A Wine Lover’s Dream: The Loire Valley

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping for a week of wine, countryside charm, and luxury, then you’ll love reading about our trip to The Loire Valley. Just a 2.5-hour drive from the heart of Paris, this picturesque region along the Loire River is home to some of the world’s finest Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc wines. Join us as we discover an unforgettable trip filled with exceptional wine tastings, scenic vineyard views, and the elegance of French winemaking.

Day 1: A Perfect Day in Pouilly-sur-Loire: Sipping Sauvignon in the Loire Valley

Our day began in the bustling heart of Paris at the charming Hotel Central Saint Germain, where we boarded a luxurious 19-seater Sprinter Van with our French guide Helene. We left the city behind and wound our way through the French countryside.

We arrived in Pouilly-sur-Loire to explore the quaint village and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Nestled on the banks of the Loire River, this charming town is dotted with local bistros offering authentic French fare. We were anxious to try the region’s famous Pouilly-Fumé wines.

After a peaceful lunch on the steps of the church, we arrived at the stunning Château du Nozet, home to the prestigious Domaine Ladoucette. The château itself is a sight to behold, with its grand architecture and beautifully manicured gardens (with only one gardener who tends to the entire grounds), setting the stage for a memorable wine tasting experience. Our private tour immersed us in the rich history and artistry behind the world-famous Pouilly-Fumé wines. As we strolled through the lush vineyards surrounding the château, our guide shared insights into the estate’s winemaking process, which has been honed over generations. We explored the ancient cellars, where barrels of Pouilly-Fumé age to perfection. They age all of their wines in big tanks and bottle when they’re ready to release. Their facility was a site to see. The wines here are known for their crisp acidity and mineral-driven notes, making them a perfect complement to the regional cuisine. We were also invited into the owners private residence at the Chateau (not open to the public) for a wine tasting of a 2012 and 2022 Pouilly-Fumé. It was a magical experience that we were blessed to experience.

Our wine journey continued at Domaine Du Bouchot, an estate that combines tradition with innovation in the art of winemaking. Winemaker Antoine Gouffier pushes the boundaries of sustainable and biodynamic winemaking. The estate is Demeter-certified as of 2020, marking its commitment to organic farming and eco-friendly practices. Antoine’s dedication to preserving the natural character of his wines is evident in every aspect of production—from manual harvesting to experimenting with aging techniques in barrels, amphorae, and concrete eggs. Our tasting happened out in a small field above the vineyards, the perfect location to taste the wines that were as lively as their winemaker. We then made our way to his cellar where we tasted wines in all stages of fermentation/aging.

After a day filled with wine and wonder, we stopped in the nearby town of Sancerre, where we checked in at the Hotel Panoramic. This four-star hotel boasts a breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards, offering the perfect backdrop for a stay in wine country. We completed the night Tapas and Sancerre in the hotel lounge.

Day 2: A Perfect Day in Sancerre: Wine, History, and Scenic Beauty

Our day began with a short, scenic drive to Domaine La Perrière, one of the jewels of the region. Upon arrival we were greeted by the stunning limestone caves that have made this estate famous. The setting feels almost otherworldly—these caves date back thousands of years and create a magical, timeless ambiance. Domaine La Perrière is renowned not just for its breathtaking scenery but also for its exceptional Sancerre wines, which are crafted from vines grown on a rare Silex terroir, known for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world.

The private visit began with a tour of the vineyards and cellar, where we learned about the unique geology and winemaking techniques that make Sancerre wines so special. We then had a tasting of three of Domaine La Perrière’s finest wines, expertly paired with local goat cheese, including the famous Crottin de Chavignol. The crisp minerality of the Sauvignon Blanc, paired with the creamy richness of the cheese was the PERFECT pairing!

After a delightful tasting experience, we stopped in Chavignol to experience more of the exquisite cheese first hand!

The afternoon kicked off with an exciting twist—an Elec’trip through the Sancerre vineyards. This 2-hour tour had us off-roading through the scenic countryside in electric golf carts, offering a unique and eco-friendly way to experience the region. As we travelled through the vines, our personal audio guide shared stories of Pauline, the great-grandmother of the Louis family, who laid the foundation for the winemaking legacy at Domaine Eric Louis. We were driven around by Eric Louis himself.

We enjoyed stunning views of the vineyards and landscapes and tasted estate Sancerre wines paired with more Chavignol cheese. What a fun way to see the countryside!

