Cave Monplaisir. THE 10 BEST Wine Tours & Tastings in Loire Valley, France - Tripadvisor At our historic estate and chteau in the Loire Valley, we produce organic still and sparkling, red and ros wines. The key white grape varieties areMelon de BourgogneandChenin Blanc. Perhaps most unique is their and the regions/AOCs focus on Pineau dAunis. This small and friendly vineyard and winery in an easy-to-reach location on the outskirts of the town of Chinon is a modern facility in the hands of a family who have been winemakers for generations. The winery supports sustainable practices in viticulture and winemaking, using modern technology whilst retaining a respect for tradition. Castles Tickets. 4. And if you would like some additional excursions, we have you covered with our favorite castles in the region. Best Loire Valley Wineries & Castles to Visit This Year With its concerts, literature evenings, modern sculpture exhibitions and many other events, this winery is a popular destination for wine and art lovers. We enjoyed visiting the cool production area and storage caves. THE 5 BEST Amboise Wineries & Vineyards (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor With their 16 hectares in Saumur-Champigny, mostly clay-limestone soils, they now have an environmental certification and are practicing organic. event : evt, })(); This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Chteau de Minire was built in the 17th century and covers 18 hectares around the region on Bourgeuil. Wine holidays here include many activities such as vineyard and cellar tours and guided wine tastings. Although they make a few other wines, from other grapes other than Melon de Bourgogne/Melon B, Chteau du Clray is undoubtedly one of the preeminent ambassadors for Muscadet and the region as a whole. It is situated in the heart of Anjou-Saumur in Savennires, a region renowned for its high-quality Chenin Blanc. During your private visit, you will get the chance to discover our facinating troglodytes cellars carved out in limestone from the 8th century. We use cookies to make your experience of our website better. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Loire Valley vineyards, on their side, are home to dominant wine appellations, all the more prestigious around the world, like the Vouvray appellation. Bear Safety: Hosting and Camping Responsibly in Bear Country, These are the Most Searched For Hikes in Every Country, 10 Incredible #AdventureMoms to Follow on Instagram, 12 LGBTQIA2S+ Outdoor Leaders Making Difference, Australias Best Hipcamps to Visit in 2023. Amateur or oenophile, everyone knows the Loire Valley 's reputation for producing outstanding wines. There is even a fabulous little touch for parents in the form of grape juice tastings for your little ones, too! The 600-mile stretch of the Loire River valley and its tributaries make up one of France's top wine regions. Copyright Wine Traveler, LLC . You are reading The Best Loire Valley Wineries & Castles to Visit: Back To Top, things to do in the Loire Valley France, wineries near me, castles near me, wineries in the Loire Valley, castles in the Loire Valley: best French wine regions to visit. There are two main airports close to wineries in Loire Valley: A good way to discover wineries in Loire Valley is to travel by train using the. If you decide to visit wineries in Loire Valley by car, there are several motorways that you can chose. What are some of the best Loire Valley castles to visit? Being noted for its modern interpretation of the traditional approach, this place is open for vineyard tours, tastings, and longing. Les Caves du Pre Augusteis located inCivray-de-Touraine, in theTouraineregion. Where to Stay in the Loire Valley? ); This is a must-stop, must-visit for anyone visiting the region, whether you are visiting for the wine or not! Cab Franc is a delicate, fragrant red (described by Jancis Robinson as the feminine side of Cabernet Sauvignon) most often used in blending in regions such as Bordeaux. Which experiences are best for wineries & vineyards in Loire Valley? The place is vast, with 87 wine appellations strung along the river, from Muscadet on the coast to . The Loire Valley, often referred to as the Garden of France, is famous not only for its historic castles but also its extensive vineyards. All this can be done of course, whilst learning about the bottle fermented Mthode Traditionnelle sparkling winemaking method and enjoying a glass or two in the process! You will find many amazing wineries near Amboise or Chinon as well as hundreds of other attractions to visit throughout the region. These cookies do not store any personal information. Together with another Dutch couple we did some free wine tasting, tasting mainly red chinon wines. For wine tastings at Domaine Coirier, book with Winerist today! 