The Loire Valley is the third largest of France’s wine regions after only Bordeaux and Burgundy. The Loire River – the longest river in France – runs for 600 miles from the Massif Central to the Atlantic Ocean. The Loire Valley is the source for France’s largest production of white wines from Muscadet to Anjou, Saumur and the Touraine, and on to Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé and Menetou-Salon. After Champagne, it is the second largest source for French sparkling wines.

​

Chenin Blanc is the principal white grape in the middle Loire Valley producing wines of many styles. Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely grown white wine in the upper Loire Valley from the Touraine to Sancerre. Chardonnay wines are grown in smaller amounts throughout the region, while the Melon de Bourgogne, similar to Pinot Blanc, is the grape grown in the Muscadet region.

Cabernet Franc is the principal red grape in the middle Loire Valley. Pinot Noir is the tasty and affordable red in Sancerre and Menetou-Salon. Light wines of Gamay, the grape of Beaujolais, are grown throughout the region.

The city of Tours is the capital of the middle Loire Valley. The Loire Valley is home to an astounding variety of cheeses to match with its wines. Goat’s cheeses from the Loire are renowned worldwide.

​​

A professional driver will transport us comfortably from start to finish, so there is no need to worry about driving once you get there. You will have the opportunity to purchase and ship wine home if you wish.