Winegrowers’ picnics: experience Touraine differently

Picnic with the Independent Winegrowers A highly convivial event

Choose your picnic spot from among the twenty or so wineries taking part. The winegrowers will be delighted to welcome you to their vineyards for a fun day out. 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 to accompany the picnic you’ve brought along, or that you can order when you book.

To ensure that these picnics are organised in the best possible way, booking is compulsory!

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The Independent Winegrower's Picnic
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© gaellebc photographe

WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT WINEGROWER?

From the vine to the 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 traditional approach to winemaking as opposed to industrialisation and standardisation.

Which areas are participating at the Independent Winegrowers' picnic?

Domaine de la Marinière, Saturday at Panzoult. At 10am, the walk through theAOC Chinon vineyards begins for those who wish to do so (bring good shoes and weather-appropriate clothing). At 12 noon, a free aperitif, followed by a picnic (barbecue available – bring your own!) in the shade of the hundred-year-old oaks, accompanied by wines from the estate. Children are welcome: just remember to bring your own boules and balls!

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

Domaine Paris, Sunday and Monday in Chançay. Programme: 9.30am, welcome and coffee/tea. 10.15am, departure for a walk through the vineyards: soak up the many terroirs of theVouvray AOC with Guillaume, who will explain the work in the vineyards and in particular the use of plant cover in the vines. Return to the estate at around 12:30 for a complimentary aperitif, followed by a picnic. Guided tour of the estate’s old troglodyte cellars. Sparkling wine workshop at 4.30pm! INFO AND BOOKINGS

Domaine du Changeon, Saturday and Sunday at Benais from 11am to 6pm. The estate will be delighted to show you around its vines, cellar and 800 m² troglodyte cellar, and itsAOC Bourgueil wines, accompanied by a selection of appetisers to help you discover the perfect food/wine pairing.

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). INFO

Domaine de l’Ouche Gaillard, Saturday to Monday, 27 rue des Troglos, Montlouis sur Loire. Visit the vineyards and cellars in small groups, followed by a tasting of organic wines. Barbecue available. 15€/person.

Clos des Quarterons, Saturday at Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. Before the tasting, visit the unusual “graffitied cellar” to discover all the stages from “vine to glass” over the seasons, and biodynamic viticulture, and/or play a sensory game in the aroma garden. 12/person for one activity, €20/person for two activities. 3€ for children.

Participating areas at the Vignerons Indépendants picnic

But also...

Domaine des Rouet, Sunday and Monday at Cravant-les-Coteaux. The Rouet family welcomes you from 11am for an introduction to organic and biodynamic viticulture, and an introduction to geobiology. Tasting of new and oldAOC Chinon vintages. Grill available at the vineyard.

Chai Pierre & Bertrand Couly, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Chinon. 10am: guided tour of one of the vineyard plots, then a visit to the cellar, followed by a commented tasting of the estate’s wines and a picnic. From 2.30pm: pétanque pitch, tour of the winery, self-guided educational trail, wine bar. 5€/person. INFO & 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 tasks involved and the use of anti-gel and bio-control methods. Introduction to wine tasting, and picnic accompanied by wines from the estate. Discovery of the troglodytic cave at 3pm. INFO

Domaine Caslot-Bourdin, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at La Chapelle-sur-Loire. Saturday: producers’ meal for 80 people, booking required. Sunday and Monday: barbecues available for your grills, pétanque, tasting of the estate’s wines(Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil). Farmers’ market.

Domaine Dozon- Eric Santier, Saturday in Ligré. Tour of the vineyard and cellar, tasting of AOC Chinon wines, “Create your own label” and “How to taste wine” workshops. From 10am to 4pm.

Domaine des Mailloches, Saturday and Sunday in Restigné. The open house returns to the Domaine des Mailloches, with the Bourgueil & Entrecôte combination! Get ready for a weekend of 100% pleasure and indulgence, with the presence of local artisans (honey, ice creams, lentils, cheeses, asparagus…).

Château Gaudrelle, Saturday and Sunday at Rochecorbon. Presentation of our work in organic and biodynamic agriculture, guided tour of our cellars dug into the tufa rock. Meet other winemakers from different vineyards and enjoy a wine bar.