Winegrowers’ picnics: experience Touraine differently

Picnic with the Independent Winegrowers A highly convivial event

Choose your picnic spot in the vineyards from among the twenty or so wineries taking part in the operation. In a very convivial atmosphere, the winegrowers will be delighted to welcome you for a pleasant moment of sharing. Discover their vineyards and winery, and take part in workshops and events (free or paying, depending on the venue). And of course, taste their wines, which will accompany the picnic you bring along, or which you can order when you book.

To organise these picnics properly and welcome you in the best conditions, reservation is compulsory!!

©The Independent Winegrower's Picnic|© gaellebc photographe

WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT VINE GROWER?

From vineyard to cellar to marketing, the Independent Winegrower manages all stages of the winegrowing business : grape production, vinification and sales, particularly direct sales, thus generating tourist activity. A charter sets out the values upheld by the Vignerons Indépendants confederation, starting with respect for the terroir and the environment, and the artisanal approach to winemaking as opposed to industrialisation and standardisation.

Which areas are participating at the Independent Winegrowers' picnic?

Domaine de la Marinière, Saturday in Panzoult. At 10am, start of the walk through the AOC chinon vineyards for those who wish (bring good shoes and weather-appropriate clothing). At 12pm, a complimentary aperitif with fine rosé bubbles, followed by a picnic in the shade of the hundred-year-old oak trees, accompanied by wines from the estate.

Domaine du Fondis, Saturday and Sunday at Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. As part of the estate’s open house, enjoy tastings, wooden games, an escape game (booking required)… and don’t forget the picnic!

Domaine Ménard, Sunday in Bourgueil. Departure from the winery at around 9:30am for a horse-drawn ride through the vineyards lasting around 1.5 hours to discover the history and cultivation methods of the vines. Return to the winery for a tasting and picnic.

Domaine Paris, Sunday at Chançay. The programme: 9.30am, welcome to participants. 10:15am, departure for a walk in the vineyard: soak up the many terroirs of the AOC vouvray with Guillaume, who will explain the work in the vineyard and in particular the use of plant cover in the vines. Return to the estate around 12:30 for a complimentary aperitif, followed by a picnic lunch. Guided tour of the estate’s old troglodyte cellars.

Domaine du Changeon, Sunday at Benais from 11am to 4pm. Discover the AOC bourgueil vines, the cellar, the wines and the 800 m² troglodyte cellar. Cooking facilities (barbecue or plancha) available.

Château de l’Aulée, Sunday in Azay-le-Rideau. At 11am, tour of the cellars “How are bubbles made?”. At 11:45am, a sparkling aperitif under the chestnut trees. At 12:30pm, it’s time to eat! (barbecue available). INFOS

Participating areas at the Vignerons Indépendants picnic

Domaine des Rouet, Sunday and Monday in Cravant-les-Coteaux. The Rouet family welcomes you from 11am for an introduction to organic and biodynamic farming, and permaculture. Tasting of new and old vintages of AOC chinon. Grilling available at the vine stocks.

Chai Pierre & Bertrand Couly, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Chinon. 10am: guided walk through the vines, followed by a tour of the cellar at 11:30am. 12.30pm: aperitif and guided tasting of the estate’s wines, followed by a picnic (lunch can be booked in advance). From 2.30pm: pétanque tournament, treasure hunt, introduction to wine-tasting, sensory workshop and discovery of the educational trail on your own. 30€ for the full day (+ 22€ if all-comfort option, with packed lunch prepared by the winemaker). INFOS & BOOKING

Domaine de la Chopinière du Roy, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. At 11am, guided tour of the vineyards, with explanations of the various operations and the use of anti-gel and bio-control methods. Tour of the cellar and wine-making facilities, followed by a picnic! INFOS

Domaine de l’Ouche Gaillard, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Montlouis-sur-Loire. From 10am, organic wine tasting in small groups after a tour of the vineyards and cellars, in good spirits and inspired by the love of good natural wine! Safe place for children, colouring, games and barbecues available.

Domaine Caslot-Bourdin, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at La Chapelle-sur-Loire. Saturday, producers’ meal by reservation (80 people maximum). Sunday and Monday, from 11am to 6.30pm, barbecues available for grills, pétanque, tasting of the estate’s wines. Farmers’ market and concerts on Sunday and Monday. INFOS