Saumur Loire Valley Wine & Sparkling Tours
Discover the effervescent charm and rich viticulture of Saumur with guided tours through its renowned vineyards and cellars.
The Loire Valley is synonymous with exquisite wines, and within this celebrated region, Saumur stands out as a beacon of effervescent excellence. Home to some of the most prestigious sparkling wines in France, particularly those made with the traditional method, Saumur offers a captivating destination for any wine enthusiast. Loire Valley Wine & Sparkling Tours in Saumur provide an immersive experience, taking visitors beyond the tasting glass to explore the history, the terroir, and the intricate winemaking processes that define these celebrated beverages. These guided excursions are expertly crafted to showcase the unique chalk cellars, known as 'troglodytes,' that are carved into the soft tufa stone hillsides surrounding the town. These natural cellars offer the perfect, stable temperature and humidity for aging wines and champagnes, and touring them is an integral part of the Saumur wine experience. Visitors can expect to learn about the grape varietals, such as Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, that form the backbone of Saumur's wines, and understand the distinct characteristics of the region's appellations, including Saumur-Champigny and Saumur Brut.
Featured Loire Valley Wine & Sparkling Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for loire valley wine & sparkling tours in Saumur
Let us take you to some of the best vineyards in the area - Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil - and discover the amazing wines - whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling. Walk the vineyards, tour the caves, and taste wines (10+ wines) with the winemakers. Full-day tours include 3 wineries and a homemade picnic lunch served at a vineyard. The lunch or snacks can be added to a half-day tour (for an additional fee) to make a truly French experience. You'll have the opportunity to buy wines at each vineyard and we can arrange shipping services for the wine to be delivered to your home! NOTE: Pickup originating from a 10km radius of Chinon. If it's a one-person, private tour, there is a 60 euro surcharge. For pickup locations in Saumur, an additional fee will be added.
One of the best ways to see the Loire Valley is on a bike, so will be taking you on a slow cycle ride beside the mighty Loire River, our tour will give you an insight to life and times of this area. Stopping along the way discover a pilgrim church that pre-dates Lourdes and one of the few places that Champagne is made outside of the protected area. There is also a chance to vist a troglodyte village on our way back from our tastings. You will get to learn the significance of Saumur as a city and its place in history. The places we will degust the wine are the pinnacle of this region and stepped in history. Without giving too much away the Chateau we visit has been in the same family since 1655. You will get the opportunity to buy the wine from both places. In between the tastings we will stop for a well earned picnic French style. We have been around the area for 20 years so while meandering along on our bikes we can give you an insight to the rest of the region.
Why Choose Loire Valley Wine & Sparkling Tours in Saumur?
Taste World-Class Sparkling Wines
Saumur is renowned for its high-quality méthode traditionelle sparkling wines, offering a delightful alternative to Champagne.
Explore Unique Troglo-Cellars
Venture into fascinating underground chalk cellars carved into the landscape, offering a glimpse into historical wine aging techniques.
Learn from Local Experts
Gain insights into the terroir, grape varietals like Chenin Blanc, and the intricacies of winemaking from passionate guides and vintners.
Discover Saumur's Rich History
Connect the wine heritage with the broader historical context of Saumur, a town steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition.
Sample Diverse Loire Wines
Beyond sparkling, experience excellent still wines from the Loire Valley, including crisp whites and elegant reds from local appellations.
Scenic Vineyard Landscapes
Enjoy picturesque views of the rolling vineyards that blanket the Saumur countryside, a truly idyllic setting.
Types of Loire Valley Wine & Sparkling Tours in Saumur
Classic Saumur Cellar & Tasting Tours
These tours typically focus on visiting one or two well-established Saumur producers, delving into their history and winemaking philosophy. You'll explore their cool, subterranean cellars and conclude with a guided tasting of their flagship sparkling and still wines.
Vineyard Walks & Wine Discovery
Combining the allure of the vineyard with the cellar experience, these tours offer a deeper understanding of the grape's journey from vine to bottle. You'll often start with a walk through the vines, learning about viticulture, before descending into the cellars for tastings and explanations.
Private & Bespoke Wine Experiences
For a more personalized journey, private tours offer flexibility and exclusive access. You can often customize the itinerary to focus on specific interests, such as organic winemaking or a particular vintage, with dedicated attention from your guide.
Half-Day & Full-Day Wine Immersion
These comprehensive tours offer an extended exploration of the Saumur wine region. They might include visits to multiple estates, a vineyard lunch, and a broader overview of the Loire Valley's diverse wine offerings, extending beyond just sparkling wines.
What to Expect on Loire Valley Wine & Sparkling Tours in Saumur
Duration
Most tours last between 3 to 4 hours, allowing for in-depth exploration without being overly demanding. Some full-day options can extend up to 7-8 hours.
Weather
Tours are conducted year-round. Cellars offer a constant cool temperature, but vineyard walks are weather-dependent. Dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Group Size
Tour group sizes can vary from intimate private experiences with just a few people to larger group tours of 10-20 individuals, depending on the operator and tour type.
What's Included
Typically, tours include guided explanations, cellar visits, and wine tastings. Some may include transport from a central meeting point or light snacks. Always check the specific tour details.
