Loire Valley Private Wine Tour

Your English-speaking driver will warmly greet you this morning as you leave your hotel, airport, or train station in Paris. The drive to the Sancerre region will take approximately an hour and a half, during which you can enjoy the passing scenic French countryside. Once you arrive at the idyllic Relais & Chateaux Auberge des Templiers countryside hotel, you’re welcomed into a world of tranquil beauty. Lush grounds invite exploration, with century-old oak trees and pops of color from meticulously manicured flower gardens, while a turquoise swimming pool beckons for a leisurely afternoon dip.

Enjoy an aperitif in the hotel bar before tonight’s dinner. Your table is set in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where the ambiance radiates warmth and sophistication. In the kitchen, Chef Martin Simonart meticulously curates a menu that pays homage to seasonal flavors and champions local artisans. Your personalized tasting menu will feature exquisite offerings such as Wild Mushroom Consommé; sumptuous Duck Foie Gras; Trout pan-fried to perfection; and decadently Pan-Seared Scallops accompanied by Oscietra Caviar, Endives, and a rich Mustard Seed reduction. To complement this gastronomic adventure, the restaurant’s expansive cellar, boasting a collection of over 750 meticulously selected bottles, ensures a flawless wine pairing for every course. Welcome, and Bon Appétit!

Today, you will explore the beloved region of Sancerre. Your first stop is for a wonderful wine tour at Henri Bourgeois. It is no coincidence that the Bourgeois family have Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir plots on two opposite poles of the earth; they have a fundamental understanding of the best terroir and climate for these varieties and are producing exceptional wines in both Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé and Marlborough, New Zealand.

Having opened your pallet with the sumptuous citrus-forward Sancerre, you will be ready for lunch in a 14th-century tower at La Tour in Sancerre. A Michelin-star lunch awaits at the hands of the talented young chef, Baptiste Fournier, whose creative slant focuses on vegetable dishes. However, equally terrific fish and meat dishes follow, not to mention the divine desserts—perfectly paired with stunning wines.

After lunch, enjoy a second wine tour and tasting at Ladoucette’s Château du Nozet in Pouilly-sur-Loire. Château Nozet has been home to the Ladoucette family since 1787 and has been prominently on the wine map since the 1970s as one of the most beautiful estates in the region. You will do a Ladoucette trail, including all three of their Sancerre estates, after Nozet, moving on to Poussie and Comte Lafond. This VIP tour will conclude with tasting some of their prized vintages and a gourmet food pairing. Then, it’s back to your fabulous abode for a free evening.

Today, you will visit some of the most beautiful and famous Chateaux of the Loire Valley. The first stop is the immense Château de Chambord, utter extravagance in its day, built as a hunting lodge, yet with over 400 rooms, it has to be seen to be believed. Fabulous Renaissance architecture, including the impressive internal and exterior spiral staircases and the immaculate gardens, make for a pleasurable stroll to work up an appetite before lunch.

Next, head to L’Orangerie du Château in Blois, where the delightful husband-and-wife team—Chef Jean-Marc Molveaux and his wife, Karine, who oversees the front of the house—offer innovative and refined French cuisine featuring prime, locally sourced products. These dishes are complemented by exceptional Loire wines from their carefully curated cellar.

After lunch, visit Château de Cheverny, another magnificent stately home that has the distinction of being one of the first to open its doors to the public back in 1922. The grandeur of chateau life comes through as you stroll along with the vast, elaborately decorated rooms and explore the grounds and botanical gardens—an extra treat for Tintin fans – in the interactive Tintin exhibition.

Finally, proceed to your next accommodation, the splendid and idyllic Les Hauts de Loire. This gorgeous ivy-covered 19th-century former hunting lodge spread over 70 hectares featuring scenic lakes that serve as gathering spots for mallards and swans is a sanctuary of refined comfort and hospitality. The grounds serve as a dynamic, ever-changing gallery featuring seasonal displays of various artworks.

Start your day with a fabulous French breakfast before a brief 10-minute transfer takes you to the beautiful town of Rochecorbon; take in the monumental Cathedral of Saint-Gatien with its elaborate stained glassed windows as you stroll around the pretty town.

Next, visit one of our favorite wine estates, Marc Bredif. The winery is known for its exceptional red and white Loire wines, although no longer in the Bredif family. The estate was purchased by Baron Patrick de Ladoucette in the 1980s, and this transition has only enhanced the estate’s impressive success story. With a substantial infusion of funds, the installations have been renovated, and the estate has expanded to include some of the most sought-after Vouvray plots – after your tour and tasting, sit down for a pleasant lunch on site.

After lunch, a second private wine tour and tasting at Domaine Huet, just a few minutes drive down the road. The success of Domaine Huet, which has become synonymous with Vouvray wines, is rooted in an inspirational story of hard work, war, and love. The crumbling ancient stone wall encompassing the Le Clos de Bourg vineyard adds to the charm and feel that Domaine Huet’s success is from simply the grandeur of its vines and resulting wines.

