Top 10 Wine Tours & Tastings in Loire Valley, Centre-Val de Loire

The history of the Château d'Amboise dates back to the 11th century, when the Count of Anjou built the castle on the promontory, surveying the Loire River, as a defence strategy. Between the 15th and 16th centuries , under the orders of Charles VII, Louis XII and Francois I, the castle was refurnished. Its magnificent facade can be attributed to Charles VIII and Francois I, and their love for Italian art and style. It was because of this passion for Italian art that Francois I invited Leonardo Da Vinci to come and reside in Amboise as his first painter, architect and engineer. Da Vinci arrived in 1516 and spent the remaining three years of his life living and working in the nearby Chateau du Clos Lucé (connected to the royal chateau by an underground passage). Leonardo Da Vinci died in Amboise and was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert (on the ramparts of the Chateau d'Amboise). Visit few wineries and enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch during this wonderful tour.

Inclusions: Enjoy a delicious three course lunch at a local restaurant including starter main and desert, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Skip the line, Visit the Amboise castle and get to know its history with an audio-guide, Air conditioned mini-van

Exclusions: Gratuities

Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Villandry castle and its remarkable gardens. Benefit from your guides trilling historical anecdotes and feel part of these old days. Then, live a French Art de Vivre experience away from the crowds and enjoy a French aperitif in an intimate family-owned château where the owners still live today! In the afternoon, learn everything about Loire Valley wines with two wine tastings in the Vouvray Appellation, well-known for its sparkling and white wines. A fun adventure that you will always remember!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Wine tasting, Guide will serve a glass of local wine with a local delicacy in the park of a private chateau before lunch., Alcoholic Beverages, Guided visits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Participants will have 30 minutes of free-time from 1.30PM to 2.00PM in the center of the city of Tours where they can buy a sandwich/snack at a French Boulangerie.

This tour includes a round trip TGV train ticket from Paris, do not waste hours in a bus in the middle of the traffic. Sleep one night in a private château or troglodyte suite. Visit the famous castles of: Chambord, Blois, Amboise, the Clos Lucé with your French American guide and taste the delicate wines of the region. Everything is included: round trip train tickets from Paris, Loire Valley transportation, tour guide, castle entrances, breakfast, lunch, gourmet diner, wine tour & tastings and accommodation. The following day you are returned to the train station on your way back to Paris. This is a small group, limited to 6 persons max. You also be treated to sleeping in your own private chateau for the night. This tour is run by Luc Bonhomme, owner and former Loire valley wine importer for the USA. By the end of the tour, you will have gain a good knowledge of the Loire valley wines. Read more about this special two-day Loire Valley experience!

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast is included

Exclusions:

Eat. Drink. Love. Based in the royal city of BLOIS, we welcome you to our charming 19th century Maison Bourgeoise for a journey back in time. Our accommodation (French breakfast included) is the central point from where we will stroll around. Eat: Enjoying Michelin-star restaurants, taking in splendid views of the Loire and its castles. Drink: Sylvain GAMARD is a 3rd level WSET graduate with expertise in wine. Wander in the vineyards of the greatest, where you will be explained the wine process, proper wine selection and tasting. It's an opportunity to discover some hidden gems you’ll want to take back home! Love: A stay on the banks of the Loire must include visits to the largest castles! Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, but also many other wonders ... we will narrate the History of France by its wines, which have been the main contributor to the Greatness of France.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, 1 night accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Taxi to and from airport (optional at 60 euros per person one-way)

Let us take you to some of the best vineyards in the area -- Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil -- and discover the amazing wines -- whites, roses, reds, and sparkling. Walk the vineyards, tour the caves, and taste wines (10+ wines) with the winemakers. Picnic lunch or snacks can be provided as well to make a truly French experience. You'll have the opportunity to buy wines at each vineyard and we can arrange shipping services for the wine to be delivered to your home!

Inclusions: Picnic lunch or snack can be provided

Exclusions:

An excellent introduction tour to discover Loire Valley vineyard and his diversity with a passionate guide (wine professional for over 15 years) As a small group (maximum 8) live a true and complete experience: > A short stroll in the vineyard to understand "Terroir" and the vine-grower work > Two different cellar visits in a family own business and an other company > Two extensive tastings (minimum of ten wines in total) > Paired with local cheeses and other delicacies. > Transport in a comfy Mercedes minivan Adapted to every level of knowledge from beginners to expert : your professional guide will adapt to everyone

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Local cheeses + Charcuteries + other delicacies during the two different wine tastings, Water is available in the minivan and during wine tasting

Exclusions:

We're expats, formerly of Devon in the United Kingdom but now of Chinon. I've always cycled and loved my bike, and for the best part of my adult life, always loved wine... this is me! With my family, I now find ourselves living amongst vineyards, with wine producers creating something very special on our doorstep. Chinon wine is recognised as being very special across France, yet throughout the rest of the world it's lesser known and we're keen to spread the word about the local wine through vineyard tours! We spent years and years holidaying in France before moving here, never quite summoning up the courage to head in through the big barn doors of a wine producer, but now we've started we can't stop! This type of visit is so important to many independent producers, and we're now keen to share this experience with you. First and foremost our vineyard tours by bike are designed to be a fun experience, for you, family and friends to make the most of your time in the Chinon area.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, A locally produced picnic is provided, Full day tour, Safety helmet

Exclusions: An e-bike cost is not included in the price, but is available should you wish to rent one for an extra cost of €15

During this private full-day tour, a French guide passionate about wine and history will help you discover the Loire in a different way, that is to say through the wine!

Inclusions: Dessert entree with a glass of wine at a local brewery, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

The vineyard of Domaine FL (Fournier-Longchamps) extends over nearly 34 hectares, on both sides of the Loire, on a terroir that has been home to vines since the 12th century. Soil on which the chenin blanc, historical grape variety in Anjou, is king! Its complexity and its great aptitude for ageing have always given it a special status.

Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water

Exclusions: Private transportation, Snacks

Enjoy Loire Valley landscapes and a masterpiece of its Unesco listed heritage thanks to this self-drive E-Bike itinerary designed (and tested!) by our passionate local team! After cycling along the lovely streets of Amboise and its timbered-houses, immerse into the great forest of Amboise where the French Kings used to hunt ! On the way, you will cycle near local farms and fields before arriving to the must-see Chateau de Chenonceau. Discover its fascinating history as well as its unique architecture as it is built on the river Cher. You will also have a chance to learn everything about the vineyards surrounding Chenonceau and producing some open and fruity white and red wines. You will also have the opportunity to stop to visit Château d’Amboise and Clos-Lucé during your ride (not included)

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmet, Entrance tickets to Château de Chenonceau, Entrance fees, guided visit and wine tasting at a family-run wine estate (at 3.00PM only)

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included, A deposit to pick-up the E-Bikes will be required, it will be given back at drop-off time, Lunch and snacks are not included