wine tours in loire valley france

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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

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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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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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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.

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Tailor-Made Wine Tours in Loire Valley

The "Garden of France" offers a unique wine experience, combining excellent wines with historical and natural beauty.

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Experience the Loire Valley at its finest

From full-day wine tours with tastings to private tours of historic châteaux to picnic lunches on the Loire River to French-inspired cooking classes, the Loire Valley has it all.

With our multiday, private wine tours in the Loire Valley, you gain access to places like the historic Château de Chenonceau and Vouvray wine tastings at our favorite vineyards. Wine lovers will rejoice over the Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc wines while historians and gardeners will appreciate the rich history and stunning gardens of the châteaux.

Indulge in a leisure day exploring charming towns like Amboise, famous for its medieval castle and lively markets, or Chaumont-sur-Loire known for its 10th-century castle once owned by Catherine de Medici. Our luxury holidays always include authentic immersion in local culture with private guides, chauffeurs, and stays in locally owned boutique hotels.

Discover other wine regions in France

French grape varieties:.

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chenin Blanc
• Gewurztraminer
• Pinot Meunier
• Bordeaux Bordeaux
• Burgundy Burgundy
• Champagne Champagne
• Provence Provence
• Loire Valley Loire Valley
• Alsace Alsace
• Corsica Corsica

Go to: Bordeaux →

Go to: burgundy →, go to: champagne →, go to: provence →, go to: loire valley →, go to: alsace →, go to: lyon →, go to: corsica →, loire valley.

Known as the “Garden of France” for its lush rolling hills and orchards, the 600-mile stretch of the Loire Valley makes up one of France’s top wine regions. The region produces original and notable wines, dividing into smaller appellations like Anjou, Bourgueil, Saumur, and Touraine, among others.

Although the Loire Valley grows 24 varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc stand out as the region's major grapes. Loire Valley wines are renowned for their excellent value, refreshing acidity, minerality, and the pure expression of the varietal and terroir.

Do not overlook the unforgettable experience of exploring the wine-tasting tours in the Loire Valley, France.

Historical Heroes: Immerse yourself in the lives of historical figures from the past, from Joan of Arc to Richard the Lionheart and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Exceptional cultural landscape: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000, discover the Loire Valley and the quality of its architectural heritage and historical châteaux.

Discover immaculate gardens: The gardens and parks of the Loire Valley captivate visitors with a delightful array of French or English styles, from geometric to wild. Always blooming with vibrant colors, these gardens offer a mesmerizing experience. 

Outdoor Pursuits: Picture yourself cycling through charming villages and serene countryside, or savoring a scenic boat cruise along the Loire River complemented by a delightful picnic lunch.

10-day Loire Itinerary

plan a custom Loire trip

Loire Valley Highlights

Visit Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Wineries

Discover a Cave cellar in Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil followed by vertical and horizontal tastings at an organic and biodynamic producer. 

Visit a traditional winery such as Domaine de LaChevalerie or Clos des Quarterons and explore their impressive cave dug into the tufa stone used to age their sublime wines. Discover a great range of Cabernet Franc wines, with options for vertical and horizontal tastings, to explore the diversity of wines produced in the different terroir. 

Tour Château de Chenonceau

Uncover Chateau de Chenonceau's royal history with your historian guide. The 16th-century castle and its gardens evoke the opulence of the King of France's Renaissance era, enhanced by women of power. Experience the magnificent gothic/renaissance architecture and art collections as you journey through the stunning interiors. 

This experience is enhanced with a boat tour on the river Che where you get to pass under the great arched bridges with wine and a charcuterie board featuring local cheese and delicacies.

Stay at Les Sources de Cheverny

An ancient forest, a period French chateau, a small hamlet of elegant cabins, a lake surrounded by gorse, and traditional stone houses as if out of a dream. This haven of peace created by Alice and Jérôme Tourbier is a family home where guests can feel good, spend time in nature, and recharge over Grands Crus and gourmet delicacies. 

The carefully selected furniture blends with beautiful fabrics and noble materials, creating an inspiring, delicate, and unique atmosphere. The onsite restaurant is dedicated to using local, seasonal, and fresh ingredients with impressive dishes straight out of the rotisserie grill. There is also a relaxing spa and wellness area.

Stay at Château d'Artigny

Chateau d’Artigny is the dream Belle Époque castle built by François Coty, the famous perfumer. This Castle-hotel is located in the heart of the Loire Valley just 15 km from Tours and dominates the valley. 

All the rooms are elegantly decorated in keeping with their location, enjoy modern comforts, and offer pleasant views over the Indre and its valley, the French garden, the Château, or the park. The magnificent rotunda dining room on the ground floor of the castle, “l’Origan” restaurant welcomes guests in a sophisticated, dignified eighteenth-century woodwork, enhanced by gilding with gold leaf, fluted columns with capitals carved, and high windows with a beautiful view over the valley of the Indre.

Sample Itineraries

Get our 10-day loire valley itinerary, discover wine pairing trips.

You're in control

At Into The Vineyard, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer you complete freedom to build your perfect trip. Start with one of our many sample itineraries and customize as you desire, or start with a blank page, and with the help of our expert Trip Planners, we can create your dream wine-inspired travel experience. 

Trip Planner

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Testimonials

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I waited 50 years to travel to France. I imagined every detail to make my dream trip come true. I needed help in making the dream a reality.

From my first phone call to IntoThe Vineyard and meeting Morgan, to actually sitting in a vineyard in Provence sipping a chardonnay, they held my hand and planned each beautiful step. They listened to me and tailored exactly the trip I wanted. I chose to do it as a solo trip but never felt alone. The accommodations, drivers, and details all made for a flawless first-time international trip.

Madison Dreith and her team did an outstanding job of arranging a memorable visit to the Bordeaux region of France, as well as a one-day "foodie" tour of Paris. It was so easy to enjoy the trip when we had drivers who knew the area to take us to the different wineries. The restaurants selected for us to have our lunches were outstanding as well. Into the Vinyard allowed us to fully enjoy our time in Bordeaux.

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour in Bordeaux. This tour was in August so we know it was a challenge. But their delivery was World Class.The service people lined up by Into the Vineyard were engaging, thoughtful and respectful. The two hotels, although small both in number of rooms and room size, were quaint. Their breakfasts and afternoon beverage arrangements were a nice touch. The specific wine tours had much more of an educational tone to them as compared with other wine tours we experienced previously. A unique aspect of the week was a side boat trip in Archachon. It was an interesting break from the wine tours and the boat captain was incredibly humorous. Recommend this tour and this tour company highly!

Booked us an amazing trip to Champagne and Corsica. We were so impressed by the quality of the hotels they recommended and the guides they paired us up with. Not only did they arrange fantastic tours of well-known wineries but also small independent ones. Super professional and their attention to detail was great. Corsica was suggested to us and was everything we wanted and more!

We just had an amazing trip to France/Spain to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary. I want to thank Into the Vineyard as they picked wonderful spots for us to stay along with some amazing adventures.

Colin heard our desires and was able to point us in the right direction so that we could enjoy the experience without being constantly on the move. The part I really appreciated was that we wanted wine activities, primarily in Bordeaux, but had enough experience to plan non-wine day tours for us in the other cities, such as a Tapas tour and a cheese/barkery/chocolate tour.

• From vine to wine
• A taste of the Loire
• Gourmet stroll
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• Of wines and boats
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• Harvest workshop
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• Roasted chestnuts and new wine
• Celebrate with wine
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Wine tours & wine tastings in the Loire Valley

At the heart of the Loire Valley, i n the village of Chançay, between Tours (18 km) and Amboise (12 km), come and meet Myriam, the granddaughter and wife of winemakers, and live a complete wine experience at the heart of her family's winery, in the vineyard of Vouvray.

I give unique, genuine and educational wine tours in the vineyard to allow you to discover the whole wine-making process, as well as the Loire Valley wines and vineyards. Not only am I eager to share with you my knowledge of the wine-producing world but also my passion for my home region.

Various half-day wine tours, wine tastings and wine activities are scheduled throughout the year. Whether your are beginners, or wine lovers and wine amateurs, adults and children, individuals, groups, travel agencies and companies... there's a wine tour for everyone!