Meeting Point
Meeting points are usually in the heart of Saumur town, at designated tourist offices, or at the first winery on the itinerary. Specific instructions will be provided upon booking.
Costs
Prices generally range from $35 for shorter tasting sessions to $150 or more for full-day or private experiences, depending on inclusions and duration.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book your Saumur wine tours in advance, especially during peak season (spring and summer), to secure your preferred dates and times.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking, often on uneven surfaces within the cellars.
Dress in layers. The temperature inside the chalk cellars is consistently cool (around 12-15°C or 54-59°F) year-round, so it can feel chilly even on a warm day.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. The winemakers and guides are passionate and eager to share their knowledge about the region and their wines.
Consider the transport. If you're planning on enjoying multiple tastings, arranging for a taxi, using a designated driver, or booking a tour with transport included is essential.
Pace yourself. It's tempting to try everything, but tasting responsibly will allow you to enjoy the experience more fully.
Look for tours that highlight the 'méthode traditionnelle,' as this is Saumur's signature sparkling wine production technique.
Remember that Saumur is also known for excellent still wines, particularly from appellations like Saumur-Champigny. Be open to tasting these as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the difference between Saumur and Champagne?
A: Both are made using the 'méthode traditionnelle,' but Champagne is a strictly regulated appellation from a specific region in France. Saumur wines are from the Loire Valley and, while often of exceptional quality, don't carry the 'Champagne' name. Saumur often uses Chenin Blanc as a primary grape, giving it a distinct character.
Q:Can I visit the wine cellars without a tour?
A: Some larger producers in Saumur do allow independent visits to their cellars and offer tastings. However, guided tours provide a much richer experience, with explanations of the history, winemaking process, and context for the tasting.
Q:What are the best months to visit for wine tours?
A: The Loire Valley is beautiful year-round. Spring (April-May) offers blooming vineyards, summer (June-August) is warm and vibrant, and autumn (September-October) brings harvest colors. Even winter has its charm, with cozy cellar visits.
Q:Do I need to be a wine expert to enjoy these tours?
A: Absolutely not! These tours are designed for everyone, from seasoned connoisseurs to those new to wine. Guides are skilled at explaining concepts in an accessible and enjoyable way, making it a great learning experience.
Q:What is a 'troglodyte' cellar?
A: A troglodyte cellar is a cellar dug into the natural chalk or tufa stone that is prevalent in the Saumur region. These caves provide a naturally cool and stable environment ideal for aging wines and are a unique feature of the local landscape.
Q:How far is Saumur from Paris?
A: Saumur is accessible by train from Paris, typically taking around 2.5 to 3 hours with a change in Tours or Angers. This makes day trips or weekend getaways from the capital quite feasible.
Q:What are the main grape varietals used in Saumur wines?
A: For sparkling wines, Chenin Blanc is the star, often blended with Chardonnay and sometimes Pinot Noir. For still red wines, Cabernet Franc is the dominant grape, producing wines like Saumur-Champigny.
Q:Can I buy wine directly from the producers visited on the tour?
A: Yes, most wineries welcome direct sales. It's a great opportunity to purchase your favorite bottles directly from the source, often at competitive prices.
Why Visit Saumur?
Discover Saumur's stunning château and the Loire River for an unforgettable French escape.
Experience the charm of Saumur, nestled amidst world-class vineyards and historic architecture.
Explore Saumur's troglodyte caves for a unique underground adventure unlike any other.
Immerse yourself in Saumur's rich history, from medieval knights to prestigious equestrian schools.
Savor the local 'Pétillant' sparkling wine directly from the cellars in Saumur.
Saumur offers a taste of authentic Loire Valley life, blending history, wine, and scenery.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Check local weather forecasts for the best time to visit.
Best Months
Spring and fall offer the best weather for most destinations.
Peak Season
Summer months are typically the peak season with higher prices and crowds.
Off Season
Winter months offer lower prices and fewer crowds, though weather may be less ideal.
Related Travel Guides for Saumur
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Saumur Château & Royal Residences Tours: Loire Valley Majesty
Discover the regal grandeur of Saumur and its surrounding royal residences through expertly guided tours on TopTours.ai.
Saumur Cycling & Riverside Tours: Loire Valley Adventure
Discover the enchanting Loire Valley on two wheels, exploring vineyards, châteaux, and the gentle flow of the Loire River.
Saumur Equestrian & Cadre Noir Tours: Ride with History
Discover Saumur's rich equestrian heritage and witness the legendary Cadre Noir's artistry on tours and unique experiences.
Saumur Historic Town & Architecture Walks
Uncover Saumur's rich past and stunning architectural heritage on expertly guided walking tours through its charming streets.
Saumur Troglodyte Cave & Underground Tours
Explore the fascinating troglodyte caves and underground world of Saumur, France, uncovering centuries of history and unique local traditions.
Plan Your Saumur Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Saumur is quite manageable. The town center is easily explored on foot, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere. For longer distances or exploring the surrounding vineyards, consider renting a bicycle; this is a popular and scenic way to discover the Loire Valley. Local buses connect different parts of Saumur and nearby villages, though schedules can be less frequent. Taxis are available but can be pricier. If you're arriving by train, the station is within walking distance of the main attractions, making Saumur accessible without a car.
Car Rental Deals in Saumur
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Saumur adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Saumur
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.