Vineyards in La Loire

Made with vines grown on slate soils, this domaine produces some of the finest Anjou-Villages red and Coteaux de l'Aubance white wines in the region. They also produce some good rosés and Cremant and have repeatedly won medals for their wines.

Producing a third of the total Montloius AOC wines, these vineyards cover 350 hectares between Montlouis-sur-Loire, St Martin le Beau and Lussault-sur-Loire. It produces both still and sparkling wines in its caves through a cooperative of 25 winegrowers, with winemaking controlled by a Master Winemaker. The ancient limestone quarry cellars are a maze of tunnels containing over two million bottles of wine.

The wines produced by the Saumur-Champigny vineyards are regarded as some of the best in the Saumur region. Having a deep red colour and a cherry aroma, their reds are produced predominantly from the Cabernet Franc grape.

This wine estate is located in the hamlet of Moncé which stretches along the wooded hillside near Limeray. These caves are run by the Catroux family who've been producing wines for over a century.

The Louis de Grenelle house develops fine sparkling wines: Crémant de Loire, Saumur Rosé and Saumur Brut. Created in 1859, it remains the last independent and family-owned sparkling wine company. Using Chenin, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc grapes, their wines are nurtured in classic tuffeau (limestone) caves. Its 38 hectares of vineyards are located in the grounds of the Château de la Durandière. It offers an excellent comprehensive and interactive wine tour.

The vineyard of Domaine de Bablut is located around Brissac in the heart of the vineyards of the Loire Valley. Run by the Daviau family who've been growing in the valley since the 16th century, this domaine is fully organic. They produce some excellent wines.

Standing in the heart of the Loire, by the sleepy market town of Rochefort-sur-Loire, this family has been producing wine since the 17th century.

This vineyard has grown from being just one and a half hectares at the turn of the 20th century. It mainly produces the Coteaux d'Aubance wines from the noble rot of the grape, it also produces Anjou Villages.

Making white Vouvray appellation wines, this château has a good wine-tasting room where you can sample their Chenin Blanc. They recommend taking a tour around their wine museum first to discover how the wine-making process works.

Making natural wines over a small 15 hectare plot, brothers Jean-Maire and Thierry Puzelat produce some lovely Cheverny white and red appellation wines from their vines as well as Vouvrays, Touraines, Pouilly-Fumé and Montlouis from grapes they buy at harvest.

This small vineyard producing the Valençay AOC is run by Albane and Bertrand Minchin in the La Tour Saint Martin estate.

Three generations of women have been producing Closel-Château des Vaults wines at this vineyard. They have even held the presidency of the AOC Savennières.

Located in Villiers, this wine cooperative is a collection of 20 growers and dates back to 1929. The wines come from a wide range of grapes; Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Côt, Grolleau, Gamay, Chenin and Pineau d'Aunis. They produce Vin de Pays and appellation wines.

This medieval château, with a tower and a courtyard, was home to Roland Michel Barrin, Marquis of Galissonnière, in the 18th century. A Lieutenant General of the Naval Armed Forces, he distinguished himself in Fort Mahon in 1756 with victory against the English.

The Maison des Vins de Bourgueil, located in the town of Bourgueil, is located in a 15th century restored house. It offers a wine-tasting tour with a selection of locally produced wines of differing vintages. It also has over 80 different local wines for sale in its shop.

Created in 1928 by Victor and his son Gaston Huet, this domain has been run by Noel Pinguet, son of Gaston Huet, for the last 30 years. It now accounts for 35 hectares spread over three main properties: Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont and Le Clos du Bourg. Using biodynamic methods, it produces some good Vouvray wines. Tasting can be arranged by appointment.

Built in 1070, the Château de Fesles is one of the oldest estates in the region. It is sited on the summit of one of the four Coteaux du Layon hills possessing the right to use the appellation Bonnezeaux. This exclusive appellation is 100% Chenin Blanc, grown in pebbly ground covered with a blue or red clay. This château also produces Anjou wines though it is most well known for its Bonnezeaux.

The little known sweet white wines of the Coteaux d'Aubance are produced on the hills close to the Aubance river. The appellation wines cover a tiny area of land growing only Chenin Blanc grapes. Grapes are manually harvested using the goblet method. These wines age well.