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Loire Valley Wine Tour

Loire valley wine tour.

Private Wine Tours / Vineyard Tours / Chateaux Tours / Tour Guides

Top Loire Valley Tours

Our most popular private wine tours at a glance.

Touraine-Chenonceau tour

Best reds day tour

chateaux & gardens tour

Organic wine day tour

2 day loire experience

3 day enthusiast's tour

View all tours (14)

Wine Tasting a la carte

Taste and discover a wide selection of the wines of the Loire Valley, one of the major wine-producing regions of France.

• Bourgueil Red
• Cheverny Red, white, rosé
• Chinon Red, white
• Cour-Cheverny White
• Montlouis-sur-Loire White, sparkling, sweet
• Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Red
• Touraine Red, white, rosé, sparkling
• Touraine-Amboise Red, white, rosé
• Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau White
• Touraine-Chenonceaux Red, white
• Touraine-Noble-Joué Rosé
• Touraine Oisly White
• Valençay Red, white, rosé
• Vouvray White, sparkling, sweet
• Pouilly-Fumé White
• Quincy White
• Reuilly Red, white
• Sancerre Red, white

Discover the Loire Valley, its sights and tastes from €220

Exclusive, tailor-made and private guided tours for the discerning visitor.

Sightseeing tour booking

Aristocratic chateaux, classic and modern gardens, ancient churches, quaint villages, caves housing mushrooms, wine and people; not for nothing is the Loire Valley a UNESCO world heritage site. Let us show you some of the famous and lesser known treasures of the region.

Wine tour booking

Wine is at the heart of the Loire Valley and we have discovered many splendid vineyards, wineries and wine makers which we would love to share with you. We are on hand to explain the appellations and grape varieties of the wine areas, and to organise the tastings.

Tour guide booking

Travel professionals sometimes just need a guide to accompany their clients and help them get the best from the region. If you have organised transport and accommodation, we can handle the rest. Vineyards, castles, gardens and restaurants. Let us be your local experts.

Holiday cottage booking

Attached to our Loire Valley home are two holiday cottages, available for weekly rental. Ideally placed for exploring the region with a heated swimming pool waiting at the end of a busy day. The cottages date back to the 16thC but have been recently restored to a high standard.

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Loire Valley Wine Tour - your first choice for private tours of the Loire Valley

Premium tours

All our tours feature high quality vehicles and a personal guide. Tours are in English. Lunch and entrance fees are included in the tour price.

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Off the peg tours? Of course. Made to measure? No problem. Clients rate us highly on Trip Advisor because we try harder.

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We respond rapidly to your enquiries. We reply to emails promptly and courteously. Or you can contact us by telephone.

Get started with your Loire Valley Wine Tour

Booking a tour could hardly be easier. Just follow these simple steps and you could be visiting the region in the hands of an expert guide in the very near future.

• 1 Select your preferred tours
• 2 Select dates and options
• 3 Contact us to confirm availability
• 4 Pay your deposit and book

Loire Valley wine tasting tours and winery visits

Best wine tours in Loire Valley

Enjoy a morning’s immersion into the Loire Valley visiting the spectacular Château Villandry and Château L’Islette. After, enjoy a typical French aperitif with Loire wine on the banks of the... See More

Explore the Loire Valley wine route and its vineyards. Visit 2 superb Vouvray estates, admire the wonderful vineyard landscapes and learn how to taste the elegant wines produced from one of ... See More

Discover the best of the Loire Valley with visits to the two renaissance châteaux of Villandry and L’Islette, and a winery visit in Vouvray. Start your tour at the stunning Château de Villa... See More

Discover the wonders of the Loire Valley with this Wineries & Castles private full-day tour from Paris!  You will be picked up at your hotel or apartment address in Paris and enjoy a fresh ... See More

Explore the famous Saumur vineyards with a renowned local expert, visit a sparkling wine house and join an immersive tasting course with 10 wines. Lunch and wine pairing will be in a famous ... See More

Join a 3-hour private wine immersion session with a renowned wine expert and learn all about the Loire wines. You’ll taste 6 different varieties of Anjou Saumur wines. The course is given b... See More

Why Visit Loire Valley?

Stretching along the banks of the longest river in France, the Loire Valley is an enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting beautiful scenery, magical historic châteaux, and endless rolling vineyards which have been cultivated for centuries. Wine lovers are spoilt for choice with a diverse offering to suit every palate, making the Loire Valley one of the best places for a wine tasting holiday. History buffs are also in their element due to medieval towns and historic chateaux at every turn.  WINE TASTING TOURS IN THE LOIRE VALLEY The Loire Valley is one of France’s largest and oldest wine producing regions, yet its vineyards are not as well-known as those of Bordeaux and Burgundy. From Anjou, Saumur , and Muscadet in the west, to Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé in the east, via the vineyards of Touraine and the sparkling wines of Vouvray. The diversity of climate and soil, of winemakers great and small, and variety of wine styles make the Loire Valley a fascinating place for a wine tasting holiday. Such a vast region, with an overwhelming choice of vineyards, can be difficult to know where to start. Check out the Winerist selection of privately guided and small group wine tasting tours . 

MORE REASONS TO VISIT THE LOIRE VALLEY  Vineyards aside, the Loire Valley is famous for its abundance of majestic chateaux. The countryside is dotted with some 300 magnificent castles with fairy-tale turrets, beautifully landscaped gardens, and fascinating histories. Be wowed by the magical Chateau de Chenonceau, the grandiose Chateau de Chambord and the stunning gardens of Chateau Villandry, but take time to discover the smaller, privately-owned chateaux.  A cycling tour is an excellent way of exploring the Loire Valley due to La Loire a Velo: a network of well-maintained, well-signposted, dedicated cycle lanes that cover a staggering 900km! The terrain is predominantly flat, so you don’t need to be super fit, and there are plenty of excuses to stop en-route for a glass of the region’s finest. If this all sounds a little too active, Winerist has a selection of self-drive packages – explore at your own pace but with less pedal power!  

WINERIST INSIDER TIP Aside from rather quaffable wines the Loire Valley produces no fewer than five goat cheeses with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). During your visit be sure to sample at least one of these special cheeses: Valençay cheese, Chabichou, Crottin de Chavignol, Selles-sur-Cher cheese and Pouligny-Saint-Pierre cheese.

Plan Your Visit

Best known grapes, best time to visit, how long to stay, how to get there.

Loire Wine Tours from Amboise, Paris Day Trips & Tastings 2024

Are you staying in Amboise or Tours in the Loire valley? In Paris and looking for a great day out in the countryside? Have you rented a chateau for a special occasion and are looking for a top knotch wine experience?

We’re well placed to look after you. Our groups never exceed 6 people and there are no visits to packed tasting rooms.

Our days are tailored to suit our guests. There’s plenty of fresh air, good food and laughter is guaranteed.

All tours are in English and are led by English wine professional Cathy Henton who has lived in the Loire for 18 years and worked in the wine trade for 35 years!

So, if you’re interested in wine and are looking for a relaxing but informative day to include a delicious home cooked lunch and lots of wine education and tasting – look no further!

See you soon!

Loire Wine Tours

Unique Loire wine tours in English led by qualified wine professionals

Paris Day Trips

Come and discover the wines of the Loire valley. It's only 55 minutes from Paris by train.

Wine Breaks

2 day Loire wine discovery breaks include lots of winery visits and cheese and wine pairing.

Bespoke Wine Tours & Tastings

Bespoke Loire wine tastings, events and breaks in English.

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Luxury Wine Tours & Tastings In Loire Valley

A Loire Valley wine tour will certainly cover an immense array of topics including culture, history, architecture, lifestyle and how they intertwine with its long-lasting wine-making traditions. The area between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its breathtaking landscapes, its historic villages, its renowned architectural monuments, its world-famous vineyards and superb châteaux . Along the 1,000-km of the Loire Valley wine route you will be gifted with unforgettable sights and warm encounters with the wine-makers of the region, who will generously share their savoir-faire , passion and fine wines with you.

