Chinon is a standout stop for wine lovers exploring the Loire Valley. Its combination of historic châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and family-run wineries makes it an ideal place for wine tours that blend education, scenery, and delicious local wines. We especially love experiences like the Picnic in the Vines because it offers a romantic, intimate way to indulge in the region’s wines while enjoying a scenic picnic overlooking the Loire. With options that range from quick tastings to full-day vineyard adventures, Chinon caters to every kind of traveler—from casual taster to serious oenophile.
In this guide, we’ll cover a variety of wine tours that highlight Chinon’s unique charms. Whether you’re after a relaxed picnic experience, a detailed vineyard visit with local guides, or a comprehensive full-day excursion, this list has you covered. The tours included range from affordable tastings at family estates to immersive experiences with winemakers, ensuring you’ll find something that suits your style and budget.
1. Picnic in the Vines – A Unique Loire Wine Experience
At number 1 on our list is the charming Picnic in the Vines. This tour combines a guided visit to Château du Petit Thouars with a relaxed picnic that features your favorite Loire wines. The experience lasts about 2.5 hours and includes a visit to the château’s cellars, where you learn the secrets of Loire Valley winemaking, and then enjoy a personalized picnic overlooking lush vineyards. The highlight is choosing your preferred bottle of wine to accompany a delicious, vegetarian-friendly lunch.
What makes this tour stand out is its romantic atmosphere and personalized approach. Reviewers frequently mention the peaceful setting and the host’s warm hospitality. Many appreciate the opportunity to learn about the family winery’s history while enjoying a quiet, scenic lunch. With a small group and flexible departure times, it’s perfect for couples or anyone looking for a memorable, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, picturesque tasting combined with a private picnic, this tour offers exceptional value at around $89 per person, with consistently top reviews.
2. English Speaking Loire Winery Tours originating from Chinon
Number 2 features a comprehensive day trip exploring the best vineyards around Bourgueil, Chinon, and Saumur. Led by English-speaking guides, this tour visits 2 to 3 vineyards, with tastings of up to 15 wines—ranging from reds made from Cabernet Franc to whites from Chenin Blanc. The tour often includes a traditional French picnic lunch, allowing you to savor regional flavors amid the vineyards.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on region-wide exploration, giving visitors a broad taste of Loire Valley wines while meeting winemakers and exploring historic cellars. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides for their insights and the relaxed pace of the tour. The opportunity to ship wines home after the visit adds value for those wanting to bring a piece of Loire back home.
This tour suits visitors who want a full-day, immersive experience, especially if they’re interested in understanding the region’s terroir and winemaking techniques. The price is higher at around $273 per person, but the depth of experience and inclusions make it well worth it.
Bottom Line: Ideal for serious wine enthusiasts and those eager to learn, this tour offers a comprehensive, guided exploration of key Loire vineyards.
3. Chinon : Discovery Tours and Wine Tasting
For a quick dose of Chinon wine knowledge, this 1.5-hour discovery tour offers an engaging introduction to the region’s family-run vineyards. At just $19 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to learn about sustainable agriculture and local winemaking techniques. The tour includes tasting 6 Chinon AOP wines, primarily made from Cabernet Franc, complemented by local delicacies.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on sustainable practices and a blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors rave about the personal attention from the small vineyard owner, providing an authentic glance into winemaking. It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to get a taste of Chinon’s signature wines.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an affordable, intimate introduction to Chinon wine, this tour provides a straightforward, insightful experience.
4. Epicurean Discovery Tour with Wine & Local Specialties
Number 4 is an excellent choice for food and wine lovers short on time. This 1-hour 15-minute small-group tour includes visits to Château du Petit Thouars where you learn about its history before sampling wines like Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc paired with local specialties. The focus is on pairing regional food and wine, making it ideal for those eager to taste the flavors of Chinon.
What sets this experience apart is its personalized attention and the intimate setting in the château’s troglodyte caves. Guests appreciate the friendly guide’s passion and the opportunity to learn about local culinary traditions. The tour is a good fit for travelers seeking a short, engaging experience with a focus on regional food and wine pairings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, flavorful taste of Chinon’s culinary scene, this tour is highly recommended for foodies and those with limited time.
