We have returned just about all in one piece after a fantastic 4 day Tour du Vin in the Loire Valley.<\/p>\n
With 19 tourists (only 3 tour first timers!) we all arrived from different directions within 5 minutes of each other at our first tasting at Domaine de la Bergerie<\/a> in Champ sur Layon. We were treated to a fine lunch at their on-site restaurant – that set the tone for a huge amount of eating and drinking over the coming days.<\/p>\n Anne Guegniard, head wine maker showed us around the vineyard – then took us through a stunning collection of wines, namely some Anjou red and white, followed by the sweet wines of Coteaux de Layon.<\/p>\n Our first hotel of the trip was at the fabulous Hotel Anne D’Anjou<\/a> in Saumur where we also had a fine dinner at their Les Menestrels restaurant.<\/p>\n An early start on Day 2, that unfortunately clashed with Bastille Day, as we travelled to Sancerre to Henry Bourgeois<\/a> in Chavignol. We were hosted by Jean Michelle who was incredibly informative and amusing. We were then fortunate to try over 15 of their wines!<\/p>\n Our hotel for the remaining two nights of tour was at Ch\u00e2teau de la Bourdaisi\u00e8re<\/a> near Vouvray in Montlouis sur Loire. After racking up a 500 euro gin and tonic bill, we then went into a sparkling wine reception, followed by a meal at the Chateau. The touring group then took over the drawing room and it turned into a bit of a mega party!<\/p>\n Day 3 was the most action packed day, with 3 wine tastings, a lunch in Chinon, drinks reception, then out for dinner. A real test of stamina but a absolutely brilliant day. First up was a visit to Marc Plouzeau<\/a> in Chinon – I had visited him before and this was a very enjoyable visit hearing looking around his vineyard, chateau and then trying his super selection of wines.<\/p>\n After lunch (only 2 courses this time!) in Chinon, we head to our final two tastings just around the corner from our hotel in Vouvray. Marc Bredif was our first stop, where we had a very interesting tour around their caves, where they even had some sweet wines dating back to 1874!<\/p>\n After much indulgence in the Bredif wine shop, we head to our last tasting down the road at Chateau Gaudrelle<\/a>. Owner and head wine maker – Alexandre Monmousseau showed us around and was incredibly interesting and amusing as many of the touring party were enjoying his stories and his fine selection of sparkling and sweet wines.<\/p>\n Our last night on tour and we jumped into cabs and popped into Montlouis sur Loire for dinner at La Tourangelle<\/a>. The last supper on tour and suprisingly the most lively. Fines master Martin Athey held another amusing court session and raised enough funds over the 3 days to cover our hotel bar bills!<\/p>\n Thank you to a fantastic touring party that made the trip most enjoyable. It was an action packed trip – but enjoyed thoroughly by all.<\/p>\n Here’s to the next tour in 2 months time to Portugal where we will be visiting Dau, Douro Valley and Porto.<\/p>\n