Tours Suggestion in Loire Valley

Loire Valley wine tours: certified top-notch visitors’ services

There are Loire Valley wine tours for all tastes: you can bike down 200 km of cycle-friendly paths in Anjou (there are five shorter rides, ranging from 12 km to 34 km) to explore the vineyards ; you can also drive along the Route Touristique du Vignoble or simply enjoy a relaxing pause amongst the vines. La Vallée de la Loire ranks first for the quality of its visitor services* and it is France’s leading region of establishments certified by the Vignobles & Découvertes (“Vineyards and Discoveries”) quality marker. A wine tour of Vouvray, Nantes or Sancerre is enough to indicate the incredible diversity of wines that the Loire Valley produces.

In addition to the expected Loire Valley wine tasting at the end of each tour, you will enjoy learning about the rich historic and cultural heritage of the area: the impressive troglodyte caves carved into the rock, perfect for maturing the Loire’s famous sparkling wines; the beautifully restored Moulin-Cavier de la Herpinière, a cellar-windmill on the vineyard plateau or Europe’s largest underground fortress in Brézé, where you can enjoy a Loire Valley wine tasting and delight on some of the wines produced at the namesake château . And of course, no wine tour of the Loire Valley would be complete without a visit to the stunning Royal Abbey of Our Lady of Fontevraud, where you will learn all you need to know about Saumur wines, including its renowned sparklings.

White Loire Valley wine: first-class Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc

Even wine novices hope to get a taste of the finest white wines the region has to offer when they sign up for a Loire Valley wine tour. The perfect first stop is undoubtedly the sub-region of Central Loire, home to the two most celebrated Sauvignon Blanc appellations (AOC in French) of the valley: Sancerre AOC and Pouilly-Fumé AOC . Some wine tours in the Loire Valley include gourmet pairings, so get ready to taste the famous Crottin de Chavignol AOC, an intense goat cheese produced in Sancerre during your wine tour. Wine and cheese pairing perfection!

The other great white Loire Valley wine is Chenin Blanc , so if you prefer this cepage to Sauvignon Blanc, head down to Anjou and Saumur where you will be able to learn about and, more importantly, taste Chenin Blanc in all of its types: dry (Savennieres AOC), sweet (Bonnezeaux AOC or Coteaux du Layon AOC, among others) and sparkling (there are many options for incredibly balanced Crémant de Loire or Saumur sparklings).

Loire Valley: the red edition, Cabernet Franc

Make sure your Loire Valley wine tour includes a stop in Saumur and Anjou to try some of the best Cabernet Franc wines in the area (Saumur-Champigny AOC) and indulge in the local fouace -flatbread baked in a traditional oven, with a glass of Anjou red. A wine tour of the Chinon region is a must to try the sultry red wine Loire Valley has to offer.

No matter which way you choose to visit the Loire Valley: whether you are an avid cyclist, prefer to drive around or leisurely stroll among the vines, the region has plenty of incredible sights (and wines!) to unveil for you. Take part in a unique experience and enjoy a Loire Valley wine tasting in an ancient troglodyte dwelling, learn about Joan of Arc’s legacy or marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Make the most of your trip to the area by planning a customized wine tour in the Loire Valley: do some research before-hand to know which châteaux will be open during your holiday, choose the ones that best suit your interests and book in advance to avoid disappointing surprises on the day of your visit. If you prefer to profit from expert help and not miss out on anything, a local travel agency is your best ally to ensure you get to see all you dream of and more!

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Loire Valley, France, Best Wine Tastings & Wine Tours

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Best Wineries & Vineyards to Visit in the Loire Valley

Château De Minière

10,00 € - 36,00 €

Pierre Et Bertrand Couly

12,00 € - 250,00 €

Château De Fesles

5,00 € - 19,00 €

Maison Brédif

20,00 € - 80,00 €

Domaine De Rocheville

9,00 € - 59,00 €

Clos Des Quarterons - Domaine Amirault

12,00 € - 69,00 €

Maison Lacheteau - Grandes Caves Saint-roch

3,00 € - 15,00 €

Domaine Langlois

Caves Ambacia

Chateau Du Bois Huaut

6,00 € - 20,00 €

Château Du Cléray

5,00 € - 25,00 €

Joseph Mellot

5,00 € - 15,00 €

Domaine La Perruche

Les Pierres D'aurèle

7,00 € - 25,00 €

Caves Monmousseau

Caves M Plouzeau

Domaine Frédéric Mabileau

Domaine Du Closel

29,00 € - 35,00 €

Maison Jamet

Rendez-vous Dans Les Vignes

Domaine De Noiré

Domaine Eric Louis - Les Celliers De La Pauline

15,00 € - 17,00 €

Domaine De Nerleux

9,00 € - 22,50 €

Domaine des Champs Fleuris

Château De Tracy

Domaine Du Vieux Pressoir

Château De Buranlure

56,00 € - 135,00 €

Domaine Laureau

8,00 € - 30,00 €

Domaine Landron Chartier

Château de Chaintres

50,00 € - 75,00 €

Jeep Wine Tour

49,00 € - 99,00 €

Val de Loire Travel

Domaine Sauvete

Loire Evasion

A La Française - Loire

89,00 € - 209,00 €

Une Autre Cave

Bumblebee Manor

Chateau De La Calonniere

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Every host on Winalist directly updates its schedule according their availabilities. Therefore, by browsing and booking on Winalist, your have direct access to the most up to date availabilities of the experiences.

Change your mind anytime

We understand that you plans might change, that's why we offer free cancellation for every experience on Winalist. Just check the cancellation policy before booking so you’ll know the timeframe in which you will be able to cancel your booking.

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Full or half-day tours

Best guided tours in Loire Valley

From €55.00

From €169.00

From €209.00

From €300.00

From €170.00

Glowing reviews

They loved their experience!

Great discovery. Very nice home. Very interesting complete visit.

Great tour, the explanations were complete, full of details. The wine was great. I really enjoyed the tour, oh...and the price- it is definitely worse it.

The exhibit is not bad. The person who served the wine tasting is very knowledgable. Thank you!

Very good, very attentive, very professional, very well explained and very well received. Recommended with eyes closed

Visit to the cellars with a very pleasant guide who explained their activity to us with passion. Tasting of 3 more lovely wines. We advise.

Great ! thank you for this cruise and the tastings. It was great. A good atmosphere 😃👌

We enjoyed the experience. We had the chance to enjoy the tasting outside in a superb setting. I highly recommend! Very friendly staff, it was great!

A beautiful setting, a professional and friendly welcome, a tasting lasting approximately one hour for 9 different wines. Do it again!

Great experience, very clear and interesting explanations from Valentin, the son of the Langlois family!

Élise introduced us to the estate and its wines with kindness and erudition. The four of us had a great time which will remain a great discovery of Savennières!...

Pleasantly surprised by the richness of this visit. THANKS

It was very interesting to learn about the history. We were lucky as there was only us and one other couple so could go round slowly and take our time. The tast...

We came for the visit + tasting and it was really great! We loved the explanations, the discovery of the characteristic smells of local wines, the tasting…and a...

Very good visit with clear explanations on the terroirs and the geology of the territory! Thank you !

Martin was lovely and very knowledgable l. Wine was also amazing!

The visit to the vineyards and the estate is very pleasant. The explanations are clear and fluid. We had a great time

Made for you

Our last travel guides

Best Loire Valley Castles to visit: List, itineraries & must-sees

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4 beautiful ways to explore Loire Valley from Paris

The Loire Valley, located in western France, is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe. With its rolling hills and majestic chateaux, it's no wonder this area has been home to many winemaking families for centuries (and that Loire wine tourism is so popular). Today, wineries continue popping up all over the region. If you're planning a trip to visit a winery in the Loire valley or just want to explore some local wines during your next vacation in France, be sure to read about the Loire Valley with Winalist.

Loire Valley wine tours are a popular option for those looking to discover the beauty and history of this region, while also indulging in tasting world-renowned wine varieties. Whether you’re searching for a full-day wine tour in the Loire Valley to taste its sweet wine and grape varieties, or you want a short tasting at a local winery, Winalist can help you find the perfect option to fit your preferences.

