Wine and Cheese experience

Discover the Wine and Cheese experience in the scenic Loire Valley, France, offering an engaging tasting session led by Cave Pierre et Bertrand COULY. This 1-hour self-guided activity invites visitors to savor local chinon wines alongside carefully sourced raw goat milk cheeses, with the option to enhance the visit by strolling through nearby vineyard trails. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 17 reviews, this experience combines independence and expert support, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet educational taste of the region’s flavors. It’s particularly suitable for anyone interested in authentic local products, though it’s not designed for children, pregnant women, or those with lactose intolerance.

While the tasting is autonomous, the small group size—limited to 10 participants—ensures a comfortable environment. The flexible booking options allow you to reserve now and pay later, with the reassurance of a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Visitors should note that most cheeses are made from raw goat milk, with only two from raw cow milk. For those who appreciate a refined pairing experience, this tour offers a peaceful and personalized way to explore Loire Valley’s culinary delights.

Key Points

• Self-guided tasting experience in a dedicated cellar space.
• Pairings of local chinon wines with raw goat milk cheeses from a nearby producer.
• Duration of 1 hour, with an option to explore vineyard trails around the cellar.
• Small group setting limited to 10 participants for a more intimate experience.
• Guides speak English and French, with professional assistance available.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Cellar Location and What You’ll Find Inside

The tasting takes place at Cave Pierre et Bertrand COULY, a cellar in the Loire Valley known for its local wines and cheeses. Visitors are welcomed with an overview of what’s to come, then encouraged to explore at their own pace. The cellar’s cozy environment provides an ideal setting for relaxing and discovering the nuances of pairing chinon wines with local cheeses, which are sourced from a nearby producer. Each guest receives a booklet to note down impressions, aiding in the learning process and personal enjoyment.

The setup emphasizes autonomy, allowing participants to take their time with each pairing. Most cheeses are made from raw goat milk, offering a distinctive flavor profile, while two cheeses come from raw cow milk. The team remains available for questions or guidance, especially if groups of four or more are present, when a team member will comment on the tasting in more detail.

Creating Memorable Moments with a Sensory Experience

This activity is designed to foster a relaxed, sensory journey through flavors, textures, and aromas. With generous wine pours and a carefully curated selection of cheeses, visitors can indulge in authentic local products. The pairings are thoughtfully chosen to highlight the subtle alliances between wine and cheese, making each bite and sip a moment of discovery.

The experience encourages you to note your impressions and reflect on your preferences, making it an engaging activity whether alone or with companions. For those interested in a more interactive experience, the opportunity to walk along vineyard trails around the cellar adds a scenic component to the visit, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the landscape.

Exploring the Local Wines: Chinon’s Finest

The chinon wines served during this tour are local specialties, known for their distinct character. Poured generously, these wines showcase the region’s unique terroir, offering a chance to taste authentic Loire Valley vinification. The wines are paired with cheeses that match their profiles, enhancing the tasting experience.

Participants have the freedom to explore the pairing combinations at their own pace, assisted by the booklet and the team’s availability for questions. This autonomous approach appeals to those who prefer a personalized experience but still value some expert input.

The Cheeses: Sourced from a Local Producer

Most of the cheeses featured during this experience are made from raw goat milk, emphasizing regional production methods and flavor depth. Only two cheeses are from raw cow milk, providing a slight variation in taste. The cheeses are selected from a local producer, ensuring freshness and authenticity.

Guests appreciate the opportunity to sample a variety of cheeses and discover their own preferences. The cheeses are presented in a way that encourages tasting and pairing experimentation, making it an engaging part of the journey.

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The Guide and Support During the Tasting

While the experience is primarily self-guided, the team remains on hand for assistance. When groups of four or more participate, a team member provides commentary on the wines and cheeses, enhancing the educational aspect. The hosts speak English and French, making it accessible for international visitors.

The guides are noted for their excellent English, answering questions and helping guests navigate the tasting, but the atmosphere remains relaxed, with most of the experience guided by your own curiosity and notes.

Walks Along Vineyard Trails and Scenic Extras

Enhance your visit by taking a walk along the vineyard trail surrounding the cellar. This scenic stroll offers a peaceful backdrop to the tasting, allowing you to connect more deeply with the landscape that produces the wine. It’s a perfect way to extend the experience and enjoy the Loire Valley’s beautiful scenery.

This optional walk provides a refreshing break from tasting and can deepen your appreciation for the region’s viticulture, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities paired with culinary experiences.

Logistics: Booking, Group Size, and Accessibility

This activity is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 participants, fostering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. It is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility needs. The booking process is flexible, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the activity, providing peace of mind if your plans change. The experience is available in English and French, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Suitability and Limitations

This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 18, or people with lactose intolerance due to the nature of the cheeses and wines involved. The focus on raw goat milk cheeses and local wines makes it ideal for those interested in authentic regional flavors and independent tasting.

While the autonomy is appreciated by many, some may find the lack of a guided narrative a drawback, especially if they prefer more structured explanations or storytelling during tastings.

Price and Value Considerations

The cost is not specified but is associated with a small group and a 1-hour duration, offering a personalized experience. The flexible reservation and free cancellation add value, making it easy to plan around your Loire Valley itinerary.

Guests who enjoy self-guided tastings and local product exploration will likely find this activity a worthwhile addition to their visit, especially given the opportunity to develop their palate and notes.

The Loire Valley Cheese and Wine Tasting at a Glance

This self-guided experience combines local chinon wines with raw goat milk cheeses sourced from a nearby producer, all set within a cozy cellar environment. The 1-hour duration offers a relaxed pace, with the option to walk through scenic vineyard trails nearby.

The small group size ensures a comfortable space for tasting, while the guides’ support enhances the educational quality. Visitors value the generous pours and the chance to note down impressions, making it ideal for those who enjoy a personal, independent exploration of regional flavors.

Perfect for wine lovers, cheese enthusiasts, or curious travelers seeking an authentic tasting in the Loire Valley, this experience balances independent discovery with expert support. While not suited for young children or those with dietary restrictions, it provides a genuine taste of the local terroir that’s both relaxed and enriching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tasting last?
The activity lasts approximately 1 hour, providing ample time to explore the wines and cheeses at a relaxed pace.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tasting cellar is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable participation for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, and receive a full refund.

Are guides available during the tasting?
Guides speak English and French. When there are 4 or more participants, a team member provides commentary on the tasting.

What cheeses are served?
Most cheeses are made from raw goat milk, with two cheeses from raw cow milk. All are sourced from a local producer.

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for children under 18 due to the nature of the wine and cheese.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate, especially if you decide to walk along vineyard trails afterward.

Can I take photos?
While not explicitly stated, visitors generally can take photos in the cellar unless otherwise indicated.

What languages are spoken?
The activity is conducted in English and French.

Is the tasting autonomous?
Yes, participants explore the pairing at their own pace with guidance available as needed, especially if the group size exceeds three.

What is the main strength of this tour?
The combination of local wines, cheeses, and scenic vineyard walks makes it an authentic and relaxed way to experience Loire Valley flavors.

Who would enjoy this most?
This experience suits adults interested in tasting local products, those who prefer independent exploration, and visitors seeking a peaceful, intimate setting for discovering Loire Valley’s culinary treasures.

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