Our best sellers

Live a complete wine experience at the heart of a family winery and discover the whole wine-making process, from grape-growing in the fields to wine-making in the cellar and wine tasting.

Come and taste a few wines produced in Touraine during an aperitif on river Cher, aboard a traditional wooden boat from the Loire Valley. A relaxing moment in an amazing setting!

You are looking for a unique and genuine experience in the Loire Valley? Enjoy a wine tasting at dusk on a traditional boat on the Loire and learn more about the river and Loire Valley wines.

You are a wine lover and want to learn about the Loire Valley vineyard and wines? This tour is made for you, as it will allow you to discover the diversity of the wines produced all along the Loire river.

One of your family members or friends is coming to the Loire Valley? Treat them by offering them one of our wine tours or wine tastings in the Vouvray vineyard! They will live a unique and unforgettable experience.

They have experimented...

"That was the most wonderful wine tasting that you can imagine! Myriam is very professional but doesn't oppress you with her knowledge. She talks about wine so passionately that you are drawn into this world and want to know more and more. She answers all your questions (silly as they may be) and takes time to explain all the details. The tasting itself was magnificent, especially interesting were the explanations about all the combinations with regional delicacies. That was almost like a proper meal. Thanks to her we are now fans of Nougat du Tours and will definitely try to recreate it at home (although only certified bakers are allowed to name their creation by this proud name). We had small children with us and were very worried that they may be bored but they could play freely around the vineyards and had many glasses of wonderful grape juice, so that they could also taste their Vouvray. All in all - great tour and tasting and thanks so much!!!" (Maria Peker on Google, September 2021)

"Wine tour"

" We visited the vineyard, the winery and the caves of Vignoble Alain Robert over 3 hours on a wonderful tour. Our host Myriam was delightful, her English excellent, and she had huge knowledge of everything wine, from vines to bottle to tasting. This tour will suit anyone really interested in the making of wine whether you know a lot or little about the subject. We highly recommend this tour....and a few of the Alain Robert wines!!" (Australiaholly on Tripadvisor, September 2019)

"Highlight of the trip to the Loire Valley"

" I booked the three-hour "From Vine to Wine" tour of the vineyard, winery, and cellar followed by tastings of 6 wines plus samples of excellent locally prepared food -- and every moment was a delight. Myriam, our guide and a member of the owners' family was almost exhaustively knowledgable about each aspect of the process, but it was not at all exhausting to listen to her as we walked because her charm, good humor, and obvious love of the land made for a fascinating afternoon. This tour would be fine for both a novice and a wine connoisseur. The Vouvray wines surprised me - only one was "sweet" and even that was pleasing! And the pairings with local foods was sublime; quite beyond my expectations. All excellent value!" (gOingplaces23 on Tripadvisor, July 2019)

Loire Wine Tours: a few images

+++ loire wine tours's assets +++.

+ An immersion in a family winery at the heart of the Loire Valley

+ Small-group tours adapted to everyone's knowledge

+ A local guide who grew up in the Loire Valley and belongs to a family of winemakers

+ A wine professional with a degree in wine tourism, WSET 3 and French Wine Scholar awards

+ A former English teacher who speaks English fluently

+ Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor from 2016 to 2020

+ An ambassador of the Loire Valley brand

• Our Destinations
• Barossa Valley
• Margaret River
• Mc Laren Vale
• Colchagua Valley
• London (Gin)
• ➤ Pessac - Léognan
• ➤ Saint-Emilion
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• Loire Valley
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• ➤ Napa Valley
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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 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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Wine Tours in the Loire valley vineyards around Saumur for couples, friends and groups

Have fun with Simon on one of our private wine tours in the Loire valley vineyards to discover and taste the remarkably diverse wines of this region of the loire valley.

Please contact us for availability on your required dates

Check tariff page   for costs

Loire Wine Tours  specialises in visiting local vineyards, the small, family run, independent vignerons who are personally known to us and who make quality wine with the minimum of chemical interference.

We offer a selection of wine tours from a half day tour to a four day wine tour. We offer Wine tours from Paris and Wine tours from London.

Our picture gallery  shows our wine tour guests 'at play'

With Simon, you will meet the winemakers and experience their passion for their art and their pride in their wine. You will discover and taste the fine wines of this region of the Loire Valley. You will savour the sheer diversity of wine attributed to the patchwork of terrains which gives each wine a personality of its own.

To enhance your experience, our lunches, when included, are often taken at a vineyard, not only with Simon, but also with the winemaker. A wonderful opportunity to share a relaxed lunch with and glimpse a little of the life of, a successful hard-working winemaker.

Please select from one of the following  fully escorted loire wine tours:

Half Day 'Discover the Grape' Wine Tour ,

Two Day 'Reveal the Grape' Wine Tour , 

Three Day 'Explore the Grape' Wine Tour ,  

Four day 'Uncork the Grape' Wine Tour .

One day Wine Tour from Paris .      

Two Day Wine Tour from Paris .

We may also be able to offer additional nights accommodation for those seeking to extend their stay at M anoir de Gourin .              

For those travelling from London we can arrange a tour to fit in with your arrival time in Angers. Please contact us for details.

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• OUR VINEYARDS
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EXPERT ADVICE

• Loire Valley

Wines are in its nature

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its landscapes and chateaux, the Loire Valley has a unique lifestyle and world-famous vineyards. Its 1,000-km wine route reveals historic monuments and prestigious wine districts.

From Nantes to Sancerre , the Loire Valley vineyards stretch along the majestic river of the same name. You will follow it along the longest wine route in France . Underground villages, chateaux , gardens and royal abbeys are revealed in a landscape of hills and plains. Hidden behind each renowned wine district is a famous Loire chateau : Chenonceau, Chambord, Brissac, Saumur, and Chinon. More than one thousand vineyards are open to the public , including 400 specially accredited wine cellars, where you will meet the winemakers and taste their numerous types of Loire Valley wines . Massive wine cellars , wine-tasting walks in the vineyards, trips on traditional boats, stays in the vineyards, entertaining wine events : the Loire Valley is a fabulous destination for numerous wine tourism trips.  

From the Atlantic to the Berry region, passing through the wine districts of Muscadet, Anjou, Saumur, Touraine and Sancerre , the Loire Valley wines are produced from a large variety of grapes and growing areas. Red, white , dry, mellow, effervescent, sweet and strong as well as rosés , the Loire Valley offers every different type of wine . The famous names ... Sancerre, Chinon, Coteaux-du-Layon ... are renowned worldwide .

1. To see the Loire chateaux and the landscape, which is the largest UNESCO World Heritage site in the world.

2. To ride the 900 km of bike paths along the Loire river: ‘The Loire by Bike’.

3. To taste the Loire Valley wines in different ways: by night at the Chateau de Chenonceau, during a walk in the vineyards, or in the massive underground wine cellars.

appellations 85 appellations

dominants grape

Red: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau, Pineau d'Aunis, Malbec.

White: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, Melon de Bourgogne, Chardonnay.

Val de Loire France website 

Loire Valley Wines website  

Centre-Loire Valley Wines website

Loire Valley : Discover the vineyard

Our Getaway ideas to discover the vineyard in all its facets

Drink up: Leah's beginner's guide to Loire Valley Wines

Road trip through Loire Valley, with Amy & Brandon

Exploring the vineyards of Sancerre, Pouilly and Giennois by bike

Explore the vineyards of the Atlantic Loire Valley by bike

Anjou Vélo Vintage

VinoValley Saumur

Centre-Val de Loire: a terroir that’s larger than life!

Monumental art installations in vast underground cellars

At the Domaine des Hautes Roches in Touraine

Discover a different side to the Vendée!

Wine tasting under the stars at Château de Chenonceau

The ‘Grandes Tablées’ of Saumur-Champigny

Festivini: the wine culture festival

Live the life of a winegrower in the Loire Valley – and even make your own cuvée

The Sancerre Wine Fair in the Loire Valley

“Food and wine” trip in Berry Centre-Loire

Hold your corporate seminar surrounded by vines!

