Chinon stands out as a prime spot for exploring the Loire Valley, especially if you’re into wines, history, and authentic French charm. Its lively streets, historic castles, and surrounding vineyards make it a natural choice for guided tours. Among the many options, the Picnic in the Vines tour offers an especially memorable blend of wine education and a romantic outdoor meal — a perfect way to soak in the scenery while tasting splendid wines. Meanwhile, the English-speaking Loire winery tours provide deep dives into local viticulture, complete with tastings of around ten wines and a picnic lunch that cuts through the touristy noise. For a more active outing, the vineyard cycle tours combine riding through the countryside with visits to independent winemakers, making the experience both fun and informative.
Chinon’s tour scene is diverse, catering to different tastes and time constraints. Whether you want a quick tasting, a full-day adventure, or something uniquely immersive like a castle and wine combo, there’s something for all. Below, we’ve gathered the best options, each with its own flavor and focus.
1. Picnic in the Vines – A Unique Loire Wine Experience
At number one, this tour combines a guided visit to Château du Petit Thouars with a personalized picnic overlooking the vineyards. What sets it apart is the chance to choose your favorite wine and enjoy a relaxed, romantic setting. The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, making it perfect for a half-day treat. You’ll learn some hidden wine secrets during the tasting, then settle in for a delicious, vegetarian-friendly picnic with a scenic view of the Loire. The reviews echo high praise for its peaceful atmosphere and intimate setting, with one guest describing it as “quiet, peaceful, and full of history.”
This experience is ideal for couples or anyone wanting an authentic, relaxed wine day in the countryside. The personalized element — selecting a bottle to enjoy — makes it feel special without a hefty price tag ($88.83 per person). The tour is available at various times throughout the day for flexibility.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for lovers of wine, scenic views, and intimate experiences that combine education and leisure seamlessly.
2. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours originating from Chinon
For those who want a comprehensive wine exploration across multiple vineyards, this tour is hard to beat. It generally runs from 3 to 7 hours, visiting top sites like Bourgueil, Chinon, and Saumur, with an English-speaking guide. A standout feature is the opportunity to taste around ten different Loire wines and enjoy a traditional French picnic lunch. The tour also includes visits to cellars and caves, giving you a full picture of the region’s winemaking process.
Guests note the expertise of the guides and the quality of the wines, with one saying, “Keith & Linda gave us a great tour of two wonderful vineyards.” The tour is best suited for wine enthusiasts eager to sample a variety of varietals in a single day, and the price ($272.53 per person) reflects the extensive experience and quality.
Bottom Line: This is the ideal tour if you want a thorough, multi-vineyard experience and enjoy learning from guides with a passion for wine.
3. Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley
If you prefer a more active approach to wine tasting, this cycle tour offers a wonderful way to combine exercise with exploration. Created by local wine lovers, it takes you through the vineyards, stopping at independent producers to sample their wines. The tour lasts around five to six hours, with a picnic lunch en route, making it both fun and relaxed.
The small group size (up to eight people) ensures a personalized experience. Tour guide Quintin is praised for his knowledge of the area and friendly manner. Guests say it’s “a perfect day in Chinon,” with highlights including visiting different wineries and enjoying the countryside by bike. The tour is suited for those who are comfortable cycling and want a hands-on, immersive wine day.
Bottom Line: An engaging choice for active travelers who want to blend wine tasting with scenic cycling.
4. Chinon : Discovery Tours and Wine Tasting
At number four, this shorter, more intimate tour focuses on discovering Chinon’s family-run vineyards and their sustainable practices. It includes a guided tasting of six Chinon AOP wines, paired with local delicacies. This tour is ideal for those wanting a deep dive into Chinon’s terroir without spending a whole day away.
The guide offers insights into modern and traditional winemaking techniques, making it perfect for enthusiasts interested in how local wines are crafted. Priced at just $19, it’s an excellent value, especially since it lasts about 1.5 hours. Reviewers praise its personalized approach and informative commentary, making it a great introduction to Chinon wines.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, educational experience that emphasizes sustainable practices and local flavors.
5. Bicycle Tour of Saumur Wineries with Picnic Lunch
This full-day cycling adventure takes you from Chinon to Saumur, with stops at renowned wineries and a delicious picnic lunch. The guided tour combines cycling through scenic vineyards with expert tastings, offering a comprehensive itinerary that highlights the best of both towns.
Guests enjoy the relaxed pace and beautiful scenery, with one noting “the wine tasting was fantastic and the views unforgettable.” It’s suited for active travelers who want a day-long immersion in Loire wines, with the additional bonus of exploring Saumur’s charming streets.
The price ($374 per person) reflects the full-day experience, including transportation, tastings, and lunch, making it a good value for a memorable day.
Bottom Line: The best pick for active wine lovers wanting a full-day adventure with cycling and sightseeing.
6. Epicurean Discovery Tour with Wine & Local Specialties
This quick, 75-minute tour is a great introduction for foodies looking to combine wine and local cuisine. It includes a visit to Château du Petit Thouars, where you’ll taste Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines paired with regional delicacies. Perfect for tight schedules, it offers a personalized experience and insights into traditional versus modern winemaking.
