In the Centre Val de Loire, the climate is more continental than in the other regions of the Loire Valley. The vineyards of this region cover nearly 5660 hectares and offer hilly landscapes and fairly steep slopes. It is a land of dry white wines made from the Sauvignon grape variety and light reds made from Pinot Noir. During your trip along the wine route of the Centre Val de Loire, you can discover the appellations Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, Reuilly, Quincy, Menetou-Salon… For more information about Loire Valley wineries, visit www.touraineloirevalley.co.uk.
Visit the wineries
Start your journey by visiting a first winery in Pougny. The wines of this family estate are of excellent value for money and will allow you to discover the Côteaux du Giennois appellation, which has the particularity of offering the same characteristics as the wines of the Sancerre appellation (mineral white, light red).
Then, 20 minutes by car, direction the pretty medieval city of Sancerre, perched at an altitude of 312 metres and offering a magnificent panoramic view of the Loire and its vineyards.
A few kilometres from Sancerre, Domaine La Gemière, located in Crézancy-en-Sancerre, will allow you to discover the wines of the famous Sancerre appellation in harmony with the crottin de Chavignol, a local goat cheese. You will also discover the history of the Millet family, who created this estate in the 1970s. Just 15 minutes away, another friendly moment awaits you at the Domaine de la Garenne where the owners will make you discover their wines and their terroir with passion.
Discover its historic city center
For lovers of art, pottery and ceramics, the village of La Borne, located 14 kilometres from the Garenne estate, is an essential stopover. Stroll through the flowered alleys, from workshop to workshop to meet the many craftsmen and potters living in the village.
Then, go towards Bourges, the capital of Berry. Classified as a city of art and history, you can discover its historic city center on foot.
About twenty minutes south of Bourges, you can head for the Lecomte estate to discover white wines in the Quincy appellation and red wines in the Châteaumeillant appellation. On the menu: wines with a very good price-quality ratio and a tasting commented by passionate owners.
Finally, less than 40 minutes by car, do not miss visiting the medieval village of Apremont-sur-Allier, classified among the most beautiful villages in France. You will discover its pretty flowered houses typically Berry, its castle and its magnificent floral park.