Best cities to visit in Loire Valley

Best wineries in Saumur

67 experiences

Best wineries in Chinon

66 experiences

Best wineries in Tours

64 experiences

Discover all our Loire Valley experiences

By appellation

Good to know before visiting the Loire Valley wineries

There are plenty of Loire cities and villages to visit when you visit this region of France. 

Apremont-sur-Allier is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Medieval and flowery (classified as a remarkable garden), it is undoubtedly a must-visit spot in this gorgeous region.

On the edge of the Loire, be sure to visit Beaugency and its keep, then Meung-sur-Loire and its old mills. These villages contain heaps of charm. If you have the time, be sure to visit Loches, which overlooks the Indre valley; it's an incredible view that you shouldn't miss! Last, Montrsor, a village in Touraine, is a fortified village from the 11th century in the countryside, which takes you back to another era. Last, if you want to visit the biggest city in the Loire Valley, be sure to head over to Saumur.

There are tons of castles you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Loire Valley. The Château de Chambord, de Blois, d'Ambroise, as well as the Château de Chenonceau, as well as the Château de Chenonceau, or even Azay-le-Rideau are all castles that you shouldn't miss if you visit the Loire Valley. If you have time, also be sure to visit the Château de Chinon, Saumur, Ussé, or even the Château de Villandry. No matter which site you choose to visit, Loire Valley wine and castle tours will not disappoint!

The Loire Valley is a great place to visit at any time of year, but there are some times of the year that are better than others if you're looking to book a wine experience. The best time to visit the Loire Valley is early spring or late fall, when temperatures are mild. This is because there's more sunshine during these times, but it isn't swelteringly hot, so you can enjoy the outdoors more comfortably.<br><br>The Loire Valley wine region is an excellent choice for your next French wine-tasting vacation. With its beautiful scenery and secluded vineyards, it's a great place to take in the sights, taste delicious wines and relax in comfort.

• Château De Minière with an average rating of 4.8 among 152 reviews.
• Domaine De Rocheville with an average rating of 4.7 among 104 reviews.
• Pierre Et Bertrand Couly with an average rating of 4.8 among 102 reviews.
• The duration of the experience: The longer the visit and tasting, the higher the cost.
• The type of visit: Visit to a cellar, wine estate, or distillery.
• The presence of a guide: A tour guided by an expert, especially over a half or full day, can increase the price.
• Services included: Premium tastings, number of wines tasted, and additional activities such as wine workshops or meals.

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Loire Wine Tours

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Loire Wine Tours – Wine tasting in Loire Valley France -Welcome

French wine tours, wine tasting in france, loire wine tours, paris wine tours, wine tours from paris to loire valley, france, "the day with simon was so much fun and we learnt so much".

Le Loire Tasting Room in the wine room at the exclusive Manoir de Gourin

Loire Wine Tours offers a selection of short break wine tours and wine tastings  in the Loire valley vineyards in France for individuals, couples and for groups during our season from May to October.  

 We are now taking bookings for our 2018 wine tours, so do not delay if you are looking to book our summer programme. Our first 2018 guests in May Jessica and Eric from the USA enjoyed a full day in the two village appellations of Puy Notre Dame and Champigny.

Our wine tours run from May to October.

Check  tariff for our prices.

Join Simon and Karin Grainger at their beautiful La Grande Maison amidst the Anjou & Saumur vineyards in the Loire Valley France near Saumur, near the historic town of Puy Notre Dame.

Arrive at Manoir de Gourin yourself or we pick up from Angers and Saumur.

 Our 2017 wine tours were busier than ever so don't delay if you are interested in our tours in 2018. Make sure you don't miss out, contact us now to discuss your plans for a loire wine tour short break for 2018. We provide tours from 2 to 8 people. For larger parties please contact Simon and Karin at [email protected]

OUR LOIRE VALLEY WINE TOURS: Short wine tasting breaks – fully escorted

• Half day 'Discover the grape' wine tours in the Loire Valley France
• One day 'Savour the grape'  wine tours in the Loire Valley France

• Three day 'Explore the grape'  wine tour in the Loire Valley France
• Four  day 'Uncork the grape' wine tour in the Loire Valley France
• One Day Wine Tour from Paris .
• Two Day Wine Tour from Paris .
• Our French Wine tours in the Loire Valley France can be tailor-made to your requirements
• Gourmet Wine Tasting Dinners  showcasing Loire Valley wines
• The prices for our Wine tours can be found on our Tariff page .

Find out more about Le Loire Tasting Room by contacting us at loirewinetours.com

If you are interested in our self catering accommodation please visit our website manoirdegourin.co.uk .  and see La Grande Maison Manoir de Gourin our beautiful destination in the heart of wine country.

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Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la sante. A consommer avec moderation

• From vine to wine
• A taste of the Loire
• Gourmet stroll
• Of wines and boats
• Aperitif on river Cher
• Bikes 'n wines
• Harvest workshop
• Spring workshops
• Roasted chestnuts and new wine
• Celebrate with wine
• Home Wine Delivery
• Wine events for professionals
• Where to sleep
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• Loire Valley gastronomy
• The Loire Valley wines
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The Loire Valley

Our beautiful Loire Valley region is known for its castles, but there is so much more to discover! Here, we offer you what we have tried and liked: from the essentials to the favorites, there is something for all tastes and all desires! This will give you a little insight into what you can do or see in addition to your visit to the vineyard.

We wish you a pleasant stay in the Loire Valley!

Get off the beaten track with the activities of the Loire Valley! Come and discover various activities that we have tested and that we highly recommend!

Here is a selection of accommodation in Indre-et-Loire and in Loir-et-Cher. We know the owners, so you can be sure that the hospitality and service will be most pleasant.

Here we suggest some addresses that we have tested and appreciated ourselves. An eclectic selection, to meet the tastes and satisfy the taste buds of all.

Rillons, rillettes, do you know what it means? We want to introduce visitors to the beautiful and rich variety of regional products produced in Touraine and in the Loire Valley.

"Diversity" is the qualifier which best describes Loire wines: there is something for everyone, in this region which is the third in France for the surface area of vines planted.

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• Winery Directory

Best Loire Valley Wineries & Castles to Visit in 2024

Discover Some of the Best Loire Valley Wineries and Castles to Visit

The history of the Loire Valley and viticulture is largely the history of France too. Dating back 2,000 years, the first vines date back to the 5th century, with more developed viticulture dating back to the 9th century. Spanning more than 800 sq km (over 300 sq miles), the vast Loire Valley sits in the northern and central parts of France.

Overview of the Loire Valley Wine Region

From the coast of the Atlantic north of Bordeaux, to the southwest of Paris , and spanning all of the way to the center of the country, this region has grown over the centuries and includes more than 6,000 wine producers.

The access to water certainly helped create the success of the region and the proliferation of wine. With Nantes along the Loire River, and with access to the Atlantic Ocean, this created a natural export hub to other parts of Europe. Additionally, the Loire River was key to transporting wine long before railways and modern transportation existed.

RELATED: Best French Wine Regions to Consider Visiting This Year

There are a multitude of varied soil types across the entire region, each has an impact on the terroir and end-product of the wines. Additionally, different climates play into the impact of terroir. In the west, a marked maritime climate is influenced by the Atlantic ocean. As you move further inland and to the east, a much more continental climate prevails with more seasonal and temperature variation.

The Loire Valley is vast, containing 4 very different wine regions, and over 185,000 acres planted to vineyards. There are more than 85 appellations under the Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) and Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) systems.

RELATED: 10 Important Facts About the Loire Valley Wine Region

For the sake of this travel guide, we’ll focus on the Middle Loire, a bit on the Lower Loire (closest to the Atlantic Ocean), and a touch on a newer AOC in the region: Coteaux du Vendômois.

The Upper Loire is the geographic center of France, with a very different, warmer climate than the rest of the Loire Valley. Notably, possibly for another separate trip, the Central Loire contains the world famous Sancerre region, known for Sauvignon Blanc . Both of those latter regions deserve an additional deep-dive at another time!

