Passionate winemaker, Jean-Max Manceau offers several escapades in the vineyard of Chinon at the Domaine, on foot or by “gabare” boat on the Vienne to discover the wines of the Loire Valley and the gastronomy of Touraine

Winemaker from father to son, Jean-Max Manceau has been working on the Domaine de Noiré since 2001, in the heart of the Chinon AOC. Committed to the Vignobles & Découvertes approach, his 18-hectare estate is managed using organic and biodynamic methods. The wines, made from the Cabernet Franc grape variety, are highly expressive with aromas of red and black fruits. "I have a passion for the vine and its history. I like to talk about my job, to praise my vineyard. That's why my wife and I offer a real wine tourism service", says the winemaker, whose estate has been awarded the label "Cave touristique d'Excellence" for the quality of its welcome.

Tasting visit with meal in a troglodytic cellar, hike, and boat on the Vienne River.

The discovery of the vineyards, the landscapes and the historical city of Chinon can be done through a visit-tasting at the domain with a meal in a troglodytic cellar, in a boat on the Vienne River or during a hike. The meal is prepared by Christophe Duguin, restaurateur in Chinon, while the boatman Julien Ayrault ensures the trips in the boat on the Vienne. Also, on the program are walking tours to the impressive royal fortress of Chinon and aperitif-concerts that take place on three Friday evenings during the summer at the estate to combine wine and music. "The vineyard always has a history, a traceability. Wine tourists want to understand all these aspects and not taste a wine identical to that of the neighbors," says Jean-Max Manceau. The experience ends in the cellar with a tasting of the best vintages, with evocative names: Soif de Tendresse, Elégance or Caractère. The signature of a grand cru winemaker!

In the Loire Valley, chateaux and vineyards go together. Visit the famous vineyards and their wine cellars to taste the Loire Valley wines and stay at the Château to spend a royal night!

Located South of Nantes, discover the Château de la Cassemichère and one of its 3 b & b bedrooms. No doubt you will enjoy your stay in this renowned property famous  for being the craddle of Muscadet. Of course, wine-tasting is an absolute must! Then make a stop at the Coteaux-du-Layon for a tasting of the famous wines of Anjou. Stay at the Chateau Soucherie in a charming guest room decorated with style with antique pieces of furniture carefully selected. Visit the wine cellar of this exceptional vineyard made from the famous white Tuffeau stone and taste the wines of the Loire in the wine cellar or on the terrace.

In the heart of the Vouvray wine area, discover the Clos de l’Epinay, an old 18th century farmhourse and its two spacious guest rooms at the vineyard. Tasting of white wines. Walks in the vineyard. The winery is renowned for its excellent welcome.

Then head for the wines of Touraine, between Chenonceaux and Amboise, where you will taste reds, rosés and whites at the Chateau de Fontenay, before spending the night in one of the delightful guest rooms at the vineyard, surrounded by 12 hectares of vines.

At Chateau La Coste, the vines, art and architecture express themselves freely. The vineyard’s wines are tasted among works of art and fields of olive trees.

In the vast Chateau La Coste vineyard, in the heart of the Provençal wine region, visit the wine cellars created by Jean Nouvel and introduce yourself to the methods of organic winemaking. After a wine tasting, take a walk in the fields of olive trees and rows of grape vines, where you’ll find the works and installations of guest artists and architects. Round off your visit at the art centre created by Tadao Ando, where you can savour recipes made from local in-season produce.

A gourmet stay featuring the prestigious Armagnac. A festival of the senses as you experience the famous ‘brandy of the Gods’.   

The Cassaigne Chateau, the first stage of your tour, is no less than the ancient summer residence of the bishops of the city of Condom. This noble estate is today a renowned 35-hectare vineyard where tastings will reveal the secrets of Armagnac brandy and the sweet fortified wine known as Floc de Gascogne. Discover the other jewels of this district’s rich heritage: the Cistercian Abbey of Flaran, classified as a major historic site in Occitania, as well as the episcopal city of Condom. A relaxing thermal bath and spa at Castéra-Verduzan will complete your stay in luxury. 

Every summer, the diVINes organize a cultural and artistic programme centred on the wines of Alsace. This association of women winemakers is reinventing wine tourism to share the history, heritage and culture of wine.

Why create an association of women winemakers in Alsace?

A few dynamic and committed women winemakers came together in 2011 to promote Alsace wines in a new way. The association has 60 members, as of 2015, and organizes wine tastings, training events, nights out to see concerts, charitable work, and trade shows, etc.

What is the idea behind the concept ‘diVINes & You’?

The wine cellars are open to the public thanks to women, who welcome and share their knowledge with visitors. In the same spirit, the wine cellars here are staging theatre, music and art events. Three members of our women winemakers’ association, the diVINes, are at each location to share their passion for wine and new discoveries. For the spectators, from here or elsewhere, it’s a great new way to discover the wines of Alsace. 

What does wine tourism mean to you?

It is the only way to preserve and bring to life the culture, heritage and history of wine. There are many  methods you can use to do this, but they must recognize, or not forget, the importance of the vineyards and wines in our shared culture. 

What do you offer at your vineyard?

What we offer is based around ecotourism. We explain our decision to use organic wine-growing methods through walks, fine food and wine matching, wine tastings in the dark, and workshops like ‘Biodynamic agriculture for dummies’. We always work in connection with our local partners.

Looking out over the vineyards, the hillside villages of the Luberon shape the Provençal landscape. Sublime colours and an exceptional light ... An unmissable visit during your stay in the Rhône Valley.

Ansouis, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Gordes. These names are emblematic of the Luberon region and are among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’. Discover a well-preserved history and enjoy the exceptional light which baths the vineyards of the Luberon wine region. Wander along the cobble-stoned lanes, cool off by the fountain and taste a glass of chilled rosé on the terrace under the Provençal sun. A rejuvenating plunge into the lifestyle of Provence in this corner of paradise in the Rhône Valley.