Picnic in the Vines - A Unique Loire Wine Experience

4.8 (207 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

207 reviews

4.8

The picnic table ready for your lunch! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Sébastien, Count du Petit Thouars, in front of his 600 year old family castle. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Step into a moment that feels uniquely special.

10 minutes from Chinon, discover Château du Petit Thouars, a family-run estate where history, wine, and beauty meet.

Begin with a guided walk through our vineyard (Cabernet Franc & Chenin Blanc), followed by a visit to our 15th-century troglodyte cellar and a wine tasting with explanations in the château courtyard.

Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for…

Your private picnic: the table beautifully set and prepared just for you - an invitation to slow down and savour. Enjoy a generous, carefully prepared lunch with fresh salads, deli meats, cheeses, and a local Chinon dessert (dietary requirements and allergies happily accommodated with a small supplement), paired with a bottle of our wine.

In cooler months, settle into a candlelit vaulted indoor space with sheepskins and blankets.

Hosted by the Count and Countess, whose family have owned and cared for the estate since 1636.

Tour/tasting may be shared; the picnic is always private.

Wine Tastings Private and Luxury Walking Tours Wine Tours Spring Break Best Conversion Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 80 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English, French, Spanish
Operated by: Château du Petit Thouars - Loire Valley Wines

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–6 years) · Youth (7–15 years) · Adults (16–80 years) · Seniors (81–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges
Included: Wine tasting
Included: Lunch
Included: Alcoholic beverages: 1 bottle of wine for your lunch

Itinerary

Chateau du Petit Thouars

2 hours

Located just 10 minutes from Chinon, arrive at Château du Petit Thouars, a family-run estate passed down in a direct line since 1636.

Begin with a walk through our AOC Chinon vineyards, where Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc thrive. Continue to our impressive troglodyte cellar, carved into centuries-old limestone, where the wines age in French oak barrels.

The experience then moves to the château courtyard, for a guided tasting of our wines with clear and engaging explanations.

Afterwards, enjoy your carefully prepared picnic in a private setting, with a beautifully dressed table. The food has been sourced from excellent local suppliers, with a preference for organic products including the olive oil and cheese.

Your hosts are the friendly Count and Countess du Petit Thouars, owners of the estate, who conduct tours in English, French and Spanish.

This is truly memorable Loire Valley experience.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Enter through the black front gates of the château, drive up the long lane, park directly beside the château. Walk into the inner courtyard to find our office.

End point

Enter through the black front gates of the château, drive up the long lane, park directly beside the château. Walk into the inner courtyard to find our office.