Along the Loire Wine Route: the Domaine des Hauts de Loire

Wine and gastronomy: a Sancerre way of life

Domaine de Rocheville

The 100% nature walk at Domaine Pierre & Bertrand Couly

Leah's itinerary in the Loire Valley

Aurore Gunther

Eco-responsible wine tour of Domaine de Chambord

Frederic Nouet

At the Château de Brissac in Anjou

From châteaux to vineyards in the Loire Valley

International Fair of Contemporary Art of Pouilly Fumé

Head in the clouds above Sancerre

The vineyards of the Loire Valley seen from the sky

‘Vines, Wines and Walks’ in the Loire Valley

Christophe Hay

The Best of the Loire Valley by Max

Loire Valley Tours: excursions in the heart of the Loire Valley

It’s Wine Time – the weekly summer get-together!

At Domaine de la Bergerie in Anjou

In the vineyards of the Centre-Loire

Le Clos des Quarterons

"DiVin Chocolat" in the underground cellars of Ackerman

A gourmet journey in and around Sancerre

A visit with a difference to the Loir Valley wine region

Discover the Loire Valley Wine Routes

Vitiloire in Tours : Let’s celebrate the Val de Loire wines

Château de Tracy: terroirs and tradition, where viticulture operates in harmony with nature

Wines, art and heritage

Stay at the Château and taste the Loire Valley wines

Les Caves Ambacia: a unique sensory experience in Touraine

Thierry Michon

Picnic with an Independent Winegrower — Vigneron Indépendant®

Les Sources de Cheverny

Domaine des Genaudières : a getaway with a breathtaking view of the Loire

Vineyards and troglodytes of the Saumur region

La Maison des Sancerre

From Pouilly-sur-Loire to Sancerre

A day cycling through the Jasnières wine region

From Chinon to Azay-le-Rideau, a journey through the heart of the Touraine wine region

Leah's top 5 unique things to do in the Loire Valley

Around Chenonceaux: discovering the vineyards of the Loire Valley

The Fiefs Vendéens celebrate Winemakers’ Day

Troglo Dégusto with the Domaine des Tabourelles

Jean-Max Manceau

Volupia, a wine bar with a difference

A break in Sancerre at Domaine Henri Bourgeois

Immerse yourself in Ackerman’s vast underground wine cellars

The Château de Noirieux

Welcome to France’s independent winegrowers

Rue des Vignerons: your gateway to the wine regions

Tour the Anjou vineyards in a classic car

Discover the 2019 Bacchus of Wine Tourism awards!

Delicious food and wine tastings in the cellars of the Loire Valley

Loire Valley wines on the river

Quirky accommodation in Pays de la Loire

Wine tourism in just one click with Winalist

Wine Adventures through The Loire Valley with Carol

Expert advice

Winemaker at Ackerman

Avis d'expert

Producing certified biodynamic wines at Domaine Saint Nicolas since 1995

Passionate winemaker and owner of Domaine les Celliers de la Pauline in Thauvenay, in the Sancerre wine area of France.

Winemaker at the Château du Coing estate

Two-Michelin-starred chef at “La Maison d’à côté” in Montlivault and Loire Valley ambassador

Winemaker at the Domaine de Noiré vineyard in Chinon

News on the Loire Valley vineyard

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We’ll do our best to regularly send you some interesting bits about wine tourism in France.. We do hope to see you soon in French vineyards. In the meantime don’t forget to visit our sister site www.france.fr (the official source of inspiration to France).

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Our Loire Valley Wine Tours

As a leading specialist organiser of Loire Valley wine tours with over 15 years of experience, we offer a huge selection of  tours to suit all tastes and budgets! We can arrange your travel, accommodation and Loire Valley wine tours for you, and all you will need to do is turn up on the day and enjoy the wine!

Not only does the Loire Valley boast the widest variety of wines in France (white, red, rosé, dry and sweet), it is also home to the country’s finest historic Châteaux. No trip to the Loire would be complete without a visit to the majestic Château de Chenonceau or the breath-taking Château de Chambord, amongst others.

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 below some of our favourite Loire Valley wine tours, 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 itinerary for you. Just get in touch!

Essential Loire Valley Wine Tours

Our Essential Loire Valley wine tours are offered in a wide choice of hotels in the region. We have designed these fabulous short breaks to offer the maximum flexibility to our clients; they are available both mid week and weekend throughout the year, providing you with the complete freedom to choose your travel dates. Offering a great introduction to the region, have a look at our  Essential Tours ,  Essential Saumur , and  Essential Sancerre  breaks. If you can’t decide which part of this expansive region you would like to visit, our Extensive break takes in the entire area.

Stay in a fairytale Château

Let yourself be treated like a King and Queen! Check out our Hidden Gem breaks at Château d’Artigny and Domaine de la Tortinière . These beautiful Châteaux are the perfect places for a relaxing and romantic stay in the region.

Tailor-Made Loire Valley Wine Tours

In the event that the above-mentioned tours do not match your requirements, our specialists would be delighted to create a bespoke itinerary that is tailored to your exact needs and budget. We have created a great number of Loire Valley wine tours for individuals, groups and businesses over the last 15 years and our knowledge and reputation in the region is unrivalled.

Group  and  Corporate  Loire Valley wine Tours

If you are travelling as a group and would like an unforgettable wine holiday without the hassle of organising it, then why not let us help? At Grape Escapes,we specialise in creating the ideal tour to match your group’s requirements and budget. See our  groups section  for detailed information and some sample itineraries.

We also have vast experience in arranging corporate events, including conferences, incentives and prizes, team building, corporate hospitality, product launches and gifts. These trips are always tailored specifically, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. See our  corporate section  for plenty of inspiration.

"A fantastic experience we would like to replicate very soon. An excellent time - huge thank you."

Sharon- Somerset, UK

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Around half of our trips are completely bespoke. Our expert team would be delighted to discuss your requirements and create your perfect trip.

All The Tours

Essential Sancerre

Our three day package in the hillside village on Sancerre can be booked throughout the year and all visits and tastings can be reached on foot.

Travel to historic Tours and from here, you will be taken on a journey of discovery of the Loire Valley wines. On this trip, you will taste wines from both the Chinon and Vouvray appellations.

Extensive Loire

7 days Extensive Loire package including B&B accommodation, premium wine tours in the Loire Valley and delicious authentic meals organised by specialist wine tour operator Grape Escapes

Essential Saumur

These three and four day breaks are available mid-week and weekends throughout the year. Based in 4* accommodation in the town, you will discover Saumur's much-loved sparkling wines as well as red Cabernet Francs and white Chenin Blancs from Vouvray.

Bordeaux and Loire

Which better destinations to enjoy wine tasting in France than the Loire Valley and Bordeaux? This four night break combines a whistle-stop stay in both regions.

Essential Angers

This three or four days Loire wine tour based in the charming city of Angers includes bed and breakfast accommodation in a 4* city centre hotel, tours and tastings at renowned wineries and a taste of the local gastronomy.

Exclusive Angers

Experience the best of the Loire Valley with our Exclusive Angers breaks. These 3 or 4 day exclusive Loire Valley wine tours include B&B accommodation in a luxury 4* Château just outside Angers, tours and tastings at premium local estates, executive transport as well as fine dining.

Hidden Gem- Château d’Artigny

Spend three or four days at a Loire Valley Château on this luxurious Loire Valley trip. The packages include tastings of the region's most famous grape varieties; Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc.

Hidden Gem – Domaine de la Tortinière

3 or 4 day Loire Wine Tour based at the enchanting 4* Château Hotel Domaine de la Tortinière, including tours and tastings at premium local wineries as well as tastings of delicious local specialities

Loire and Cycling

These three and four day breaks are available mid-week and weekends throughout the year.

Self-Drive Loire Valley

This eight day self-drive break encompasses the entire length of the Loire Valley, from Sancerre to Muscadet. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to taste a complete variety of wines from famous appellations such as Chinon and Vouvray.

Self-drive Tour de France

19 days ultimate Tour de France driving holiday including B&B accommodation in rural hotels, tours and tastings in local wineries as well as delicious traditional meals

Self-drive Luxury France

Ten night Luxury France self-drive holiday through the Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne including 5* accommodation, premium tours and tastings as well as fine dining

Self-Drive Bordeaux and Loire Valley

A fabulous four night/five day self-drive break with encompasses both Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Eurotunnel crossings, Château accommodation and winery tours are included for your maximum enjoyment.

Self-drive Western France

8 day Western France driving holiday including B&B accommodation in rural locations, tours and tastings at premium estates and authentic lunches

Ultimate French Wine Tour

A sixteen day package which allows guests to explore all of the main French wine regions with rail travel included between each region. Guests will learn about red, white and sparkling wines and visit a range of wineries, including large prestigious estates and small family run producers.

This 16 days holiday will give you the opportunity to visit the best white wine producing areas of France. The package includes travel between the regions, bed and breakfast accommodation in elegant grade hotels, tours and tastings in premium wineries as well as a taste of the regions' gastronomy.

Loire Wine Route: TOP 3 itineraries to discover the region

Are you planning on visiting the Loire Valley during your next trip to France but you don’t know what to do in the region? The Loire Valley wine route is essential to cross all the points of interest in the region from the best Loire Valley Castles to the best Loire Valley wineries . Partly listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Loire Valley vineyards are the largest in France with a wine route of around 800 kilometers (around 500 miles).

Table of Contents

Import our interactive map on your phone and embark on a captivating journey along the Loire Wine Route and explore some of France’s most illustrious wine estates and châteaux.

BEST wine routes itineraries in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley wine region is really huge and if you want to do it all, you’ll probably need to settle in one of its cities like : Amboise, Tours, Chinon, Saumur, Angers or at the far east of the region, Nantes. To help you, we’ve created small itineraries so you’ll be able to best visit the region departing from one of those cities. Consider renting a car to be free and wander at your pace along this route.

Blois to Chinon wine route

If you arriving from Paris, one of the closest city in Loire Valley is the town of Blois. Ideal for both its famous castle and for its surrounding vineyards, each more authentic than the last, it’s the best starting point.

Chambord Castle

Just before reaching the city, start by visiting the Chambord castle, one of the most famous one on the list. Experience the grandeur of French Renaissance architecture and marvel at the intricate details of Chambord castle’s iconic double helix staircase. Don’t miss the chance to explore the lush grounds and gardens surrounding the castle, offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.

Château de Chenonceau

Continue your route towards the Château de Chenonceau, spanning the Cher. Take the opportunity to discover the wines of the Touraine appellation at Caves Monmousseau or at Domaine Sauvete if you are with family.

Continue your journey to Amboise, a charming town where you can visit the Château d’Amboise and taste wines from the surrounding wine estates at Caves Ambacia, on a pleasant terrace on the banks of the Loire. As a family, you can also visit Clos Lucé, the historic estate of Leonardo da Vinci.

Vouvray wines

Then head to Vouvray, an appellation famous for its sparkling white wines. Visit renowned sparkling cellars such as the ones of Maison Brédif or Maison Lacheteau Grandes Caves Saint Roch .

A few kilometers away, drive towards the city of Tours and do not miss the Château de Villandry just before arriving. Experience the rich history and culture of France in the city of Tours, known for its charming architecture and picturesque landscapes. Discover our guide on the best things to do in Tours .

Azay-le-rideau Castle

Get back on the road and head towards the Château d’Azay-le-rideau, making a short stop if you wish in the historic village of Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt.

End your first Loire Valley wine route, in Chinon, where you can taste the renowned Cabernet Franc wines and explore the charming medieval town with its rich history and stunning architecture.

Do not miss a visit to the Domaine de Noiré family wine estate, located 10 minutes from the city! The winegrowers invite you to take a guided tour of the history of the estate, as well as a visit to the cellar and the cellars. At the end of this activity, you will be offered a tasting of 7 different wines from the estate . Discover Winalist’s selection of the best Chinon wine tours and tastings and our guide to the best things to do in Chinon .

Chinon to Angers wine route

Continue to the Eastern part of France’s Loire Valley, the next trip will bring you to the great city of Saumur. During this getaway, extend the Nantes region to go to the Anjou-Saumur vineyard which is considered an incredible land of dry and sweet white wines, as well as authentic reds.

Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil

For even more discoveries, you can continue your wine route to Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, an appellation known for its red wines and visit the surrounding winegrowers such as Maison Jamet , Clos des Quarterons or Domaine Frédéric Malibeau .

Head up toward the village of Montsoreau and visit the Perruche wine estate to discover the iconic Loire Valleay troglodytes chalky cellars.

Domaine de Nerleux

Continue to the well-known Domaine de Nerleux , a family property which will charm you with its 17th and 18th century buildings built in tuffe stone (and not truffle!)

Hit the road again to Visit Saumur in France to explore its charming historic center filled with quaint shops and cafes, and to admire the stunning Château de Saumur overlooking the Loire River. Don’t miss the famous troglodyte cellars at Ackerman and our dedicated guide to the best things to do in Saumur . Continue your journey towards the troglodyte village of Rochemenier

Château De Fesles

Continue with a visit to the Château De Fesles estate, an emblematic vineyard of Anjou. Located in the heart of the Bonnezeaux appellation and on the 4th highest point of the Loire Valley, the estate benefits from a magnificent view of the vines and produces a wide range of rare and exceptional wines.

You can follow our itinerary and take a one-hour detour to visit the Château de Brissac

Domaine Laureau

Damien and Florence Laureau have been living in Anjou since 1999. On 6 hectares of Chenin, the estate produces 4 cuvées in the Savennières appellation and 1 cuvée in the Roche aux Moines appellation. A few kilometers before our ultimate step to the city of Angers, indulge yourself in a visit of the cellars of Domaine Laureau or the vines followed by a tasting. For enthusiasts, vertical tastings honor your taste buds with Les Genêts or Le Bel Ouvrage cuvée.

End this wine route in Angers, a beautiful and historic city with a rich cultural heritage and explore the impressive Château d’Angers, the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, and the charming medieval streets lined with boutiques and cafes.

Sancerre wine route

Another possible wine route not far from Paris is the Sancerre one, accessible at 2:30h from the capital city. A must for all lovers of renowned white wines such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé . By driving along this route, from Sancerre wineries to Bourges, you will have the opportunity to visit superb wine estates where you can taste exceptional wines, discovering the secrets of their production. Beyond tasting, the wine route will also introduce you to magnificent landscapes, punctuated by vineyards as far as the eye can see, charming wine villages and majestic castles.

• Start your journey with a visit to Domaine Langlois where you can discover the winegrower’s profession passed down from generation to generation
• Continue your exploration of the region by stopping at Château de Tracy , where you can enjoy a superb winemaker’s meal after a private tour of the cellars!
• A few kilometers away, head to Sancerre , a picturesque medieval village known for its renowned white wines.
• Still in Sancerre, walk to Domaine Joseph Mellot to taste Sancerre wines.
• Option: Take a short 10 kilometer loop to discover the Eric Louis estate, located in the heart of the vineyard where you can enjoy a cellar visit and tasting with the 4th generation of winegrowers!
• Continue your journey to Bourges, a city steeped in history with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and its Palais Jacques Cœur. Take the opportunity to taste the region’s wines at La Cave des Vignerons de Bourges.

End your journey towards Valençay, where you can visit the Château de Valençay, a magnificent Renaissance residence

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BEST LOIRE VALLEY FRANCE TOUR

Exclusive small group tours of loire valley, by france off the beaten path tours.

RATED EXCELLENT WITH 500+ REVIEWS

2019 WINNER!! 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR!

RECOMMENDED BY FROMMER’S FRANCE!

About our Loire Valley France Tour

Come travel the back roads of Loire Valley, France during our 6 day/5 night, active, small group tour through the Center region of France (“Le Centre” in French) to discover spectacular French Mediaeval and Renaissance history during this award winning adventure. To further add to making many great memories, you will meet and spend time with our local French friends.