Coteaux du Vendômois

Surrounding the town of Vendôme, the Coteaux du Vendômois vineyards lie in the Loir Valley (a different river than the Loire!) to the west of Vendôme. This is north of Amboise and Tours. However, the Coteaux du Vendômois is markedly cooler and different varietals are permitted. The appellation covers 27 communes and only became a new AOC in 2001, although there have been centuries of winemaking and viticulture dating back to the 10th century. For white wine, Chardonnay is permitted and can comprise 20% of white wines, but Chenin Blanc is the star here. For red wine, Pineau d’Aunis (at least 50%), with Cabernet Franc , Pinot Noir and Gamay authorized as additional varietals than can be used, but Pineau d’Aunis is the workhorse red varietal for red wine here.

Last but not least – the wine! We will also recommend some of our favorite producers and wineries to visit when in this part of the Loire Valley. And if you would like some additional excursions, we have you covered with our favorite castles in the region. Keep reading below for more!

Getting to and Around the Loire Valley

With the focus being on the Middle Loire here, we recommend having a homebase along the Loire River, with easy access to many wineries and castles throughout the region. Orléans , Tours , and Blois all work well as a hub for exploring the area.

We stayed in Blois, located directly on the Loire River, and situated along some of the major roads along the river as well. Blois is a medieval throwback town – one that is beautiful to experience on foot, lending that old world, European village feel at every turn.

The Denis Papin Staircase is a fun link between the upper old town, and the more modern lower part of town directly on the Loire River. It consists of 120 stairs and is often painted or decorated by artists.

In other parts of Blois, you still have modern accommodations, and everything you might need, from banks, to stores, walkable shops and restaurants. The Château de Blois is also in the middle of town and is very much a recommended stop. Take a look at these charming hotels in Blois if you decide to use it as your homebase.

RELATED: Beautiful Luxury Wine Hotels & Vineyard Resorts to Stay at Around the World

The train stop in Blois is “Blois-Chambord.” From Paris, there are many trains daily and they consistently are around an hour and half. Most trains leave Paris from the Paris Austerlitz train station, but make sure to double check which train station you are leaving from Paris.

Tickets can be booked online ! Just make sure to have your ticket printed or on your phone as the QR code will be your ticket that will be scanned once you board the train.

If you are going to Blois from the southwest, near Bordeaux , there are also high-speed trains and regular regional trains as well. This trip from Bordeaux takes about 2.5-3 hours and there is a layover at the train station in Tours, not too far from Blois. From other parts of France – the southeast, or eastern parts of the country, trains will take you to Paris first either way.

Tips For Navigating Blois

Pro Tip: If you’re staying in Blois and interested in visiting castles, stop by the Tourism Office ( l’Office de Tourisme ) to inquire about Castle Pass deals.

Taxis are abundant in the area, as are drivers or cars for hire specializing in castle day trips.

Similar to a lot of Europe, public transportation is abundant as well. You can also take shuttle buses from Blois to some of the Loire’s castles.

If you choose to rent a car , it’s recommended to acquire an international driving permit, which can be done online (with your regular license).

Top Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley

If you’re like us at Winetraveler, we’re constantly seeking out the best wine and best producers when we’re visiting a region. Here are six Loire Valley wineries you can’t miss! We’ve broken them out by their specialty grape/wine (ie: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, etc.).

If you’re unsure about navigating yourself and would prefer to have a local guide take you around the region(s) for wine tasting, there are excellent wine tours that leave from both Tours and Blois . Some of these can be customized and/or include castle stops. As we’ve mentioned, day trips are also bookable from Paris .

For Chenin Blanc

AOC Vouvray

Domaine Sébastien Brunet

Winetraveler Rating:

La Côte, 37380 Reugny, France

+33 2 47 56 73 52

Sébastien Brunet is one of the rising stars and part of the next generation of dedicated producers in Vouvray. In Chancay, located in Touraine, between Tours and Blois, Sébastien creates beautiful expressions of chenin blanc, focused on clean, bone-dry, yet precise wines. He also makes sparkling wines, both Pétillant Naturel and traditional method wines.

Since Sébastien took over the estate in 2006, the farming has been completely organic, no chemicals are used, and grapes are harvested by hand. Wines are regularly fermented in a mix of oak and steel, yet consistently matured in oak barrels, with extended lees contact for added texture. Sébastien also bought an old mushroom farm – in order to create and mature his wines in the already-dug-out limestone caves and tunnels. His style is minimalist, yet his wines are expressive, precise, and bursting with high acidity.

Domaine Huet – L’Échansonne

13 Rue de la Croix Buisée, 37210 Vouvray, France

+33 2 47 52 78 87

Perhaps one of the more well-known producers of Chenin Blanc is Domaine Huet. In the heart of Vouvray, Domaine Huet has acquired some of the most prestigious vineyards, capable of producing some incredible age-worthy wines. In terms of styles, the Domaine Huet produces Sec (dry), Demi-Sec (semi dry), Moelleux, or Moelleux 1ère Trie (“first selection”) from the aforementioned principal vineyards. They also produce a sparkling Pétillant Naturel .

Domaine Huet is biodynamic, hand-harvested, with a mix of various soils across different vineyards. They use a mix of steel and old oak for most sec and demi-sec wines. But most notably, their prestigious sites lend richness and layers of fruit consistently in every vintage.

For Cabernet Franc

Domaine Olga Raffault

1 Rue des Caillis, 37420 Savigny-en-Véron, France

+33 2 47 58 42 16

When we talk about Cabernet Franc, the home is in the Loire Valley. One of the more well-known areas for Cabernet Franc is Chinon, and one of the most renowned producers is none other than Olga Raffault.

Today, the estate is run by Olga’s granddaughter and her husband. Although they make a small amount of white wine, they are undoubtedly known for their site-specific single vineyard Cabernet Franc. They consistently produce a lower cost entry-level Cabernet Franc that is released much earlier than other bottles. But they are most well known for their three distinctive, site-specific Cabernet Franc bottles: “Les Picasses,” “Les Peuilles,” and “Les Barnabes.”

Les Picasses is considered the highest level, reserve bottle, and one that is sought out by many collectors. All of these single-vineyard bottles are also aged for longer amounts of time, and released at later dates, creating a better product with extended bottle aging as well. Olga Raffault is also organic and everything is harvested by hand.

AOC Saumur-Champigny

Domaine des Sables Verts

66 Grand Rue, 49400 Varrains, France

Domaines des Sables Verts is the project from a couple who took over the estate in 2019. With their 16 hectares in Saumur-Champigny, mostly clay-limestone soils, they now have an environmental certification and are practicing organic. Although they do have one Chenin Blanc, their specialty is Cabernet Franc.

They have a few different versions of Cabernet Franc: Chaintres, Glou Glou, and Les Poyeux. Glou Glou and Poyeux are unoaked/fermented in stainless steel. Both are exquisite and bright, with Glou Glou being the “drink now” bottle of the two. In contrast, Chaintres is fermented in oak and much more powerful, structured, and layered, one to hold, and one that is built for cellaring. These are excellent wines from the next generation of producers already putting Saumur-Champigny and the Loire Valley on the map internationally.

For Melon de Bourgogne/Melon B

AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine

Château du Cléray – Sauvion

Château du Cleray, 44330 Vallet, France

+33 2 40 36 66 00

Located in Vallet, in the northeastern corner of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, Château du Cléray lies east of Nantes. Pierre-Jean Sauvion nows runs Château du Cléray and is the winemaker as well. Most of his Muscadet wines see a little bit of skin contact, stainless steel vats for fermentation, and a regimented routine of batonnage – lees stirring – for that soft, textured wine that Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is most well known.

Although they make a few other wines, from other grapes other than Melon de Bourgogne/Melon B, Château du Cléray is undoubtedly one of the preeminent ambassadors for Muscadet and the region as a whole. Their wines can be found in 80 countries around the world. Their dedication to expressing terroir in their Muscadet is evident. Whichever bottle you might find or taste in person, it’s crafted with precision: a textured core, plush fruit, excellent acidity, and a crunchy signature seashell quality that Muscadet is best known.

