We are planning to rent a car and travel to Normandy for a day tour then drive to Loire Valley for a couple of days. In Loire Valley we would like to stay in the Tours/ Vouvray area and visit a couple of the Chateaus and enjoy a wine tasting or two. We appreciate any recommendations you would like to share. We would also like recommendations for a comfortable hotel that might have bikes.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
For wine in the Vouvray area, check out Jacky Blot's two domaines: http://www.jackyblot.fr/index.php.
And in nearby Bourgueil, there's Domaine de la Chevalerie: http://www.domainedelachevalerie.fr/une-famille-un-domaine/
Posted by
Langley, British Co, Canada
2 posts
Kathy...I would highly recommend Manoir Echeneau right in the heart of Vouvray. It was the owners, Didier Baudard, long lost relative who built the place in the 1630's, while he was secretary of the treasury under Louis XV...a beautiful place and great hosts. I am friends with 2 of the best wine-makers in and around Vouvray...Sebastien Brunet in Chancay and Vincent Careme in Vernou...both are part of the appellation of Vouvray. Both work their land using organic methods only and the true minerally characteristics of chenin blanc in this region are immediately apparent. As for Chateau...Chenonceau is high on my list. Its about a 30 minute drive from Vouvray...nice and easy. Be sure to take the audio guided tour...it is the best in the region. Amboise is also nice and close to Vouvray...Cheverney is a little further out but very nice as well...Azay le Rideau is also worthwhile, as well as Chinon (fortress)which is also a great little village/town to visit...I could go on! Chinon is 45 minutes away from Vouvray but a nice drive as well. Red wine country...happy to introduce you to some of my friends in that area too! Hope that helps! Cheers, Dave
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
One of our favorites in that area is the Marc Bredif winery in Rochecorbon. Their Vouvray is really outstanding, and the tour of their caves is great. http://tinyurl.com/6tfhhff