Private wine & cheese tour to Sancerre vineyards from Paris

Discover the Private Wine & Cheese Tour to Sancerre Vineyards from Paris

This full-day tour from Paris offers an intimate experience of the Sancerre region in the Loire Valley, known for its award-winning wines and stunning landscapes. Priced at approximately $917.11 per person, it is designed for small groups — a maximum of 8 people — ensuring personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. The tour lasts about 11 hours, starting early in the morning with hotel pickup and returning comfortably to central Paris.

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on private transportation and a guided exploration of the Sancerre vineyards. You get the chance to visit two carefully selected wineries, where you’ll sample Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, paired with regional goat cheese at the end of the day. The expert guide explains French wine appellations, classifications, and terroir, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking a tailored, educational experience.

While the tour is comprehensive and well-rated, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of travel and tasting. The departure at 8:00 am from Paris and the price point reflect a premium experience, but one that promises memorable sights, flavors, and insights into French wine culture.

Key Points

• Private group tour with a maximum of 8 participants ensures personalized service.
• Visit two reputable Sancerre wineries to taste both white (Sauvignon Blanc) and red (Pinot Noir) wines.
• Enjoy regional goat cheese at a local farm, pairing perfectly with Sancerre wines.
• Comfortable air-conditioned minivan transports guests from Paris and back, with hotel pickup included.
• The experience includes guided explanations of French wine appellations and Terroir by an expert guide.
• Tour duration of about 11 hours, starting early at 8:00 am from Place d’Italie.

Comfortable Transportation with Hotel Pickup

The tour departs from 9 Pl. d’Italie in central Paris, with hotel pickup available if your accommodation is within the city. The journey in a comfortable air-conditioned van takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes each way, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy scenic views of the Loire Valley.

This arrangement makes the long drive more pleasant and offers flexibility for guests staying in central Paris. The travel time is balanced with ample time at each stop for tasting and sightseeing, making the day feel well-paced.

Visiting Sancerre: The Charming Village and Vineyards

Arriving in Sancerre, the tour explores this historic village founded by the Romans. The narrow streets and scenic views of vineyards create a picturesque backdrop for the day. Visitors get to see the vineyards and learn about the region’s renowned white and red wines produced from Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes.

The visit includes a tour of a reputed local winery, where the guide leads guests through cellar visits and tastings of some of their best wines. The wine tastings are complemented by explanations about appellations, classifications, and terroir, giving a clear understanding of what makes Sancerre wines distinctive.

Visiting Two Reputed Sancerre Wineries

The tour is structured to include two separate winery visits. Each winery is carefully selected based on quality and reputation by the tour’s Head Sommelier, with availability determining the exact venues. Guests sample a variety of white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, known for their crispness and minerality, as well as red wines crafted from Pinot Noir.

The morning visit lasts about 90 minutes, including cellar tours and tastings, followed by a lunch break of approximately 90 minutes. This break allows guests to enjoy a relaxed meal, often on their own, before the afternoon tasting session.

The Second Winery and Vineyard Experience

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to a second, reputable wine maker nearby. This additional stop provides an opportunity to taste more wines, deepening understanding of the region’s diversity and the different styles produced by various wineries.

Each visit emphasizes the craftsmanship behind Sancerre wines and offers guests the chance to meet the winemakers — a highlight for those interested in the passion and skill involved in winemaking.

Ending the Day with Goat Cheese Tasting in Chavignol

The tour concludes with a visit to a local farm in Chavignol, famous for its goat cheese. The cheese tasting pairs beautifully with the wines sampled earlier, offering a delicious and authentic regional experience. The cheese farm visit lasts approximately one hour, giving guests time to savor the handmade goat cheese, which is highly praised for its taste.

This pairing enhances the overall experience, blending wine and local cheese traditions of the Loire Valley. It’s a perfect way to round off the day before heading back to Paris.

Return Journey and Final Drop-off in Paris

After the cheese tasting, the return trip in the air-conditioned van takes another 2 hours and 30 minutes. The tour ends back at the meeting point in Place d’Italie or at your hotel if centrally located. The return timetable respects the full-day schedule, ensuring guests arrive back in Paris by early evening.

Inclusions and Extras: What’s Included in the Tour

The tour package covers private transportation, guided visits to two wineries with tastings, and a cheese farm visit with cheese tasting. The guide speaks English and is available in other languages upon request, offering detailed explanations throughout the day.

Pickup from your hotel in central Paris is included, adding convenience for travelers. It’s a full-service experience focused on making guests comfortable and well-informed.

What’s Not Included: Planning Your Lunch

While tastings at the wineries and cheese farm are covered, lunch is not included in the price. Guests can choose to enjoy a meal during the 90-minute break in Sancerre, either at a local restaurant or picnic with items bought independently. This flexibility allows for personal preferences and dietary considerations.

The Quality of the Guide and the Experience

The tour’s guide, Luis, is highly praised for his professionalism and friendliness. Known for delivering clear explanations about wine classifications and appellations, Luis enhances the experience with his expertise. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, making it easier to ask questions and engage with the process.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

This private tour requires booking about 75 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The full refund policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance without penalty, providing peace of mind in case plans change.

In case of poor weather, the tour provider may cancel and offer a reschedule or full refund, ensuring flexibility for outdoor activities like vineyard visits.

Suitable for a Range of Travelers

This tour is suitable for adults aged 18 and over, with pregnant travelers unable to sample wine but still able to enjoy the sights and cheese tasting. Children are welcome if their age is communicated in advance to arrange safety seats. The full-day schedule requires physical comfort with walking and bus travel but offers a comfortable and engaging experience overall.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This private wine and cheese tour provides an insightful and intimate look at the Sancerre vineyards, ideal for wine lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and those seeking a personalized experience outside the busy city. The inclusion of regional cheese tasting adds a delightful local flavor, making it a well-rounded day trip.

While the price is premium, the small group size, expert guide, and quality vineyard visits justify the experience for those eager to learn and taste in a relaxed environment. If you prefer a more exclusive, educational day exploring the Loire Valley’s renowned wine region, this tour offers a satisfying and well-organized option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs approximately $917.11 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 11 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning to Paris in the early evening.

Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins at 9 Pl. d’Italie, 75013 Paris, with hotel pickup available in central Paris, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Guests have a 90-minute break for lunch during the day.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines at the wineries.

Are the wineries selected in advance?
Yes, the wineries are carefully chosen by the Head Sommelier based on availability.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Pregnant women cannot be served alcohol, but they can still enjoy the sightseeing and cheese tasting.

What languages are available for the guide?
The guide is primarily English, with options available on demand in French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome if their age is communicated in advance for safety seat arrangements. The tour involves walking and bus travel.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This private wine & cheese tour to Sancerre offers a well-organized, educational, and delicious journey into one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, perfect for those seeking a personalized taste of the Loire Valley.