loire valley wineries to visit

They use a mix of steel and old oak for most sec and demi-sec wines. Adrian Prieto is a freelance wine writer and winery consultant based in the Finger Lakes in Upstate, New York. All Rights Reserved. A day-visit in the city of Tours. Les Caves du Pre Augusteis located inCivray-de-Touraine, in theTouraineregion. Spanning more than 800 sq km (over 300 sq miles), the vast Loire Valley sits in the northern and central parts of France. Historically, it was women who took charge of the estate, a tradition that today is continued by Kathleen Van den Berghe who maintains the best practices in winemaking, which respect both the terroir and the environment. Amateur or oenophile, everyone knows the Loire Valleys reputation for producing outstanding wines. Today, Chteau 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. We visited in July, 2021 and got the owner Pascal as our tour guide. Spanning more than 800 sq km (over 300 sq miles), the vast Loire Valley sits in the northern and central parts of France. Dating back 2,000 years, the first vines date back to the 5th century, with more developed viticulture dating back to the 9th century. Notably, possibly for another separate trip, the Central Loire contains the world famous Sancerre region, known for Sauvignon Blanc. Since 1945, Domaine Gitton judiciously spread across the best plots of the terroir. Discover and book unique outdoor stays and camping experiences across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. Plan your next adventure from anywhere. The key red grape varieties areCabernet FrancandGamay. Since Sbastien took over the estate in 2006, the farming has been completely organic, no chemicals are used, and grapes are harvested by hand. The Loire Valley is vast, containing 4 very different wine regions, and over 185,000 acres planted to vineyards. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. First, make sure to enter the full name of this castle when conducting any searches! This is made from fully ripe Chenin Blanc grapes and fermented and aged in new oak. 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. We booked a lunch and wine tasting for a group of 40 of our friends and family while travelling together prior to our wedding nearby. Chteau de Minire was built in the 17th century and covers 18 hectares around the region on Bourgeuil. Chteau du Petit Thouars. It is also the second most visited chteau in the entire country, second only to Versailles Palace. 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. Pay a visit to some of the best wineries in the Loire valley while travelling to this amazing valley that stretches expansively along the banks of the Loire river in France. Chateau de Miniere Our rating list of the best Loire Valley wineries starts with the historic Chateau de Miniere. The construction for this castle originally started in the 10th century. She answered all of our questions and went through the wines and sampling with us afterwards. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Together with another Dutch couple we did some free wine tasting, tasting mainly red chinon wines. The Loire Valley is scattered with centuries' old chateaux, some of which have been converted to hotels. You can purchase tickets to Chteau de Chambord ahead of time and browse additional guided tour options here. His style is minimalist, yet his wines are expressive, precise, and bursting with high acidity. Domaine Coirier. To date, the wines of Bouvet Ladubay have won over 500 medals and awards, a glowing confirmation of the quality and consistency of its fabulous fizz. The welcoming team at Domaine Sauvte are dedicated to promoting wine tourism and showing visitors their wonderful work the winery is the result of four generations of dedication from the same family who are truly passionate about producing natural, organic wines. 1. From blockbuster landmarks to lesser known spots, as well as hotels where staff will pamper you to no ends, here's what to do in the Loire Valley from Sancerre to Tours, on your next visit to. and the lovely Isabelle brought us an informative setup walking into the caves and wine/tasting shop, with the vineyards above. Amateur or oenophile, everyone knows the Loire Valley 's reputation for producing outstanding wines. Have free time in the charming town of Bloise and have the chance to visit Blois Castle on your own. 12 vineyards and wineries to visit in the Loire Valley From Saumur to Sancerre, discover our pick of the best vineyards and wineries you can visit on holiday in the Loire Valley, France. For five generations, the owners of Les Caves du Pre Auguste have handed down their passion for winemaking from father to son. Explore the beautiful Loire Valley with its rich history, culture, and most of all, the world-renowned wine industry. Discover the unique selection of wines at a free tasting with the winegrower himself! He did Speciality & Gift Shops Wineries & Vineyards. 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. 