Loir Wine Tasting: Hotel de France

Take a sip of the lesser-known ‘Loir’ with Hotel de France

New two-night wine tasting package for just €130/£110 pp, two sharing 

Hotel de France, an ivy-clad Art Deco gem in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir – a town along the lesser-known Loir river, just to the north of the Loire Valley – is offering a fantastic value wine tasting package, where guests get the chance to explore the Loir’s charming vineyards and caves.

The meandering Loir’s climate, soil and grape varieties all favour fantastic wine production including Jasnières, Coteaux du Loir and Coteaux du Vendômois. There are numerous vineyards offering red, white and rosé wines, made from a range of grapes, including Chenin Blanc, Pineau d’Aunis and Cabernet Franc. The region has been producing wines since the late 1500s, in Henry IV’s reign.

One undiscovered winery well worth a visit is the Domaine de la Charrière, run by the Gigou family, who produce an excellent selection of red, white and sparking varieties.¹ The Domaine de la Roche Bleue, another vineyard 10 minutes’ drive from Hotel de France, offers tastings in its cellars located in hillside caves.²

The hotel’s two-night wine tasting package is just €130/£110 pp, two sharing, and includes:

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in a deluxe room (en suite)
• A bottle of chilled ‘La Bulle Sarthoise’ sparkling rosé from local producer, Domaine de la Charrière, courtesy of the Gigou family, waiting in the room on arrival
• Dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant, Le Relais de Ronsard³, with a bottle of wine from local producer, Domaine de la Roche Bleue

As well as offering the pleasures of wine tasting, the Loir is perfect for an active spring break, with lots of activities to choose from including cycling, canoeing, riding, woodland walks and, of course, visits to the stunning local châteaux and gardens, such as Chenonceau and Amboise. 

The wine tasting in the Loir package, priced at €130 pp (two sharing) is available from now until 30 April 2017.  For further information or to book, call +33 (0)2 43 44 40 16 or visit www.lhoteldefrance.fr (English spoken).