Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray

Exploring the renowned Vouvray winemaking region is a must-do for wine enthusiasts visiting the Loire Valley. This captivating morning tour offers an intimate small-group experience, guiding participants through two esteemed estates while indulging in exquisite wine tastings paired with local delicacies. Discover the secrets of Vouvray’s winemaking heritage as you stroll through picturesque vineyards and uncover the mysteries of an 11th-century rock-hewn wine cellar. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious explorer, this tour promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the region’s exceptional terroir and rich cultural heritage.

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Key Points

A 3.5-hour excursion focused on Vouvray’s winemaking heritage, with guided visits and tastings at two local estates and a stroll through vineyards.
Includes a minimum of 10 wine tastings from Vouvray and the Loire Valley, paired with local cheeses and charcuterie for a gourmet experience.
Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, with scenic views of the Loire landscapes and bottled water provided.
Offered in English and French, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a small-group size of up to 8 participants.
Highly rated by past participants, with descriptions of the experience as "fabulous" and "excellent" and praise for the informative and personable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing is a 3.5-hour excursion that immerses guests in the rich winemaking heritage of the Vouvray region.

A 3.5-hour excursion that immerses guests in the rich winemaking heritage of the Vouvray region.

Priced from $136.30 per person, this small-group tour limited to 8 participants is offered in English and French.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can book their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes guided visits and tastings at two local estates, a stroll through vineyards, and a chance to explore an 11th-century rock-hewn wine cellar.

Wines are paired with regional cheeses and charcuterie, all while enjoying scenic views of the Loire landscapes.

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Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Tourist Office Tours Loire Valley, the tour includes guided visits and tastings at two local estates – Domaine Le Capitaine and Cave de Vouvray.

At Domaine Le Capitaine, guests will stroll through the vineyards. They’ll then visit an 11th-century rock-hewn wine cellar at Cave de Vouvray.

Throughout the tour, travelers will taste a minimum of 10 wines from the Vouvray and Loire Valley appellations. These wines will be paired with local cheeses and charcuterie, creating a delightful food and wine experience.

Transportation and Comfort

Guests travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan throughout the tour. This ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride as they journey through the picturesque Loire Valley.

Bottled water is provided during the transfers and wine tastings, keeping participants hydrated. The scenic views of the Loire landscapes add to the overall experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the region’s natural beauty.

With the transportation and amenities taken care of, guests can focus on savoring the exceptional wines and culinary delights that this acclaimed wine-producing area has to offer.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 9 reviews, the Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

Travelers praised the tour’s informative and personable guide, who demonstrated extensive knowledge of the region. Visitors from the United States and Australia described the experience as "fabulous" and "excellent," highlighting the fun and engaging nature of the activities.

Reviewers particularly enjoyed the guided tastings at the two wineries, where they sampled a variety of Vouvray and Loire Valley wines paired with local specialties.

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Meeting Point and Important Information

The meeting point for the Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing is at the intersection of Boulevard Heurteloup and rue Bernard Palissy, outside the Tourist Office.

The meeting point for the Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing is at the intersection of Boulevard Heurteloup and rue Bernard Palissy, outside the Tourist Office.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes for the tour. The tour is limited to 8 people, so it’s recommended to check availability and select the desired starting time.

The tour includes transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan and bottled water during the transfers and tastings.

Scenic views of the Loire landscapes are also part of the experience.

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Visiting Domaine Le Capitaine

After departing the meeting point, the tour makes its first stop at Domaine Le Capitaine, a family-owned winery nestled amid the picturesque Vouvray vineyards.

The group takes a stroll through the vineyards, learning about the region’s history and the winemaking process. They then visit the estate’s 11th-century rock-hewn wine cellar, where they’ll sample a range of Vouvray and Loire Valley wines.

The knowledgeable guide shares insights into the unique terroir and grape varietals that contribute to the distinctive flavors of these wines. Guests also enjoy a pairing of local cheeses and charcuterie to complement the wine tasting.

Exploring the Cave De Vouvray

Next, the tour group makes its way to the Cave de Vouvray, a renowned winery known for its exceptional Vouvray wines.

Upon arrival, the group is guided through the 11th-century rock-hewn cellars where the wines are aged. The guide shares insights into the winemaking process and the history of the estate.

Guests then sample a selection of Vouvray wines, ranging from dry to sweet, pairing them with local cheeses and charcuterie.

The intimate setting and knowledgeable guide provide a deeper appreciation for the unique terroir and production methods that contribute to Vouvray’s acclaimed reputation.

Discovering the Wines and Pairings

With the backdrop of the historic cellars, the tour now shifts its focus to the star of the show – the exceptional wines of Vouvray.

Guests will sample a minimum of 10 distinct wines, ranging from dry to sweet, showcasing the versatility of this renowned appellation. Each wine is thoughtfully paired with local cheeses and charcuterie, allowing participants to discover the perfect food and wine harmonies.

The knowledgeable guide shares insights into the grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and unique terroir that contribute to Vouvray’s exceptional quality.

This sensory experience promises to delight both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Buy Wine at the Estates?

Yes, participants can purchase wine at the estates visited during the tour. The tour includes tastings at two wineries, Domaine Le Capitaine and Cave de Vouvray, where travelers can buy their favorite Loire Valley wines.

Are There Restroom Facilities at the Estates?

Yes, the estates visited during the tour provide restroom facilities for guests. The estates have modern, well-maintained restrooms available for use by participants during the wine tasting and exploration activities.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not recommended for children as it focuses on wine tasting and pairing. The estates and activities are geared towards adult participants. However, families with older children may inquire about suitability.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Guests are welcome to take photos throughout the tour, including during the vineyard stroll, wine cellar visit, and wine tastings. However, it’s polite to avoid disturbing other participants or interrupting the guide’s commentary.

Do I Need to Tip the Guide?

Tipping the guide is not mandatory, but it’s customary to provide a gratuity for good service. The amount can be 10-15% of the tour price or whatever you feel the guide deserves for their knowledge and hospitality.

The Sum Up

This morning Loire Valley wine tour offers an intimate and immersive experience, allowing you to explore the renowned Vouvray winemaking heritage. With guided visits to two esteemed estates, tastings of exquisite wines paired with local specialties, and a stroll through the picturesque vineyards, it’s a must-do for wine enthusiasts. The comfortable transportation and small-group setting ensure a personalized and memorable journey through this beautiful region.