Full Day Wine Tour in Vouvray and Chinon with LUNCH at the winery

If you’re thinking about enjoying the wine and gastronomy of the Loire Valley, this full-day wine tour from Tours might just be what you’re after. While we haven’t personally hopped aboard this tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a pretty inviting picture of what to expect. It’s a carefully curated experience that combines visits to three unique wineries, tastings of a wide range of wines, and a delicious, locally-sourced lunch—all within a comfortable, small-group setting.

What really appeals to us about this tour is its focus on personalized attention—with a maximum of 8 travelers, you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guides can share tailored insights about the wines and region. Plus, the chance to taste up to 20 different wines paired with local cheeses and delicacies sounds like a wine lover’s dream. On the flip side, a possible consideration might be the price point—at just over $320 per person, it’s an investment, but one that seems to deliver a well-rounded experience.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy small-group explorations, love wine and regional food, and appreciate a mix of educational and sensory experiences. If you’re keen on discovering the Loire’s terroirs in depth without worrying about logistics, this one could fit the bill nicely.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Diverse Wineries: Three different estates in Vouvray, Bourgueil, and Chinon, offering a variety of wines and scenery.
• Authentic Tastings: Up to 20 wines, including whites, reds, and sparkling options, paired with local cheeses and delicacies.
• Gourmet Picnic: A “Farm to table” 3-course lunch at Chateau de Miniere, emphasizing local ingredients and sustainability.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides who tailor commentary based on your wine knowledge level.
• Comfortable Transport: All transfers are in a plush Mercedes minivan, making travel between sites smooth.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the Day at Domaine Le Capitaine in Vouvray

The tour kicks off early at the Tourist Office in Tours at 9:00 am, with a comfortable ride to the first stop—Domaine Le Capitaine. Here, you’ll get an authentic peek into how wines are made, with a focus on the “Terroir”—the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape that influences the wine’s character. The visit includes exploring a rock-hewn wine cellar—a fascinating feature, as many of these cellars wind for several kilometers underground, offering cool temperatures and ideal storage conditions.

The tasting here covers a variety of white wines typical of Vouvray—dry, half-dry, and sparkling—paired with local cheeses. This is a great introduction, especially if you’re new to Loire wines or want a more nuanced understanding of what makes Vouvray so special. As one reviewer mentioned, “The wineries we visited felt unique and the tastings were very delicious with generous pours,” highlighting the quality and friendliness of the experience.

Next Stop: Château de Minière in Bourgueil

After about an hour’s ride, you’ll arrive at Château de Minière, a winery estate that combines tradition with an eco-conscious approach. Here, the “Farm to table” gourmet picnic lunch is served, emphasizing local ingredients and the estate’s philosophy of a “0-kilometer menu”—meaning the ingredients are sourced as close to the estate as possible.

The lunch is more than just a meal; it’s an experience designed to complement the wines you’ll taste. Expect a three-course meal featuring local produce, cheeses, and meats, all paired with a sparkling, white, or red wine from the estate. This pairing elevates the tasting, giving you the chance to savor how the wines interact with the flavors of the region.

Final Stop: Chinon and Its Unique Cellar

The last leg of the trip takes you to Chinon, where you’ll visit an exceptional winery. The highlight here is a cellar dug by the winemaker himself over 30 years ago, making it a genuinely one-of-a-kind setting. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity that many travelers find memorable.

The tasting features organic red wines, paired with local charcuteries like rillettes and rillons. As one reviewer put it, “We loved the way the wines were paired with local meats, and the organic label added a special touch,” which underscores the appeal of this stop for those interested in sustainable, artisanal wines.

Transportation and Timing

Throughout the day, you’ll travel in a luxurious Mercedes minivan, making the transitions between wineries smooth and comfortable. The entire day spans roughly 9 hours, with each stop lasting around two hours. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, and you return to the meeting point in Tours afterward, making it a full but well-paced day.

The Value of This Tour

When it comes to cost, at just over $320 per person, the experience includes multiple vineyard visits, tastings, a gourmet lunch, and private transportation. Several reviews highlight the generosity of the tastings and the knowledgeability of the guides, which seem to justify the price. Visitors consistently mention how the guides make the experience engaging, often tailoring commentary to suit different levels of wine knowledge.

One reviewer said, “The wineries felt unique, and the tastings were very delicious with generous pours,” emphasizing the quality of the wines and the overall hospitality. Others appreciated the opportunity to taste a wide array of wines, from dry whites to organic reds, which makes this tour appealing for those eager to broaden their palate.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works best for wine enthusiasts, curious travelers, or those who enjoy a curated, small-group outing. If you’re interested in learning about Loire wines in a relaxed setting, with the added bonus of a gourmet lunch, this tour provides a well-rounded package. It’s also suitable if you want a taste of the region’s terroirs and traditions without the hassle of planning multiple visits yourself.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer independent exploring, this might feel pricey. The guided aspect and all-inclusive tastings do add up to a premium experience.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Loire Valley wine tour combines the charm of three distinctive wineries, the opportunity to taste up to 20 wines, and a delicious farm-to-table lunch. The small-group size ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in the crowd, giving you space to ask questions and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, help make each visit engaging, especially if you’re keen to learn more about wine-making, terroir, and regional specialties. Plus, the unique cellar in Chinon offers a memorable setting that’s hard to find elsewhere.

While the price might seem steep to some, many reviews suggest that the quality of wines, the personalized approach, and the overall experience make it worth considering. Whether you’re a dedicated wine lover or just someone eager to experience the Loire’s flavors, this tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable way to spend a day in the region.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, all transfers between the wineries happen in a comfortable Mercedes minivan, making the day seamless and relaxing.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Are there options to customize the tour? The guide can tailor commentary based on your wine knowledge, and there’s mention of being able to visit additional sites for a surcharge.

What wines will I taste? You can expect to taste up to 20 wines, including whites, reds, and sparkling varieties, with a focus on regional specialties.

Is lunch included? Yes, the tour features a three-course “Farm to table” gourmet picnic lunch at Château de Minière, paired with wines.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor vineyard visits is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is designed for adults, given the wine tastings, which are only for those 18+.

How long is the tour? The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you notify at least 24 hours in advance.

If you love wine and want an in-depth, relaxed exploration of the Loire’s best vineyards with excellent food and expert guides, this tour could be a great fit. For those wishing to combine scenic beauty, regional gastronomy, and a variety of wines in a small-group setting, it’s an experience worth considering.