The Epicurean Discovery Tour at Château du Petit Thouars promises a delightful experience for food and wine enthusiasts. Guests can explore the château’s rich history, learn about its sustainable viticulture practices, and discover the unique winemaking techniques used in the nearby troglodyte caves. With tastings of exquisite Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines paired with local specialties, this small-group tour offers an intimate setting to engage with knowledgeable staff and savor the artisanal flavors of the region. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply appreciate quality culinary experiences, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
This experience made our list of the 7 Best Wine Tours In Chinon.
Good To Know
- Explore the historic Château du Petit Thouars in Chinon, France, and sample its acclaimed Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines paired with local specialties.
- Discover the château’s sustainable and organic viticulture practices, and learn about its 300-year-old family history during a brief small-group tour.
- Venture into the château’s troglodyte caves to learn about unique winemaking techniques, including manual grape sorting and temperature-controlled fermentation.
- Enjoy a memorable and informative wine tasting experience, with knowledgeable staff providing insights into the local culinary traditions and winemaking process.
- The tour is ideal for food lovers with limited time, offering a comprehensive epicurean discovery experience with flexible booking options.
Tour Overview
The "Wine & Local Specialties Tour" offers an epicurean discovery experience at Château du Petit Thouars in Chinon, France.
This brief small-group exploration is ideal for food lovers and those with limited time, lasting approximately an hour and a half.
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 24 reviews, the tour includes tastings of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines as well as local specialties.
Guests will learn about the château’s history and French vineyard practices while exploring historic troglodyte caves and winemaking techniques.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, though not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chinon.
Experience Highlights
During the Wine & Local Specialties Tour, guests can sample local specialties paired with wines from Château du Petit Thouars.
The tour includes tastings of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines, allowing visitors to learn about the château’s history and French vineyard practices.
Participants will also explore the historic troglodyte caves and discover winemaking techniques.
This brief small-group exploration is ideal for food lovers and those with limited time, providing an informative and memorable wine tasting experience.
Tour Logistics
The meeting point for the Wine & Local Specialties Tour is 108 Château du Petit Thouars, 37500 Saint-Germain-sur-Vienne, France.
The tour returns to the same location. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.
This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions due to the moderate physical fitness level required.
The tour lasts for a brief small-group exploration, making it ideal for food lovers and those with limited time.
Booking Information
Moving on to the booking information, the Wine & Local Specialties Tour is priced from $53.21. Travelers have the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Plus, a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.
| Booking Details | |
|---|---|
| Price | From $53.21 |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before |
| Payment Options | Reserve Now and Pay Later |
| Experience Duration | Brief small-group exploration |
Traveler Feedback
Reviewers have highlighted the personal touch and family history shared during the tour.
Visitors appreciated learning interesting stories about the château and vineyard. Many described the wine tasting experience as memorable and informative, praising the guides’ knowledge.
While some felt the amount of food and wine provided didn’t quite justify the price, the tour’s overall quality and included services were generally well-received.
One reviewer did express disappointment, though most agreed the experience was worthwhile.
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 24 total reviews, the Epicurean Discovery Tour seems to provide a compelling introduction to the château and its wines.
Local Specialties Tasting
The tour’s local specialties tasting allows guests to sample the finest regional delicacies paired expertly with the château’s acclaimed wines. Visitors delight in savoring the complex flavors of Chinon’s artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked breads. Each item is thoughtfully matched with a complementary wine, enhancing the tasting experience.
| Local Specialty | Wine Pairing |
|---|---|
| Aged Goat Cheese | Chenin Blanc |
| Smoked Sausage | Cabernet Franc |
| Walnut Bread | Rosé |
The intimate setting encourages guests to engage with the knowledgeable staff, who share insights into the local culinary traditions and winemaking practices that have defined the region for generations.
Château’s History and Practices
What’s the history behind the Château du Petit Thouars? The château has a rich history dating back centuries.
As part of the tour, visitors learn about the château’s history and French vineyard practices. Some key highlights include:
- Château has been in the same family for over 300 years
- Focuses on sustainable and organic viticulture techniques
- Known for its Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines
- Troglodyte caves on the property provide a unique winemaking environment
The tour provides an opportunity to dive deeper into the château’s legacy and winemaking process, offering a memorable and informative experience for guests.
Winemaking Techniques Exploration
As part of the tour, visitors have the opportunity to explore the unique winemaking techniques employed at Château du Petit Thouars. The tour guides take guests through the historic troglodyte caves, where they can witness the traditional methods used to ferment and age the château’s acclaimed Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines. Visitors learn about the intricate process of manual grape sorting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and the importance of oak barrel aging. The experience allows guests to gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into producing the château’s exceptional wines.
| Winemaking Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Grape Sorting | Manual selection of only the highest quality grapes |
| Fermentation | Temperature-controlled process to preserve flavor profiles |
| Oak Barrel Aging | Enhances complexity and depth of the wines |
| Blending | Masterful combination of grape varieties |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
According to the tour overview, the experience is not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions. The tour’s accessibility information does not indicate if children are allowed.
Can I Bring My Own Wine to the Tasting?
Based on the tour details, bringing your own wine to the tasting is not allowed. The tour includes tastings of the Château’s Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines, so you’ll sample the wines provided as part of the experience.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally permitted during the tour, though guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience. Visitors are advised to check with the tour guide upon arrival for any specific guidelines or restrictions.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended for this tour. The tour page notes a "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option is available, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Can the Guide Accommodate Special Dietary Requirements?
The guide can likely accommodate special dietary requirements, but it’s best to notify them in advance. They may be able to make adjustments or provide alternative options to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
The Sum Up
The Epicurean Discovery Tour at Château du Petit Thouars offers a delightful and immersive experience for food and wine enthusiasts. Guests can explore the château’s rich history, sustainable viticulture practices, and the historic troglodyte caves that enhance the winemaking process. With a small-group format and knowledgeable staff, this tour provides an intimate setting to learn about artisanal flavors and indulge in a memorable culinary adventure.