Then, on to Chenonceaux to visit the spectacular chateau, another fabulous Renaissance masterpiece with a fascinating story of predominantly female ownership over the centuries of royal wives, lovers, or widows. It also served as a military hospital during the First World War and played an important role in WW2, helping to smuggle people escaping from the occupying Germans.

A free evening back at your gorgeous abode, you can try out the Michelin-starred restaurant on site where Chef Teddy Ragain, an emerging luminary in Luxembourg’s culinary landscape, has masterfully curated the menu for Hauts de Loire. Drawing inspiration from locally sourced ingredients, Ragain’s artful blend of flavors and textures reflects a sophisticated yet unpretentious approach to fine dining.

Check out and transfer to Chaumont Sur Loire, where you will embark on a traditional wooden boat for a cruise on the Loire, complete with picnic and wine tasting, a fun, relaxed way to take in some of the remarkable scenery.

In the afternoon, visit the exceptional Royal Chateau d’Amboise, famed for being the last resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, whose tomb is within the chateau in Saint Hubert’s chapel. Despite its immense size, it is only a fifth of its original size; however, it still sits imposingly over the river and offers the most fabulous views across the town and surrounding valley.

About an hour’s drive to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Candes-Saint-Martin. It’s picture-perfect, and no surprise to discover it’s listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. Explore the town, enjoy a spot of shopping, and pick up some gourmet goodies for dinner this evening. You have a kitchen at your next residence.

Then, your driver will transfer you to another beautiful chateau, which will be your stunning accommodation Chateau de Candes for the next few days. Located atop a hill just outside the village, the Château commands breathtaking views of the Loire and Vienne rivers, offering a mesmerizing panorama over the delta formed by these two majestic waterways. Spanning over 4 hectares, the castle’s grounds are an outdoor gallery featuring over 40 pieces of street art that effortlessly blend Art, Nature, and History.

Upon check-in, unwind and rejuvenate at the hotel’s luxurious Spa and pool sanctuary. There are indoor and outdoor swimming options, a sauna, and a specialized massage zone.

This morning, enjoy a breakfast overlooking the Loire followed by a stroll around the Medieval Fortress of Chinon. Parts of the castle date back to the 10th century, and it has played a significant role over the centuries, including being the meeting place between Joan of Arc and Charles VII during the Hundred Years’ War or the tower of Argenton, which imprisoned Knights of Templar before their execution.

Just a few minutes down the road to Domaine Couly-Dutheil. Highly respected and, without a doubt, responsible for producing some of the Loire’s most admired reds. We are confident you will always remember the magical, spellbinding effect of a glass of Clos de L’Echo! Before lunch, stop in the adorable village of Montsoreau. Listed as both one of the most “charming” and “beautiful” villages in France, it’s apparent why. Ideally situated at the intersection of Rivers Loire and Vienne, the quaint Tuffeau-stoned village sits in front of the dramatic castle.

Then, it is on to the lovely town of Saumur itself. It is very much the wine hub of the Loire and is often described as the Loire’s Reims and Épernay in one. Lunch is a casual affair today at the gastro bistro Terrasses de Saumur with a terrace view of the castle. Les Terrasses de Saumur prides itself in offering hearty dishes with a modern, inventive touch, washed down with some gutsy Saumur wines.

After lunch, you will move on to Domaine de la Paleine. Low yields and an impressively equipped winery result in elegant, fresh, and ripe Saumur. You will have a private tour and tasting of some of their top vintages.

This evening, after you’ve had time to unwind and reflect on your day’s delightful adventures, prepare yourself for a memorable farewell dinner at the Michelin-starred Ververt, located in the charming village of Candes-Saint-Martin. Your personalized tasting menu could feature such exquisite dishes as a Mushroom Tart; Duck Breast with a reduced meat jus and local vegetables; Organic Pork sourced locally and accompanied by fresh, regional produce; a curated local Cheese Platter; and a delectable dessert of Meringue, featuring an Apple-Cucumber medley, Vanilla-infused whipped Cream, and homemade sorbet. Each dish will be thoughtfully paired with the finest wines from the region, a perfect finale to this Loire adventure.

Your chauffeur will wait for your preferred time to transfer you back to Paris today. On the way, stop for a visit and lunch at the gorgeous 17th-century Royal Versailles Palace, the most beautiful of them all! You will have a private guide here to show you the best, including the gardens, the Palaces of Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the photogenic fountains- all with entertaining anecdotes and expert commentary. On arrival in Paris, your chauffeur will transfer you to your hotel, airport, or next port of call. Your chauffeur will assist you with check in and our luggage on your forward journey. Bon voyage!