds like it’s going to be an unforgettable celebration.
*Julien:* Thank you! I can’t wait to raise a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau with everyone! Cheers!