Walking Wine Tour in Loire Vineyards - 1 Day Tour - 2 night Stay

"Micaela and Sue are both so knowledgeable about the wine, the history or the area, and French culture. We felt so lucky to have English-speaking guides who could explain what we were seeing. The places where we went of tours and tastings were very diverse and well chosen. We never would have found them on our own."

Tour Description : DOGS WELCOME !

La Grande Maison is your starting point for this ECO Friendly Wine Tour. Nestled on a hill in the heart of the vines of the Saumur - Puy Notre Dame Appellation is the perfect location for starting your Walking Wine Tour. We'll guide you through the vineyard tracks and explain about viticulture, grape growing, grape varieties and terroir along the way. Bring your dog if you wish!

Our first stop after a gentle stroll of around 30 minutes will be one of the local wineries of the Saumur - Puy Notre Dame appellation where we will stop and make a tasting of a variety of wine styles from Sparkling to Dry Whites, Rosés and Reds from two main grape varieties the Chenin Blanc and the Cabernet Franc. We have the opportunity to explore the caves that are cut from the tuffeau rock the very rock that the vines survive so well on.

We then walk into the village of Le Puy Notre Dame and visit the church of Le Puy Notre Dame to see the wine symbol of the local wineries, the monk drinking from a barrel that is carved into the wooden altar stall.

Lunch will be provide at Le Puy a Vins a specialist Loire wine bar and restaurant in the centre of the Village. Here you can relax and let David the chef prepare some excellent fresh cuisine for you. Lunch with a glass of wine is included in the price of the tour. Another steady stroll of 30 minutes will take us to a second Domaine or Chateau where we have the opportunity to meet the wine makers producing a wide variety of award winning wines including a Saumur Puy Notre Dame rouge the appellation of which was only recently granted in 2009. We will learn something about the fascinating history of the estates before descending into cellars to discover the wine stored in the barrels.

We will then walk back to La Grande Maison on another route through the vineyards taking around 40 minutes to return. On arrival back at the house we take you on a private tour of the houses own caves and tunnels and then serve you tea or coffee in the gardens. A relaxing way to end the day before giving you a lift to a local restaurant for

dinner in the evening. No need to worry about carrying any purchases home, simply make your order and we will drop by and collect it for you at the end of the day.

ECO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL ARRIVE BY TRAIN WE COLLECT AND WINERY TOUR ON FOOT

Price :

990 Euros based on two people sharing a room includes a 2 Night Stay on a B&B basis and one wine tasting supper

495 Euros per person based on two people sharing a room (plus taxe de sejour 1.60 euros per night)

What is included :

Collection to/from SAUMUR STATION*

Welcome drink on arrival

Presentation of detailed itinerary

2 nights B&B at La Grande Maison

1 Wine Tasting Supper (for 2 persons 1st evening)

1 Lunch at local Loire restaurant

Transport in roomy 6 or 9 seater vehicle

Qualified wine guide

A 1 day visit to 2 local Loire wine producers by foot

Tastings of local white, red, rose & sparkling wines

Route map & details of Domaines to be visited

What is included :

Possibility to meet the winemakers

Helpful descriptions & winery notes

Bottled water to take on the tour

Wine Tasting note book and pencil

Opportunity to buy wines at vineyard prices

Transportation of wines bought to LGM

Translations by guide

Lifts to & from a local restaurant on 2nd evening

Tea or coffee in gardens on return from your tour

Exclusive tour of the wine caves and tunnels at La Grande Maison

*Collection can also be arranged from Angers, Tours, Poitiers or airports please ask for prices