Our local friends warmly and welcomingly open their homes, workshops, and professional kitchens to you, our Loire Valley Tour guests. Every day of our Loire Valley Tour, we take you on a journey through the Medieval and Renaissance periods with fun and untold stories of the private lives of the kings, queens and their courts. You truly feel like you are stepping back into a magical period of time in French history. Our specialist guides recount stories, gossip, fun factual tidbits, and anecdotes that you won’t hear anywhere else to enhance your discovery of the famous castles of the Loire Valley, France.

Stepping back in time to the period when the Valois and Bourbon families ruled the Kingdom of France has never been more fun! Learn about French Kings, Queens and their courts, and all the drama that accompanied them through these fascinating historical periods in a fun and fact filled experience! We embark on daily visits, activities and excursions to unveil magical, mythical, and gruesome stories. You will leave the tour with a new appreciation for these historical periods and the characters who animated them.

WHAT MAKES OUR LOIRE VALLEY TOURS EXCEPTIONAL?

FRANCE IS OUR FOCUS AND SPECIALTY… We know France Best!

As France’s leading Loire Valley tour operator, in 2024 we celebrate 30 years leading small group tours in France. Our guided, small group Loire Valley Tours surpass guest expectations every time thanks to our long standing presence in France, and established local relationships with the Loire Valley region’s most highly recognized professionals. We have established relationships with professionals in the Loire Valley who are not only renowned Michelin-star, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and Master Chefs and specialty artisans, but who are also our personal family friends. We cherish our friendships that have been built on years of discovering France together.

• Our years of connections and insider access to people, places and events of the region have earned us a solid and excellent reputation as authorities on everything cultural in the Loire Valley.
• We use our “savoir faire” to ensure you experience the very best of the Loire Valley, its castles, history, and people in a fun and memorable small group environment.
• Through our combination of active, cultural, and personalized authentic French experiences, you will feel like you spent a week with a wonderful group of friends rather than having been on a tour.

Who are Off the Beaten Path, LLC Loire Valley France Tours designed for?

No experience necessary… Our Loire Valley France Tours are designed for active, English speaking travelers, and include a variety of engaging excursions from privately hosted cooking classes, wine tasting, artisan and castle tours, lunches, dinners, and cheese tasting to privately guided visits learning the juicy side of French history with our expert, professional award-winning tour guides. Enjoy leisure time daily, and five nights at one boutique hotel (NO HOTEL HOPPING), as well as sumptuous meals throughout. It’s vacation, and Off the Beaten Path’s Loire Valley France Tours are all about having fun, being active, and enjoying authentic experiences with our local friends!

• Enjoy guided tours and leisure time to discover the 4 BEST and most historically rich castles of the Loire Valley — Chenonceau Castle, Chambord Castle, Royal Blois Castle & Royale Amboise Castle.
• Participate in 2 private and fun, hands-on cooking classes with our local French friends — one is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chef who works alongside Alain Ducasse, and formerly worked alongside Paul Bocuse and Joel Robuchon, and welcomes you to his family home in the French countryside, and our 2nd Chef is a Michelin rated chef, and welcomes you to his professional working kitchen.
• Indulge in a VIP winery tour & wine tasting with local friends at their family winery followed by a privately hosted lunch at their family home.
• Enjoy Classified Touraine Wines — No meal is complete in the Loire without tasting the fruits of the region, mainly those sumptuous grapes that local vintners transform into some of France’s best loved wines.
• Savor “Touraine” Foodie specialties during a hosted cocktail evening, and float on the Loire River at sunset amidst the castles sprinkled along the river banks with our friend Aurelien on his traditional flat-bottom boat.
• Learn about France’s famous cheeses with our chef friends.
• EMAIL US  or  CALL or message us at +1.717.683.2827 with your questions and requests, or  Book a Loire Valley Tour Now !
• Follow us on Facebook at France Off the Beaten Path Tours !  Follow our YouTube channel FrenchDish !

RATED 5 STARS BY HUNDREDS OF HAPPY TOUR GUESTS

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Loire Valley

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A WORD FROM Our Guests:

Exceeded our expectations.

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

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I Spent a Month in France for Less Than $650 — Here's How I Did It

Work exchanges are a rewarding and cost-effective way to travel abroad for long stretches of time. Here’s what it was like to work on a vineyard in France.

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

The bottles glowed like lava lamps between the vines. Vin de France — French table wine, made from the very grapes we’d spent the morning picking. Two dozen of us sat around a folding table at the base of a sloping vineyard in Alsace, where dirt-crusted hands passed around hunks of fresh bread and the conversation danced between French and English.

Tu veux more , ma chérie ? asked Jeanne, offering to refill my glass from one of the label-less bottles of Si Rose — a $17 pour by New York standards. I’d bought this same wine, a skin-contact blend of gewürztraminer and pinot gris, precisely three days earlier at a wine bar in Brooklyn, where it cost $85. Here, we polished off half a dozen bottles pulled straight from the cellar during our lunch break.

I’d like to tell you it tasted better because it was free, but in truth, what wine wouldn’t taste better in a sun-drenched vineyard ? Rather, I enjoyed it more because I could afford to be less precious — I could sip it without stressing over the cost.

Sophie Dodd/Travel + Leisure

While most of the people around me were being paid, a few of us were bénévole , or volunteers — we’d signed WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) contracts, committing to three weeks of helping with wine harvest in exchange for food and housing with pioneering natural winemaker Christian Binner . Rather than shell out thousands of dollars for another certification course, this was a hands-on chance to deepen my wine education — and spend nearly a month abroad — without bankrupting myself.

Wine harvest is at turns indulgent, exhausting, romantic, and humbling. You wake with the sun, grab a coffee and your secateur (shears), pile into cars, and pair off in the vines, clipping grapes and plunking them into buckets as you go. You sweat, tell secrets, sing Serge Gainsbourg to pass the time. In the afternoons, you lower yourself into a vat of fermenting grapes, squishing them down with your bare feet. You take turns cooking for each other in the evenings, making pasta and pissaladière as you practice your French. Work, drink, sleep, repeat. It’s far from a vacation — more like a labor-intensive summer camp, a grueling getaway of sorts that’s become the annual highlight of my year.

If you’re curious about work exchanges, here’s how I organized mine, and how it allowed me to spend less than $700 while staying on a picturesque vineyard in France for a month.

I reached out to the winemaker via their U.S. importer — but have previously used sites like Workaway and WWOOF.

While experience isn’t necessarily required to help with harvest, I wasn’t a stranger to vineyard work: I’d previously spent time working with winemakers in Umbria and Burgundy, operating under a similar work-exchange model. I’ve found these opportunities via sites like Workaway and WWOOF , which connect travelers with exchange opportunities of all stripes (think: agricultural work, hospitality, child care, language learning, and more). Most sites require a nominal membership fee: With this past harvest, we created WWOOF accounts in order to sign an agreement.

For wine-specific ventures, I’ve also found it helpful to check Raisin , which compiles an annual list of natural winemakers looking for harvest help, or to reach out to the wine importer directly via email. Domaine Christian Binner is imported by Jenny & François Selections — whose social media accounts I run — so in this case, I was lucky to be able to reach out directly.

I took on extra work in advance and sublet my apartment to mitigate my expenses.

As a freelance wine and travel writer, my income varies from month to month. While I normally work remotely during my travels, I’d learned the hard way the year before that harvest requires too much time and energy to balance other assignments, so I reached out to the clients I work with (magazines, digital publications, and a wine importer, among others) to discuss my time off, and to take on additional assignments beforehand. I also picked up a few shifts at a friend’s wine bar to ensure I’d be able to comfortably cover my expenses.

While my housing on the vineyard was covered as part of the exchange, it would have been an enormous financial burden to continue paying my Brooklyn rent while traveling. Luckily, I was able to find a friend of a friend to sublet.

I booked my flight with a low-cost carrier.

While I typically use credit card points or airline miles to cover my flights, I couldn’t find any direct, round-trip tickets from New York City to Paris that would make good use of them for the dates I needed to fly. I opted to save my points and booked a ticket with French Bee , a reliable, low-cost carrier that I’ve flown on several occasions. I flew economy with just a carry-on to avoid additional baggage fees. While the airline doesn’t yet offer opportunities to redeem points or miles, it tends to offer reasonable fares (and Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne for premium class).

