Private Loire Valley Wine Tour: Chinon & Bourgueil Vineyards & Tastings
About this activity
Highlights
- Wine tastings in Chinon and Bourgueil vineyards
- Explore the charming medieval town of Chinon
- Exclusive visits to renowned Loire Valley wineries
- Guidance from a local wine expert
- Discover historic wine cellars in the region
Full description
Sip, savor, and stroll through the spectacular Loire Valley! On this private, full-day wine adventure, journey to the heart of two legendary appellations—Chinon and Bourgueil—with an expert wine guide. Enjoy VIP access and guided tastings at top local wineries, uncovering the secrets of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines. Ride in comfort through rolling vineyards and quaint villages in your premium minivan. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming medieval streets of Chinon, with free time to sample the region’s culinary delights for lunch. In the Bourgueil wine region, step into centuries-old cellars carved from limestone and immerse yourself in France’s winemaking tradition. This immersive experience is ideal for wine lovers seeking authentic flavors and stories in one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.
Private Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours
Discover the characterful wines of the Loire Valley on a private full-day wine tour from Tours. Your English-speaking wine guide will collect you from your hotel or accommodation before introducing the day’s itinerary. Travel in comfort in a premium, air-conditioned vehicle as you journey through vineyard landscapes shaped by centuries of winemaking tradition.
Explore the Chinon Wine Region
Begin in the celebrated Chinon appellation, renowned for expressive red wines made primarily from Cabernet Franc, alongside elegant whites produced from Chenin Blanc. The region’s varied soils, from sandy gravel near the Vienne River to limestone slopes, create wines ranging from supple and fruit-forward to structured and age-worthy.
Visit a carefully selected Chinon winery and enjoy a guided tasting of local wines. Learn how grape varieties, terroir, vineyard location and cellar practices influence the colour, aromas and style of each cuvée.
Free Time in Historic Chinon
Continue to the charming town of Chinon, known for its medieval streets, riverside setting and historic fortress. Enjoy a short orientation walk with your guide before having free time for lunch at your own expense. Your guide can recommend local restaurants, wine bars or relaxed cafés to suit your preferences.
Discover Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
In the afternoon, travel to the prestigious Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil wine regions. These historic appellations are also celebrated for Cabernet Franc, producing refined reds with distinct styles shaped by sandy gravel soils and clay-limestone tuffeau slopes.
Lighter wines from gravelly soils are often fragrant, fresh and approachable, while wines from clay-limestone vineyards offer greater structure, complexity and ageing potential. Your guide will help you compare the personalities of these neighbouring Loire Valley appellations.
Winery Visit and Tasting in Bourgueil
Visit a local Bourgueil or Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil winery for a guided introduction to its history, vineyards and winemaking methods. Depending on the estate, explore the vines, production areas or atmospheric ageing cellars carved into the region’s limestone.
Conclude with a guided tasting of estate wines, centred on Cabernet Franc reds and potentially including rosé, white or sparkling wines. This visit offers an authentic insight into the people, places and traditions behind Loire Valley wine.
Return to Tours
Relax on the return journey to Tours after a day of vineyard discovery, regional tastings and historic scenery. This private Chinon and Bourgueil wine tour is ideal for wine lovers seeking expert guidance, authentic winery visits and a deeper understanding of the Loire Valley’s diverse wine heritage.
Included / Excluded
- Pick up and drop off in Tours
- Private expert English-speaking wine guide
- Premium air-conditioned transportation
- Pre-booked tastings at select wineries
- Wine tasting fees in the pre-booked wineries
- Meals, drinks (Lunch in Chinon)
- Personal travel insurance, expenses
Itinerary
Tours Hotel Pickup
Meet your English-speaking wine guide at your Tours hotel, accommodation or agreed central meeting point.
Morning Wine Tasting in Chinon
Travel to the Chinon wine region for a guided winery visit and tasting of local Cabernet Franc reds and Chenin Blanc wines.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private full-day Loire Valley wine tour from Tours.
- Your English-speaking guide and private vehicle are reserved for your group.
- Visit one winery in Chinon and one in Bourgueil or Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil.
- Guided winery visits and wine tastings are included in the tour.
- Winery schedules and final estates may vary with availability and season.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes for winery visits, vineyards and Chinon’s historic streets.
- Tastings focus mainly on Cabernet Franc red wines from the Loire Valley.
- You may also taste Chenin Blanc, rosé or sparkling wines, depending on estates.
- The tour includes free time in Chinon for lunch and independent exploration.
- Please drink responsibly and leave space for any wine purchases.
Cancellation policy
Up to 48 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 48 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Reviews
Did a half day tour of WW2, D-Day sites at Normandy and it was masterfully conducted by Matt the tour guide. He's witty, extremely articulate and very well informed. If you are thinking of touring Normandy, go with Matt. You can't go wrong
We did a whole day tour to wine region saint emillon. The guide was motivated and explained/showed us a lot. The tour itself was well organized. I can recommend this trip safely to everyone who loves wine or want to know more about the wine culture.
Met promptly by the lovely Lea then off to our first stop, Chateau Labert - a mix of tradition & futuristic & naturally, glorious wines. Onto St Emilion for lunch & a wander, s stunning setting of beauty. Two more wine tastings in smaller locations, both being traditional, interesting & again, fabulous wines! Our day was completed with a friendly game of ‘guess the smell’ which was a laugh. A long, enjoyable day of good wine, good company & a great guide! Thank you Lea!
Additional information
This private Chinon and Bourgueil wine tour from Tours is ideal for couples, friends, families and small private groups who want to discover the Loire Valley beyond its famous châteaux. It is especially suited to wine lovers interested in Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc and the influence of terroir, as well as travellers who enjoy meeting local producers, tasting regional wines and exploring historic towns at a relaxed pace. With private transport, an English-speaking wine guide and free time in Chinon, the experience is perfect for guests who value personalised service, flexibility and authentic Loire Valley food-and-wine culture.