Day 3: A Day in the Loire Valley: Chenonceaux, River Cher, and Château Magic

Today we spent most of the day exploring the breathtaking Chenonceaux by both land and water. Arriving at the magnificent Château de Chenonceau, we were immediately taken aback by its fairy-tale beauty. Known as the "Ladies' Château," Chenonceau's fascinating history is steeped in the influence of the powerful women who shaped its existence, from Catherine Briçonnet, who oversaw its original construction, to Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici, who added their touches of elegance.

The château itself is a true architectural masterpiece, perched gracefully over the River Cher. As we wandered through its grand halls, each room told a story of its royal inhabitants, with rich tapestries, opulent furniture, and stunning frescoes adorning the walls. The Tour des Marques, a vestige of the original medieval château, adds to the historical intrigue. But perhaps the most captivating feature is the arched gallery that spans the river—an iconic symbol of the château. What better way to complement a château visit than with a wine tasting? Our next stop was the Cave des Dômes, where we were treated to a tasting of three wines from the Touraine and Touraine Chenonceau appellations. The crisp, aromatic whites and the structured reds of the region offer a delicious representation of the Loire’s terroir.

After lunch, our adventure continued with a tranquil boat trip on the River Cher. Boarding in the nearby village of Chisseaux, we embarked on a traditional gabare. This 50-minute cruise was the perfect way to see the château from a new perspective—floating beneath the famous gallery arches that span the river.

Our day ended with a gourmet dinner and stay at Domaine de la Tortinière, a luxurious château-hotel in the nearby town of Veigné. The property is set on a 15-hectare park surrounded by gardens and woods.

Day 4: A Day of Culinary Delights and Wine Tasting in Tours and Vouvray

Once we arrive in Tours, we head straight to Les Halles de Tours, a covered market renowned for its impressive selection of fresh local produce. This bustling market is a haven for food lovers, featuring 38 merchants and craftsmen offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, fish, specialty breads, pastries, wines, and delicacies. We purchased charcuterie, cheese, fruit, chocolate and bread for dinner later at the hotel.

After our market visit, we had lunch and headed out to Vouvray, one of the Loire Valley’s most celebrated wine regions. Our first stop is Maison Darragon, a family-owned estate that has been producing high-quality Vouvray wines for nine generations.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed into the heart of the winery for a tasting that showcased the diversity of the Vouvray AOC. The tasting includes four wines: a traditional method sparkling wine, a dry still white, a semi-dry, and a sweet wine. Each sip offers a reflection of the region’s unique terroir, which is known for producing Chenin Blanc grapes of exceptional quality. See the video below, the owner still hand riddles all the bottles.

After our tasting at Maison Darragon, we headed to Rochecorbon for a unique shopping experience at Terre Exotique. Known for its wide selection of exotic spices, rare ingredients, and gourmet products, Terre Exotique is a paradise for home cooks and food enthusiasts.

Our final stop of the day is at the renowned Domaine Marc Brédif, also located in Rochecorbon. This historic estate has been producing wine for over a century and is especially famous for its Vouvray wines.

As we toured the estate, we were led through the impressive troglodyte cellars, carved into the tufa rock as early as the 10th century. These ancient caves provide ideal conditions for aging wine, and we even had the rare opportunity to see some bottles from vintages dating back to 1874. Marc Brédif was concerned about all his high end vintages surviving the war so he hid them in another cave behind a rock. When the Germans invaded they took over the entire cave and drank all the wine. They never found the hidden cave. Brédif survived the war and was able to open the hidden cave back up so all the old vintages were preserved. Another fun fact, they re-cork the wines every 20 years so they are able to preserve some of the oldest vintages in France. We were able to purchase a 1984 to drink on my birthday.

Day 5: A Day of Loire Valley Elegance: Château Visits, Wine Tastings, and History

We started the day at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, it’s hard not to be captivated by its enchanting beauty. Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, this château reflects the harmonious blend of French and Italian Renaissance styles. Constructed during the reign of Francis I by Gilles Berthelot, the château has earned its place as a symbol of elegance and innovation in 16th-century architecture.

After our exploration of Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, we drove to the charming wine estate of Domaine Olga Raffault in Savigny-en-Véron. This family-owned estate has been crafting Chinon wines for five generations, producing some of the most refined wines in the region.

Nestled between the Loire and Vienne rivers, Domaine Olga Raffault is a hidden gem in the Loire Valley. The Raffault family’s dedication to their craft is immediately apparent as we begin our tasting. The session included a selection of three white wines, one rosé, and three red wines, each of which showcases the unique terroir of Chinon. The day we visited they had just completed harvest so we got to see the cellar in action and meet the harvest crew.