I bought basic travel insurance.

Cost: $109 

I always purchase essential travel insurance , in case of emergencies while abroad, and given the potential physical risks associated with harvest work, I opted for even broader coverage than usual. For this trip, I purchased OneTrip Prime coverage with Allianz Travel , which covered my bases in terms of trip cancellation, plus emergency medical and emergency transportation needs.

Food and housing were covered.

As part of our contract, the winery covered my food and housing in exchange for the hours I spent working. While some sites, like Workaway, establish a 25-hour-per-week guideline for work, wine harvest doesn’t quite operate that way: Nature dictates the hours to a degree, and when the grapes are ripe, they need to be picked. Some days stretched from sunrise into late evening; others, I helped clean tanks in the cellar for hardly an hour.

I hadn’t asked much about the housing situation ahead of my arrival, beyond confirming I wouldn’t be camping, which is fairly commonplace for harvest workers. (While I’m eager to work in nature, sleeping in it is simply taking things too far for this city girl.) I’d failed to even ask how many people I’d be sharing a room or bathroom with (one and eight, as it turned out).

I couldn’t have been more delighted when I arrived at the charming, half-timber house in the scenic village of Ammerschwihr, where the picture window in my room looked out over 70-year-old vines and I had a wine barrel for a desk. It’s the house where Christian and his sister, Béatrice (who handles all of the administrative work for the domaine), grew up. Béa would make sure the pantry was always stocked with groceries, coordinating with whoever was on dinner duty (we all rotated the cleaning and cooking responsibilities throughout the week) in order to buy the necessary ingredients.

While I had a few miscellaneous expenses along the way — a group of us went out for a typical Alsatian dinner ( tarte flambée and a tower of sauerkraut) at the delightful Bratschall Manala in neighboring Kaysersberg, and took the train to Strasbourg on our day off — I managed to spend under $700 for the month, including flights. (To put this in perspective, that’s essentially half the cost of my monthly Brooklyn rent.)

For all the physical strain of harvest, it’s the most relaxed my mind has been in years. There’s a meditative quality to the work, and some sort of magic happens when you’re not equating hours worked or bottles drank with a monetary value. Work, drink, sleep, repeat: It’s a cycle I’m extraordinarily privileged to participate in each year, and one that I romanticize so deeply that I tend to forget just how demanding it is. Surely, I’ll be reminded soon enough — I head out to do it all again in a few weeks.

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Eco-Friendly Experiences: 15 Sustainable Wine Tours Worldwide

Posted: March 6, 2024 | Last updated: March 6, 2024

As wine tourism evolves and sustainability becomes paramount, vineyards around the world are adopting eco-friendly practices. This guide explores how to indulge in the pleasures of wine while respecting the environment. From organic vineyards to biodynamic winemaking, sustainable wine tours offer a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between winemaking and the ecosystem.

1. Sonoma County, California

Sonoma County, a jewel in California’s wine country, sets a high standard in sustainable viticulture. With its diverse microclimates and soil types, this region is home to wineries deeply committed to environmental stewardship. Many vineyards here practice organic and biodynamic farming, ensuring their wines are produced with minimal ecological impact.

Wineries like Benziger Family Winery offer comprehensive tours that explore their biodynamic processes, providing insights into how they harmonize their farming practices with nature. The experience is enriched by the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and lush vineyards, making Sonoma County a must-visit for any eco-conscious wine enthusiast.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the harvest season (August to October) for a hands-on experience in sustainable harvesting techniques.

When to Travel: Late summer to early fall is ideal for witnessing the grape harvest.

How to Get There: Sonoma County is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

2. Tuscany, Italy

In the heart of Italy, Tuscany is a region where the art of winemaking intertwines with a strong commitment to sustainability. The picturesque Tuscan landscape, with its rolling hills and historic vineyards, is home to wineries that have embraced organic and biodynamic practices without compromising their deep-rooted winemaking traditions.

A tour through Tuscany’s vineyards, such as the esteemed Querciabella in Chianti, is where ancient techniques meet modern sustainable practices. Visitors can explore the historic estates, taste exquisite wines, and learn about the wineries’ dedication to preserving the environment. The experience is complemented by the region’s rich culinary heritage, offering a chance to pair world-class wines with local organic produce.

Insider’s Tip: Engage in a cooking class at a vineyard to learn about pairing local organic produce with wines.

When to Travel: Spring (April to June) offers pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How to Get There: Fly into Florence or Pisa, rent a car, or join a guided tour to explore the Tuscan countryside.

3. Marlborough, New Zealand

Marlborough, situated at the northeastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, is a region that has gained international acclaim for its Sauvignon Blanc. Here, wineries are at the forefront of sustainable viticulture, implementing practices that conserve water, reduce carbon emissions, and promote biodiversity.

A wine tour in Marlborough offers more than just tastings of its celebrated wines; it’s an opportunity to witness innovative practices shaping the future of sustainable winemaking. Visitors can explore the vineyards, often set against majestic mountains and clear blue skies, and learn about the wineries’ efforts to protect and nurture the land.

Insider’s Tip: Take a bike tour of the vineyards for a low-impact way to explore the region.

When to Travel: Visit during the harvest season (March to April) for the most vibrant vineyard experience.

How to Get There: Marlborough is accessible via a short flight from Wellington or Christchurch to Blenheim.

4. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, synonymous with fine wine, is a region where tradition and sustainability go hand in hand. The vineyards of Bordeaux, stretching across picturesque landscapes, are increasingly adopting organic and biodynamic methods. This shift towards sustainable practices is evident in the grand châteaux and smaller family-owned estates.

A wine tour in Bordeaux is an elegant affair, offering tastings of some of the world’s most sought-after wines while showcasing the winemakers’ commitment to preserving their terroir. Visitors can explore the historic estates, learn about the region’s winemaking heritage, and discover how today’s Bordeaux embraces a more sustainable future.

Insider’s Tip: Visit smaller, family-owned vineyards for a more intimate look at sustainable winemaking.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall is the best time to visit, with harvest season in September.

How to Get There: Bordeaux is easily accessible by train or plane from major cities in France and Europe.

5. Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza, nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains, is Argentina’s most renowned wine region, famous for its Malbec. The wineries in Mendoza produce high-quality wines and are leaders in sustainable viticulture.

The unique high-altitude environment presents challenges and opportunities for winemakers, who employ innovative techniques to cultivate their vineyards with minimal environmental impact.

Wine tours in Mendoza often include horseback riding through the vineyards, tasting the region’s signature wines, and insights into the sustainable practices that make this region unique.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your wine tour with a visit to the Andes for a complete Mendoza experience.

When to Travel: March to May (fall in the Southern Hemisphere) is ideal for pleasant weather and autumnal vineyard colors.

How to Get There: Fly into Mendoza from Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile.

6. Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine region, is evidence of sustainable viticulture in the United States. Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, the valley’s wineries are deeply committed to preserving their land’s natural beauty and integrity. Many vineyards in the region are certified by LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), ensuring their wines are produced with a minimal ecological footprint.

A visit to the Willamette Valley offers a tasting of its renowned wines and an insight into the eco-conscious ethos that pervades the region’s winemaking practices.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in a blending workshop to understand the nuances of sustainable winemaking.

When to Travel: Late spring through early fall offers the best weather for vineyard tours.

How to Get There: Willamette Valley is about an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon.

7. Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its Port wine and its commitment to sustainable viticulture. The region’s steep, terraced vineyards along the Douro River highlight the resilience and innovation of its winemakers.

Many estates in the Douro Valley have embraced organic and sustainable practices, balancing the demands of modern winemaking with a deep respect for the land. A wine tour in this region is a journey through a landscape shaped by centuries of wine production, now guided by sustainability principles.

Insider’s Tip: Visit in September or October to witness the traditional grape stomping.

When to Travel: Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists.

How to Get There: The Douro Valley is a 2-hour drive from Porto, Portugal.

8. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Stellenbosch, in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, is a region where preserving biodiversity is as important as producing wine. Many vineyards here are part of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, which aims to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Western Cape while producing world-class wines.

