One might say that in the Loire Valley, vines and nature have struck a delightful accord. Saumur, a distinguished Loire AOC, quietly thrives within the Parc naturel régional Loire-Anjou-Touraine. Established in 1996, this natural park offers a scenic backdrop for the tuffeau-stone cellars and gently undulating vineyards of Saumur.
Saumur is no newcomer to the wine world. Its sparkling wines, crafted in the méthode traditionnelle since the mid-19th century, were once rivals to Champagne itself. The region’s chalky soils and mild microclimate shape expressive whites, nuanced reds, and effervescent crémants, all under the watchful eye of the surrounding oak forests and limestone cliffs.
Wandering through this wine region feels like leafing through a living encyclopedia of French terroir and heritage. With abbeys, troglodyte dwellings, and vineyards coexisting in harmonious balance, Saumur offers more than a tasting—it’s an invitation to step into a landscape where natural park preservation and Loire AOC tradition sip from the same glass.