Picnic in the Vines – A Unique Loire Wine Experience

Picnic in the Vines – A Unique Loire Wine Experience

If you’re dreaming of sipping wine among rolling vineyards with a view worthy of a postcard, this tour from Chinon offers just that—plus a bit of history, a personal touch, and a delicious picnic. Promising a mix of guided winery exploration, tastings of exceptional Loire wines, and a romantic picnic lunch overlooking the vines, it’s the kind of experience that balances education with leisure.

One thing we love about this tour is how intimate and personal it feels. With guides like Darcy and Sebastian sharing their family’s winemaking story and guiding you through the cellars, it’s more than a typical tasting—it’s a genuine peek into a centuries-old family business. That said, the tour is designed for those with a moderate physical fitness level, as it involves walking through vineyards and cellar areas.

A possible consideration is the weather—since the picnic is outdoors, rain or shine, you’ll want to dress appropriately. But if you’re a lover of authentic, scenic wine experiences and quiet countryside charm, this tour hits the mark perfectly.

Ideal for wine enthusiasts, couples looking for a romantic outing, or anyone wanting a taste (literally) of Loire Valley’s winemaking heritage, this experience offers outstanding value at around $88.83 per person.

Key Points

• Authentic Family-Owned Winery: Owned since 1634, offering a real connection to Loire wine traditions.
• Educational Experience: Insightful guided tour about winemaking, terroir, and vineyard history.
• Quality Wines: Tasting of Loire specialties like Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, with a chance to choose your favorite.
• Scenic Picnic: An outdoor lunch with views over vineyards, including vegetarian options.
• Small Group Feel: Personalized attention with reviews highlighting the intimate atmosphere.
• Good Value: Combining tour, tasting, and picnic for under $90, making it a worthwhile splurge.

A Closer Look at the Loire Valley Picnic in the Vines Tour

This tour begins at Château du Petit Thouars, a charming estate just outside Chinon. The relaxed start point at 108 Château du Petit Thouars is easily accessible, and the experience typically lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, fitting comfortably into a day of exploring the Loire. You’ll drive or arrange your own transport, as the tour offers a mobile ticket system, making it flexible and straightforward.

The Guided Château Tour and Winery Visit

Once there, your host—possibly Sebastian or Darcy—will take you on a comprehensive guided tour of the family-run estate. Expect to walk through vineyards, peek behind the scenes of the wine cellar, and learn about the winemaking process. Reviewers like Elizabeth mention how Darcy’s explanations made the process clear and engaging, revealing the challenges and joys of running a family winery that’s been in the family since the 17th century.

The visit to the aging cellars is a highlight, as you’ll see French oak casks aging the wines, and you’ll get to sample some of their finest offerings, mainly Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Several reviews describe the tasting as thorough, with Sebastian answering questions and sharing stories behind each wine. One guest notes that the wines are delicious and that the tasting was both educational and enjoyable.

Wine Selection and Picnic

After sampling various wines, you’re invited to pick your favorite bottle to accompany your outdoor picnic lunch. The selection includes wines from the estate, and guests consistently mention how good the wines are for the price. Many reviews praise the quality of the wines and the friendly, passionate approach of the family owners.

Then comes the best part—the picnic itself. Surrounded by vineyards, an ancient dovecote, and the lush countryside, you’ll sit at a designated table to enjoy your meal. The food options include local specialties and a vegetarian menu, with reviewers like Gina describing it as “simply delightful” and noting how plentiful and delicious the food was. The picnic’s setting, with views over the historic estate and vineyards, elevates an already pleasant experience into a memorable moment.

The Other Highlights

• Views and Atmosphere: From the picnic spot, you’ll see sweeping vistas over the Loire vineyards, adding a romantic, tranquil feel.
• Appropriate for All Weather: The tour operates rain or shine, but be sure to dress accordingly.
• Small Group Size: With a maximum of 80 travelers, most reviews highlight the intimate and personalized nature of the experience, with some describing it as very personalized and informative.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Unlike some larger, more commercial tours, this experience emphasizes authenticity and personal connection. Reviewers mention guides like Sebastian and Darcy as being knowledgeable and friendly, making guests feel at home. The family history and the personal stories shared add depth to the wine tasting, transforming it from a simple activity into a culture.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Price: At $88.83 per person, including the tour, tastings, and picnic, this offers good value, especially considering the quality of wines and the intimate setting.
• Booking in Advance: On average, the experience is booked about 34 days ahead, indicating its popularity.
• Group Size: Max 80 travelers, but most reviews suggest it’s quite personal, especially when fewer guests are present.
• Duration: Around 2.5 hours, making it a manageable yet fulfilling outing.
• Accessibility: Moderate physical activity required—walking through vineyards and cellar areas.
• Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available. Be sure to specify any dietary restrictions when booking.
• Weather: Operates rain or shine. Pack accordingly.
• Contact: Château du Petit Thouars can be reached at +33979206721 or via email at [email protected] for specific questions or last-minute bookings.

Authenticity and Real-World Experiences

Numerous reviewers rave about the personalized nature of the experience. Elizabeth mentions how Darcy’s explanations made her “leave with such a good sense of what it is to run a family winery since the 16th century,” and Mary highlights how Sebastian gave a delightful tour, sharing tons of history and wine-making insights. Guests are often surprised by how passionate the owners are about their craft, which makes the tasting sessions feel genuine and engaging.

The scenic setting has also been praised repeatedly—guests love the views over the vineyards, the historic dovecote, and the lush parcel of land surrounding the estate. This isn’t just about drinking wine; it’s about experiencing the Loire countryside in a relaxed, authentic manner.

A Unique Experience

Many guests point out that this tour isn’t your typical wine tasting. It’s more personal, informative, and story-rich. For example, Kevin describes the sparkling rosé as “lovely,” and Gina highlights that the picnic lunch was “one of the highlights of her two-week trip in France.” The communal aspect of sharing food and wine in such a scenic environment makes for a memorable day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits wine lovers eager to learn about Loire wines in a relaxed setting, history enthusiasts interested in a family-run estate, and couples seeking a romantic escape. Its small-group feel and personal touch make it ideal for travelers who want a deeper connection to the place rather than a cookie-cutter tour. If you enjoy scenic outdoor lunches and genuine hospitality, this tour is a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Picnic in the Vines offers a well-rounded taste of Loire Valley life—combining delicious wines, beautiful scenery, and authentic stories from a family that’s been making wine for centuries. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon if you value quality, personalized experiences, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The tour’s value for money is hard to beat, especially for those seeking an intimate, educational, and downright enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or just someone looking to enjoy some of France’s finest scenery with a glass in hand, this tour promises a memorable, heartfelt taste of the Loire.

FAQ

Is transportation provided to Château du Petit Thouars?
No, travelers make their own way to the estate, but the meeting point is clearly specified in Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the tour, tasting, and picnic.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are included, but it’s best to specify dietary requirements when booking.

Can I choose my wine for the picnic?
Yes, after the tasting, you pick your favorite wine to accompany your picnic lunch.

What wines are typically sampled?
The winery specializes in Loire varieties like Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but the experience is best suited for adults with moderate physical fitness.

Does it rain often?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for outdoor dining in case of rain.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of a family-owned estate, a scenic picnic, and guided insights into winemaking makes it stand out.

How many people usually join?
Most reviews mention a small, intimate group, with a maximum of 80 travelers.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about a month ahead, as it tends to fill up quickly.

Whether you’re after a relaxed day in the vineyards, a deeper understanding of Loire wines, or a romantic picnic surrounded by history, this experience offers a genuine slice of what makes the Loire Valley so special.