A visit to Stellenbosch is a chance to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines and an opportunity to see firsthand how sustainable practices can enhance both the wine and the environment.

Insider’s Tip: Try wines from vineyards that use indigenous yeasts for a true taste of South African terroir.

When to Travel: Visit during the harvest season, from February to April, for the liveliest vineyard experience.

How to Get There: Stellenbosch is about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town.

9. Penedès, Spain

Penedès, nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Spain, is a wine region celebrated for its Cava and a growing commitment to sustainable winemaking. The diverse microclimates of Penedès allow for a wide variety of wine styles, all produced with a focus on environmental responsibility.

Wine tours in Penedès often include visits to family-run wineries, combining traditional methods with modern sustainable practices. The experience is enriched by the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making Penedès a must-visit for those interested in eco-friendly wine production.

Insider’s Tip: Combine your wine tour with a visit to nearby Montserrat for breathtaking views and cultural experiences.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall is the best time for vineyard visits.

How to Get There: Penedès is about an hour’s drive from Barcelona.

10. Niagara Peninsula, Canada

The Niagara Peninsula, located in Ontario, Canada, is a region where cool climate viticulture and sustainability go hand in hand. The unique terrain of the Niagara Peninsula, influenced by the Great Lakes and the Niagara Escarpment, creates ideal conditions for a range of grape varieties.

Wineries in this region are committed to sustainable practices, focusing on preserving the natural beauty and resources of the area. A wine tour in the Niagara Peninsula offers a chance to taste exceptional Canadian wines and learn about the innovative methods used sustainably to produce them.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Icewine vineyards, which produce one of Canada’s most famous wine exports.

When to Travel: Summer and early fall are ideal for visiting, with the added bonus of the Niagara Falls nearby.

How to Get There: The Niagara Peninsula is about a 90-minute drive from Toronto.

11. Margaret River, Australia

Margaret River, located in Western Australia, is a wine region that exemplifies environmental stewardship. Known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the region is home to wineries deeply committed to sustainable viticulture. These vineyards often employ organic and biodynamic practices, focusing on preserving the region’s unique biodiversity and soil health.

A wine tour in Margaret River is as much about savoring exquisite wines as it is about understanding the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the region’s unique limestone caves and stunning coastal walks for a complete Margaret River experience.

When to Travel: Visit during the harvest season from March to April for the most dynamic vineyard experience.

How to Get There: Margaret River is a 3-hour drive from Perth, Western Australia.

12. Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley, often referred to as the Garden of France, is a region where producing eco-friendly wines is as important as preserving its historic châteaux and picturesque landscapes. The vineyards of the Loire Valley are known for their diverse range of wines, including crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant reds, all produced with a commitment to sustainability.

A sustainable wine tour in the Loire Valley allows one to explore historic estates, taste exceptional wines, and learn about the region’s dedication to eco-conscious winemaking.

Insider’s Tip: Combine wine tasting with a visit to one of the many historic châteaux in the region.

When to Travel: Late spring to early fall is ideal for pleasant weather and the opportunity to see the vineyards in full bloom.

How to Get There: The Loire Valley is a 2-hour train ride from Paris.

13. Rheingau, Germany

Rheingau, Germany, nestled along the Rhine River, is a region steeped in winemaking history and renowned for its Riesling. The vineyards, perched on sun-drenched slopes, demonstrate viticulture, with many adopting organic and biodynamic practices. The region’s winemakers are deeply committed to preserving the unique terroir that imparts distinct wine characteristics.

A tour through Rheingau is an educational journey into the heart of German winemaking, where tradition harmonizes with environmental stewardship. The picturesque landscape, with its terraced vineyards and historic estates, adds to the charm of the wine-tasting experience.

Rheingau’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its winemaking, from the careful cultivation of grapes to the energy-efficient operations of its wineries.

Insider’s Tip: Take a river cruise along the Rhine to enjoy stunning views of the vineyards from a different perspective.

When to Travel: The best time to visit is from May to October, with the grape harvest typically in September.

How To Get There: Rheingau is easily accessible by train from Frankfurt.

14. Okanagan Valley, Canada

Okanagan Valley, in British Columbia, Canada, is a wine region that has embraced sustainability with open arms. Known for its diverse microclimates and a wide range of varietals, the valley’s wineries are at the forefront of eco-friendly practices. This includes water conservation, the use of renewable energy, and organic farming methods.

The region’s stunning natural beauty, with its lakes, mountains, and forests, provides a picturesque backdrop for wine tours. Visitors can explore the unique terroir that contributes to the distinct flavors of Okanagan wines.

The commitment to sustainability here goes beyond the vineyards, with many wineries also focusing on building sustainable communities and preserving the natural landscape for future generations.

Insider’s Tip: Visit during the fall to experience the vibrant colors of the vineyards and partake in harvest events.

When to Travel: Summer and early fall are the best times to visit for warm weather and vineyard activities.

How To Get There: The Okanagan Valley is about a 5-hour drive from Vancouver or a short flight to Kelowna.

15. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes region in New York State is emerging as a leader in sustainable viticulture in the United States. With its deep glacial lakes and fertile soil, the region is ideal for producing wines, particularly Rieslings and cool-climate varietals. Wineries in the Finger Lakes increasingly adopt sustainable practices, focusing on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.

The region’s commitment to sustainability extends to its community involvement and educational initiatives, making it a model for eco-friendly wine production.

The natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, with its rolling hills and picturesque waterways, enhances the wine-tasting experience, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in sustainable winemaking.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the local farm-to-table restaurants that often feature wines from the region, enhancing your culinary experience with locally sourced ingredients.

When to Travel: L ate spring to early fall is ideal for visiting, with the added bonus of witnessing the spectacular fall foliage.

How To Get There: The Finger Lakes region is about a 4-5 hour drive from New York City or a short flight to Rochester or Syracuse, followed by a scenic drive.

The Bottom Line

Sustainable wine tours offer more than just tastings; they provide a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and its relationship with the environment. As you explore these vineyards, you become part of a movement that values the quality of the wine and the health of the planet. Remember, each glass of wine reflects the land it comes from and the care it’s given. Drink responsibly, not just in quantity, but in the awareness of its origin.

When selecting a wine tour, look for organic, biodynamic, or sustainable certifications. These labels indicate a winery’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Your choice to support such vineyards contributes to preserving these beautiful wine regions for future generations.

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The post Eco-Friendly Experiences: 15 Sustainable Wine Tours Worldwide republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Steves: Amboise’s Loire delights and Leonardo da Vinci sights

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Walk up this street in Amboise to arrive at the Château du Clos-Lucé where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. (photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli)

The Château Royal d'Amboise, home to several French kings, was built on a strategic site next to the Loire River. (photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli)

As the Loire River glides gently east to west, officially separating northern from southern France, it has come to define one of France’s most popular tourist regions.

Because of its history, this region is home to hundreds of castles and palaces in all shapes and sizes. When a “valley address” became a must-have among 16th-century hunting-crazy royalty, rich Renaissance palaces replaced outdated medieval castles.

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Straddling the widest stretch of the river is the city of Amboise, an inviting town with a fine old quarter below its hilltop château. A castle has overlooked the Loire from here since Roman times. Leonardo da Vinci retired here…just one more of his many brilliant ideas.

The Italian genius came here in 1516 because it was the royal residence of French King François I. Leonardo packed his bags (and several of his favorite paintings, including the Mona Lisa) and left a chaotic Rome for better wine and working conditions. Imagine his résumé and cover letter: “I can help your armies by designing tanks, flying machines, wind-up cars, gear systems, extending ladders, and water pumps.”

The king set Leonardo up in the Château du Clos-Lucé, a plush palace where he spent his last three years. (He died May 2, 1519.) The house is a kind of fortified château of its own with a rampart walk and 16th-century chapel. The place survived the French Revolution because the quick-talking noble who owned it was sympathetic to the cause — and convinced revolutionaries that Leonardo was philosophically on their side.

While today’s owners keep part of the château to themselves, two floors of finely decorated and furnished rooms are open to the public. The château thoughtfully re-creates (with a good English brochure and Renaissance music) the everyday atmosphere Leonardo enjoyed while he lived here — pursuing his passions to the very end.