7. We made an appointment for an English speaking guide at this winery and the lovely Isabelle brought us an informative and humorous tour of the winery. With regard to the wines, Maison Ackerman was founded in 1811 by a Belgian, Jean-Baptiste Ackerman, who was the first person to make a sparkling Saumur wine using the method traditionelle. They make some very nice Saumur and Saumur Champigny. RELATED: 10 Important Facts About the Loire Valley Wine Region. Available for iOS and Android. For wine tastings, vineyard tours and more at Domaine Sauvte, book with Winerist today! The chteau and 22 hectares of the estates vines can be found on the banks of the Loire just 20 minute out of Angers, overlooking the Layon valley. For a majestic cycling visit of Bouvet Ladubay, book with Winerist today! 1. Dating back 2,000 years, the first vines date back to the 5th century, with more developed viticulture dating back to the 9th century. From Paris and Bordeaux, you can drive along the, Maison Laudacuis - Cave des producteurs Montlouis, Discover Top Wineries of Vouvray to Visit, The region is backed by a long history in winemaking. You can take a tour of the cellars on foot or, for something a little different, take the bike tour and ride through the tunnels on a vintage bicycle before a well-deserved tasting. , and it was great to be able to try the semi-fermented wine as well as the fi His wine cellar is a must in the region for all those who appreciate real great Loire. 19 Jul, 2021 Discover the best wineries to visit in the Loire Valley. listeners: [], } But they are most well known for their three distinctive, site-specific Cabernet Franc bottles: Les Picasses, Les Peuilles, and Les Barnabes.. Additionally, on-site, you can also do a wine tasting from March to November. 8 of the best things to do in the Loire Valley - Lonely Planet The gardens were full of colour designed by the designer of Versailles. If you are going to Blois from the southwest, near Bordeaux, there are also high-speed trains and regular regional trains as well. He did Speciality & Gift Shops Wineries & Vineyards. Domaine Marc Brdif - Winery in Loire Valley | Winetourism.com Taxis are abundant in the area, as are drivers or cars for hire specializing in castle day trips. Sbastien also bought an old mushroom farm in order to create and mature his wines in the already-dug-out limestone caves and tunnels. 8. Admission tickets to Chateau de Chenonceau can be purchased online through GetYourGuide here. You can purchase tickets to Chteau de Chambord ahead of time and browse additional guided tour options here. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Both of those latter regions deserve an additional deep-dive at another time! Pop in any day between 9am and 12pm or 2:30pm to 6pm and discover the unique selection of wines at a free tasting with the winegrower himself and dont forget to pay a visit to the nearby creperie! I visited for a guided tour on a rainy day. Some of these can be customized and/or include castle stops. } These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Enjoy a complete Loire Valley experience with the visit of the unique and elegant gardens of Chateau de Villandry and the Free cancellation. The vineyard has been in her family since the 19th century, passed down through a line of women winemakers, and practices organic and biodynamic viticulture. This cellar is a co-operative enterprise founded by 40 vineyard owners in 1953. Outdoor Wine Tours in Angers. Keep reading below for more! Le Domaine des Vallettesis a family-owned estate inBourgueilin the Anjou-Saumur region. Fascinating and enjoyable tour of this very old winery. These are excellent wines from the next generation of producers already putting Saumur-Champigny and the Loire Valley on the map internationally. Similar to a lot of Europe, public transportation is abundant as well. It felt like, As one of Hipcamp's mothers once wrote, Everyone has a Mother: Mother Nature. They have 20 hectares of vines in Saint Nicholas de Bourgueil, three in Bourgueil and three in Anjou (both alternative AOCs) which are used in the production of their wines. The design later influenced additional castles throughout Europe, one of the most notable being Schwerin Castle, on Lake Schwerin in Germany. 