Additional day
Wednesday, July 9th

Extend the experience with guided tours through other iconic Chenin Blanc vineyards in the Loire.

A unique opportunity to explore even more terroirs and flavors.

Wednesday, July 9th

Several tours will be offered starting from Westotel de la ville aux Dames (10 Rue Marie de Lorraine, 37700 La Ville-aux-Dames) at 8:30 AM.

Visit 1 - Chenin in Red Wine Territory

Because the world of wine will never cease to surprise us, come and discover Chenin Blanc new expression in terroirs traditionally dominated by red wines.

Between exceptional terroirs and the passion of winemakers, we will traverse landscapes shaped by the Loire, Vienne, and Indre rivers, true markers of typicity.

The discovery?

Tasting Chenin Blanc in appellations that are far more renowned for their reds. Have you ever tasted a Chinon Blanc?

Everything will be revealed about the birth and rebirth of Chenin Blanc appellations in Touraine!

The journey will begin in Chinon, where history and wine heritage meet, with a session hosted by Leslie Brochot @maitresdaccords. We will discuss Chenin Blanc from every angle: why we love it, how it expresses itself on the terroirs of Touraine, and much more. You will taste the appellation wines of Chinon and Azay-le-Rideau, as well as the future Bourgueil appellation (currently under recognition by the INAO).

What’s next?

A bucolic lunch around a "four à fouées" (a traditional Touraine dish) in the remarkable vineyards of Azay-le-Rideau, alongside the winemakers.

In short, we look forward to welcoming you for a day full of exploration, to experience the full diversity and authenticity of Chenin Blanc in Touraine!

Visit 2 - Discovering Chenin Blanc in the Loir Valley: Terroir, Forest, and Underground Heritage

Immerse yourself in the hidden vineyards of Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir appellations during a day dedicated to Chenin Blanc and its unique environment.

The visit will begin at the brand new Maison du Tourisme et du Vignoble, where winemakers will share their passion for these exceptional terroirs. A guided tasting will showcase the diverse expressions of Chenin Blanc on these Loire soils.

Next, we will explore the Bercé Forest at Carnuta, the House of Man and the Forest, an immersive tourist site dedicated to the world of the forest. A mediator and a winemaker

will reveal the influence of these ancient oaks, whose wood shapes some of the barrels used for aging local wines. A tasting of wines aged in Bercé oak barrels will illustrate this unique connection between the forest and the vineyard.

After a countryside lunch in the heart of the forest, we will discover an iconic site: the Bacchus cellar at Domaine Lelais. Dug into a 16th-century former quarry, this troglodyte cellar tells the winemaking history of the Loir Valley. A magical place where underground galleries bear witness to craftsmanship passed down through generations.

A sensory and historical journey not to be missed for all Chenin Blanc and terroir enthusiasts.

Visit 3 - Dive into Chenin Blanc through the sparkling wines of Saumur

Discover sparkling Chenin Blanc through an exclusive tour of the great Maisons of Saumur. An exciting immersion in the heart of Crémant de Loire and Saumur appellations, where tradition, terroir, and expertise come together to reveal the elegance and diversity of this iconic grape variety.

Program:

Morning:

Visit to the Maison Louis de Grenelle:
A family-owned and independent Maison founded in 1859, Louis de Grenelle is a jewel of Saumur’s heritage, specializing in the production of sparkling wines using the traditional method. Immerse yourself in history by exploring its spectacular cellars, dug in the 15th century 12 meters underground, where more than 4 million bottles age in tuffeau stone.

Lunch at Ackerman:
Enjoy a convivial moment in an exceptional location! Founded in 1811, Maison Ackerman, a pioneer of Loire’s sparkling wines, invites you to an immersive wine tourism experience in the heart of its impressive troglodytic cellars. Discover its interactive "Voyage to the Center of the Bubble" for a unique sensory exploration.

Afternoon:

Visit to the great sparkling wines Maisons of Saumur:

Langlois

Bouvet Ladubay

Veuve Amiot

Let yourself be charmed by the elegance and diversity of Chenin Blanc sparkling wines in these iconic Maisons. A sparkling journey that promises discoveries as enriching as they are delightful!