After lunch we headed out to Château du Petit Thouars. This vineyard has been in the du Petit Thouars family since the 17th century, passed down from generation to generation. The estate boasts 16 hectares of vines and produces some of the finest Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines in the region.

Our tour began with a walk through the estate’s beautiful 100% organic vineyards, where we learn about the different varietals grown here and the terroir that makes these wines so special. We then headed into the limestone cellars, where the wines are aged in French oak casks, a process that adds depth and complexity to the wines.

Our day concludes with a scenic 30-minute drive to Saumur, where we stayed at the charming Hotel Anne d'Anjou.

Day 6: Exploring Saumur: A Day of Wine, Fine Dinning and a Birthday Celebration!

Our day started with a quick guided walking tour through Saumur's quaint streets. As we strolled through the town, we pass by medieval buildings, charming squares, and the imposing Château de Saumur (seen in the picture above from our hotel), which sits high on a hill overlooking the Loire River. The town itself is a gem, filled with limestone houses and cobblestone streets that offer a glimpse into its rich history.

Just a short walk from the heart of town, we arrived at Cave Louis de Grenelle, one of Saumur’s premier sparkling wine producers. The moment we stepped into the caves, the temperature droped to a cool 12°C. These troglodyte caves, located 12 meters underground, were once used as quarries for the region’s famous tuffeau stone, which was used to build the grand châteaux of the Loire Valley.

Today, the caves house 4 million bottles of sparkling wine, and as we wander among them, we learn about the intricate process of creating Saumur's renowned Crémant de Loire. Our private tasting includes a selection of five wines, each with its own distinct characteristics, from light and floral to rich and complex. The entire tasting room sang me Happy Birthday in French which was a fun way to start my birthday celebration!

We spent the afternoon drinking all of our delicious Sparkling wine & some of us got massages at the hotel spa. It was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon before our gourmet dinner Birthday Celebration.

Our final night in Saumur culminates in an elegant birthday dinner at Michelin Restaurant L’Essentiel located at our hotel. We started the evening with Champagne and appetizers, setting the tone for a five-course feast that showcased the best of French cuisine.

The Menu:

• Le Tourteau: Delicate crabmeat flavored with a light mayonnaise, served with sweet peas on shortcrust pastry and topped with an orange espuma.

• La Lotte: Roasted monkfish medallion paired with Carnaroli risotto and mini ratatouille, all enhanced by a rich shellfish butter.

• Le Canard: Caramelized duck breast with honey and rosemary, served with creamy baby carrots, polenta, and a mustard sauce.

• Le Chèvre: An airy goat cheese paired with a vibrant mango jelly and peppermint.

• Le Chocolat: For dessert, a luxurious dark chocolate mousse made with Maguari 64% chocolate, complemented by Speculos, caramel, and a passion fruit sorbet.

We drank the 1984 Marc Brédif Vouvray which was incredible… so incredible I ordered six more bottles to be shipped to me in the states. This was a birthday celebration I will never forget!

Day 7: A Day at Château de Chambord: Majestic Architecture and French Royalty

As we approached the Château de Chambord, the first thing that captured our attention is the château's stunning silhouette against the landscape. Set amidst 13,000 acres of forest, Chambord rises like a vision of Renaissance glory, with its intricate spires, turrets, and chimneys reaching toward the sky. Designed as a hunting lodge for King François I in 1519, this château was never meant to be a permanent residence but rather a grand statement of power and artistry.

Inside, Chambord continued to awe. The château’s centerpiece is the famous double-helix staircase, believed to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci, who was one of François I’s close friends. The staircase is a marvel, where two people can ascend and descend at the same time without ever crossing paths—a perfect metaphor for the complexity and grandeur of the château itself.

Chambord’s construction was initiated in 1519, at the height of the French Renaissance. King François I, inspired by Italian art and architecture, wanted Chambord to be a reflection of his power and cultural vision. Though the king spent only a few weeks here, the château became a symbol of his reign, blending the elegance of French tradition with bold Italian innovation.

Over the centuries, Chambord was used by other French monarchs, including Louis XIV, who added more rooms and apartments to the château. It also became a symbol of France's grandeur, hosting royal hunts and gatherings of European elites. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its illustrious past.

Chambord was the lost stop on the tour, we made our way back to Paris and said our good-byes. This trip was literal perfection , everything went exactly as planned and was even more magical than expected. If you’re interested in wine travel or have any questions, please reach out! Chin Chin!