Loire Valley: Château du Petit Thouars Picnic & Wine Tour

Summary

Chinon vineyards, limestone cellars, and a private picnic table with Loire wines

You’ll wander Loire Valley vineyards near Chinon with a local guide, explore ancient limestone cellars, taste wines where they’re made, then settle into your own private picnic overlooking the vines with lunch and a bottle from the château itself. Expect warmth—from people and place—that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I felt oddly nervous walking up the gravel drive at Château du Petit Thouars — maybe because it’s still a family place, not just another “wine estate.” Our guide, Pauline, met us by the old stone archway. She had this gentle way of talking about the vines, like she actually knew each row. The ground was soft from last night’s rain and you could smell earth and green things everywhere. We wandered through Cabernet Franc and Chenin blanc vines (I tried to remember which was which — failed miserably) while Pauline explained how her family’s been here since 1634. I didn’t expect to care about grape clones but somehow I did.

The cellar is hidden in these cool limestone caves — centuries old, carved right into the hillside. It’s chilly down there even in June; I kept brushing my hand along the rough wall just to feel how cold it was. French oak barrels lined up in rows, everything smelling faintly of wet stone and wood shavings. Pauline poured us small tastes in their old stables-turned-tasting-room (the horses are long gone but you can still see where they’d have stood). The 2019 Chinon was sharp at first sip but mellowed out if you waited a second. We all laughed when my partner tried to pronounce “vielles vignes” — pretty sure we butchered it.

Lunch was what I’ll remember most. They led us out past an ancient dovecote to this table set up just for us, right on the edge of the vines with the château behind. Tablecloth fluttering in the breeze, wildflowers in a jar, one bottle of our favorite wine from earlier. It felt almost too perfect until a tractor rumbled past somewhere nearby — real life sneaking back in for a second. Food was simple but good: crusty bread, local cheese that smelled like actual cows (in a good way), something sweet I still can’t pronounce. We sat there longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave yet.

If you come here in winter they move everything inside under these vaulted ceilings with candles and sheepskins — Pauline said it’s even cozier then. But honestly I think any season would work; it’s more about how quiet it feels among those vines than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vineyard tour and private picnic

• Arrive at Château du Petit Thouars
• Walk through Cabernet Franc vineyard
• Explore Chenin blanc vineyard
• Visit cellar in limestone caves
• Wine tasting in historic tasting room
• Select bottle for picnic
• Enjoy private picnic overlooking vines

Top questions

How far is Château du Petit Thouars from Chinon?

It’s about 10 minutes by car from Chinon to Château du Petit Thouars.

Is lunch included on this Loire Valley wine tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your private picnic overlooking the vineyard.

Are wine tastings part of the experience?

Yes, you’ll taste several wines during your visit in their historic tasting room.

What happens if it rains or in winter?

The picnic moves indoors to a vaulted space with candles and sheepskins for comfort during bad weather or winter months.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available—just mention any needs when booking.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests arrive directly at Château du Petit Thouars.

Is this suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

Will our group have a private guide during the vineyard tour?

The vineyard tour and tasting may be shared with other groups but your picnic spot is always private for just your group.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Cabernet Franc and Chenin blanc vineyards near Chinon, an atmospheric cellar visit inside centuries-old limestone caves, an educational tasting session in their historic stables room, followed by a private picnic lunch set beside the vines with one bottle of château wine per group—plus bottled water and all taxes covered.