FRANCE
LOIRE VALLEY wine travellers guide
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Loire Valley Wine Traveller’s Guide
Embark on a delightful journey through France’s Loire Valley, a wine region famed for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc and elegant châteaux. This Loire Valley Wine Traveller’s Guide unveils the charm of Sancerre’s hillside vineyards and Chinon’s historic estates. From Tours’ vibrant wine bars to Vouvray’s sparkling gems, savor diverse flavors paired with French cuisine. Our curated itineraries (1, 3, and 5 days) and top winery picks ensure an unforgettable adventure. Dive into the Loire’s enchanting wine culture and let every sip transport you!
Top Tips for Exploring Loire Valley’s Wine Country
Best Time to Visit
Visit in September–October for harvest season and mild weather (15–23°C). Spring (April–June) offers lush vineyards; summer is warm (20–30°C), winter quieter (2–12°C).
Transportation
Rent a car (~€35–€55/day) for flexibility across Sancerre, Chinon, and Vouvray. Alternatively, book private wine tours to avoid driving after tastings.
Wine Tasting Etiquette
Sip slowly to appreciate nuanced flavors. Engage with winemakers for insights. Pair wines with local dishes like rillettes or goat cheese for a full experience.
Language and Culture
Learn basic French phrases like “Santé” (cheers). English is common at major wineries, but a guide enhances smaller estate visits. Dress smart-casual for tastings.
Budget Tips
Book winery visits in advance for discounts (~€10–€25). Stay in guesthouses in Tours (~€45/night). Enjoy affordable meals at bistros (~€8–€18).
Safety
Loire Valley is safe, but stay cautious in busy Tours markets. Stay hydrated during tastings and use designated drivers or tour services for safe travel.
About Loire Valley Wines
The Loire Valley, stretching along France’s longest river, is renowned for its diverse wines and picturesque châteaux. Known as the “Garden of France,” it produces crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre, elegant Cabernet Franc from Chinon, and sparkling Vouvray from Chenin Blanc. The region’s cool climate and varied soils—chalk, flint, and clay—yield vibrant whites, structured reds, and refreshing rosés. With a winemaking history dating back to Roman times, the Loire’s 70+ appellations offer something for every palate. Wine culture thrives in local bistros, paired with regional delicacies, making it a must-visit for wine lovers seeking variety and charm.
Couly-Dutheil
Location: Chinon, Loire Valley, 50 km southwest of Tours.
History: Founded in 1921, known for its Clos de l’Echo vineyard.
Wines: Chinon Rouge (Cabernet Franc), Chinon Blanc. Noted for structured reds.
Activities: Vineyard tours, tastings, cellar visits.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€10–€20).
Langlois-Château
Location: Saumur, Loire Valley, 60 km southeast of Angers.
History: Established in 1885, known for sustainable sparkling wines.
Wines: Crémant de Loire, Saumur Blanc. Known for fresh, bubbly profiles.
Activities: Cellar tours, tastings, sparkling wine workshops.
How to Book: Book in advance (~€10–€25).
Domaine Vacheron
Location: Sancerre, Loire Valley, 45 km northeast of Bourges.
History: Family-run since 1900, known for organic practices.
Wines: Sancerre Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc), Sancerre Rouge (Pinot Noir). Noted for minerality.
Activities: Vineyard tours, tastings, biodynamic workshops.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€15–€25).
Domaine Huet
Location: Vouvray, Loire Valley, 10 km east of Tours.
History: Founded in 1928, a benchmark for Vouvray’s sparkling and still wines.
Wines: Vouvray Sec, Vouvray Pétillant. Known for vibrant, age-worthy wines.
Activities: Cellar tours, tastings, vineyard walks.
How to Book: Book in advance (~€10–€20).
Domaine Bernard Baudry
Location: Chinon, Loire Valley, 50 km southwest of Tours.
History: Family-run since 1975, known for terroir-driven Cabernet Franc.
Wines: Chinon Rouge, Chinon Rosé. Noted for elegant, fruity profiles.
Activities: Intimate tastings, vineyard tours, winemaker talks.
How to Book: Reserve in advance (~€10–€20).
Tours & Vouvray (Day 1)
Highlights: Domaine Huet, Tours’ Old Town, wine bars.
Transport: Train from Paris to Tours (1 hr, ~€20–€40) or car (~€35/day).
Tours & Chinon (Days 1–3)
Highlights: Couly-Dutheil, Domaine Bernard Baudry, Tours’ Old Town.
Transport: Train from Paris to Tours (~1 hr, €20–€40) or car (~€35–€55/day).
Day 2: Morning – Domaine Bernard Baudry tasting; Afternoon – Explore Chinon’s fortress; Evening – Dinner at a local bistro.
Day 3: Morning – Visit Château de Villandry; Afternoon – Relax at a Tours wine bar; Evening – Return to Paris.
Tours & Vouvray (Days 1–2)
Highlights: Domaine Huet, Tours’ Old Town, Cathédrale Saint-Gatien.
Transport: Train from Paris to Tours (~1 hr, €20–€40).
Day 2: Morning – Vouvray vineyard walk; Afternoon – Tours wine bar; Evening – Stay in Tours.
Chinon & Sancerre (Days 3–5)
Highlights: Couly-Dutheil, Domaine Vacheron, Chinon Fortress, Sancerre hills.
Transport: Drive from Tours to Chinon (~45 min, €5–€10) and Sancerre (~2 hrs, €35–€55/day) or tour.
Day 4: Morning – Drive to Sancerre, Domaine Vacheron tasting; Afternoon – Explore Sancerre hills; Evening – Dinner in Sancerre.
Day 5: Morning – Visit Château de Chenonceau; Afternoon – Relax at a Tours wine bar; Evening – Return to Paris.
Your Loire Valley Wine Adventure Awaits
The Loire Valley has enchanted you with its crisp Sauvignon Blanc, elegant Cabernet Franc, and fairy-tale châteaux. From Couly-Dutheil’s refined reds to Domaine Huet’s sparkling Vouvray, your journey through this lush region is unforgettable. Savor the flavors and raise a glass—Santé!
For more inspiration and detailed travel tips, visit our Loire Valley Wine Traveller’s Guide.