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. In this guide, explore the grapes, wine appellations, history, culture, and climate of this diverse region. Military Museum's Manege, Helsinki - Tripadvisor Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 2. Discover the vineyard and taste the amazing wines during themed workshops, tastings and story-telling evenings. This is made from fully ripe Chenin Blanc grapes and fermented and aged in new oak. From Saumur to Sancerre, discover our pick of the best vineyards and wineries you can visit on holiday in the Loire Valley, France. Take a look at these charming hotels in Blois if you decide to use it as your homebase. Additionally, the Loire River was key to transporting wine long before railways and modern transportation existed. The Upper Loire is the geographic center of France, with a very different, warmer climate than the rest of the Loire Valley. The Best Natural Wine Vineyards in France's Loire Valley - Travel Most notably, the English-style gardens are a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. I was not feeling well but my girlfriend went in, I stayed in the car. Melon de Bourgogneis the key grape ofMuscadet grown primarily in the Nantais region, the style is bone dry, with refreshing acidity. Wine Spectator just unveiled the 2023 Restaurant Awards winners, which honor the world's best restaurants for wines. Over three decades or so, the Loire has become the heart of France's natural-wine movement. Arthur was super helpful! RELATED: Beautiful Luxury Wine Hotels & Vineyard Resorts to Stay at Around the World. Wine holidays here for the more adventurous amongst you can even explore this winding subterranean network of cellars and caves on a vintage bike! I found out about this winery through Wine Enthusiast (they have top rated Vouvray wines). It has been notably passed down and rebuilt largely at the hands and under the direction of women. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. The Loire Valley is known for world-class, cool-climate wines. Do take the chance to use your wine tasting to experience the several fascinating wine styles unique to the region, such as sparkling Crmant de Loire. You can try the current Maison Ackerman wines in a tasting during a visit here and learn more about the history of the place and the process of wine making too. Pierre & Bertrand Coulyis located inChinon, in the Anjou-Saumur region. Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published. Get here now. If you choose to rent a car, its recommended to acquire an international driving permit, which can be done online (with your regular license). The vineyard is certified organic for all of its wines, which consist of sparkling, ros and red wines made primarily from Cabernet Franc, as well as a special wine made from a parcel of old vines, or vignes centenaires. Domaines des Sables Verts is the project from a couple who took over the estate in 2019. 1. Chteau du Petit Thouars. See Which Hudson Valley Restaurants Earned 2023 Wine Spectator - Patch Here are three Loire Valley castles we highly recommend, in addition to the Chteau de Blois easily walkable and accessible on foot while youre staying in Blois. Why wife and I had a pleasant introduction to the wines of Chateau Gaudrelle yesterday. Whichever bottle you might find or taste in person, its crafted with precision: a textured core, plush fruit, excellent acidity, and a crunchy signature seashell quality that Muscadet is best known. Visited this cave today to taste and buy some Vouvray wine. The Loire Valley owes its worldwide fame to most sublime Renaissance Chteau that board the Loire river. We have wines (traditon) that are 10 years old and still very drinkable, which is unusual for a Champigny. The wine is full-bodied and dry with mineral complexity. He gave us a personal wine tasting experiencing, explaining the history of the French wine regions, the reasons the same wine can last different (based on vintage, region, etc), and showed us where they aged some of their wine to further explain the wine-making process. These wines are hyper-local, featuring wines from the AOC Tours-Chenonceau. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The Chteau de Blois is also in the middle of town and is very much a recommended stop. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This is a massive dairy farm which produces cheese, yogurt, butter and more! A very enjoyable and fascinating tour of this old sparkling wine producer - as famous as Champagne in its day and equally as good - the caves are very impressive, the clever French static displays and designs inside very enjoyable and a treat are the various old fashioned ball and other games you can play just before getting back to the tasting rooms. Paris: Loire Castles Day Trip by Coach With Wine Tasting. Glou Glou and Poyeux are unoaked/fermented in stainless steel. 