Guests appreciate the passion of the guide and the chance to learn about local food and wine pairings. Priced modestly at $54.75, it offers excellent value for a focused, high-quality tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those with limited time yet eager for a rich, sensory experience of Chinon’s wines and local flavors.
7. Wine and Cheese experience
A relaxed, self-guided tasting in a cellar pairs Chinon wines with local raw goat cheeses. This experience is perfect for spontaneous visitors or those wanting to explore at their own pace. Although less structured, it provides a memorable combination of flavors as you sample wines and cheeses sourced locally.
It’s a simple, budget-friendly option, allowing you to craft your own tasting journey. Perfect as a complement to other tours or a quiet evening activity.
Bottom Line: A flexible, no-pressure tasting suited for wine and cheese lovers wanting independence.
8. Chinon Vintage Tour: Tour the town in a Combi VW
For a fun, vintage experience, this 2-hour tour in a classic VW Combi takes you through Chinon’s streets, with stops that include a wine tasting in a traditional cellar. It’s a relaxed way to get an overview of the town’s sights while enjoying some local wine.
Guests love the nostalgic vibe and the personal touch of riding in a vintage vehicle. It’s best for travelers wanting a lighthearted, informal tour that combines sightseeing with wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Great for families or couples who enjoy quirky, memorable experiences in style.
9. Castle Epicurean Experience with Wine & Local Specialties
This 2-hour journey mixes a castle tour with wine tasting in the elegant surroundings of Château du Petit Thouars. It includes a vineyard, cellar tour, and tasting of high-quality vintages paired with artisanal dishes. It’s perfect for history lovers who want to combine architecture and wine in one elegant experience.
The reviews highlight the delicious food and beautiful castle setting, making it a memorable, upscale activity. At $115.54 per person, the experience offers good value for a luxurious, multi-sensory journey.
Bottom Line: A refined choice for those interested in castle history and fine wines.
10. Chinon Gourmet ride with a Chef
This all-day experience blends market shopping, wine tasting, and live cooking with a local chef. Starting in Chinon, you visit a market, purchase ingredients, then enjoy a cooked meal in the vineyards, with a wine tasting from a local producer. It’s perfect for foodies eager to learn, cook, and taste in a personalized setting.
Guests rave about the interactive, immersive nature of this tour, which is designed for people who love hands-on experiences. At around $252 per person, it offers a full-day culinary immersion.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for culinary travelers looking for a personalized, multi-sensory day.
11. Private Half-Day Excursion Departing from Chinon
Perfect for private groups, this customizable 4-hour tour covers the most scenic villages and castles like Crissay-sur-Manse and Azay-le-Rideau. It includes visits to Chinon’s streets, castles, and surrounding villages, with options to tailor the experience to your interests.
The private nature allows for a flexible, intimate exploration, ideal for couples or small groups. At $463.44 per group, it’s a premium experience but offers personalized guidance and exclusive access.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a customized, private day in Chinon and nearby highlights.
12. Chinon : Prestige Tours and Wine Tasting
This tour offers an in-depth, guided wine experience at a family-run vineyard. It includes a commented tasting of six Chinon AOP wines, along with insights into sustainable practices. The focus is on craftsmanship and tradition, with personal touches that bring the wine to life.
Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn directly from winemakers. It’s priced for those seeking a high-quality, educational wine experience.
Bottom Line: Suited for serious wine lovers eager to understand the nuances of Chinon wines.
13. Wine and Chocolate experience
This 1-hour self-guided tasting pairs Chinon wines with local chocolates from a chocolatier-roaster. It’s perfect for independent explorers wanting to indulge at their own pace. The combination of sweet and savory makes for a delightful sensory journey, ideal after or between other activities.
A simple, tasty way to round out your day in Chinon, especially if you love exploring flavors at your own speed.
Bottom Line: An indulgent, flexible treat for wine and chocolate aficionados.
14. Loire Valley Tour & Wine Tasting Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil
This full-day private tour is a comprehensive way to experience the Loire’s top wine regions. Starting from Tours or Amboise, you’ll visit Vouvray for a guided wine tasting, then explore Chinon, including sightseeing and wine tasting, and finish in Bourgueil.
The itinerary offers a balanced mix of scenic drives, tastings, and cultural sights, perfect for travelers wanting a full overview of the Loire’s wine diversity. The price reflects the extensive day-long experience, ideal for those seeking a tailored, all-in-one tour.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a deep dive into the Loire Valley’s most famous wine appellations.
How to Choose Your Perfect Chinon Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a romantic, scenic experience, the Picnic in the Vines stands out. If a full-day deep dive is your goal, the Loire winery tours or the full Loire Valley day trip offer comprehensive options. For active travelers, the vineyard cycle tours provide a fun way to combine exercise with wine.
Those with limited time may prefer shorter experiences like the Discovery Tours, while food lovers might opt for the Gourmet Ride with a Chef. If a private, customized outing is what you seek, the Private Half-Day is your best bet.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment.
In summary, Chinon offers a rich variety of tours that cater to every taste — whether it’s wine, history, active exploration, or gourmet delights. For a romantic escape, the Picnic in the Vines is a standout. Wine enthusiasts should consider the comprehensive Loire winery tours or the prestige vineyard experiences. Active travelers will find the cycling tours both fun and delicious. Whatever your style, Chinon won’t disappoint — just remember to book early and get ready for a memorable Loire adventure.
