Loire Valley Wine Tour : Exploring Chinon & Bourgueil Vineyards
About this activity
Discover the vineyards of the Loire Valley on a small-group full-day wine tour from Tours. Visit wineries in different appellations, explore the historic town of Chinon and enjoy guided tastings of Loire Valley wines.
Highlights
- Enjoy scenic vineyard landscapes
- Discover several Loire Valley wine appellations
- Visit local wineries and meet passionate winemakers
- Explore the historic town of Chinon
- Learn about the Cabernet Franc grape variety
Full description
Spend a full day exploring the vineyards of the Loire Valley, one of France’s most diverse wine regions. Departing from Tours, this small-group wine tour takes you through scenic vineyard landscapes and historic wine villages where centuries of winemaking tradition continue today. During the day, visit carefully selected wineries in different appellations to discover the diversity of Loire Valley wines.
The tour includes a stop in the charming town of Chinon, famous for its medieval fortress and surrounding vineyards that produce red wines primarily made from Cabernet Franc, the signature grape of the region. Guided tastings allow you to discover a range of wine styles while learning about the terroir, grape varieties and winemaking traditions that make the Loire Valley one of France’s most fascinating wine destinations.
Discover the Wines of the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is one of France’s largest and most diverse wine regions, producing white, red, rosé and sparkling wines across numerous appellations. From the vineyards around Tours to the banks of the Vienne River near Chinon, the region offers a rich variety of terroirs and grape varieties.
Visit Several Wine Appellations
During the day, travel through vineyard landscapes and visit carefully selected wineries where local producers share their knowledge of the region and their winemaking traditions. Wine tastings introduce the diversity of Loire Valley wines, including whites and reds produced from classic regional grape varieties.
Explore the Historic Town of Chinon
The tour includes a stop in Chinon, a charming medieval town located along the Vienne River. The surrounding vineyards produce wines primarily made from Cabernet Franc, the dominant red grape variety of the Loire Valley. These wines are known for their fresh red-fruit aromas, herbal notes and lively acidity.
A Region of Historic Wine Traditions
Viticulture has shaped the Loire Valley landscape for centuries, with vineyards surrounding historic towns, castles and villages throughout the region.
A Complete Wine Experience from Tours
Combining vineyard landscapes, winery visits, wine tastings and the discovery of Chinon, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the wines and heritage of the Loire Valley.
Included / Excluded
- Transportation in premium air-conditioned minivan
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Winery visits and wine tastings
- Visit of Chinon historic town
- Small-group experience (max 8 guests)
- Meals and personal expenses
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Purchases at wineries
- Gratuities for the driver/guide.
Itinerary
Meeting point
Meet your guide
Winery Visit
Visit and wine tasting at 1st winery
Meeting point
Meet your guide in front of the Tours Tourism office.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour requires minimum 2 passengers (adults) to operate
- Tour is operated in English
- Wine tastings only for participants of legal drinking age
- Wear good walking shoes
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
Know before you go
- Loire Valley Wine Tasting from Tours
- Departs from Tours Tourism Office
- Some wineries include cellar stairs
- Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are non-refundable.
Reviews
This is a concise tour to whet your appetite for further discovery of the wonders of the Dordogne and its glorious landscape and culinary delights.. Anne was a marvelous and knowledgeable guide who speaks several languages fluently (French, English and Spanish at least). I am grateful to her for waiting for me to escape the hold of the ghost of King Richard the Lionhearted at the Château de Beynac.
(Translated by Google) A lovely tour of the Dordogne castles, beautiful views, and a very friendly and knowledgeable guide, thank you Ana. (Original) Un precioso tour por los castillos de la Dordoña, lindas vistas, y una guía muy simpática y conocedora del lugar, gracias Ana.
Great day trip from Strasbourg. Our guide was personable and informative and we were taken to three smaller family wineries where the owner/family member conducted a fulsome and friendly tasting. Also a nice break for lunch in a picturesque town. Definitely recommend for a chance to see the countryside and get a better sense of Alsatian wines.
Additional information
The Loire Valley produces a wide range of wines including Chenin Blanc whites and Cabernet Franc reds, reflecting the diversity of soils and microclimates throughout the region.
Please note that we do not distribute water bottles anymore to limit our environmental impact. We strongly recommend that you bring a reusable bottle.
In France, snacks are usually not provided during wine tastings to preserve the purity of the wine's flavor. We recommend having a good breakfast or lunch beforehand.