The 10 Best Wine Tours & Tastings in Centre-Val de Loire, France

The history of the Château d'Amboise dates back to the 11th century, when the Count of Anjou built the castle on the promontory, surveying the Loire River, as a defence strategy. Between the 15th and 16th centuries , under the orders of Charles VII, Louis XII and Francois I, the castle was refurnished. Its magnificent facade can be attributed to Charles VIII and Francois I, and their love for Italian art and style. It was because of this passion for Italian art that Francois I invited Leonardo Da Vinci to come and reside in Amboise as his first painter, architect and engineer. Da Vinci arrived in 1516 and spent the remaining three years of his life living and working in the nearby Chateau du Clos Lucé (connected to the royal chateau by an underground passage). Leonardo Da Vinci died in Amboise and was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert (on the ramparts of the Chateau d'Amboise). Visit few wineries and enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch during this wonderful tour.

Inclusions: Enjoy a delicious three course lunch at a local restaurant including starter main and desert, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Skip the line, Visit the Amboise castle and get to know its history with an audio-guide, Air conditioned mini-van

Exclusions: Gratuities

Discover the whole wine-making process, from grape to wine, with Myriam, the granddaughter and wife of winegrowers from the Vouvray vineyard in the Loire Valley. 3-hour tour including a guided walk in the vines, a tour of the winery and rock-hewn cellar, and a tasting of 6 Loire wines with local finger food. Discover the Vouvray wines and deepen your knowledge of Loire vineyard while enjoying a personalized attention from your local guide on this small-group tour limited to 12 people.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Wine tasting, Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Discover the beautiful Loire Valley historic region and its medieval towns departing from Paris. Guided by a professional Sommelier, meet two winemakers and taste the best Sauvignon Blanc wines and amazing Pinot Noir from the famous Sancerre appellation. Delight yourself during the tasting of local cheese pairing with the regional wine in the best cheesemaker of the region. Tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan, English-speaking certified sommelier, Small group tour, Driver/guide, All wineries tastings, Tasting of the local goat cheese, Visit of a cheese farm, Tour in medieval villages, Wine tasting class

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch is not included but you Sommelier will join you during lunch time and suggest one of the best local and traditional restaurant with price ranges from 20 to 40

Enjoy a complete discovery of Loire Valley with the visit of must-see Villandry castle and its remarkable gardens. Benefit from your guides trilling historical anecdotes and feel part of these old days. Then, live a French Art de Vivre experience away from the crowds and enjoy a French aperitif in an intimate family-owned château where the owners still live today! In the afternoon, learn everything about Loire Valley wines with two wine tastings in the Vouvray Appellation, well-known for its sparkling and white wines. A fun adventure that you will always remember!

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Wine tasting, Guide will serve a glass of local wine with a local delicacy in the park of a private chateau before lunch., Alcoholic Beverages, Guided visits

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Participants will have 30 minutes of free-time from 1.30PM to 2.00PM in the center of the city of Tours where they can buy a sandwich/snack at a French Boulangerie.

This tour includes a round trip TGV train ticket from Paris, do not waste hours in a bus in the middle of the traffic. Sleep one night in a private château or troglodyte suite. Visit the famous castles of: Chambord, Blois, Amboise, the Clos Lucé with your French American guide and taste the delicate wines of the region. Everything is included: round trip train tickets from Paris, Loire Valley transportation, tour guide, castle entrances, breakfast, lunch, gourmet diner, wine tour & tastings and accommodation. The following day you are returned to the train station on your way back to Paris. This is a small group, limited to 6 persons max. You also be treated to sleeping in your own private chateau for the night. This tour is run by Luc Bonhomme, owner and former Loire valley wine importer for the USA. By the end of the tour, you will have gain a good knowledge of the Loire valley wines. Read more about this special two-day Loire Valley experience!

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast is included

Exclusions:

Eat. Drink. Love. Based in the royal city of BLOIS, we welcome you to our charming 19th century Maison Bourgeoise for a journey back in time. Our accommodation (French breakfast included) is the central point from where we will stroll around. Eat: Enjoying Michelin-star restaurants, taking in splendid views of the Loire and its castles. Drink: Sylvain GAMARD is a 3rd level WSET graduate with expertise in wine. Wander in the vineyards of the greatest, where you will be explained the wine process, proper wine selection and tasting. It's an opportunity to discover some hidden gems you’ll want to take back home! Love: A stay on the banks of the Loire must include visits to the largest castles! Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, but also many other wonders ... we will narrate the History of France by its wines, which have been the main contributor to the Greatness of France.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, 1 night accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Wine tasting, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Taxi to and from airport (optional at 60 euros per person one-way)

Let us take you to some of the best vineyards in the area -- Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil -- and discover the amazing wines -- whites, roses, reds, and sparkling. Walk the vineyards, tour the caves, and taste wines (10+ wines) with the winemakers. Picnic lunch or snacks can be provided as well to make a truly French experience. You'll have the opportunity to buy wines at each vineyard and we can arrange shipping services for the wine to be delivered to your home!

Inclusions: Picnic lunch or snack can be provided

Exclusions:

An excellent introduction tour to discover Loire Valley vineyard and his diversity with a passionate guide (wine professional for over 15 years) As a small group (maximum 8) live a true and complete experience: > A short stroll in the vineyard to understand "Terroir" and the vine-grower work > Two different cellar visits in a family own business and an other company > Two extensive tastings (minimum of ten wines in total) > Paired with local cheeses and other delicacies. > Transport in a comfy Mercedes minivan Adapted to every level of knowledge from beginners to expert : your professional guide will adapt to everyone

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Local cheeses + Charcuteries + other delicacies during the two different wine tastings, Water is available in the minivan and during wine tasting

Exclusions:

During this private full-day tour, a French guide passionate about wine and history will help you discover the Loire in a different way, that is to say through the wine!

Inclusions: Dessert entree with a glass of wine at a local brewery, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

Enjoy Loire Valley landscapes and a masterpiece of its Unesco listed heritage thanks to this self-drive E-Bike itinerary designed (and tested!) by our passionate local team! After cycling along the lovely streets of Amboise and its timbered-houses, immerse into the great forest of Amboise where the French Kings used to hunt ! On the way, you will cycle near local farms and fields before arriving to the must-see Chateau de Chenonceau. Discover its fascinating history as well as its unique architecture as it is built on the river Cher. You will also have a chance to learn everything about the vineyards surrounding Chenonceau and producing some open and fruity white and red wines. You will also have the opportunity to stop to visit Château d’Amboise and Clos-Lucé during your ride (not included)

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Helmet, Entrance tickets to Château de Chenonceau, Entrance fees, guided visit and wine tasting at a family-run wine estate (at 3.00PM only)

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included, A deposit to pick-up the E-Bikes will be required, it will be given back at drop-off time, Lunch and snacks are not included