The vines of the Val de Loire stretch for some 1,000 kilometres, from the source of the Loire in the Massif Central to its estuary at Nantes. It’s a long route, and vineyard visits are generally concentrated in the area between Sancerre and Nantes, following the kings and nobles of France who constructed their châteaux there. Because although the vineyards are unique, the cultural visits are too! As for the wines, whether they be white, red, rosé, dry, sparkling, or sweet, the visitor is spoilt for choice.
Vineyards or heritage, wine or culture? Why choose when our trails along the Loire make you discover all the richness and diversity of the region!
With its mild, humid climate Anjou has always been renowned for its wines but also its attraction for the French nobility. Chateaux, domaines and wine cellars have lined the routes of the Loire since the 10th century. The vineyards span many prestigious appellations. (AOCs). The list below is non-exhaustive but gives an idea of the diversity and wealth of appellations in the region.
If this vineyard of the Loire Valley dates back to the IVth century, the vineyard of Saumur really took off in the 10th century, due to the development of river transport.The dominant grape variety is Chenin, then Cabernet. Numerous troglodytes built along the Loire River nowadays cellars and domaine, such as the Domaine de la Perruche.The dominant grape variety is Chenin, then Cabernet. Lots of troglodytes built along the Loire became cellars and domaines, such as the Domaine de la Perruche.
There are many visits dedicated to discovering the vineyards and tasting the wines. For example, Domaine de la Perruche and its Saumur-Champigny ‘ Terroir de Craie’, Château La Varière and its Cabernet d’Anjou appellations, Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume, Coteaux de l’Aubance. Guided visits of the vineyards are possible at different times of the year. Ask for more details!
The temperate, continental climate and mild winters of this region create characterful wines that are sought after around the world. Slightly fewer, but equally prestigious chateaux combine tasting and culture. From Orleans to Sancerre, the diversity of appellations is a great as the quality of the wines.
15 villages, 3,000 hectares, Sancerre is a unique terroir. It is made up of three types of soil, Kimmeridgian marl, limestone clay and flint, and stretches across hillsides of magnificent landscapes. The greatest Sauvignon Blanc flourishes in these soils that overlook the Château de Sancerre and the Tour des Fiefs.
The vineyards of the Loire have the potential to embody history as few other regions can. Aesthetics, taste and heritage leave your senses no respite on your journey along the Loire.
Whilst a journey into the heart of the vines is indispensable to discover the region’s grape varieties, plunging into its history to understand its environment and its heritage gives the all-round view. Just like the tasting at the summit of the Tour des Fiefs at Sancerre! Tasting the wines from the Château de Sancerre, accompanied with local produce, looking out over the vineyards of Sancerre, is a rare and unique experience.
The mild, temperate climate of the Touraine produces red, rosé, white, sweet and sparkling wines. Refined and elegant, with lots of character, the wines of Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil enjoy international recognition.
The wine region of Touraine is known for its great diversity. From Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil, to Chinon passing through Vouvray, red and white wines rub shoulders with fine bubble wines. The vines are planted on tuffeau, clay-limestone or flint clay soils. Production sites in troglodytes still exist in the old tuffeau extraction cellars such as the Caves Monmousseau. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Bourgueil
Cheverny
Chinon
Cour-Cheverny
Crémant de Loire
Rosé de Loire
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Touraine
Touraine-Amboise
Touraine-Chenonceaux
Vouvray
Wandering along the course of the Loire, you cannot help but be amazed by the quality of the landscapes, the terroir, the local gastronomy and the cultural heritage. A true paradise for wine tourists, the Loire Valley offers unique and exceptional experiences and wine tastings. As a couple, with the family, or a group of friends, there are different types of visit to suit your desires and tastes. Explore and be curious, the Loire has endless ways of making your visit unforgettable!
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