Chinon Wine Tasting: Vineyard Walk & Cellar Tour

Meet the owners who've tended these vines since 1636, then taste what they make

This 90-minute activity at Château du Petit Thouars, 10 minutes from Chinon, pairs a guided walk through AOC Chinon vineyards with a descent into a 15th-century limestone cellar and a wine tasting in the château courtyard. The Count and Countess, the family owners since 1636, host the experience and lead the vineyard walk themselves. Tours are offered in English, French, and Spanish.

The experience

What sets this apart is who's doing the guiding. The Count and Countess don't hand you off to staff. They walk you through their own Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc vines, explaining how the Chinon terroir shapes what grows here and how the seasons change the work. It's the kind of detail only someone who's lived on the land for generations notices, and it's woven into every stop.

From the vineyards, you move into the troglodyte cellar, carved directly into the limestone centuries ago. The stone walls hold the temperature steady year-round, and the space itself tells you why this method worked before modern climate control existed. You'll see how the estate moves wine from grape to bottle, and the logic behind their choices becomes clear as you stand in the actual place where it happens.

The tasting happens in the château courtyard, where your hosts pair their wines with toasts of artisanal charcuterie and local cheese. The pairing is simple: no elaborate menu, just the things that belong together in this region. A live guide in your chosen language (English, French, or Spanish) stays with the group throughout.

What’s included

• Guided walk through the Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc vineyards.
• access to the 15th-century troglodyte cellar.
• wine tasting of two Chinon wines.
• toasts of artisanal charcuterie and local cheese.
• live guide in English, French, or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Under 17: can't be booked

GroupUp to 88

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Château du Petit Thouars - Loire Valley Wines

Is this one for you?The 90-minute length leaves your morning or afternoon free for exploring Chinon itself, so this works as a single stop in a larger day rather than a full commitment. If you want to taste wine directly from the owners rather than through a commercial tasting room, this is the experience that makes that possible.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Château du Petit Thouars from Chinon town?

The estate sits 10 minutes from Chinon, so you can reach it easily from the town center and still have most of your day free.

Do the Count and Countess actually lead the tour, or is it a staff guide?

The Count and Countess host and guide the experience themselves, walking you through the vineyards and sharing their family's history with the estate since 1636.

What wines will I taste?

You'll taste the estate's Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, both AOC Chinon, paired with local charcuterie and cheese in the courtyard.

What's the troglodyte cellar like?

The cellar is carved into limestone and dates to the 15th century. You'll descend into it during the tour to see how the estate stores and ages its wine in the cool stone chambers.