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. Jeff Edwards, Patch Staff. event : evt, Explore Now! A must to visit. For white wine, Chardonnay is permitted and can comprise 20% of white wines, but Chenin Blanc is the star here. However, a speciality of both the region and the winery is Anjou Blanc. Join them for an introduction to the wines of the estate during a winery tour and tasting. Le Domaine des Vallettes is a family-owned estate which has been has passed down from father to son for eight generations! Worth a trip to Saumur to tour this winery. A wine tasting here is an hour or two well spent, and insightful, interesting tours of the vineyards are also available on request it pays to call ahead! Bouvet Ladubay, producer offine sparkling wines, is the most visited winery in Saumur, a peaceuful region also known as the Garden of France. These cookies do not store any personal information. I highly recommend this vineyard! Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts. There is parking at the vineyard and the woman who led us through the tasting was very friendly. The caves, which are unusually spacious, are now also used as an exhibition space for resident and visiting artists. Domaine Colin makes some red blends, with Pineau d Aunis, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir, but the varietal Pineau dAunis (with some age) is worth seeking out. M. Matisse de Caravelho was very professional and helpful with the tasting and choosing wines and Mme. Counting Chenonceau, Cheverny and Amboise among its near neighbours, Domaine Sauvte is a great vineyard to call in on if youre out and about visiting chteaux. Wonderfull wine tasting expereince, beutiful vineyards, friendly staff! Although they do have one Chenin Blanc, their specialty is Cabernet Franc. 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. The Loire Valley has an impressive collection of castles that make it a standout region for any history and architecture lover. There is even a fabulous little touch for parents in the form of grape juice tastings for your little ones, too! Such a fun place, and not just for the wine. Val de Loire travel private wine tours from Paris to Loire Valley. In terms of styles, the Domaine Huet produces Sec (dry), Demi-Sec (semi dry), Moelleux, or Moelleux 1re Trie (first selection) from the aforementioned principal vineyards. We went in early spring when pastures were green and wineries had a bit more time on their hands. Bouvet-Ladubay are one of France's most important producers of sparkling wine, laid out across hundreds of acres of green space through which one can roam free. This is a must-visit region for #Winetravelers. more. The winery is the work of four generations of a family who are truly passionate about producing natural, organic wines. Chteau de Chenonceau, like many other castles, has seen many iterations over the years. } Wine holidays here for the more adventurous amongst you can even explore this winding subterranean network of cellars and caves on a vintage bike! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. { (function() { 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. Taste the full range of red, white, and sparkling; take a gourmet wine tour through the vineyard and cellars; or take in one of the many performances and themed events which run throughout the year! Look out for the Sunken Cathedral, home to 35 monumental sculptures hidden away in the underground galleries. Most notably, the English-style gardens are a perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Explore the majestic cellars of Domaine Marc Brdif. Enjoy a complete Loire Valley experience with the visit of the unique and elegant gardens of Chateau de Villandry and the Free cancellation. Today, the estate is run by Olgas granddaughter and her husband. I imagine there isn't a wrong time to visit the Loire Valley, but it does get cold in the winter and busy around harvest in August/September. Add to that the beautiful vineyards and charming towns, and the Loire Valley has something for everyone. 1. Location 87 Quai de la Loire, Rochecorbon, France Subregion: Touraine , Loire Valley Spoken Languages: Services / Facilities Reduced Mobility Access Organic Producer Restaurant Accommodation Kids Activities Pets Allowed Parking Bus Parking Visiting Hours: Monday: 10:00 - 12:30, 14:00 - 18:00 Tuesday: 10:00 - 12:30, 14:00 - 18:00 You will find many amazing wineries near Amboise or Chinon as well as hundreds of other attractions to visit throughout the region. Domaine Coirier is the most southerly of our Loire wineries, based in the region of Vende, between bustling Nantes and pretty La Rochelle. 5. Which experiences are best for wineries & vineyards in Loire Valley? We have been coming here for years to stock up our wine cellar. RELATED: Best French Wine Regions to Consider Visiting This Year. A true slice of paradise. The wine tasting is free, and I think the expectation is to buy wine after (which is VERY easy to do with their low cost bottles). The Loire Valley is a truly special destination visitors are spoilt for choice with the amount of culture, natural beauty and fascinating wine heritage to explore! Since 1992, every year from April-October, the Chteau de Chaumont Sur Loire has hosted the International Garden Festival. RELATED: Beautiful Luxury Wine Hotels & Vineyard Resorts to Stay at Around the World. Chteau des Vaultsis situated in the heart of Anjou-Saumur in Savennires, a region renowned for its high-qualityChenin Blanc. 