Arriving from Paris, the city of Blois, located about 200 km southwest of the capital, is the first stop on the Loire Valley wine route. Blois has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000, as an integral part of the Loire Valley. The Château de Blois, situated in the heart of the city, is a must-visit before diving into the vineyard.

This royal castle, which hosted no fewer than seven kings and ten queens of France, offers a unique panorama of French architecture and history from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. The closest appellations are Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny, located about 15 km south of Blois. The AOC Cheverny, established in 1993, spans 574 hectares and produces white, red, and rosé wines. The AOC Cour-Cheverny, more confidential with its 60 hectares, is unique as it is made exclusively from the Romorantin grape, introduced to the region by François I in the 16th century.

These appellations produce lovely white wines, available in both dry and sweet varieties, in the heart of the Sologne wine region. Nearby, indulge in a tasting of the superb wines from Touraine-Oisly. This complementary geographic designation of the AOC Touraine, recognized in 2011, specializes in the production of dry white wines made from Sauvignon. The production area covers 27 municipalities over approximately 250 hectares.

Further west, as you descend the Loire, you can discover and taste the beautiful wines of Touraine-Mesland and visit the magnificent Chaumont-sur-Loire estate at the same time. The AOC Touraine-Mesland, recognized in 1955, produces red, white, and rosé wines over an area of about 100 hectares. The Chaumont-sur-Loire estate, aside from its 15th-century castle, is famous for its International Garden Festival, which attracts over 400,000 visitors each year between April and November.

A cellar tour near Blois? There aren’t many winemakers right by the city, but you can head toward Chaumont-sur-Loire and the Touraine-Mesland vineyard. A stop at the Domaine du Vivier, for example, would be lovely. Alternatively, for a more “oenological” experience, you can taste wines from the Touraine Oisly appellation at Domaine Octavie or Domaine Pré Baron. Both of these winemakers offer superb white wines (and more!). Cheers!