For Pineau D’Aunis

AOC Coteaux du Vendômois

Domaine Colin

5 Rue de la Gaudetterie, 41100 Thoré-la-Rochette, France

+33 2 54 72 80 73

Winemaker Pierre-Francois Colin is the 9th generation of the family making wine at this domaine, dating back almost 300 years. His father, Patrice Colin, was instrumental in putting Domaine Colin and the Coteaux du Vendômois on the map, with the AOC Coteaux du Vendômois becoming officially recognized as an AOC in 2001. Perhaps most unique is their – and the region’s/AOC’s – focus on Pineau d’Aunis.

Pineau d’Aunis is a lesser known red grape; it is very much soil and terroir driven, taking on different aspects depending on the vintage and soils in which it is planted. It has lower tannins , a medium to lighter body, very good acidity, a unique savory sage-like quality, and most of all, a notable and consistent peppery note every year. Domaine Colin makes some red blends, with Pineau d’ Aunis, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir, but the varietal Pineau d’Aunis (with some age) is worth seeking out.

Among tasting around 30 wines from the Coteaux du Vendômois we recently tasted, Domaine Colin’s older (2015) Pineau d’Aunis was the standout. This newer region and Domaine Colin are certainly worth a day trip, or afternoon slightly north of the main stretch of producers along the Loire River.

Three Must Visit Castles in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known for world-class, cool-climate wines. But it is also a beautiful region to visit with much more than just the wine. The region is also well-known for many of the castles/châteaus in the area.

RELATED: The Most Beautiful Castles to Consider Visiting in Europe

Here are three Loire Valley castles we highly recommend, in addition to the Château de Blois – easily walkable and accessible on foot while you’re staying in Blois.

Château de Chambord

Château, 41250 Chambord, France

+33 2 54 50 40 00

Château de Chambord, in Chambord, Centre-Val de Loire, is the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. A massive architectural feat, it’s a classic French Renaissance architecture château.

Construction was started in 1519 on Château de Chambord by the King of France, Francis I. However, this château was merely used as a hunting lodge. Francis I only used it seven times. Today, you can visit the estate and purchase tickets for a “ Horse and Bird of Prey Show ,” very similar to how this hunting lodge was originally used centuries ago.

Of note, it is unclear who the original design can be attributed to, but many people believe Leonardo da Vinci was involved. A double staircase — two staircases intertwined that never meet — is one of the hallmarks of Château de Chambord. The design later influenced additional castles throughout Europe, one of the most notable being Schwerin Castle, on Lake Schwerin in Germany. Ironically, Francis I maintained his primary residence at two other castles, Château de Blois, and Château d’Amboise.

Today, Château de Chambord is a massive estate, consisting of forests (with downloadable hiking trails), gardens rivaling Versailles Palace, guided tours in multiple languages, self-guided tours, and a entire headset set-up for a virtual reality film documenting a journey from Italy to Chambord.

For the wine lovers and winemakers out there, you are able to purchase oak barrels made from the oak forests on the estate!

~20 minutes by car from Blois (and shuttle buses run consistently). You can also opt to arrange a private and guided tour by a Loire local . You can purchase tickets to Château de Chambord ahead of time and browse additional guided tour options here.

Château Chaumont Sur Loire

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France

+33 2 54 20 99 22

First, make sure to enter the full name of this castle when conducting any searches! There are two other Châteaus with “Chaumont” in the title. Chaumont Sur Loire is in Chaumont Sur Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, in the heart of the Loire Valley. You guessed it, it sits directly above the Loire River.

The construction for this castle originally started in the 10th century. Over the centuries it was passed onto families, torn down through wars, reconstructed, sold, and now sits as an incredible garden and museum open to the public. Most notably, the English-style gardens are a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Since 1992, every year from April-October, the Château de Chaumont Sur Loire has hosted the International Garden Festival . Garden designers from around the world create unique gardens throughout the property and it is completely open to the public.

~20 minutes by car from Blois, or take a look at a variety of tour options .

Château de Chenonceau

37150 Chenonceaux, France

+33 2 47 23 44 02

Château de Chenonceau is in Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire, Centre-Val de Loire. It is an enormous, complex estate, visually stunning, and one of the best-known châteaux in the Loire Valley. It is also the second most visited château in the entire country, second only to Versailles Palace.

December 6th – January 6th is a particularly renowned time to visit for floral enthusiasts. A floral workshop is on display in every room in the castle, the floral designers prepare for 3 months for this event every year!

Château de Chenonceau, like many other castles, has seen many iterations over the years. It has been notably passed down and rebuilt largely at the hands and under the direction of women. There is a restaurant on-site, a maze with trees that are 2,000 years old, and stunning gardens. Additionally, on-site, you can also do a wine tasting from March to November. These wines are hyper-local, featuring wines from the AOC Tours-Chenonceau.

Easily accessible by train: TER Tours-Chenonceaux train stop is located right by the ticket office. 400 m ( ¼ mile) from the main entrance to the estate. This is a must-stop, must-visit for anyone visiting the region, whether you are visiting for the wine or not!

~45 minutes by car from Blois, 37 minutes by car from Tours. Admission tickets to Chateau de Chenonceau can be purchased online through GetYourGuide here.

Take the Trip!

The Loire Valley is a world-class wine region known for its dedication to fruit-forward, lean, food-friendly, and expressive wines. This is a must-visit region for #Winetravelers.

With the seemingly endless size of the region, we recommend narrowing your visit to one or two regions (Lower Loire, Middle Loire, Central Loire, Upper Loire) within the Loire Valley, or taking the time to make two trips! As we mentioned, there are over 6,000 producers, with more than 85 appellations, so make sure to plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions about Loire Valley Wineries & Castles

Can i visit wineries in the loire valley.

The Loire Valley, often referred to as the ‘Garden of France’, is famous not only for its historic castles but also its extensive vineyards. The region is a renowned wine producing area with a wide variety of wines including whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines. Many vineyards and wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing Winetravelers to explore the picturesque countryside, learn about the local wine-making process, and sample the region’s exquisite wines. From the crisp and light whites of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé to the rich reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, there’s a Loire Valley wine to suit every palate. So yes, you most certainly can and should visit wineries when in the Loire Valley. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in French wine culture, discover new favorite wines, and meet the passionate people who create them.

What are some of the best Loire Valley castles to visit?

The Loire Valley has an impressive collection of castles that make it a standout region for any history and architecture lover. One of the most recognizable chateaux in the world is the Château de Chambord , thanks to its iconic French Renaissance architecture. Built initially as a hunting lodge for King Francis I, the ornate style and expansive grounds make this chateau a must-visit. The Château de Chenonceau , often referred to as “the ladies’ castle,” leaves its visitors in awe with its stunning architecture and its fascinating history shaped by several influential women. The chateau is uniquely constructed over the Cher River, which provides a breathtaking setting. Perched majestically overlooking the Loire River, the Château d’Amboise offers an insight into royal French life. The castle was once a residence of numerous French kings and also serves as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, who is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert on the castle’s grounds. Also not to be missed is the Château de Villandry , a grand country house famed for its intricate and beautifully manicured gardens. From ornamental flowers to water gardens and vegetable patches, the Château de Villandry is an incredible example of Renaissance landscaping.

Which wine is the Loire Valley most famous for?

The Loire Valley wine region is most famous for its crisp, white wines , especially those made from the Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc grape varieties. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are renowned sub-regions within the Loire Valley, where Sauvignon Blanc thrives, producing wines that are aromatic, high in acidity, and feature notable mineral qualities. On the other hand, Chenin Blanc is the star in regions like Vouvray and Anjou . Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile, leading to wines that range from bone-dry to sweet, as well as sparkling wines. In addition to white wines, the Loire Valley also produces noteworthy reds, primarily from Cabernet Franc in areas like Chinon and Bourgueil . Cabernet Franc from this region is known for its floral bouquet and peppery characteristics.

What is the difference between Sancerre and Touraine?

