Full Day Loire Valley Wine Tour with lunch: Vouvray & Chinon

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $328 per person, this 9-hour tour offers a comprehensive wine experience.
• Visits and Tastings: You explore three wine estates across Vouvray, Bourgueil, and Chinon, tasting up to 20 wines, including red, white, and sparkling varieties.
• Expert Guidance: The tour is led by a passionate guide, with reviews highlighting knowledgeable and friendly hosts.
• Unique Cellars: Visitors explore cellar caves carved into tuffeau limestone, adding a distinctive touch to the wine tastings.
• Gourmet Lunch: Included is a “Farm to table” style gourmet picnic, with locally sourced ingredients paired with wines.
• Small Group: The experience is intimate, limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and relaxed pacing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Loire Valley Full Day Wine Tour

This full-day wine tour in the Loire Valley offers an immersive experience into the region’s renowned wines and landscapes. For $328, guests get to visit three wineries—in Vouvray, Bourgueil, and Chinon—each known for distinct wines and terroirs. With a 9-hour itinerary, this tour balances guided visits, tastings, and a gourmet picnic.

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of regional exploration and expert commentary. Led by a guide noted for extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, visitors enjoy up to 20 wine tastings, including sparkling, white, and red wines, thoughtfully paired with regional delicacies. The inclusion of a gourmet picnic lunch adds a special touch, emphasizing local ingredients.

While the tour visits some of the best-known appellations, it also offers a chance to see wine cellar caves carved into tuffeau limestone, a feature unique to the Loire Valley. The small group size ensures a personalized and relaxed pace, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts looking for an insightful day with plenty of tastings and scenic views.

From the Meeting Point to the First Vouvray Winery

The experience begins at the Tourist Office in Tours, where the guide awaits outside with a VinoLoire jacket. After a short briefing, the group heads off in a comfortable Mercedes minivan, with bottled water provided throughout. This initial drive offers views of the beautiful Loire landscapes, setting the tone for the day ahead.

The first stop is in Vouvray, famous for its dry, semi-dry, and sparkling wines. At this estate, visitors take a guided tour of the vineyards and cellars, which are dug directly into the tuffeau stone. The guide shares insights into the geography, terroir, and wine-making process specific to Vouvray. The tasting includes a selection of local wines, accompanied by cheese, providing a well-rounded introduction to the region’s white and sparkling wines.

This visit emphasizes the distinctive features of Vouvray wines and the importance of terroir and traditional cellar techniques. The caves carved into limestone are particularly impressive, adding a tangible connection to the region’s winemaking history.

Exploring the Château Wine Estate in Bourgueil

Next, the tour moves to a Château in Bourgueil, a region known for red wines. Here, visitors tour vineyards and estate grounds, gaining insight into biodiversity and vineyard management. This estate emphasizes local sourcing and offers a glimpse into biodynamic practices.

The highlight of this stop is the gourmet lunch, a “Farm to table” picnic featuring locally sourced ingredients. The chef’s focus on a “zero-kilometer” philosophy aligns with regional sustainability ideals. The lunch is paired with a range of wines—sparkling, white, and red—made from different terroirs, providing a varied tasting experience.

After lunch, the estate hosts a wine tasting session where guests sample several wines that showcase the estate’s craftsmanship. The relaxed atmosphere allows for conversations about wine styles, vineyard practices, and the region’s culinary traditions.

Discovering the Organic Vineyards in Chinon

The final stop is in the Chinon appellation, renowned for its organic red wines. The estate here features a vineyard cultivated organically for several years. Visitors explore the cellar dug over 30 years by the winemaker, which reflects dedication to traditional techniques and innovation.

The tasting focuses on organic reds, with the wines well paired with local charcuterie. The estate’s commitment to organic practices and craftsmanship shines through in the flavor profiles of the wines. Guests often appreciate the personalized nature of this estate’s approach and the attention to detail in both the vineyard and cellar.

Throughout the day, the guide offers tailored commentary on each location, making technical details accessible and engaging. The overall experience provides a balanced view of Loire Valley wines, from classic whites to organic reds.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Transportation and Scenic Drive Between Stops

The Mercedes minivan ensures a smooth and comfortable ride across the Loire Valley. Between the wineries, travelers can enjoy the stunning views of rolling vineyards, flower-filled meadows, and historic châteaux through the van’s windows.

This scenic drive is a highlight in itself, offering a chance to appreciate the region’s diverse landscapes. The small group setting fosters friendly interactions and relaxed discussions, making the transfers pleasant and informative.

The Gourmet Picnic Lunch and Local Delicacies

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the gourmet picnic lunch. It features local farm-to-table ingredients, emphasizing regional flavors and sustainability. The three-course meal is served picnic-style, with delicious cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal produce.

Paired with wines from the estates visited, the lunch elevates the overall experience by combining gastronomy with wine tasting. Guests often note the quality of the food and the thoughtfulness of the pairing, which complements the wines perfectly.

The Guides and Small Group Experience

The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The guides are commended for their extensive knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to tailor commentary to different levels of wine knowledge.

Multiple reviews highlight Sophie’s exceptional guiding skills, her knowledgeability, and warm, engaging style. She often includes little surprises, like cheese platters or charcuterie boards during visits, which guests find delightful.

Vincent, the tour manager, is also praised for his flexibility and accommodating attitude. The small group size makes the day feel relaxed and intimate, perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting an educational yet enjoyable experience.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour departs from the Tourist Office in Tours with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning. The 9-hour experience typically starts during the day, with specific times available based on availability.

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking at the estates. The tour’s English-speaking guides make the experience accessible for international visitors. The air-conditioned minivan ensures comfort throughout the day.

Final Thoughts on the Loire Valley Wine Tour

This full-day experience offers a well-rounded look at the diverse wines of the Loire Valley. Its strengths lie in expert-guided visits, delicious tastings, and the chance to see cellar caves carved into tuffeau limestone—a truly characteristic feature of the region.

The gourmet picnic lunch adds a special touch, making it more than just a tasting tour. Its small group size ensures a warm, engaging atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a personalized, educational wine day.

A few reviews mention wine quality variability or pricing considerations, but overall, the tour is praised for knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and authentic regional experiences. It’s especially suited for wine lovers who appreciate learning about terroirs and vineyard practices in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the price of this tour?
  The tour costs $328 per person.

• How long does the tour last?
  The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours.

• What locations are visited?
  The tour visits Vouvray, Bourgueil, and Chinon.

• What is included in the lunch?
  A gourmet 3-course picnic featuring local, farm-to-table ingredients.

• How many wines are tasted?
  Up to 20 wines, including sparkling, white, and red.

• What type of transportation is used?
  A comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan.

• Is the tour suitable for wine beginners?
  Yes, the guide offers commentary tailored to different knowledge levels.

• Can I cancel or change my booking?
  Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortable shoes for walking and standing at the estates.

• Is it possible to book without paying upfront?
  Yes, the reserve now, pay later option is available.

This full-day Loire Valley wine tour combines beautiful scenery, expert guidance, and delicious wines, making it an excellent choice for curious wine enthusiasts and those eager to explore the region’s terroirs.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby