The Loire Valley Wine Route, on Foot!

In early September, I took a trip to the Loire Valley to taste wine while hiking through the vineyards. It’s a really fun event held every year; the 2015 edition of Vignes Vins Rando drew more than 10,000 hiking wine lovers. Here’s a look back at my adventure!

The Vignes Vins Rando Concept

Vignes Vins Rando is an opportunity to meet producers and winegrowers who are dedicated to helping visitors discover their region. Classic itineraries, family-friendly routes, on foot, on horseback, by bike… Everything you need to explore the Loire Valley in every possible way, and its various appellations (Anjou-Villages, Coteaux d’Ancenis, Savennières, Bonnezeaux, Vouvray, Saumur-Champigny, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine…)

New for 2015 for sparkling wine lovers: the Saumur-Fines Bulle route (which filled up just a few days after registration opened…).

A stroll along the Loire

Heading to Beaumont-en-Véron to explore Chinon! Armed with my wine-tasting kit and guided by a local winemaker, I set out to discover one of the Loire Valley ’s flagship appellations, set against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

First stop: a truffle farm, where I’m offered a pairing of truffle butter on toast and red Chinon.

That’s when I met the Galle brothers from Domaine de la Boulaie, who proudly introduced me to their own “truffles”: two adorable Labradors who are by their side every day.

We continue our walk toward Manoir la Courtinière, a historic monument dating from the late 15th century, where a group of winemakers is waiting for us. The owners, Laurence and Christian Millerand, invite us to tour their home and taste their wine: the Chinon Rouge “Cuvée Tradition.”

After sampling the must-try rillons, we continue our walk along the Vienne River to meet the freshwater fishermen.

They share their expertise with us as we enjoy a fish puff pastry paired with "Chinon Blanc" and rosé.

At the Renaissance-era Château de Coulaine, a historical tour of the barrel cellar is being held. The tasting featured a red Chinon paired with goat cheese.

Our hike ends in the village of VVR, where we continue the day in a festive and lively atmosphere for the “winemakers’ meal.” And it’s quite a party!

Why trust us?

Since 2014, Les Grappes has been dedicated to meeting passionate winemakers across France to unearth authentic, vibrant wines with rich histories. By collaborating directly with over 500 vintners, we meticulously select cuvées that we genuinely appreciate and are eager to share with you.

This blog serves as an extension of that journey. Here, we share our discoveries, expert advice, favorite selections, optimal food and wine pairings, tasting recommendations, and everything that inspires us daily in the world of wine.

The objective is straightforward: to assist you in selecting bottles that align with your preferences and to enhance your enjoyment in tasting them.