Another Leonardo sight is the Château Royal d’Amboise — the historic royal residence partially designed by the brilliant Italian. The king who did most of the building — Charles VIII — is famous for accidentally killing himself by walking into a door lintel on his way to a tennis match (seriously).

Inside you’ll find a lacy, petite chapel where Leonardo supposedly is buried. This flamboyant little Gothic chapel comes with two fireplaces “to comfort the king” and two plaques “evoking the final resting place” of Leonardo (one in French, the other in Italian). Where he’s actually buried, no one seems to know.

Though grand, the château was much bigger in the 16th century. Wandering through its halls, you travel chronologically from Gothic-style rooms to those of the early Renaissance and on to the 19th century. Climb to the top of the Minimes Tower for panoramic views. The bulky tower climbs 130 feet in five spirals — designed for a soldier in a hurry. From here the strategic value of this site is clear: The visibility is great, and the river below provides a natural defense.

From the tower you can see the half-mile-long “Golden Island,” the only island in the Loire substantial enough to be flood-proof and to have permanent buildings (including a soccer stadium, hostel, and 13th-century church). It was important historically as the place where northern and southern France, divided by the longest river in the country, came together. Truces were made here. The Loire marked the farthest point north that the Moors conquered as they pushed into Europe from Morocco.

After touring the château, take a lazy walk through Amboise’s pleasant, pedestrian-only commercial zone. The city once wielded far more importance than you’d imagine. In fact, its 14,000 residents are still quite conservative today, giving the town an attitude — as if no one told them they’re no longer the second capital of France. The locals keep their wealth to themselves; consequently, many grand mansions hide behind nondescript facades.

When travelers ask me where to stay in the Loire Valley, I tell them Amboise is the best home base for first-timers. It offers handy access to important châteaux such as Chenonceau, Blois, Chambord, and Cheverny. It also has good train connections and public transportation options, making it the preferable choice if you don’t want to rent a car or bike.

Those transportation links put it also under some development pressure. The TGV bullet trains can get you to Paris in well under two hours, and cheap flights to England make it a prime second-home spot for many Brits, including Sir Michael Philip “Mick” Jagger.

What makes Amboise so attractive to ancient nobles and modern commuters makes it appealing to tourists, too. If you have a passion for anything French — philosophy, history, elegant architecture, food, wine — you’ll find it here.

This article is used with the permission of Rick Steves’ Europe (www.ricksteves.com). Steves writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours.

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Welcome to the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley . It’s not just picturesque and serene—a darling of poets and writers, we’re here for something more intoxicating. The region is sprinkled with over a thousand chateaux, trailing the Loire River from the Auvergne Central to its Atlantic Ocean finale in Nantes, 629 miles of history and viticulture. Enough with the geography lesson; too much information can be a bore, especially when wine, cheese, and food are to be pondered and consumed.

Of course, we couldn’t come to this part of France without first visiting the home of Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre . Nestled in the rolling hills of the Loire Valley, it’s a postcard-perfect village that boasts wine as crisp as the morning air. This isn’t just any wine; it’s Sauvignon Blanc in its purest, most unadulterated form. Think lemon, citrus, flint, and the minerality of the land seeping into every sip.

The soil, a mix of limestone and clay, is the secret ingredient, the magic dust that gives Sancerre its unique edge. Pair it with some local goat cheese, and you’re in heaven. The tangy cheese and the bright, zesty wine create a harmony that’s nothing short of culinary perfection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences come from the simplest pleasures—a glass of wine, a piece of cheese, a beautiful sunset.

Next, let’s unravel the unique allure of Cabernet Franc, a personal favorite. Chinon , a quaint medieval town nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, is where history and viticulture intertwine seamlessly. This isn’t just a picturesque stopover; it’s the epicenter of some of the most intriguing wines in France. Here, Cabernet Franc reigns supreme, often overshadowed by its more famous offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon. Still, in Chinon, it’s the undisputed star. The terroir coaxes a unique expression from Cabernet Franc. Think rustic elegance: earthy notes of tobacco and forest floor mingling with vibrant red fruit, like raspberry and cherry. A peppery edge with a backbone of fresh acidity makes it a perfect companion for the region’s countrified cuisine.

As we head west to Nantes , we encounter the underdog of the wine world, Muscadet, which is often overlooked. Born in the rugged, windswept vineyards of the region, it’s a wine that screams of the sea. Bracingly dry, with a whisper of brine and citrus, it’s like a salty kiss from the Atlantic. The winemakers here are resilient, crafting this gem from the humble Melon de Bourgogne grape. Muscadet proves that greatness often lies in the unassuming.

While Sancerre often steals the white-hot spotlight, let’s illuminate the lesser-known Vouvray. Crafted from the Chenin Blanc grape, this wine is one of the world’s most underappreciated varietals, especially in America. It’s time to change that. Vouvray can range from dry to off-dry to rich and austere and can age for a century. Look for notes of apple, pear, and fig on the palate. It even shines as a sparkling wine. Few varietals can transform from an everyday sipper to a highly sought-after bottle. It’s a worthy rival to Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Loire Valley isn’t just a wine lover’s paradise; it’s also a haven for cheese lovers. This lush region produces an array of delectable cheeses, each reflecting the area’s diverse landscapes and rich traditions. The creamy, tangy Chèvre, or goat cheese, is among the most celebrated, known for its distinctive flavor and versatile texture. From the soft, fresh Crottin de Chavignol to the aged, crumbly Valençay with its iconic pyramid shape and ash coating, the Loire’s cheeses are a testament to artisanal skill. Pair these cheeses with a crisp Sancerre, Muscadet or a zesty Vouvray.

So, with the Loire Valley behind us and a pleasant buzz in our heads and satiated palates, we set our sights on our next Wine Walkabout. Find me below and submit your ideas. Maybe I’ll write about your favorite wine region for my next article.

I want to thank Ben and his wine team at Caraluzzi’s Wine & Spirits in Wilton , for providing me with the wine to photograph for the article. Find their five family-run locations in northwestern Fairfield County for wine, spirits, and craft beer. They also have outstanding markets for special cheeses and all your ingredients for the following recipe.

Follow me on X @JohnNoakes or linkedin.com/in/john-noakes-mfa-1256411/

Here’s a great summer beach read: Pick up “Wine & War: The French, the Nazis & The Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure” by Don & Petie Kladstrup. It’s a gripping page-turner that reads and unfolds like an Oscar-winning film.

For the recipe this week, my original partner for the food side of my articles for over 10 years has returned to make mouths water and taste buds sing.

Chef David Repp is the owner/chef of Cass Cay Restaurant in Punta Gorda, Fla., and Mila’s on the Manatee in Palmetto, Fla.

Mussels steamed in sherry vinegar. Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

6 oz sherry vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoon minced garlic ½ cup minced shallots 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 1 tablespoon whole fennel seeds 2 links of Andouille sausage, cut into ¼-inch dice ¼ pound unsalted butter, cubed ½ cup diced red bell pepper 2 tablespoon minced jalapenos 2 pounds mussels 2 slices of French bread, about 2 inches thick

• Brush the French bread slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill or toast them in the oven until crispy on both sides.
• Clean and rinse the mussels, then store them in the refrigerator.
• In a large, deep sauté pan, cook the Andouille sausage in butter until the fat renders out and the sausage is crisp.
• Add the garlic, shallots, red bell pepper, and sauté.
• Add the sherry vinegar, sugar, fennel seeds, and thyme, and bring to a boil.
• Add the mussels, cover, and steam until all the mussels open, then remove from heat.
• Using a slotted spoon or strainer, remove the mussels from the pan and set them aside.
• Bring the broth to a boil and reduce by one-fourth. Lower the heat to a simmer, whisk in the butter, and return the mussels to the pan to reheat.

Place the grilled French bread in large soup bowls and place equal amounts of mussels and broth over the bread.

Enjoy a glass of Sancerre, Vouvray or Muscadet and savor the flavors of the Loire Valley.

Johnny Noakes is a sommelier and key account manager for Murphy Distributors in Branford.

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