What wineries/vineyards should I visit in the Loire Valley?
First, let me congratulate you on your choice! (My mom’s family is from the region, so I’m biased!) I have good news and bad news. The good news is French wine regions are not the Napa Valley, it will be hard finding an ultra-commercial place. Most wineries are small, family-owned businesses and are very informal. Wine tasting is free in 95% of places in France, only guided tours of the cellars will sometimes have admission charges (only a few euros). Only problem with that, and that’s the bad news, is that their are usually open in spring and summer only (until late October sometimes), but November is really off-season and most of them will either be closed or open on Saturdays only or by appointment only. So this will limit your choice. As far as recommending one in particular, the only ones I know are in Chinon, you can find them through the tourist office website, under the Discover tab. http://www.chinon.com/ So first and foremos
