Located 10 minutes from Chinon at our family-run château in the Loire Valley, enjoy a tour of our Cabernet Franc and Chenin blanc AOC CHINON vineyard, leading to a visit of the cellar, then a wine tasting in a historic tasting room. After which you will be escorted to your private picnic spot to enjoy a lovely lunch at a beautifully dressed table overlooking the vines with 1 bottle. In winter time, you will be seated in an vaulted indoor location with cozy candles and sheepskins to warm your chair. An unforgettable Loire Valley experience from an award-winning family-run winery.

Please note that the tour and tasting can be combined with other groups. However the picnic portion is always in a private location for you and your group alone.

Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience

I'm formerly of Devon in the United Kingdom but now live in Chinon. I've always cycled and loved my bike, and for the best part of my adult life, always loved wine... this is me! With my family, I now find ourselves living amongst vineyards, with wine producers creating something very special on our doorstep. Chinon wine is recognised as being very special across France, yet throughout the rest of the world it's lesser known and we're keen to spread the word about the local wine through vineyard tours! We spent years and years holidaying in France before moving here, never quite summoning up the courage to head in through the big barn doors of a wine producer, but now we've started we can't stop! This type of visit is so important to many independent producers, and we're now keen to share this experience with you. First and foremost our vineyard tours by bike are designed to be a fun experience, for you, family and friends to make the most of your time in the Chinon area.

Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley

Discover the unique history of the Château du Petit Thouars, a family-owned castle built in 1423 by the Dukes of Thouars. Owned by the Aubert du Petit Thouars family since 1636, the castle has been passed from father-to-son in a direct line, with a vineyard in existence on the property for hundreds of years. 

Visitors will visit Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc vines and learn about vineyard practices in the Chinon appellation. 

A leisurely stroll will take you to our troglodyte caves where our wines are vinified and aged on-site. You will be walked through French wine vinification practices. 

Returning to the château you will taste our range of wines, paired with delicious local specialties. 

Epicurean Discovery Tour with Wine & Local Specialties

The Château du Petit Thouars has been in the same family since 1636. 

Enjoy an interesting and informative vineyard and cellar tour followed by a view of the ground floor of the château and then a full wine tasting paired with artisanal local products, which takes place in the dining room of the château. 

Castle Epicurean Experience with Wine & Local Specialties

Embark on a side-rant experience!
You will enjoy strolling the cobbled streets of Chinon, crossing the most renowned estates of the Chinon appellation and visiting Crissay-sur-Manse, one of the most beautiful villages in France. You can also admire the magnificent castle of Azay-le-Rideau, the most confidential castle of Islette, or the castle of Ussé, the castle of Sleeping Beauty
The most beautiful walk in Touraine will offer you an explosion of colors to the rhythm of the seasons.
The sidecar is undoubtedly the most suitable and original way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes. Very comfortable and accessible to everyone, it will be suitable for families, friends, looking for adventure or gentle transport.


Private Half-Day Excursion Departing from Chinon

Embark on a side-rant experience to discover beautifully preserved heritage treasures, such as the Fortress of Chinon, the castles of Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, or even Azay-le-Rideau, which you will visit. 
The most beautiful walk in Touraine will take you to see Crissay-sur-Manse, one of the most beautiful villages in France, or even little-known buildings, such as the Prieuré Saint-Léonard and the Eiffel bridge at Ile-Bouchard.
The sidecar is undoubtedly the most suitable and original way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes. Very comfortable and accessible to everyone, it will be suitable for families, friends, looking for adventure or gentle transport.


Private Day Trip Departing from Chinon

Savor a delightful afternoon tea experience at the Château du Petit Thouars, a family estate built in 1423 and in the same family since 1636. Explore the picturesque grounds featuring an ancient dovecote and lush vines before indulging in an exquisite tea service in the beautifully adorned dining room, complete with stunning historic artwork. This exquisite gathering offers a taste of aristocratic life with high-quality tea from importers Georges Cannon or fresh-brewed coffee, accompanied by cucumber sandwiches and sweet treats such as local fruit tarts or macaroons (according to the season). An unforgettable moment awaits in this enchanting French château setting.

- Enjoy afternoon tea/coffee hosted by the Countess du Petit Thouars
- Explore the scenic château grounds with highlights like the ancient dovecote
- Indulge in high-quality tea, cucumber sandwiches, and seasonal sweets
- Experience a taste of aristocratic life in a historic dining room adorned with exquisite paintings