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. Surrounding the town of Vendme, the Coteaux du Vendmois vineyards lie in the Loir Valley (a different river than the Loire!) M. Matisse de Caravelho was very professional and helpful with the tasting and choosing wines and Mme. Chteau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France. A very enjoyable tour, highly recommended! However, a speciality of both the region and the winery is Anjou Blanc. These are the best wineries to visit in Loire Valley: These wineries in Loire Valley have accommodation: Most of the wineries in Loire Valley are located in the wine regions in the countryside. From the crisp and light whites of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fum to the rich reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, theres a Loire Valley wine to suit every palate. Look out for fresh and lively ros wines and delicious fruity reds, all produced with enormous energy and enthusiasm! Helsinki. This, of course, has given the Jamet family plenty of time to perfect the art of winemaking, and brothers Antoine and Franois today specialise in wonderfully characterful expressions of Cabernet Franc. The region is a renowned wine producing area with a wide variety of wines including whites, reds, ross, and sparkling wines. Look out for the Sunken Cathedral, home to 35 monumental sculptures hidden away in the underground galleries. 5. They grow a number of varieties, from Sauvignon to Gamay, to produce many different styles of wine. Contact Winerist for some help in planning your dream Loire wine tour, or if youre looking for some inspiration then you can find some great ideas in our article on how to spend a weekend in the Loire! Phone: +1 858 298 3785 THE 10 BEST Loire Valley Wineries & Vineyards Wineries & Vineyards in Loire Valley Enter dates Filters 1 Food & Drink Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Food & Drink Wineries & Vineyards Wine Tours & Tastings Wine Bars Its a chance to immerse yourself in French wine culture, discover new favorite wines, and meet the passionate people who create them. She answered all of our questions and went through the wines and sampling with us afterwards. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( (559307-3066) The food was excellent, the wine was excellent - a great range to suit every palate, the service was excellent and very personal - delivered by the Count of Petit-Thouars himself, along with his family. There is also a lovely picnic area perfect for a little relaxation in the beautiful surroundings. But most notably, their prestigious sites lend richness and layers of fruit consistently in every vintage. event : evt, Explore Now! Easily accessible by train: TER Tours-Chenonceaux train stop is located right by the ticket office. Loire Valley Wine Guide | Wine Folly Chateau de Chambord and Loire Valley Winery Tour from Paris 2023 - Viator 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. A tour of the vineyard and the cellars was followed by a wine tasting with Sebastian. The accompanying cheeses were a welcome addition as we had made this our lunch stop. Chteau Soucherie, located in the heart of the Anjou, earns its place as one of the best wineries in the Loire Valley for how it prides itself on producing wines which respect nature and the environment thanks to as little human intervention as possible. The owners are very nice and the wine is excellent. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { You can stop by for a free tasting or book in for a longer tour and tasting at which local produce is served alongside the wines you sample. The red elliptical tasting room offers a welcoming and comfortable area for wine tasting. You can picnic among the vines at Chteau du Petit Thouars after a tour and tasting or, for a really memorable Loire Valley experience, head out on a boat trip on the river. An unusual way to see the Loire is to sail with one of the river's last freshwater fishers on a traditional wooden boat named a toue. 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. Best Wineries to Visit in the Loire Valley - Winerist Magazine 10 Loire Valley Wineries to Explore in 2023: Upto 30%Off - Thrillophilia Vouvrayis also famous for its Chenin Blanc, where it is used to make dry and sparkling wines in cooler vintages. The lure of the Loire: where to stay, eat, drink and more Spis: Exception enthusiasm and execution; wine pairing is often painful but this was very good. Shutterstock Chateau de Saumur, Loire Valley, France Etched as a significant part of the history of France, the Loire Valley is synonymous with sophistication and splendor. The tour is full of audio visual effects and nicely done. Good food but be careful with wine menu - Kuurna - Tripadvisor