Vineyard Region: Loire Valley
Appellations:
Vouvray
Touraine
Cheverny
Chinon
Lodging: Private chateau in the vineyards between Blois and Amboise
Between the eastern and western ends of the Loire River, as it winds its way across the
center of France, are vineyards producing dry whites and dry reds, sweet wines and
sparkling wines. The central part of the valley, where this program is based, is known as
“The Garden of France,” dotted with magnificent castles, carpeted in vines, steeped in
elegance.
Your lodging is at the Chateau Le Portail, a private residence furnished with antiques
where guests are personal friends of the owner and have full use of the home and grounds,
including outdoor swimming pool.
Regal Wines & Chateaux
The Wine of Kings, the Luxury of Chateau Life in the Loire
Itinerary
Day One
- Arrival by car or train. (Car rentals are available at the TGV station in Tours.)
We provide you with a detailed map to the private chateau.
- Meet your hosts and settle in.
- Dinner at Auberge de Launey.
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Day Two
- Traditional home-made breakfast.
- Your escort will be Jeremy or Julie Kolbe, an English couple who live nearby.
- Visits to the east today. Travel via Amboise to the elegant Château Chenonceau.
- Visit and wine tasting in the Touraine, followed by a picnic lunch on the banks of
the River Cher. (If the weather is unsuitable, lunch at a typical bistro in Montrichard.)
- Pass via Tours to visit the Chateau of Azay le Rideau.
- Visit and tasting in Vouvray.
- Dinner on your own tonight; many excellent restaurants in the vicinity.
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Day Three
- Traditional home-made breakfast.
- Visits to the west. The International Garden Festival at Chaumont sur Loire, if
possible. Or visit a producer of excellent organic wines.
- In Cheverny, visit the Chateau, then taste some AOC Cheverny wines along with locally
produced goat cheese.
- Carriage ride through the chateau grounds.
- Dinner with the Kolbe family at their home in Onzain.
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Day Four
- Final home-cooked breakfast at the chateau.
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Departure.
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Please inquire.
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2008 Tour Dates
Available year-round on request for a minimum of two people.
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Included in the program:
- Three nights double accommodation in a private chateau
- Three breakfasts at the chateau
- One picnic, one restaurant lunch
- Three farmhouse dinners (appetizer, main course, regional wine, water, coffee)
- An English-speaking host on days two and three
- Tasting & entrance fees for activities described in the itinerary
OPTIONS: This program is also available with a full-time, English-speaking driver-guide. Services
begin with pickup at the train station in Tours on the afternoon of Day One and end with return
transfer on the morning of Day Four.
We would be happy to assist you with a low-cost rental.
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Wine Holidays 
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