Program
Discover the diversity and richness of Chenin Blanc through unique conferences, tastings, and masterclasses.
Three days to explore this exceptional grape variety in iconic locations. An unforgettable experience awaits you!
Saturday 5 july
Angers
6:00-7.00 pm : Registration / Chek-in
7:00-9:00 pm: Welcome Cocktail
Location to be determined
Sunday 6 july
Angers
The Plant
The first day will focus on analyzing the specifics of Chenin Blanc, an iconic grape variety from the Loire Valley, with a particularly significant presence in South Africa, where it is the dominant variety.
8:00-8:30 am : Welcome and registration at ESA – Ecole Supérieure des Agricultures – 55 rue Rabelais in Angers
8:30-9:00 am Welcome coffee
9:00-9:30 am : Opening Celebration
9:30-10:45 am : The Taste of the Future: Cultivating Responsible Viticulture
Discover how Chenin Blanc adapts to the challenges of climate change through innovative and sustainable practices, building a resilient and committed viticulture. Tasting of Chenins from around the world.
Speakers to be announced.
10:45-11:15 am - Coffee break
11:15-12:30 am : The Taste of Heritage: Exploring Genetic Richness
Dive into the clonal diversity of Chenin Blanc and the importance of old vines in facing climate challenges, with an inspiring tasting of Chenins from South Africa.
Speakers to be announced.
12:30-2:00 am : lunch at ESA
2:00-3:30 pm : Departure for the Fontevraud Abbey
3:45-4:30 pm : Launch of the Global Chenin Blanc Observatory
nterLoire will present exclusive results from the Observatory, offering a detailed analysis of production, consumption, trends, and future opportunities for Chenin on a global scale. A key moment for professionals to explore the evolution of this iconic grape variety and its future on the international stage.
4:30-7:00 pm : Free Tasting of Chenin Blanc wines from around the World
Taste nearly 300 Chenin cuvées from around the world and experience the incredible diversity of this exceptional grape variety. Also, enjoy guided tours (1 hour) to explore one of Europe’s largest monastic complexes, blending heritage, mysteries, and legends.
7:00-10:00 pm : Great Evening of Chenin Blanc
This cheerful and convivial evening celebrates Chenin in all its facets, set to the rhythm of music and the flavors of international cuisine. Discover how this exceptional grape variety enhances cuisines from around the globe, and enjoy a moment of sharing and discovery that promises to be unforgettable. A unique opportunity to celebrate Chenin in a festive and welcoming atmosphere!
Monday 7 july
Angers
The Place : The second day is dedicated to the places and various local factors that shape the different expressions of Chenin Blanc, a grape variety that is highly sensitive to its environment and growing conditions.
8:30-9:00 am Welcome Coffee at ESA – Ecole Supérieure des Agricultures – 55 rue Rabelais in Angers
9:00-10:30 am : The Taste of Origins: Delving into the Geology of Terroirs
Explore the soils that shape the unique character of Chenin Blanc, focusing on the metamorphic and sedimentary terroirs of the Loire. Experts will introduce natural terroir units, refining viticultural practices to reveal each plot's nuances. The session concludes with a tasting of dry Loire wines, showcasing the deep connection between terroir and flavor.
Speakers to be announced.
10:30-11:00 am - coffee break
11:00-12:30 am : The Taste of Balance: The Subtle Art of Aging
Discover how aging shapes the expression of Chenin in this session. Explore the role of vessels and taste wines that showcase the balance between purity, complexity, and vibrant acidity.
Speakers to be announced.
or 11:00-12:30 am : Masterclass: The Taste of the Vegetable World: Pairing Chenins with Plant-Based Cuisine
Take part in a unique masterclass exploring the refined pairings between Chenin and plant-based cuisine. Discover surprising combinations that enhance the diversity of this grape variety and the richness of plant-based gastronomy.
This Masterclass will be hosted by Pascal Favre d’Anne, a Michelin-starred chef from Angers. Limited to 40 people. Additional fee of €24.
12:30-2:00 pm : lunch
2:00 pm : Departures for Vineyard Visits in Anjou-Saumur
Explore the richness of the Anjou-Saumur terroirs through immersive tours! Enjoy one of the five thematic visits, each designed to help you discover the diversity of the region's vineyard terroirs. Each tour invites you to deepen your knowledge through on-site visits and unique tastings.
- Visit 1: The Secrets of Aging
- Visit 2: Old Vines in the Heart of Saumur Vineyard
- Visit 3: A Journey Through Time with Sweet Chenin Blanc wines
- Visit 4: The Taste of Terroirs in Savennières and the Layon Valley
- Visit 5: The Sparkling World of Loire’s Fine Bubbles!
Check the detailed program for more informations
Late afternoon : transfer to Vouvray
Free evening
Tuesday 8 july
Vouvray
THE PERSONALITY :
The third day is dedicated to the individual and collective identities of Chenin blanc, aiming to support and promote this grape variety on the international stage.
8:30-9:00 am Welcome coffee and registration at Domaine Hôtel-Noble in Vernou Sur Brenne
9:00-10:30 am : The Taste of Singularity: Revealing the Identity of Chenin
Discover why Chenin captivates the world with its exceptional diversity in dry, sparkling, and sweet styles. A tasting and discussions on collective promotion strategies will highlight its local identity and international potential.
Speakers to be announced.
10:30-11:00 am - Coffee break
11:00-12:30 am : History and Masterclass on Vouvray
Philippe Brisebarre, winemaker from Vouvray and president of the INAO, will open this tasting by presenting the history of the appellation. Then, a masterclass will highlight four facets of Vouvray wines, showcasing the different styles of Chenin (sparkling, dry, off-dry, and sweet).
12:30-2:00 pm : Lunch
2:00-6:00 pm : Departure for Optional Visits
5 visites vous seront proposées au choix :
- visit 1 : le château de Valmer
- visit 2 : le château de Montcontour
- Visit 3 : Domaine Bredif
- Visit 4 : Domaine Huet
- Visit 5 : Touraine Amboise, Chenin at the Heart of the Valley of the Kings
Check the detailed program for more informations