Epicurean Discovery Tour with Wine & Local Specialties
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into a moment that feels uniquely Loire Valley.
Just 10 minutes from Chinon, discover Château du Petit Thouars, a family-run estate where history, wine, and beauty meet.
Begin with a guided walk through our AOC Chinon vineyards (Cabernet Franc & Chenin Blanc), followed by a visit to our 15th-century troglodyte cellar, finishing with a wine tasting paired with delicious local specialties in the château courtyard.
Hosted by the Count and Countess, whose family have owned and cared for this estate since 1636. This is a unique experience, being welcomed by a friendly member of this historic family and sharing in their passion for the French way of life and wine!
Tours are conducted in English, French and Spanish.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Step into the story of Château du Petit Thouars, a historic family estate rooted in the heart of the Loire Valley, where generations have cultivated both vine and tradition. You will be guided by your hosts and owners, the Count and Countess du Petit Thouars, with a walk to the Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc vines where you will discover the nuances of the Chinon terroir and the rhythms of French viticulture throughout the seasons. Continue into our remarkable troglodyte cellar, carved into the limestone, where you will gain insight into our winemaking philosophy and the journey from grape to bottle. Your experience concludes in the château’s courtyard, where you will enjoy a selection of our wines thoughtfully paired with delicious local specialties. This is a unique experience being welcomed by a member of this historic family, sharing in their passion for the French way of life, food, and wine. Tours are given in English, French, and Spanish.
Sample Menu
main
Charcuterie Deli Meats
Toasts of artisanal charcuterie deli meats
main
Local Cheese
Toasts of local artisanal cheese
Options
Epicurean Discovery
What‘s Included
Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
33 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Visit and tasting at the castle
920marieh l nel,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were received by Sebastian, the owner. The explanations about the history of the castle are very interesting. The visit to the vineyards and the cellar allow a good understanding of the vinification process. The whole thing ends with a tasting with comments and comparison between everything we saw. I recommend the epicurean tour.
Wine Making at its Best.
Passenger33734,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did not know what to expect when we booked this wine tasting event and boy were we impressed! Sebastian, the owner of the Chateau and vineyard was so personable and very laidback. You could feel a sense of pride he had for his family chateau and the generations of wine making. The wine was unforgettable. I highly recommend this excursion.
Pleasant and Informative
PierreFoy,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a pleasant 90 minutes in the company of the Count. It was interesting to hear some history of the castle and his family. More interesting though was learning about the ecological cultivation of the vines. The highlight most definitely was enjoying the wines and a visit of the cellars.
Intellectual and Gustatory Stimulation Guaranteed
U6551CZryanh,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Family run estate with a laid-back environment and some great wines across the region. Sebastien (winemaker) took us on a tour across the estate, discussing its fascinating history, along with details surrounding the vineyards and winemaking process. The wines were well explained and contextualised within the terroir and vintage, and Sebastien was an excellent host. Our tour was roughly 2.5 hours, though this might not be standard, as we did take our time. Whilst card options for payment are accepted, the machine was having difficulties whilst we were around, so I'd recommend bringing cash as a backup.
Nice little Vineyard
Mobile85880,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely tour with a really passionate and engaged owner. Not flash but very down to earth. But run down but this added to the charm.
Nice surprise.
Sophie D,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very nice visit and service of our host. THE estate is very beautiful, as well as the castle that we unfortunately cannot discover. The outside walls of the castle are very beautiful with all the gargoyles and statues that decorate them The master of his place is passionate about his vineyards and his heritage. It is available to answer different questions. We enjoyed the discovery of the wines, which is superb. We also enjoyed the company of the cat of the estate during the visit To be redone and / or to be discovered.
Wonderful exposure to winery operation
kikipants3660,Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great behind the scenes view of the winery, just the two of us with Sebastian as Guide. After a walk around the vineyard and into the caves, enjoyed tasting 6 wines and some snacks, beautiful family property.
Well worth a visit.
180sallyb,Oct 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebastian is a very personable man who made us feel extremely welcome and his English was excellent. He was great at 'changing channels' between French and English. Also, his humour was brilliant. There was only a small group of us which made it enjoyable. The passion and history from Sebastian regarding his ancestry, the Château and his wine was superb. The tasting wines (of which there were 5) and accompanying foody bits were delicious. Special effort was made for my other half who is a coeliac. We ended up buying rather alot of wine, some glasses and other bits! Thank goodness for a car. Thoroughly recommend.
Well worth a visit.
Sally C,Oct 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Sebastian is a very personable man who made us feel extremely welcome and his English was excellent. The passion and history from Sebastian regarding his ancestry, the Château and his wine was superb. The tasting wines (of which there were 5) and accompanying foody bits were delicious. Thoroughly recommend.
A horror film
Niebla85,Jul 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked a tour with tasting in this cellar. The visit began with the explanation of the family history, then we went to the vineyard, then to the cellar and finally we carried out the tasting. The cost of the experience is 25 euros. The visit was a disaster across the board: the place is dilapidated, dirty and falling apart. The room where we entered because there was a bathroom is indecent. The vineyard is badly kept. The cellar is dirty and the cars are not up to standard. Also, the visit was super fast. Not even time to ask a question calmly. Even the super hasty tasting, and the daughter of the owners eating the guests' bruschetta. The structure, if kept properly, would have great potential. As a professional sommelier, I feel deeply offended.
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