13 Rue de la Croix Buise, 37210 Vouvray, France. And while we always want to give, The breadth of LGBTQIA2S+ outdoor organizations has grown exponentially over the past decade, with numerous queer-led nonprofits and guiding services, Now more than ever, its important to appreciate the time we get to spend outdoors and care for our environment., To help you find the best camping in the country, each year we compile data from bookings, reviews, and ratings. There's a handy app to help you plan a. Cabernet Franc from this region is known for its floral bouquet and peppery characteristics. Visit the 350-Year-Old Vineyard for Its Rich History, Uncover Exceptional Wines Made Since 1680, A Clever Exploitation of the Soil Help Making Great Wines. But where to start? Additionally, different climates play into the impact of terroir. This year's awards program recognized 3,505 } A massive architectural feat, its a classic French Renaissance architecture chteau. Both of those latter regions deserve an additional deep-dive at another time! An interesting variety of white, red, ros and sparkling wines are made, with unusual ancestral varieties such asCt. What are the best places for wineries & vineyards in Loire Valley? ); RELATED: The Most Beautiful Castles to Consider Visiting in Europe. Be sure to follow us on both Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with our trending content. 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. These wines are hyper-local, featuring wines from the AOC Tours-Chenonceau. 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. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( 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. There is also a lovely picnic area perfect for a little relaxation in the beautiful surroundings. Castles Tickets. The place is vast, with 87 wine appellations strung along the river, from Muscadet on the coast to . Wine holidays here include many activities such as vineyard and cellar tours and guided wine tastings. Museum Tickets. The best way to prepare a visit to a winery in Loire Valley is to book your visit in advance on our website. The region also produces spectacular reds, sparkling whites, and sweet wines. The best wineries to visit during your holiday or vacation to Loire Valley are: These wineries in Loire Valley are open to the public with booking in advance: This is our selection of small & boutique wineries in Loire Valley that you can visit: These are the best family wineries in Loire Valley that you can visit: Use our interactive Loire Valley winery map to browse wineries near Nantes, Angers and Tours. Chteau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire, France. Chteau de Vaults is an organic winery that forms part of a world heritage site. The best time to visit the Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Attractions. The history of the Loire Valley and viticulture is largely the history of France too. For wine tastings at Domaine Coirier, book with Winerist today! Castles Tickets. Both are exquisite and bright, with Glou Glou being the drink now bottle of the two. My wife and I walked off our wine tasting by walking around their vineyards. Discover magnificent Loire Castles in 1 day. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. forms: { The Loire Valley owes its worldwide fame to most sublime Renaissance Chteau that board the Loire river. The Chteau de Blois is also in the middle of town and is very much a recommended stop. 726 Tours & Activities Food & Drink 357 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Reserve Now & Pay Later Loire Valley Wines and Chambord Castle Small Group Day Trip from Paris 35 Reviews Paris, France Share Save to Wishlist From $333.25 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Orlans, Tours, and Blois all work well as a hub for exploring the area. The Loire Valley is a major tourist destination in France.Here you will find: The major white grape varieties planted by wineries in Loire Valley areSauvignon Blanc,Chenin Blanc,Muscadet(Melon). This is north of Amboise and Tours. What is the difference between Sancerre and Touraine? Published Aug 9, 2022 Perhaps one of the main reasons tourists explore The Loire Valley is that wine-making has been part of this area for over 2000 years. , 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. Book now. ); If you decide to visit wineries in Loire Valley by car, there are several motorways that you can chose. Wines are regularly fermented in a mix of oak and steel, yet consistently matured in oak barrels, with extended lees contact for added texture. The Upper Loire is the geographic center of France, with a very different, warmer climate than the rest of the Loire Valley. An estate with exquisite wines and an amazing view on the Loire Valley, in the heart of Saumur Champigny vineyard. For the wine lovers and winemakers out there, you are able to purchase oak barrels made from the oak forests on the estate! 