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In our Magazine

Vitiloire

Each spring in Tours, as if stirred by the ghost of Rabelais himself, Vitiloire blooms like a sensuous ode to the landscapes and flavors of the Loire Valley. Since its first edition in 2003, this open-air celebration has elegantly bridged the gap between age-old viticultural traditions and the city’s vibrant, contemporary energy. Here, beneath the gentle plane trees of the Boulevard Heurteloup, hundreds of winemakers unfurl their terroirs like storybooks—pages scented with flint, chalk, and wildflower. Loire clichés—Chinon’s brooding reds or Vouvray’s honeyed whites—are gently nudged aside by unexpected tastings: a sprightly Romorantin from Cour-Cheverny, or a dry Montlouis that lingers like a whispered memory. True to its region’s mosaic identity, Vitiloire showcases over 80 appellations, crafted from noble cépages like Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon, each reflecting soil and soul through time-honored techniques such as sur lie aging or slow bâtonnage. The magic strikes best in late May, when the light turns golden and the air carries whispers of limestone and lilacs—perfect for losing track of time between sips. Continue your journey through the Loire’s hidden delicacies and timeless terroirs in our related features.