Sancerre and Touraine are two wine regions within the Loire Valley in France, known for their production of white wines, particularly from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. However, the wines from these two regions do exhibit differences, largely due to their varying climates, soils, and wine-making traditions. Sancerre is situated in the easternmost part of the Loire Valley and has a more continental climate. The vineyards are planted on steep slopes with soil rich in limestone and flint. These conditions give Sancerre wines a distinctive minerality, along with pronounced acidity and typically aromatic profiles with notes of citrus and white flowers. Sancerre wines are often considered premium expressions of Sauvignon Blanc due to their complexity and balance. On the other hand, Touraine is located further west in the Loire Valley, experiencing a more maritime climate. The soils in Touraine are quite diverse, ranging from tuffeau (a type of limestone) to gravel and sand. This region produces a variety of wines, but its Sauvignon Blancs are often fruitier and less mineral-driven than those from Sancerre. They may exhibit a broader range of fruit characteristics, from citrus to tropical notes, but generally lack the intensity and complexity of Sancerre wines. Despite these differences, both regions offer high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Loire Valley and showcase the versatility of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

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  The Loire Valley is a lush green land of gently undulating countryside with rich vineyards interspersed with charming towns and magnificent Châteaux. The region boasts some of the most famous Châteaux in France: Amboise, Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and Chenonceau to name but a few. Known as the Garden of France, the region’s Châteaux and cultural monuments illustrate exceptionally the ideals of the Renaissance and of the Age of Enlightenment.

The rivers Loire, Cher, Indre and Vienne meander gracefully through the region and offer a delightful backdrop to many of the region’s Château and towns.

As the leading specialist organiser of Loire Valley wine tour with over a decade of experience, we offer a selection of tours to suit all tastes and budgets!

Our friendly team would love to hear from you on +44 (0) 1920 46 86 66 or at [email protected] to discuss your requirements and suggest suitable packages, however we have listed here  some of our favourite packages including Loire Valley wine tour and tastings as well as fine dining, which are also available to book online.

If you can’t find what you are looking for on our web site, we would be thrilled to put together a tailor-made Loire Valley wine tour itinerary for you. Just get in touch!

The winery in Montlouis was just so lovely and coach and driver perfect. Grape Escapes - what an amazing service. Thank you thank you thank you. The day organised by Grape Escapes was the highlight for me of my weekend in the Loire Valley.

Gavin- London, UK

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Loire Valley Wine Tours

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The Loire Valley was one of the first regions to which we started running tours, and we at SmoothRed have been have been in love with “ Le Jardin de France ” ever since.

In fact, one of the SmoothRed team is originally from the picturesque Loire village of Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne in Anjou, famed throughout France for its peace and tranquillity. Or, as they call it over there, “ La Douceur Angevine ”. It sounds so much more poetic in French, n’est ce pas ?

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To read more about Loire Valley use the links below

More About Loire Valley

“le jardin de france”.

We run trips to the Loire Valley all year round, its mild climate making it a perfect region to visit whenever the fancy takes you. With more than 300 châteaux to explore, fans of architectural splendour are in for a real treat. From the earliest fortified castles which date back to the 10 th century, to the noble residencies of kings from the 15 th , 16 th and 17 th centuries, the châteaux give visitors a fascinating insight into French nobility through the ages.

Of course, it is the wine that draws many to this area of France. The world renowned appellations d’origine contrôlées of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé produce some of the best wines in France – many would argue the world. Throw in wines from Muscadet, Chinon, Vouvray and Touraine and wine-lovers will find it hard to leave this most enchanting region. So contact us today to arrange your wine tasting trip and experience the wine of the Loire Valley for yourself.

Loire Valley Activities

Châteaux of the loire valley.

Of course, it’s not all just about wine. The Loire also boasts over 300 beautiful Châteaux, from the gardens of Villandry to the Italian Renaissance-inspired splendour of Chenonceau. In between we can show you secret villages like Candes-St-Martin, the troglodyte cave houses of Troo and the winding canals of Combreux.

French royalty have chosen the Loire Valley as their base throughout the centuries, and they and their entourages built new châteaux or renovated existing structures with opulence as their watchword. History buffs will have a field day here too with so much to learn and investigate.

The Château de Loches, for instance, was occupied by none other than Richard the Lionheart in the 12 th century. The Château de Chinon played host to a meeting between Charles VII and Joan of Arc in 1429, while the château King Philip IV had leaders of the Knights Templar imprisoned there in the early 1300s. With some truly beautiful gardens to complement the châteaux, it is easy to while away the hours in style.

Loire Valley Wine Guide

Wines of the loire valley.

More than just a single region, the Loire Valley also has many sub regions – Nantes, Anjou, Touraine, Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Valcay and Côteaux to name just a few – each producing its own inimitable wines. This makes it France’s most diverse wine region, producing wines in every style imaginable.

Crisp dry whites

The Loire Valley is probably best known for its crisp dry whites, such as the archetypal Sancerre offerings and the Sauvignon de Touraine. Utilising primarily Sauvignon Blanc grapes, many of the whites from the region possess a heady combination of refreshing acidity and distinct fruity notes and to many the best whites found here are quite simply the best whites found anywhere.

Reds, rosés, fizzes and sweet wines

But let’s not forget the Loire Valley’s fine, fruity red wines made from Pinot Noir and Gamay. Nor its rich earthy reds made from Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Not to mention its dry and off-dry rosés, elegant fizzes and luscious dessert wines.

All these varied Loire Valley wines offer their own charms. And we know just where to go to enjoy the finest examples of each and every one, so book your SmoothRed Loire Valley wine holiday today.

Loire Valley Hotels

Domaine de la Tortinière

Set in the heart of the Loire Valley and surrounded by 15 hectares of serene…

Les Trésorières

Located in the historic heart of Tours next to the covered market, Les Trésorières is…

“Thanks for taking the time and trouble to call. You really have set the standard by which we compare  all other companies!! Thank you so much for organising a fantastic itinerary with such an interesting  and varied range of stop-overs. We are already starting to think about next year’s trip to France so  would welcome any suggestions.”

Hilary Alder

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Loire Valley wines experiences

Welcome to Vino Loire  ! 

I am Vincent DELABY and as a wine professional for many years, I would be pleased to provide the best Loire Valley wines experiences!

The Loire Valley vineyard is the most diverse in France. From Vouvray to Chinon and from Sancerre to Anjou let's discover all you ever wanted to know about  vine growing and winemaking. Have opportunity to meet some winemakers and to taste their wines paired with local gastronomy.

Starting from the city of Tours or Amboise (and surrounding), all our tours are complete experiences including transport in fully equipped Mercedes minivan, strolls in vineyards , wineries visits and amazing caves and of course wine tasting paired with local delicacies or gastronomic picnic.

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From vines to wines ... choose your experience...

A good introduction to the local wines and terroir during a few hours.

Full days / Multi-days

An opportunity to discover the diversity of  Loire Valley wines and the local gastronomy during a great lunch. 

Private tours

Exclusive and tailor-made private tour.

Get the chance to create your own program regarding your requests.

About me, Vincent Delaby

>> Independant Guide for 3 years

>>  Experienced and knowledgable

>>  Wine maker during 12 years

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Loire Valley Castles Small-Group Day Trip from Paris

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Spend a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and discover three Marvellous Castles — Amboise, Chenonceau and Chambord — in the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley. After enjoying the picturesque drive to central France by air-conditioned minivan, you’ll independently explore the châteaux. Find out which castle the royals favored, where Leonardo da Vinci’s remains are buried, and which castle is so stunning that it boasts its own UNESCO status. Round-trip transportation and an enjoyable wine tasting session are included in this small group day trip.

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Wine Tasting until March 31st 2023
• Visit 3 Castles including (Chambord, Amboise and Chenonceau)
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Small-group tour (Max 8 people)
• Lunch (From April 1st 2023)
• Driver/Guide

What's not Included

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Hotel Pick Up

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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This European Country Is Leading the Natural Wine Movement — Here's Where to Drink

I n other parts of the world, natural wine production can be raw, wild, and a little messy. But a road trip through southeastern Austria reveals that, in a land where order and understatement reign, even the low-intervention bottles are elegant and refined.