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. They also produce a sparkling Ptillant Naturel. But nowhere can match the Loire's range of styles, from light, crisp Muscadets to raspberry . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. After the tour, we were offered a tasting of their wines. Historically, it has always been women who have taken charge of the estate, a proud tradition that today is continued by current winemaker Kathleen Van den Berghe, who is dedicated to an eco-friendly, conscientious approach. The chateau owners were charming After 10 min she was back to get me. The Loire Valley is known for world-class, cool-climate wines. Shops & Markets Background on the Touraine Wine Region As a wine region, the limestone-rich soils and varying climates make it a prime location for many different grapes. Share now Stretching luxuriously along the banks of the longest river in France, not only is the Loire Valley spectacularly beautiful, it is also one of France's most fascinating, individual and ancient wine-making regions. The exhibition at the Military Museum's Manege, "Finnish Defence Forces - 100 Years at War and Peace", portrays the wars Finland has fought during its independence: the Civil War in 1918, the Winter War in 1939-1940, the Continuation War in 1941-1944 and the Lapland War in 1944-1945. 400 m ( mile) from the main entrance to the estate. Cave Monplaisir. Tours generally start in the vineyard and end in the cellar where the wine is aged in oak casks but for a little extra French flair, its worth paying the extra for a picnic or boat trip. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Loire valley is home to a wide range of wines, from Muscadet in the west, through Saumur-Champigny and Chinon, to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fum in the east. Some of these can be customized and/or include castle stops. Look out for fresh and lively ros wines and delicious fruity reds, all produced with enormous energy and enthusiasm! 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. The wine tasting is free and our young wine host/ expert did a great job, very enthousiastically she explained in perfect English what we were tasting. Posted Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 2:46 pm ET. Visit the Wineries During Special Events 4. ~20 minutes by car from Blois (and shuttle buses run consistently). As in Chinon, theCabernet Francgrape is the star variety, producing fresh and lively ros wines and delicious fruity reds. 10. 1. High marks to Valeria for her kindness in explaining the wines to us in English. Loire Valley is divided into three sections: Upper Loire, Middle Loire and Lower Loire. The red elliptical tasting room offers a welcoming and comfortable area for wine tasting. wine tastings and a visit to Chteau Soucherie, wine tours and tastings at Chteau de Minire. Very modern, beautiful tasting room. The combination makes this a family friendly place to visit. Explore new paths. The best time to explore wineries in Loire Valley is betweenApril and JuneorSeptember and October. callback: cb The gardens were full of colour designed by the designer of Versailles. For a majestic cycling visit of Bouvet Ladubay, book with Winerist today! Perhaps one of the more well-known producers of Chenin Blanc is Domaine Huet. He lives with his wife and daughter and multitude of pets. The train stop in Blois is Blois-Chambord. From Paris, there are many trains daily and they consistently are around an hour and half. Loire Valleyis a key wine region in France, famous for its natural beauty,magnificent chteauxand great wine. If youre like us at Winetraveler, were constantly seeking out the best wine and best producers when were visiting a region. Located in Monthou-sur-Cherin theTouraineregion,Domaine Sauvteoffers a nature break for anyone who visits. In Chancay, located in Touraine, between Tours and Blois, Sbastien creates beautiful expressions of chenin blanc, focused on clean, bone-dry, yet precise wines. 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. You can tour the cave for free and enjoy a tasting of their whites, reds and ross for a minimal cost but there are also options for fuller experiences including a guided tour of the vineyard and a tasting accompanied by local cheese and charcuterie. 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. Very intetesting cave full of barrels of wine, the oldest dating back 40 years (of drinkable wine). 3. 