From Paris: Wine Day trip to SANCERRE w 10 Tastings & Lunch

Key Points

• All-inclusive day trip to the renowned Sancerre region from Paris for $380 per person
• Visits to at least two family-run wineries with tastings of over 10 wines
• Traditional French lunch paired with Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé wines, including a taste of the famous Crottin de Chavignol cheese
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants, led by an English-speaking wine expert guide
• Transportation in a comfortable minivan with A/C, with hotel pickup and drop-off in central Paris
• The tour emphasizes stunning vineyard views and visits to the three key terroirs: Les Calcaires, Les Terres Blanches, and Les Silex

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Discover the Sancerre Region in Style

This 11-hour wine day trip offers an in-depth look into the Sancerre region, departing from central Paris. The tour is designed for those eager to explore some of France’s most celebrated wine-producing areas with expert guidance. Priced at $380 per person, it includes round-trip transportation, at least two winery visits, and a traditional French lunch with wine pairings. The group is limited to 8 people, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.

The tour begins with a pickup from your Paris hotel, where a passionate guide and wine connoisseur welcomes you with a freshly baked croissant. As you head toward Sancerre, the guide shares insights on the region’s history and its unique terroirs, setting the tone for a day rich in wine knowledge and beautiful scenery.

Visiting Family-Run Wineries with Tastings

One of the key highlights is visiting at least two renowned family-run wineries. At each stop, you gain access to their cellars and enjoy tasting sessions of Sancerre wines and possibly wines from nearby appellations like Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, or Côteaux-du-Giennois. These wineries are celebrated for producing wines thanks to the region’s three mythical terroirs: Les Calcaires, Les Terres Blanches, and Les Silex.

The visits are led by a wine expert guide who explains the significance of each terroir and how they influence the wine’s character. Visitors will appreciate how the variety of terroirs results in distinct, individual wines, giving a comprehensive understanding of what makes Sancerre so special.

Exploring Vineyards and Scenic Vistas

A short drive takes visitors through the vineyard landscapes, where stops offer the chance to enjoy a glass of wine with breathtaking views of the rolling hills and picturesque villages. During these stops, the guide explains vine cultivation and the different tasks involved in wine-making, adding context to the tasting experience.

From March to November, there’s also an optional “tasting in the wild” led by the guide in the vineyards, providing an authentic experience of the region’s wine-growing environment.

Authentic French Lunch with Wine Pairings

A major highlight is the traditional French lunch served at a family-run winery. The meal features regional specialties paired with Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé wines, allowing you to enjoy the best of local cuisine while savoring wines from the region. The lunch includes multiple wine tastings and the chance to taste Crottin de Chavignol, a renowned goat cheese from the area.

The sitting lasts around two hours, giving ample time to relax and soak in the ambiance of a genuine French winery setting.

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Visiting Nearby French Appellations

After lunch, the tour continues to another winery, providing the opportunity to taste wines from other nearby appellations like Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, or Côteaux-du-Giennois. The proximity of Sancerre to these regions means that this tour offers a broader taste of France’s Loire Valley wines, further enriching your understanding of local wine styles.

Transportation and Small Group Dynamics

Transportation is in a comfortable minivan with air conditioning, accommodating a maximum of 8 participants. This small group size enhances interaction with the guide, making the experience more intimate and tailored. The hotel pickup and drop-off in central Paris ensures convenience and ease of access.

The guide, an English speaker, is praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling, making the entire day both educational and enjoyable. The tour’s pacing is well-balanced, allowing enough time for each stop without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and note that wine cellars are often cold and damp—bringing warm clothes is advisable. Some visits involve stairs and no elevator access to underground cellars, which may be a consideration for those with mobility issues.

The schedule may vary slightly depending on seasonality and availability of wineries, and cancellation can occur if the minimum group size isn’t met. From March 2024, due to road closures related to the Olympic Games, the logistics might change, but the provider will do their best to ensure hotel pickup.

Why This Tour Excels According to Reviews

The knowledgeable guides, such as Cedric and Aurelien (Lance), are consistently praised for their passion and expertise, making the wine learning process lively and accessible. The stunning vineyard views and delicious wine tastings are often highlighted as standout moments.

The lunch is generally seen as satisfactory, providing enough food to complement the wine tastings. Visitors also appreciate the flexibility and personalized attention made possible by the small group format. The option to purchase wines to ship back home adds a practical touch to the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Sancerre Day Trip

This small-group, all-inclusive tour offers an excellent way to dive into Sancerre’s renowned wines without the hassle of planning logistics. The expert guidance, delicious regional cuisine, and breathtaking vineyard vistas make it a worthwhile choice for wine enthusiasts and those wanting to learn more about French wine regions.

While the long day might be tiring for some, the balance of wine, scenery, and culture keeps the experience engaging from start to finish. It’s especially suited for travelers who value personalized tours and want to enjoy multiple tastings and authentic French hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries will I visit?
You visit at least two renowned family-run wineries, with the possibility of tasting wines from nearby appellations like Pouilly-Fumé and Menetou-Salon.

What is included in the price?
The $380 per person fee covers round-trip transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, tastings at wineries, a traditional French lunch with wine pairings, samples of Crottin de Chavignol cheese, and guidance from an English-speaking wine expert.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years or for wheelchair users. Visits involve stairs and no elevator access in some cellars, so mobility should be considered.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bringing warm clothes is advised because wine cellars are typically cold and damp.

Can I purchase wines during the tour?
Yes, there is an option to buy wines to ship back home or take with you, but there’s no pressure to purchase at any time.

This Sancerre wine day trip from Paris offers a satisfying mix of wine tasting, scenic views, and authentic regional cuisine—perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, relaxed introduction to one of France’s premier wine regions.

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