The medieval town of Chinon produces some of France’s most distinctive red wines, and its vineyard tours offer excellent value. Local wineries welcome visitors with three standout options: château picnics, bike tours, and cellar tastings. The most worthwhile experiences combine wine sampling with regional food pairings in historic settings dating back centuries.
I’m especially fond of the cycling tours – they connect multiple family-owned vineyards while providing gorgeous views of the Loire Valley countryside. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the château picnics offer an intimate way to taste wines where they’re made, surrounded by historic architecture.
Let’s explore the top wine tours worth your time and money in Chinon:
Good To Know
The Picnic in the Vines tour at Château du Petit Thouars offers a personalized 3-hour experience with guided winery exploration, picnic lunch, and wine tasting.
The Chinon Wine Tour by Bike is a full-day cycling adventure through picturesque vineyards, with visits to independent winemakers and local vintage sampling.
The Castle Epicurean Experience at Château du Petit Thouars provides a 2-hour tasting journey through the vineyards and cellars, with high-quality wines paired with French delicacies.
The Epicurean Discovery Tour offers a small-group experience exploring troglodyte caves and sampling local specialties paired with château wines.
The Loire Valley Vineyards and Wine Tour covers the major appellations of Bourgueil, Chinon, and Saumur, with approximately ten different Loire Valley wine varietals and a traditional local lunch.
Picnic in the Vines – A Unique Loire Wine Experience
Though nestled among the verdant vineyards of the Loire Valley, Picnic in the Vines offers a truly unique wine experience in Chinon. This 3-hour tour and tasting at the family-owned Château du Petit Thouars combines a guided exploration of the winery and vineyards with a picnic lunch overlooking the estate’s stunning landscape.
Guests can expect an informative tour that delves into the winemaking process and the regional terroir, followed by a sampling of the château’s renowned Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc.
The highlight, however, is the picnic, where travelers can savor a bottle of their favorite wine alongside a delectable lunch. Vegetarian options are available, catering to diverse dietary needs.
With a remarkable 96% recommendation rate from 156 reviews, Picnic in the Vines earns high praise for its personalized experience, knowledgeable hosts, and breathtaking setting.
This enchanting wine tour offers a truly memorable way to take in the charm of the Loire Valley.
Read our full review: Picnic in the Vines – A Unique Loire Wine Experience Review
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Chinon Wine Tour by Bike With Picnic Lunch
One of the most captivating wine tours in Chinon is the Chinon Wine Tour by Bike With Picnic Lunch. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, this full-day tour takes visitors on a cycling adventure through the region’s picturesque vineyards.
The tour includes visits to independent winemakers, where guests can sample the local vintages and learn about the winemaking process. A locally sourced picnic lunch is included, providing a chance to savor the flavors of the region.
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions, it’s suitable for those with a moderate level of physical fitness aged 16 and over.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and an overall rating of 5.0 out of 14 reviews, this tour offers an exceptional way to explore the Chinon wine region by bike.
Read our full review: Chinon Wine Tour by Bike With Picnic Lunch Review
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Castle Epicurean Experience With Wine & Local Specialties
What better place to indulge in a captivating epicurean experience than at the historic Château du Petit Thouars in Chinon, France?
This family-owned castle offers a 2-hour journey through the estate’s vineyards, cellars, and elegant dining room. Guests will enjoy a full tasting of the château’s high-quality wine vintages paired with a selection of delicious French deli meats and artisanal cheeses.
The menu includes rillettes, terrine, and one or two French artisanal cheeses. Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and a private tour for your group are all included.
The experience starts at 4:00 PM, with private transportation provided. While not wheelchair accessible, the château is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
With a perfect 5.0 rating and free cancellation available, this castle epicurean experience is priced at $104.26 per person, offering an unbeatable value for an unforgettable journey through Chinon’s culinary and vinous delights.
Read our full review: Castle Epicurean Experience With Wine & Local Specialties Review
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Epicurean Discovery Tour With Wine & Local Specialties
Travelers seeking an immersive epicurean experience in Chinon can embark on the Epicurean Discovery Tour at Château du Petit Thouars. This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 10 guests, promises an ideal outing for food lovers and those with limited time.
The tour includes sampling local specialties paired with wines from the château, providing an opportunity to learn about the property’s history and explore its troglodyte caves. Guests will have the chance to taste five wines, including Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, while receiving personalized attention from the guide.
The tour departs from and returns to the château’s meeting point, where visitors can enter through the black front gates and park beside the château. While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Priced from £40.73 per person, the Epicurean Discovery Tour offers a unique and immersive culinary experience in the heart of Chinon.
Read our full review: Epicurean Discovery Tour With Wine & Local Specialties Review
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Loire Valley Vineyards and Wine Tour With Picnic Lunch – Chinon
This Loire Valley Vineyards and Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch in Chinon promises an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts.
Led by knowledgeable hosts Keith and Linda, the tour features visits to vineyards in Bourgueil, Chinon, and Saumur, where guests can meet winemakers and learn about wine production in the region.
Participants can sample approximately ten different Loire Valley wine varietals and enjoy a traditional picnic lunch featuring local specialties.
The private tour ensures personalized attention, and guests have the option to arrange wine shipping home, overcoming language barriers.
With 100% traveler recommendation based on 33 reviews, this tour offers a highly rated experience that consistently highlights the quality of wine, vineyard visits, and overall enjoyment.
Priced at $215.23 per person, the tour includes pickup from various locations, free cancellation, and confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Read our full review: Loire Valley Vineyards and Wine Tour With Picnic Lunch – Chinon Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Duration of the Wine Tours?
The average duration of the wine tours is typically 2-3 hours. Most tours provide visitors with an in-depth exploration of the winemaking process, vineyard visits, and tastings of the region’s renowned vintages.
Do the Tours Accommodate Special Dietary Requirements?
The tours accommodate special dietary requirements, with most offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Guests can notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their needs are met during the experience.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
Many wine tour providers allow customers to customize their experiences to individual preferences. Guests can often request specialized activities, transportation, and accommodations to suit their needs and interests during the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Wine Tours?
The wine tours generally don’t have strict age restrictions, but most operators recommend participants be at least 18 years old to fully enjoy the tasting experience. Some tours may allow younger visitors with parental supervision.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Wine Tours?
The cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if the tour is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. However, last-minute cancellations may incur a fee or result in the loss of the tour booking.
The Sum Up
Chinon offers a range of immersive wine tours that provide visitors with a delightful taste of the Loire Valley’s renowned vineyards. From picnicking amidst the vines to exploring historic castles and sampling local delicacies, these experiences offer a well-rounded epicurean journey. Whether cycling through the countryside or embarking on a guided discovery tour, travelers can savor the region’s renowned wines and rich cultural heritage.