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-Fum 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. The Loire Valley contains several distinctive wine regions and appellations, each with its own characteristic grapes and style of wines. Being noted for its modern interpretation of the traditional approach, this place is open for vineyard tours, tastings, and longing. For wine tastings at Chteau des Vaults and more, book with Winerist today! You can taste the fruit of their combined labour at the cellar where there are daily tours at set times some in English. Stop: 75 minutes - Admission included. The grapes grown are a mixture of local and international varieties, such as Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 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. Loire Valley Our vineyards Loire Valley Wines are in its nature Previous Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its landscapes and chateaux, the Loire Valley has a unique lifestyle and world-famous vineyards. This is a must-stop, must-visit for anyone visiting the region, whether you are visiting for the wine or not! 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 Svre et Maine is most well known. The 17 hectare estate of Domaine Sauvte sits prettily in Monthou-sur-, Cher, part of the larger Touraine appellation. Caves Ambacia, 500 years of Loire Valley wine making history! Situated on the Toucheronde hillside overlooking the Cher River, a tributary of the Loire, the vineyard is family-owned and practices organic cultivation across its 16 hectares which are planted with sauvignon, chenin and chardonnay vines for white wines and gamay, cabernet and pineau dAunis for reds. Visitor's Guide. Just across the river from Chinon is Saint Nicholas de Bourgueil, the biggest wine town in France and another Loire Valley area which produces well-known red wines from cabernet franc grapes. Excellent tour of the cellars/wine cave. Dead & Company has partnered with Hipcamp to pair music and camping for a nature-filled summer tour. The Loire Valley contains severaldistinctive wine regions and appellations, each with its own characteristic grapes and style of wines. The resulting wine is a refreshing blend of exotic fruits and white flowers. It's free! In contrast, Chaintres is fermented in oak and much more powerful, structured, and layered, one to hold, and one that is built for cellaring. It was impressive to see the extensive caves and the incomprehensible number of fermenting bottles stacked up everywhere. Outdoor Wine Tours in Angers. HUDSON VALLEY, NY While metro areas like New York City and Paris or high-profile wine-growing regions, like Napa or the Loire Valley, usually get all the attention, our region is gaining recognition among oenophiles. Ironically, Francis I maintained his primary residence at two other castles, Chteau de Blois, and Chteau dAmboise. 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. Its ambition: to promote Loire Valley wines, its wineries and, more generally, wine tourism in the Loire Valley.Wine tourism is a major asset of the Loire Valley. 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. We use cookies to make your experience of our website better. We will also recommend some of our favorite producers and wineries to visit when in this part of the Loire Valley. Spis: Exception enthusiasm and execution; wine pairing is often painful but this was very good. Weve broken them out by their specialty grape/wine (ie: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, etc.). Which places provide the best wineries & vineyards in Loire Valley for travelers on a budget? Get here now. Which wine is the Loire Valley most famous for? listeners: [], I was not feeling well but my girlfriend went in, I stayed in the car. We were able to tasting some delicious Cab Francs! The chilly cellar itself is another space left behind after the excavation of tuffeau limestone for the building of Loire Valley chteaux, abbeys and buildings. Visited this cave today to taste and buy some Vouvray wine. Sbastien Brunet is one of the rising stars and part of the next generation of dedicated producers in Vouvray. 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. RELATED: 10 Important Facts About the Loire Valley Wine Region. Among tasting around 30 wines from the Coteaux du Vendmois we recently tasted, Domaine Colins older (2015) Pineau dAunis was the standout. Melon de Bourgogne is used to make Muscadet, a famous Loire wine style renowned for its bone dry palate and zingy acidity. The varieties grown are a mixture of local and international varieties, such as Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Along the 'royal' Loire River and its tributaries - the Thouet, the Aubance and the Layon - the Loire Valley's two emblematic grape varieties, Chenin and Cabernet Franc, flourish on soils of schist and tufa limestone. Pro Tip: If youre staying in Blois and interested in visiting castles, stop by the Tourism Office (lOffice de Tourisme) to inquire about Castle Pass deals. As weve mentioned, day trips are also bookable from Paris. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Chenin Blanc are popular white grape varieties grown throughout . Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. With their 16 hectares in Saumur-Champigny, mostly clay-limestone soils, they now have an environmental certification and are practicing organic.

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