The Loire Valley, France: a fantastic 3 Day Itinerary
Though not as well known as Burgundy and Bordeaux, the Loire Valley produces some of the best wine in France and there’s something for everyone. From the sparkling Crémant that rivals neighboring Champagne, to the bone dry Sancerre made with Sauvignon blanc, to the red Cabernet franc of Chinon, the region abounds in high quality wine.
We like how unassuming many of the wineries are. When you stop for a tasting here, it is often the owner serving you and showing you the cellar. Many places don’t require a reservation and often the tastings are free, but we usually buy a bottle or two to show our appreciation. Plus these are very good wines and are quite affordable.
One of our favorite wineries to visit is Vincent Gaudry in Sancerre. Although it is a bit of a drive from Amboise, if you’re a fan of the stony minerality of these famous white wines, it is worth the drive. Vincent was one of the first biodynamic growers in this region and likes to offer tastings in his small cellar. His wines are a remarkable expression of the terroir and he is a gracious host. When we were there with our daughter, he asked her what year she was born and pulled a dusty bottle of 1992 to let us taste!