5. Wine and Cheese experience
A self-guided tasting in a cozy cellar, the Wine and Cheese experience offers a delightful pairing of local Chinon wines with raw goat milk cheeses. At about one hour, it’s a relaxed, sensory journey ideal for those who want to explore at their own pace. The cheeses are sourced locally, adding an authentic touch.
What makes this experience special is the focus on pairing and the chance to create your own tasting moment. While it doesn’t include a guided component, it provides a quiet, intimate setting to savor regional flavors.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a relaxed, at-your-own-pace wine and cheese pairing, this experience offers good value and a memorable local flavor.
6. Castle Epicurean Experience with Wine & Local Specialties
Number 6 combines castle touring with wine tasting in a 2-hour experience centered on the Château du Petit Thouars. This guided tour includes exploring the castle’s grounds, learning about its history, and sampling artisan wines in the elegant château environment, paired with artisanal local dishes.
What makes this tour special is its combination of cultural and culinary elements. Visitors love the chance to see the château’s architecture and enjoy a refined tasting session. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for those who want a mix of history, scenery, and wine.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in combining a castle visit with a wine tasting, this experience offers a well-rounded, immersive outing.
7. Chinon : Prestige Tours and Wine Tasting
This 3-hour prestige tour is perfect for the true wine connoisseur wanting an in-depth, guided experience directly from the winemaker. It includes a visit to a family-run vineyard, a detailed tasting of 6 Chinon AOP wines, and insights into sustainable practices like HVE agriculture.
What sets this apart is the personalized, behind-the-scenes approach, giving guests a deeper understanding of winemaking techniques and the unique characteristics of Chinon wines. While it’s a slightly pricier option, the quality of information and exclusive access make it worthwhile for serious enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a comprehensive, in-depth wine experience with direct interaction with the producer.
8. Wine and Chocolate experience
For those who love sensory pleasures, this self-guided wine and chocolate tasting offers a pairing of local Chinon wines with fine chocolates sourced from a local chocolatier-roaster. It’s a relaxed, at-your-own-pace activity in a cozy cellar setting.
While it doesn’t include guided commentary, the pairing creates a memorable indulgent experience. Perfect for an afternoon break or a romantic treat, it’s a simple but satisfying way to enjoy regional flavors.
Bottom Line: A delightful pairing experience suited for chocolate and wine lovers seeking a quiet, personal moment.
9. Loire Valley Tour & Wine Tasting Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil
Number 9 is a full-day private tour that covers the Loire’s top wine regions. Starting from Tours or Amboise, it includes visits to Vouvray, Chinon, and Bourgueil, with guided tastings at each stop. It’s an all-encompassing experience perfect for those eager to explore multiple appellations and their signature styles.
Highlights include scenic Loire views, visits to medieval Chinon, and sampling the region’s best wines, from Vouvray’s whites to Bourgueil’s reds. The detailed itinerary allows you to see the varied terroirs and winemaking traditions in one day.
This tour is best for travelers who want a rundown and are comfortable spending a full day sightseeing and tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for dedicated wine travelers looking to maximize their Loire experience with expert-guided visits to key appellations.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Chinon
When selecting a wine tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you prefer a short, intimate experience, Picnic in the Vines offers a romantic outing with relaxed scenery. For those eager to learn the most about Loire wines and have a full day free, the Full-Day Loire Valley Tour provides a deep dive with multiple vineyard visits.
If your focus is on food and wine pairing, the Epicurean Discovery or the Wine and Cheese experiences offer flavorful, sensory-rich sessions. Budget travelers seeking an introduction to Chinon wines should consider the Discovery Tour, which is both affordable and informative.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall, as many tours are small-group and fill up quickly. Think about what kind of experience excites you most—whether it’s a romantic picnic, a deep dive into winemaking, or a gourmet pairing—and pick accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Chinon offers a range of wine tours that can suit almost any taste and schedule. From the intimate, picnic-style Picnic in the Vines to the full-day Loire Valley Tour, each provides a different window into the region’s wine culture.
For those traveling with limited time, the Epicurean Discovery or the Discovery Tour deliver quick yet meaningful insights. If you want an in-depth experience, the Prestige Tours or Full-Day Private Tour are excellent options.
Whatever your choice, Chinon’s mix of historic vineyards, friendly hosts, and stunning scenery promises a memorable journey into Loire Valley wines. Plan ahead, pick the experience that best matches your interest, and enjoy a true taste of France’s wine country.