“Austria’s Tuscany” was my destination: the wine region of Sudsteiermark, or Southern Styria, in the foothills along the Slovenian border. But in this small country known for alpine sports, high culture, and Weiner schnitzel, all roads lead to Vienna . So the day before I set out on a spring driving tour of wine country, I found myself in the imperial city, opening the windows at Hotel Sacher to take in the delicious weather. My elegant suite was a composition of eau de Nil wall fabric, ecru silk curtains, and molded paneling in eggshell hues, and it gave me an idea to try out over dinner. 

At a relaxed farm-to-table bistro nearby (Restaurant Schubert, sadly now closed), the twenty-something proprietor seated me on the terrace and suggested I let him handle the ordering. I agreed, and asked him to also choose two Austrian wines. My idea, I explained, was to compare one “classic” from a landmark Austrian winery, something in the faultless Hotel Sacher manner, with an equivalent “natural” wine. The proprietor’s eyes lit up. He knew what to do. (There is no exact definition, but typically wines sold as natural, or low-intervention, come from organic or biodynamic grapes fermented with wild yeast and treated with minimal sulfur.) 

Out came a progression of beautiful seasonal dishes. White asparagus with grilled romaine and diced rhubarb in a pool of pea emulsion. A frilly salad of sheer carrot ribbons. Delicately poached salmon trout. Jerusalem-artichoke sorbet with preserved quince for dessert. It was a culinary sketch of springtime in Austria: the taste of nature, and a perfect counterpoint to the refinement of the Hotel Sacher.

As for the wines, there was a misunderstanding. The proprietor brought me two glasses — for each course. Eight fine wines in total, every one of them elegant and precise. And from each pairing, without a doubt, I preferred the natural wine. Why? They had charm, individuality, dash. They were fun, but not in the disheveled way of many natural wines I’d tried in the past. 

I texted the results of my experiment to Marko Kovac, cofounder of Karakterre, the natural-wine fair in Eisenstadt that was to be the final stop on my itinerary. 

“What have you people done to my palate?” I teased. “There’s no going back,” he replied.

Related: The Loire Valley Is Home to the Grandest Châteaux in France — and Some of the Boldest New Winemakers in the Country

Austria's Approach to Natural Wine

To each his own, of course, and some drinkers will always prefer the classical style. But what I discovered on the natural-wine route through Southern Styria and adjacent Burgenland — regions known, respectively, for fresh-as-springwater whites and reds nimbler than a Strauss waltz — is that Austria is not a funky place, wine-wise. The low-intervention bottles I sampled were faultless and refined, with none of the barnyard aromas, kombucha fizz, and sour-grape tang tolerated by vintners in other, less exacting corners of the world. By the end of the trip, it occurred to me that Austria may well be the world’s most approachable gateway to natural wine.

From time to time, I put down my glass to soak in the history of these culturally rich borderlands, which were once not at the edge but in the middle of a European superpower. “Austria used to go all the way south to Trieste,” one sommelier reminded me. Austro-Hungary’s Hapsburg dynasty had counted Styria among its possessions since 1278; on the eve of World War I, it ruled as a constitutional monarchy over such far-flung cities as Trieste, Budapest, Prague, Kraków, and Sarajevo. 

Resources, ideas, and influences from across the realm entered the country’s cultural DNA. I kept catching glimpses of elsewhere in the food, the palaces, the polychrome churches, the stone village houses, the timber farms — each a trace of that cosmopolitan empire.

Even more vivid than the region’s history was the sparkling presence of nature. Southern Austria was in full flower during my trip: lilac and elder in the forested Styrian hills, honey locust and wild rose on the plains of Burgenland, a perfumed landscape that rushed in through my open car window. Everywhere I was met with the bloom of health. At little taverns, garden pickings filled the menus, and at night the family-run inns smelled of air-dried linen. Folks carried themselves with a sense of contentment and good humor, as if they weren’t too busy to open a bottle of wine at lunch or saunter off for an afternoon hike.

Related: These 4 Female-led Wine Experiences Are a Must-visit in Greece

A Visit to Graz, the Capital of Styria

Halfway to Graz, the storybook capital of Styria, green hills gently gathered themselves up from the smooth plains like the skirt of a couture ball gown. Graz was once an imperial city, like Vienna, but it has a distinctly southern exposure. I had the strange sensation, as I walked into the UNESCO-designated historic center through plazas planted with olive trees, that I could feel a Mediterranean breeze. It was as the Hapsburgs wished. In the 16th century they brought in Italian architects to update their drab medieval city. Domenico dell’Allio delivered them a colonnaded palace that is now home to the provincial parliament. On the nearby central square a hulking town hall, the Hauptplatz, bristles with architectural doodads like an old Baroque pile but is practically new, put up in 1893 by city-proud residents who paid for it with a tax on wine.

I ducked in to Gasthaus Stainzerbauer, a traditional tavern, for lunch. The daily special was white asparagus, warm potatoes, and mâche, a small salad green, drizzled with pumpkin-seed oil, a local delicacy so intensely green it left grassy stains on my napkin. This was classic Styrian cooking, and it would be the baseline against which I measured that night’s dinner at Broadmoar, a countryside restaurant and inn run by innovative chef Johann Schmuck. 

Although it sits barely beyond the Graz suburbs, Broadmoar seemed to exist on the far side of enchantment, in a setting of horse pastures, shadowy woods, and blooming hedgerows. I went for a walk during golden hour and time seemed suspended: dandelions in their uncountable number had flowered, but the puffballs had not yet puffed away. At dinner, Schmuck’s menu explored the precise micro season of the farm across 11 courses, each accompanied by low-intervention wines from small regional producers. Nearly every plate was sprinkled with the wild edibles I’d seen underfoot on my walk: oxalis, chickweed, yarrow, field garlic, rumex, bishop’s weed, cress, and nettles that stung less than ours in the United States. Compared with lunch, this was Styria at its most natural.

A cock crowed. Across the valley another answered. It was 4:21 a.m., and the skylight above my bed was open. Soon the light rose and, with it, the most flamboyant birdsong I’d heard since a morning on the Serengeti many years ago. Among the chorus, a cuckoo called. I had never heard one before, but it couldn’t have been anything else: it sounded exactly like a cuckoo clock. 

Somehow my head felt fine despite the previous night’s many glasses of research. Natural-wine proponents claim their low-sulfur tipple causes less of a hangover, or maybe it was just a good night’s sleep in the super-oxygenated air. But in any case, I was fully charged to drive about 45 minutes south, nearly to the border with Slovenia, to meet a world-renowned guru of natural-wine making, Sepp Muster, and his wife/collaborator, Maria.

There was no mistaking the Muster vineyards. Conventional management practices suppress everything that isn’t vine by mowing, tilling, and spraying herbicide with an intensity that ranges from anal-retentive to paranoid. The Musters do the opposite. They invite in unruly nature and encourage its residency among their vines. I could distinguish a dozen kinds of rival wildflowers and broad-leaf plants in the thick grass. Pollinators buzzed past. Swarms of smaller insects, backlit by the morning sun, were snatched from the air by avian patrols. 

Sepp greeted me on the steps of the couple’s gently worn 18th-century farmhouse and toured me through the vineyards, established on land his father acquired in 1978. “We trust every plant is growing on the right spot,” Muster said of the green exuberance, “because that’s the way nature works. If the soil is alive, everything works.” Robust and jolly in his middle years, Sepp sounded by turns like a humble farmer, a wise ecologist, a climate scientist, a government agronomist, and a Druidic high priest. Another secret: he doesn’t make the wine. “I’m observing,” he said in succinct summary of the entire low-intervention ethos. In this worldview, the wine is made “in the vineyard”: the vines themselves create a self-portrait of the year to capture in a wine bottle. We joined Maria at a table in the half-wild garden, and Sepp uncorked several bottles. “We can feel this complexity in the wine,” he said, swirling a glass. “It’s not a physical sensation; it’s just very fine, elegant flavors.” 

