Throughout the year, French winemakers showcase their products across the country, in cities such as Lyon, Lille, Paris, et cetera. Wine lovers can spend days tasting and discovering new wines without damaging their budgets. The interactions between winemakers and consumers, and the exchange of wine appreciation and knowledge make these annual wine expositions in Lyon a culture experience not to be missed.
Most wine expositions charge a small entrance fee, usually between three to six Euros. However, there are several ways to enjoy these tasting events free of cost. Here is how:
Find Free Invitations in Lyon's Local Newspapers
A number of free local newspapers circulate in Lyon. Copies are widely distributed at Lyon's public transport stations. Organizers of wine salons often place free invitations in these news outlets. Look out for them a few days before the scheduled dates for the tasting events. One invitation usually admits two persons. Simply clip the invitations and show up. Wine glasses are provided at the entrance. Some expositions, such as Les Vignerons Independants, will let guests keep their glasses. Others will ask for them back when guests take their leave.
Request Free Invitations from Expositions’ Organizers
If access to Lyon’s free local newspapers is limited or not possible, visit the websites of organizations that facilitate the expositions. More often than not, free invitations can be requested through these websites. Vinomedia, an agency that organizes events for winemakers, offers invitations online. Simply click on “Invitation Gratuite” and fill out a short form. Invitations will be sent to the requested address.
Sign Up to Receive Free Invitations from Winemakers
Many French people frequent and buy their wines at salons des vins. Some establish close and long lasting relationships with certain winemakers and/or sellers. Wine producers sometimes ask their buyers to leave contact information behind so that they can send the latter invitations for subsequent tasting events.
Wine Expositions versus Wine Cellars
Lyon has a number of wine cellars where tourists can experience wine tasting. Some of these cellars do carry great selections of wine. However, they often cost a lot more than the entrance fees to wine expositions, which can be free as explained above. For those who plan to visit France and who want to explore the French wine culture the way locals do, try to coordinate the trip so that it will coincide with a wine exposition.