The surprise was that Styria has historically not been known for its fine wine, though grapevines were first recorded in the area in the 17th century, Sepp said, but at the turn of the 20th century more grapes were being grown commercially on the Slovenian side of the border. The reason had to do with politics, to an extent, but mostly with climate. Styria was too chilly. A warming trend reached a historic milestone with the perfect 1992 growing season. Sepp compared the current climate conditions with those of Burgundy in the 70s and 80s — wine-making Valhalla. 

That night I stayed nearby at Weingut Tauss, a winery and inn outside the village of Schlossberg run by Alice and Roland Tauss. Breakfast the next morning was served outdoors on tablecloths the same milky blue as the bright, humid sky. Alice Tauss put out whole-wheat bread, superb house-made jam, and a scramble of orange-yolked eggs drizzled with the ubiquitous pumpkin-seed oil. She moved among the tables in a nutmeg linen skirt, a picture of health and good conscience. Roland had the acute, assessing look of a hyper-educated bird and sported a New Wave haircut. In the tasting room, they described their intent, as winemakers, to bottle a sense of harmony and “lifeness,” their term for the spirit of biodiversity that animates the meadow-like vineyards.

“In German, vineyard is Weingarten, a wine garden,” Alice told me. “We do a lot of work for our place to be a garden. For us, it is also a harvest to see the wildflowers and hear the birds.” 

Under the influence of their graceful wines, I felt myself falling in love with the day, the place, the couple’s animist spirituality, the whole bucolic vision. Longtime customers had the opposite reaction when the winery first went natural a decade ago. They fled, “one hundred percent,” Roland said. “In this region, people don’t drink our wine,” he continued, an edge in his voice. The Tausses also faced scorn from conventionally minded neighbors who considered their nonconformist methods eccentric and possibly lunatic.

I drove away with a greater appreciation for the nerve shown by Styria’s natural winemakers in breaking away from the establishment, with its rule books and official tasting panels that decide if a bottling can carry the label of “ Qualitätswein. ” Several years back, a wine submitted by the Musters failed to meet all 10 quality standards — a fact Maria shared with a twinkle of pride. 

The Final Leg of the Road Trip

If you can name any red from Austria, it’s probably Blaufränkisch, the wine for which Burgenland — Austria’s easternmost and least populous state — is best known. (Bonus points for naming Zweigelt, the region’s other widely planted red.) Traditionally, local growers went 50-50 on white versus red, explained Martin Lichtenberger, who makes wine in Breitenbrunn with his Spanish wife, Adriana González. The balance shifted in the 1980s, thanks to European Union subsidies, but the couple seeks out old plots that escaped uprooting. “Each has its own history, which you respect,” Lichtenberger said. “You don’t have to raise the vines anymore. But you take them by the hand and lead them your way.”

“We are a bit romantic,” said González of their passion for gnarled vines set in imperfect rows. But when it comes to cellar work, they favor “serious” wines, meaning the opposite of funky. (At Karakterre, Judith Beck, the talented maker of whistle-clean wines, similarly said, unsmilingly, “I am a serious person, and I take what I do very seriously.”)

What Burgenland has over Styria is scale — it’s possible to go big on this flat acreage. The one Austrian natural-wine producer whose bottles I can find dependably in wine stores around the U.S. is Meinklang, which is headquartered at the southeastern end of Lake Neusiedl in Pamhagen, a bottle toss from Hungary. 

The farmers behind the brand, the Michlits family, have lived in the region for seven generations and now keep 200 of their roughly 6,000 acres in wine grapes. The diverse operation includes grain for beer and cattle for beef, and it all runs on principles established by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Born in Austro-Hungary in 1861, Steiner created biodynamics, a way of farming that combines organic methods (cattle manure for fertilizer) with esoteric rituals intended to draw down cosmic energies, or something like that. Biodynamics is a mash-up of premodern farming traditions, neo-pagan animism, liturgical precision, and recordkeeping worthy of the papal bureaucracy. Call it spiritual agronomy for short — or call it whack-a-doodle nonsense — but either way, biodynamics is a force in the wine world. 

Most of the places I visited along Austria’s natural-wine route were certified biodynamic; Meinklang’s spectacular winery-slash-tasting room does them all one better. The building is designed according to anthroposophist principles — more Steiner woo-woo — and uses eco-friendly building materials such as an all-wood roof structure and rammed-earth floors and walls. Farmer Werner Michlits and collaborating winemaker Niklas Peltzer led me through a leisurely tasting and explained their goal: to produce approachable “bridge wines” that are meant to be affordable, honest, and easy to enjoy.

Like the Meinklang visitors’ center, Burgenland as a whole is well kitted out for visitors. I enjoyed a hipster hangout, Neusiedler, where the tattooed generation gathers for grass-fed burgers and natty Blaufränkisch, as well as Michelin-starred stops for the sorts of high-end tourists who return to Vienna with their trunks full of wine. 

The region’s star establishment is Taubenkobel, a Relais & Châteaux resort that opened 41 years ago as a simple B&B. These days, the founders’ daughter, co-owner Barbara Eselböck, and her husband, chef Alain Weissgerber, send out 12 courses for lunch. (The best was a one-bite lovage tart; second best was a scoop of rhubarb ice cream cupped by radicchio leaves like pink-speckled clamshells.)

The gaggle of wines accompanying the meal included several from Gut Oggau, a winery launched in 2007 by the Taubenkobel founders’ other daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Eduard Tscheppe, who was formerly a conventional winemaker in Styria. Lunch proved beyond a doubt how Austrian natural wines can pair with even the most refined cuisine. Not to say they were entirely conventional — some were still a little unbuttoned by the strictest standards of propriety. An archconservative on an Austrian wine board’s tasting panel might well have found fault.

But a T-shirt I saw at Karakterre earlier in the day captured the growing confidence and mischievous spirit of the crowd gathered there, who care less every year what conventional arbiters think — because they are too busy selling wine. It was the equivalent of a one-finger salute aimed at critic Robert Parker, who once ruled supreme as the wine industry’s global arbiter thanks to his 100-point rating system and preference for opulent, conventionally “perfect” wines. It read: parker gave me 50. 

Where to Stay and Sip Natural Wine in Austria

Hotel Sacher Wien : The grande dame of Vienna hotels, subtly refreshed in 2018, remains a paragon of classical elegance. Breakfast is served in the superb ballroom.

Meinklang Hofladen : The in-town “farm shop” from Austria’s largest natural winery multitasks as a coffee house, all-day café, bakery, wine bar, and wine shop, supplied by the Michlits family’s Burgenland estate.

Broadmoar : This restaurant-guesthouse offers hyperlocal gastronomy and simple lodging on a picturesque horse farm outside Graz.

Weingut Tauss : Bare-bones but endearing, this biodynamic winery and inn is surrounded by gardens, wildflowers, and vine-covered hillsides.

Gasthaus Restaurant Thaller : Contemporary fine dining on the church square of Veit am Vogau, with a deep wine list of bottles from local legends Maria and Sepp Muster.

Gasthaus Stainzerbauer : A cozy tavern in the historic center of Graz that highlights traditional Styrian ingredients.

Lilli & Jojo : Calling itself a Wirtshaus, or wine tavern, this stop along the wine route charms with elevated country cooking and a friendly welcome.

Ploder Rosenberg : Run by two generations who are passionate about biodynamic wine-making but are delightfully relaxed among their vines. Tastings and guided visits are available. 

Weingut Tement : This large, family-owned biodynamic winery straddles the Austria-Slovenia border and offers tastings — and vistas — on the terrace. 

Gut Purbach : Fine dining in the village of Purbach with a hearty nose-to-tail menu for adventurous eaters and modern guest rooms in an ancient stone house.

Neusiedler : A casual natural-wine bar featuring bottles from Meingklang, Judith Beck, and Lichtenberger González, plus grass-fed burgers and snacks.

Taubenkobel : The region’s leading resort offers luxury accommodations, plus a seasonal tasting menu in the main dining room ($160) and simpler bistro fare at Greisslerei (entrées $15–$47). In both, wines from Gut Oggau feature prominently.

A version of this story first appeared in the August 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Natural Selection ."

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .