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Best Wineries in Sancerre, Wine Tours & Tastings 2024

View of the Sancerre wine region with wineries and vineyards

Visiting the Sancerre Wine Region in France’s Loire Valley – Wine Tasting Travel Guide

Who goes to the Sancerre appellation in the Loire? Those of you who appreciate the road less traveled, with back road exploration and adventure along the way will be rewarded. Regardless of your interests beyond wine travel, you’ll have easy access to the longest river in France and all the wineries that line it. This is bucket list wine travel at any age.

In this Guide

Sancerre Travel Tips

Sancerre Guided Wine Tour Options

Loire Valley Overview

Suggested Sancerre Itinerary

Best Wineries in Sancerre to Visit

Top Restaurants in the Sancerre Wine Region

Lunch and sancerre wine bars, best hotels in and near sancerre, more top things to do near sancerre.

More Loire Valley Wineries & Castles to Visit

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Travel Tips and Getting Around

Connecting through Paris is standard, with flights from the U.S. on Delta, Air France and many other carriers. Get yourself there and the adventure begins. France’s TGV ( Train `a Grande Vitesse ) or TGV inOui (updated with WiFi) trains are a great way to get to the city of Tours in Loire Valley, about two hours one way, directly from the Charles de Gaulle Airport train station. Other departures from different Paris stations such as Gare de Lyon directly into Tracy-Sancerre, about 10km from Sancerre, may also be available. Then hop a Taxi for a short trip into the village.

Renting or sharing a vehicle may be the best option depending on your itinerary. You can check current rental car rates here on Kayak . Driving is the best option once you’ve arrived in Sancerre. You’ll need to carry an International Driving Permit (available at AAA) in case you are stopped by authorities.

The best months to travel in France are generally between April to October, although off season is uncrowded and the locals will be much more accessible.

If you’d prefer to have a wine tour operator based in Sancerre plan your visit and guide you around, Grapes and Corks offers personalized and full-day experiences throughout the region. The Sauvignon Blanc Wine Tour of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé is a particularly popular small group tour and includes travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, visits to at least four wineries and a gourmet lunch.

If you’d prefer a private tour of Sancerre and would like to mix up your experience that goes beyond wine, consider this t his luxury tour, also offered by Grapes and Corks , which includes a comprehensive itinerary allowing for visits to two renowned wineries, a goat cheese farm, and (on select days) a visit to a traditional street market in the town of Sancerre. You’ll also stop in Charité-sur-Loire and get to explore the 12th-century Benedictine priory. Prices vary depending on group size but generally you can expect to spend around $200 per-person for a full day experience, which we believe is well-worth it.

aerial view of the landscapes you can expect to see near Sancerre

Barge Cruises are another option to consider if you prefer idling along the Loire River. European Waterways offers a unique experience aboard the Hotel Barge Renaissance , which takes you through through the vineyards of the Sancerre and Upper Loire wine region in ultimate luxury along the Canal de Briare.

There’s no obligation to book a guided tour, but these are great starting points to consider if using a tour operator makes sense for you. Many of our readers prefer a more luxury experience, and to leave the logistics and transport to local experts, especially if drinking throughout the day.

Background on the Loire Valley and the River that Runs Through It

The Loire River is considered the dividing line between north and south France. The Loire Valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is fondly referred to as “The Garden of France” for good reason. French kings and aristocratic wealth helped develop fortresses, summer hunting lodges and story book castles all along the central valley as early as the 11th and 12th to the 16th and 17th centuries. Of course, they brought their numerous nobles and mercenaries in support, as well as household help and resources including kitchen staff, chefs and larder, as well as taste testers (poison was a thing), somms (they drank the good stuff) and their wine cellars.

Approaching golden hour in the Sancerre wine region across the vineyards

RELATED: 10 Key Facts About the Loire Valley You Should Know

For wine interested visitors, this is a must know and go area in France, with 2,000 years of winegrowing history. The Romans planted in approximately the 4th century, initially in Sancerre and the Anjou region in the Touraine. There are roughly 69 AOC (Controlled Appellations of Origin) with 7,000 producers. This rivals the total size of California wine, for instance. “La Route de Vignobles” is an 800km (500 Mile) connection between Nantes to the west and Sancerre to the east, that highlights the region’s unique “terroir” of weather, distinct soil types, aspects and vineyards. The most familiar white wines are produced in Sancerre’, Vouvray, Chinon, and Muscadet. Red wines are most well-known from the Touraine regions of Anjou-Saumur, and Bourgueil and Chinon.

This article will focus on the Sancerre Wine Region , within the broader territory called Centre-Loire . Sancerre is best known for its S auvignon Blanc white wine . Follow the ROUTE de SANCERRE!

I generally don’t follow suggested itineraries, but I liked how this portion of our trip played out. You may too. These Sancerre tasting room recommendations are best for those who enjoy discovery and love those smaller production “Grower-Producer” multi-generation family wineries. If you’ve yet to visit the Loire and Sancerre, the Sancerre wineries presented in this article are solid and accessible choices.

Spend some time in Tours or Amboise to get oriented when you first arrive, before heading down the Loire River. We stayed in a hotel in Amboise for two nights which was perfect. After that, we headed east to Chavignol in Sancerre (about 2-hour drive) for three days and two nights of wine touring. Otherwise, we mostly used AirBnB for the duration of our visit to other wine regions in Loire Valley. The U.S. and U.K. are big export markets for Sancerre, so you may find wines you discovered here at home.

Use the Vins du Centre-Loire website for a broad overview of the larger region, and as a starting point for your wine country travel plans. You can also follow them on social media at Facebook , Instagram and YouTube . For more detailed information on the Sancerre AOP within the Centre-Loire, reference the Sancerre section of the Centre-Loire website.

You can also get more specific information direct from the Sancerre Wineries Appellation website , including winery listings, events (Foire aux Vins, Trail de Sancerre), restaurants and the like. You can track upcoming events and news by following them on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube .

Sancerre Appellation (AOP) Wine & History

Sancerre, with its pleasant continental climate, is located in the Upper (Centre-Loire) Loire Valley, where the Loire River turns west from Burgundy, just on the other side of the river. Sancerre was one of the first wine regions designated as an AOP in 1936 (Protected Appellation of Origin). There are 14 communes, three hamlets, and about 300 winegrowing families within the 55 square-mile wine region, with over 3,000 acres of vineyards, primarily comprised of chalky limestone, clay and flinty soils. Vines have been planted at least since the 8th century, but the Augustine monks got seriously interested in cultivating vineyards in the 12th century. It was all about the wine, actually!

The left bank village of Sancerre has a lofty hilltop position overlooking its vineyards and surrounding villages. It was formerly a perched and fortified town during the religious wars of the 16th century, and some of the walls are still intact. Sancerre has had recognition and momentum in international markets for many years. Some attribute this to its easy to pronounce name (compared to many other French wine regions), but the quality and consistency of Sancerre wines is indisputable.

Go Wine Tasting in Sancerre

Most Sancerre winegrowers are multi-generation families that grow and produce wine, mostly white wine. They have survived and thrived by collaborating and promoting their region. Freshness, minerality, salinity and finesse are the hallmarks of the wines made in Sancerre, with Sauvignon Blanc being the largest production and most acclaimed. Pinot Noir (including rosé) makes up about 20% of total production.

Drink the Terroir of Sancerre. You’ve heard the French say ‘wine is made in the vineyard?’ These classic white wines are said to transmit their terroir, and the limestone soils that predominate give an affect similar to what you’d expect in Chardonnay from the Chablis region.

The best way to experience all of this is on the ground in Sancerre. You’ll find some designated vineyard or single parcel (block) wines in the region, but it’s less common. Seek out side-by-side tastings of the Sauvignon Blanc grape from the different soil types – limestone, flint (silex), and chalky clay – each showing their signature ethereal expressions of flavor concentration, texture and intensity.

Photo of Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese

Chavignol Wine & Cheese

Chavignol is one of three hamlets just west and within the Sancerre commune. Four generations of the Bourgeois family have made it their home base, and helped create intense interest in their village. Chavignol takes pride in a Chavignol first, Sancerre second attitude. Join in the jocularity by spending time in the Sancerre town square at the amiable La Taverne du Connétable where you’ll hear more about this from the locals.

Enjoy cheese turds? That’s right Wisconsin, we’re talking turds not curds. The famous cheese of Chavignol is Crottin de Chavignol , which translates to turds of Chavignol. Be sure to have crusty bread in the good Sancerre Blanc on hand when you dig in.

In discussing Sancerre and Sauvignon Blanc wines, it’s important to know that across the river is the village of Pouilly Fumé. It’s the right bank sister AOP of Sancerre. Wines from its flinty soils express savory aromas and even smokiness, i.e. (Fumé). It’s a smaller wine producing area than Sancerre, but keep an eye on this region, as there is much room for growth.

Best Wineries in Sancerre and Tasting Rooms to Visit

Maison des sancerre.

3 Rue du Méridien, 18300 Sancerre, France

+33 2 48 54 11 35

Maison des Sancerre is the definitive place to start your Sancerre wine tour. Become completely oriented in 60-90 minutes in the former 15th century castle now museum, aromatic garden, tasting room, and boutique. It’s all about terroir here, so don’t miss the audio-visual geology display to understand the three different soil types in the region, and the winegrowing history museum. If you and the kids are up for a joyride, try the 4D Cinema (before lunch).

Tours and tastings €5-10. 16 wines are on offer each two months from different producers, and show the three major soil types of the 14 different villages. More than 30% of these wines are organically and biodynamically grown and produced. Also, see the website for special events in spring and summer months. To filter, search and select wineries to visit.

Domaine Henri Bourgeois

18300 Sancerre, France

+33 2 48 78 53 20

Alexandre Vacante, Domaine Henri Bourgeois cave

Established in Chavignol in 1935, Henri Bourgeois’ grew up in Sancerre and his family has been making wine here for 10 generations. Domaine Henri Bourgeois is one of the most celebrated wineries in Sancerre, and their consumer retail offerings are quite impressive. According to marketing director Alexandre Vacante, “the Famille Bourgeois is focused on making pure terroir wines,” and they do so from the 72 hectares of vineyards in both Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

Almost all bottlings are terroir blends from vineyards of the same soil types. If you want to learn terroir, this is a great place to do so. The family is so passionate about Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and soils, that it purchased property and built the Clos Henri winery in Marlborough, New Zeala nd .

Note: I visited the sister winery Clos Henri Wine ry earlier this year. They do similar comparative soil series wine tastings at their tasting room on the South Island of New Zealand .

ALSO READ: South Island New Zealand: Itinerary for Winetravelers

If you’re interested in learning about the region, its history and its soils, the tour is worth taking. You’ll visit one of the vineyards, touch and taste the soils, and check out the underground barrel caves, and working winery facility.

The tasting room opens Monday to Saturday from 10-6p.m., and Sunday 10-12p.m. and 2-6 p.m. There is no charge for tastings. For the complete ‘bourgeois’ experience, I suggest you make an appointment for the €20 vineyard, cave and winery tour, which includes wine tastings with goat cheese pairings.

Domaine Roland Tissier et Fils

Le Petit Morice, 18300 Sancerre, France

+33 2 48 54 02 93

Domain Tissier is a wine estate on the opposite end of the spectrum, producing just 70,000 bottles annually (6000 cases). The Tissier family has been around for three generations, originally started by two of the grandfathers. Brothers Florent and Rolland run all operation today, and are fun to meet and taste with. These are low alcohol wines and great for food pairing prices are very approachable.

Tastings are at no charge. Appointments are not required, but are suggested as the brothers maintain a busy schedule. Campers are encouraged with advance appointment, as are large family groups.

Domaine Laporte

Cave de la Cresle – Rte de Sury-en-Vaux, Saint-Satur, France

+33 2 48 78 54 20

Domain Laporte is one of the oldest wineries in the Sancerre Valley, established in 1850. It has been under management by Famille Bourgeois since 1986 when founder and elder statesman Rene’ Laporte decided to retire. Alexandre Lassoury is in charge of direct sales and the new tasting room which opened in 2023. He speaks excellent English, and is very knowledgeable. The wines are 100% organic and all soil types are presented in the tasting room. These are great price-value wines to collect.

Tasting room opens daily 10-1pm, and 2-6pm. No charge, no appointments. You’ll taste 5-7 wines.

Domaine Hubert Brochard

+33 2 48 78 20 10

Domaine Hubert Brochard is a 90-hectare estate that was recently purchased by The Bollinger Group, the famous champagne house. The house is expanding their operations and activities and expects to offer more intimate consumer experiences at the tasting room located in downtown Chavignol. To that end, the talented Eleonore Marty, a native of Carcassonne in the south of France, was recruited to head up wine tourism. Expect to see unique sensory and tasting experiences in the future.

Eleonore has already introduced three different tasting options for visitors. There is the compulsory no charge tasting; a five wine with cheese pairing experience for eight euros; and finally, the option to add a winery tour to all the above for €15 per person.

Domaine Denizot

20 Rte de Sancerre, 18300 Verdigny, France

+33 6 82 15 70 37

“Z” is for for Denizot ! This small 100% organic producer is making a move, and Jenifer Denizot is leading the charge. She and her husband Thibault are the 6th gen owners and managers of the Domaine. They understand the importance of sustainability and also of consumer marketing. They converted the entire estate to organic agriculture in 2016, when they began managing this Verdigny commune winery. Previously, their parents sold in bulk to the local cooperative. Bottle labels tell a story, and these are clever, playful and expressive of grapes sourced from different soils.

This is an appointment only tasting experience available Monday through Saturday. There is no charge and you’ll taste 6-7 wines.

Domaine Fouassier

180 Av. de Verdun, 18300 Sancerre, France

+33 2 48 54 02 34

Domaine Fouassier is a 10th generation family run business and mid-size winery in Sancerre. They manage 60 hectares (150 acres) of biodynamically farmed vineyards, and produce 10 different single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc wines. None of their wines see oak, and only stainless tanks and amphorae are used. Owner and young winemaker Benoit Fouassier wants the specific vineyard blocks to be the focus.

What’s unique about this winery? Benoit explains that grandfather Fouassier was a true pioneer in Sancerre and started innovating before the AOC was established. Fouassier ancestors were one of the first to replant on steep slopes in the beginning of the 1900s, and to focus on single parcel or single vineyard wines. He purchased the first tractor in the region in 1950, and was an early proponent of natural versus commercial yeast fermentations.

The tasting room and winery are open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 12 PM and 2 to 5 PM. They also have a tasting room on the main square in Sancerre for easy access. Wine can be purchased from both locations.

Domaine Pascal Jolivet

Rte de Chavignol, 18300 Sancerre, France

+33 2 48 78 60 00

Valentina Buoso, D. Pascal Jolivet in Vineyard

Relative newcomer Pascal Jolivet founded his namesake winery in 1987, and grew it to be one of the largest in the region. They have over 100 hectares under management in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume’ and produce about 150,000 cases, mostly exported worldwide. This is a huge accomplishment in a region steeped in tradition.

How did Pascal break into the business only 36 years ago? His grandfather was a negotiant – wine businessman – and so is Pascal. Grandpa bought and sold bulk wine, and grandson Pascal decided to start his own brand with a first vintage in 1991. The wines got great scores from Wine Spectator Magazine, and the rest is history.

What’s next for Pascal Jolivet? Son Clement Jolivet and dynamic duo winemakers Valentina Buoso and Riandri Vissier see a bright consumer friendly future focused on next stage sustainable practices and even an onsite restaurant highlighting the regional wine and food experience. This would be a welcome development if they are successful.

Tastings at no charge. Open times are Monday through Friday 1:50 PM and 4 to 6 PM.

Domaine Pierre Martin et Fils

Email: [email protected]

Enthusiastic and jovial, Pierre Martin worked with his father Yves for many years on their 18 hectares (44 acres) of vineyards, from some of the most coveted sites in Chavignol. This is another fifth-generation estate, producing about 1500 cases total of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines. The quality is high and the wines are clean and very typical of the region.

The tasting room is open Monday through Saturday. Be sure to call or email Pierre or his wife Laurianne to make an appointment. They are essentially a two-person family operation and constantly on the run. If Pierre isn’t too busy, he may offer to take you up to the top of Chavignol in his vineyard truck for a vineyard visit. Take him up on that offer. No charge for tastings.

Gastronomes Rejoice! The name Sauvignon Blanc is derived from the word “sauvage” meaning “untamed”, so know that these minerally and herbaceous wines can be enjoyed with a surprising variety of foods. The racy acidity of Sancerre wines adds to its appeal for food pairing. These wines work classically with most any seafood, and of course goat cheeses, but also a variety of Asian, Mexican, Lebanese and other spicy cuisines. The age-old adage applies “What grows together goes together”, so buy the local produce, cheeses, meats and seafood knowing you can’t go wrong.

Hotel-Restaurant Famille Bourgeois Chavignol

Place de l’Orme – Chavignol, 18300, Sancerre France

Onion Soup at Restaurant Famille Bourgeois

Situated in the village of Chavignol, this fine dining restaurant requires reservations and offers three fixed menu options, and one of the most extensive wine lists in the Loire Valley. Be sure to try the onion soup dish and tartare if available (trust me), and of course the Chavignol cheeses. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday evening through Saturday evening, and Sunday until noon.

Check availability and consider staying at Hotel-Restaurant Famille Bourgeois

Restaurant La Pomme d’Or

1 Rue de la Panneterie, 18300 Sancerre, France

This gastronomic phoneme restaurant is said to be a candidate for a Michelin star, and the experience proves out. The multi course price fixed menu at La Pomme d’Or is fish focused but integrated into its creative courses.

Other local favorites

Brasserie Sancerroise
Casual Bistro: La Taverne du Connétable (Sancerre)
Trendy & For Wine Lovers: La Petite Maison (Sancerre)
Momento (Bué)
La Tour (Sancerre)
Auberge St-Thibaut (Saint-Satur)

Lunch at Romain Dubois, Chavignol – two photo options

Romain Dubois Bar a’ Fromage, Sancerre : This casual wine and cheese bar is located in central Chavignol across from the hotel. Don’t be fooled by its rustic appearance. Enjoy a wonderful bistro lunch menu of fresh vegetables, cheese courses, smoked salmon, terrine, and gourmet chicken and pork dishes.

Fólklore : Gourmet sandwiches at the newest place in Sancerre

Au Bon Laboureur : Restaurant à Menetou-ratel

Le Kilomètre : Restaurant à La Borne (20 min from Sancerre in a potter’s village)

La Banque : Bar à vin à Sancerre

Taste : Bar à Vins à Aancerre

Vignerons la Cave : Cave à vins à Sancerre

Famille Bourgeois Hotel-Restaurant
Le Panoramic, Sancerre
Hotel du Rempart, Sancerre

Other lodging options include Chambres d’Hotes (Inns) and Gites de France (rural holiday rentals).

You can also browse additional romantic hotels and BnBs near Sancerre on Tripadvisor.com .

Walk along the rampart walls of old town in Sancerre for Loire River and vineyard views, and be sure to visit Sancerre Castle near the center of the village. Hiking and biking the hills above the river is a local’s pastime, although e-bikes are recommended and readily available. Swimming in the river during summer months is a great way to cool off if you’ve overheated from winetasting.

RELATED: Visit Some of the Best Loire Valley Wineries & Castles This Year in France

According to Emmanuel Marot, Director of Maison des Sancerre and Wines of Sancerre, “Sancerre is for nature lovers. We are located in a wild area of the Loire River ideal for adventurous visitors. There are major events such as Trail de Sancerre with over 3,000 runners, and Loire by Bike (La Loire a Velo) for long distance cyclists.”

Loire Valley Cheese at Dubois-Bouley in Chavignol

And, don’t miss the Goat Cheese Trail in this area! Get schooled on Goat Cheese in Loire Valley in general, and Crottin de Chavignol specifically, and read this humorous article by Jason Wilson of Everyday Drinking .

The goat cheese shop and bar Romain Dubois is located in front of Hotel Restaurant Chavignol. This is a wonderful place for a light gourmet lunch with a crisp Sancerre Blanc. You can purchase local cheeses here, or at their main location on Sancerre village square . Another option is Dubois-Boulay at the entrance to Chavignol village.

Crottin de Chavignol is the most sought-after goat cheese of the region. Sample the four versions from fresh and young to aged and well, ripe!

Visit More of the Best Wineries and Castles in the Loire Valley

Want to continue your journey in the Loire Valley beyond Sancerre? From the coast of the Atlantic north of Bordeaux, to the southwest of Paris, and spanning all of the way to the center of the country, this region has grown over the centuries and includes more than 6,000 wine producers. Continue reading…

Best Sancerre Wineries, Wine Tours and Tasting Experiences Pinterest

Featured image courtesy Quentin Baudry, Sancerre AOP

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Series: Worldwide wine routes

Sancerre wine route: top 10 guide.

John Brunton
theguardian.com , Tuesday 22 October 2013 09.11 BST

Sancerre is a firm fixture in restaurants and wine bars around the world and a trip into its vineyards – only a couple of hours drive from Paris – offers the chance to explore one of the most welcoming regions in France for wine lovers. Sancerre itself is a grand medieval hill town, with dozens of cafes, bistrots and "caves" to taste wine in. Set off into the countryside, and every winery is open for visits: as a sizeable part of their production is sold directly at the Domaine, with loyal customers often coming back for decades. Best known for its crisp sauvignon blanc, Sancerre has increasingly high-quality pinot noir and rosé too, and there is an exciting new generation of little-known vignerons to discover, many working to make organic wines. It is also well worth going to the adjoining Menetou-Salon appelation – whose vineyards are coming out of the shadow of their noisy neighbour and producing some outstanding wines.

Domaine Paul Cherrier

Stéphane Cherrier only took over the family vineyard a couple of years ago, and although he is very respectful of the past – even hanging a photo in the cellar of his grandfather in military dress during the first world war – he is seriously shaking up this small, 14 hectare, estate. Having travelled to vineyards in Chile, Australia and New Zealand for experience, he is on the way to becoming organic and his traditional blanc is sharp and mineral, everything you would expect from a sancerre, and priced at €7.50 a bottle. Stéphane only has three hectares of pinot noir but he is ageing them in a mix of stainless steel tanks and large barrels that bodes well for the future. The Domaine is between the hamlets of Chaudoux and Verdigny, much less well-known than winemaking villages such as Chavignol, but whose vignerons are among the most welcoming you will find in the Sancerrois. • Chemin Matifet, Chaudoux, 18300 Verdigny, +33 2 4879 3728, no website

Domaine Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy

Maimbray is well-off the usual sancerre wine route, and although it is best to call first to fix a visit with Pascal Reverdy, it is worth the effort for his spectacular vintages – and he takes plenty of time to explain his winemaking techniques. The sign driving into this picturesque spot says Village de Vignerons and Pascal explains that out of 40 inhabitants 10 families are vignerons. He took over the estate in 1992, when it was still a working farm with grapes sold-off to the local co-operative, and began vinifying and bottling his own wine, aided by his brother Nicolas, who tragically died six years ago. His cellar looks more like a museum, filled with ancient farming tools, and the cosy tasting room is also where the "vendangeurs" have dinner during the grape harvest. It is a surprise that Pascal starts by opening his red wines first, but explains that "sancerre blanc is too aromatic to taste first as afterwards the red and rosé will appear bland". • Maimbray, Sury-en-Vaux, +33 2 4879 3731, no website

Domaine Martin

Chavignol is the prettiest of the dozen or so villages that make up the Sancerre appelation, enclosed by two steep hillsides tightly laced with vineyards. These slopes are incredibly difficult to work: to tend the vines and pick the grapes, by hand. The results, though, are fabulous wines, especially the chavignol blanc. Young winemakers like Pierre Martin are now looking to the future by creating an organic vineyard, while he and his wife are also aiming to open a B&B soon. It does not take much to persuade Pierre to jump into his van and drive up to the top of his two finest parcels of vines: Les Culs de Beaujeu and Les Monts Damnés (the cursed mountains). Don't go if you have vertigo though, as the vineyard drops off like the edge of a cliff, with perilous narrow steps linking each terrace. These two cuvées cost €3 or €4 more than his classic €10 chavignol blanc but it is well worth the extra. • Le Bourg, Chavignol, +33 2 4854 2457, no website

Domaine Pellé

The Domaine Pellé straddles the boundary between the appelations of Sancerre and Menetou-Salon, with vineyards in both. But forget Sancerre for a moment and take the opportunity to discover the subtle differences offered by a Menetou-Salon sauvignon and pinot noir. The estate is run by 28-year-old Paul-Henry Pellé, who is clearly the star of a new generation of winemakers: making important decisions in the cellar, where he ages in vast tronconic vats, which limit the woody effect as wines age, or hurtling around his extensive vineyards in an old army jeep. He enthusiastically opens up a lot of bottles in the cellar; special vintages from small parcels of vineyards, a range dedicated to the village of Morogues where the winery is based; special cuvées for the different soils that can completely change a wine – the flinty silex compared to the more rounded, chalky "terre blanche". Paul-Henry explains: "Yes, I make a lot of different cuvées – that is what is exciting about making wines, otherwise I would get fed up and bored." • Morogues, +33 2 4864 4248, domainepelle.com

Au P'tit Goûter

Chavignol's village bistrot reopened at the beginning of this year, now run by the Dubois-Boulay family, previously well-known as affineurs of the famous Crottin de Chavignol goats' cheese. Gilles Dubois-Boulay is a genial host, serving simple local cuisine throughout the day, while a glass of sancerre at the bar costs €2.50. There is a terrace garden with a small wooden stage, and at night, Gilles often gets out his vielle, a local instrument, and jams traditional Berrichon music with a winemaker who plays bagpipes. The place is open all day, every day, "from 10 in the morning till the last customer leaves", laughs Gilles. Dishes such as juicy strips of steak "a la plancha" and a "friture" of tiny deep-fried fish caught in the Loire, are priced from €8.50-€13.50. The choice of sancerre wines is sensational, with vintages from more than 50 different producers at affordable prices. • Bourg Chavignol, +33 2 4854 0166, no website

Auberge l'Ecurie

Tourists wandering around Sancerre often walk past Auberge l'Ecurie, with its old-fashioned signs offering everything from pizza to crepes, but to really experience a genuine slice of local life, this is the unmissable address – whether it's to drop in for a drink at the bar or for a hearty meal of regional cooking. You'll find everyone from the wine business here, from viticulteurs entertaining overseas agents to grizzled vineyard workers taking a break from the long hours tending the vines. Chef Daniel Fournier, again from a winemaking family, is expert at traditional recipes such as quenelle de brochet (pike dumplings) or beef cheeks slow-cooked in red wine, while you have to be very hungry to get through his four-course "menu terroir", priced at €21.20. If you prefer a gourmet dinner, then upstairs is La Tour ( la-tour-sancerre.fr ), a chic gastronomic restaurant where his young son, Baptiste, has just been awarded a Michelin star. • 31 Nouvelle Place, Sancerre, +33 2 4854 1650, auberge-ecurie.fr

C'Heu l'Zib

Anyone interested in food should take the 30-minute drive from Sancerre to Menetou-Salon and discover a restaurant of legend: where the recipes and style of slow-cooking have not changed since it opened 75 years ago. There are long tables where everyone sits together; this is not the place for a romantic meal but rather the chance to meet locals. L'Zib is fiercely loyal to the Menetou-Salon vineyards, with no other kind of wine served here and when it comes to the cooking, forget about calories and be prepared for rich sauces and serious portions. After a tasty chicken terrine, the famous brochet (fresh-water pike) arrives, smothered in a delicious creamy sauce, then a succulent lapin à l'ancienne that has been simmering on the stove for hours, followed by a dozen different cheeses. The whole table is then covered with different desserts, including a wicked charlotte au chocolat . Main dishes cost €15, but for the full experience, sample the €39 six course "menu degustation". • 2 route des Aix, Menetou-Salon, +33 2 4864 8120, cheulzib.com

La Côte des Monts Damnés

Jean-Marc Bourgeois is the grandson of Chavignol's most famous vigneron, Henri Bourgeois, but he chose to work in the kitchen rather than vineyard, cooking with some of France's top chefs before returning home to transform La Côte des Monts Damnés into the smartest place to stay in the Sancerrois. The hotel also boasts a gourmet restaurant and down-to-earth bistrot packed each lunchtime with winemakers and tourists tucking into local favourites such as coq au vin and a hearty andouillette (tripe sausage) with frites maison . The rooms are elegantly furnished, some looking out over steep vine-covered slopes and Jean-Marc often organises for guests to visit the cellars of winemakers. Surprisingly, he does not push his own family's vintages that much but wants visitors to explore vineyards all over the region – not just Sancerre and Chavignol – so he promotes a different "wine of the week" at virtually the same cost as from the estate. • Chavignol, +33 2 4854 0172, montsdamnes.com . Doubles from €97, breakfast not included

Moulin des Vrieres

Christian and Karine Lauverjat opened their two-room B&B in 2006, and it is so popular you need to book well in advance. Decorated in stripped pine to resemble a mountain refuge, these spacious studios include a comfy lounge and fully-equipped kitchen. Breakfast is ready-prepared in the room, though Karine leaves freshly-baked bread and brioche outside in the morning. She runs a shop in Sancerre, stocked with regional products and souvenirs reflecting this area's reputation as the cradle of sorcery in France. The nearby winemaking hamlet of Bué is known as Witches' Village, and the Lauverjat's produce a wine called réserve du démon. Her husband, Christian, spends a good hour with guests showing them round the cellar, and his classic sauvignon is excellent value at €7.90 a bottle. They also have a Vin de France, made from vineyards 100 metres outside the Sancerre appelation, and that is only €5.50 a bottle. • Sury-en-Vaux, +33 2 4879 3828, sancerre-online.com . Double room €59 B&B (minimum two nights)

La Ferme des Chapotons

The Crottin de Chavignol goats' cheese is inextricably linked with this region's wine, not just because it is the perfect accompaniment to a chilled glass of white sancerre but as economic salvation for winemakers back in the days when they barely made a living tending the grapes. Although there are cheesemongers all over the Sancerrois, it is much more fun to actually visit a farm, and Patricia Godon's family have been making Crottins for five generations. Although officially retired, she starts at 6am each day producing 600 cheeses, runs the farm's boutique and milks 180 goats each evening. Her sons also have a small vineyard, and their crispy sancerre blanc costs €7, while the Crottin is priced at €1.45 compared with €1.75 in the shops. When the Crottin is freshly made, it is creamy and mild, then the longer it is aged, the drier, smellier and more delicious it gets. • Le Bourg, Menetou-Ratel, +33 2 4879 3638, lafermedeschapotons.com

Flybe , Jet2 and easyJet offer flights to Paris from Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Eurostar has trains from London to Paris from £69 return. Car hire was provided by carrentals.co.uk . For more regional information visit berryprovince.com and for further details on wine visit maison-des-sancerre.com

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THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards

Wineries & vineyards in sancerre.

Wineries & Vineyards
Wine Tours & Tastings
5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
Good for a Rainy Day
Budget-friendly
Good for Big Groups
Good for Couples
Hidden Gems
Honeymoon spot
Good for Kids
Adventurous
Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Vinitour Centre-Loire

2. Henri Bourgeois

3. Domaine Philippe Raimbault

4. Vincent Grall Vigneron

5. Domaine de la Perrière

6. Château de Thauvenay - La Chapelle

7. Château de Sancerre

9. Cave Des Vins De Sancerre

10. Domaine Fouassier

11. Dominique Crochet

12. Domaine Georges Millérioux et Fils

13. Domaine Raimbault-Pineau

14. vigneron patrick noël, 15. vacheron vignerons (sas).

16. Domaine Eric Louis

17. Domaine Hubert Brochard

18. Savoir Wine Academy

What travellers are saying.

Exclusive Wine tour in Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé from Paris
Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé Wine Tour with Local Goats' Cheese and the River Loire
A Winey Day Out: Sauvignon Blanc Wine Tour of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
Wine and Cheese Day Trip in Loire Valley Region from Paris
Sancerre Wine Lover Day Tour with Private Driver
Vinitour Centre-Loire
Henri Bourgeois
Vincent Grall Vigneron
Domaine de la Perrière
Château de Sancerre
Domaine Philippe Raimbault
Domaine Eric Louis
Château de Thauvenay - La Chapelle

THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards

Wineries & vineyards in sancerre.

Wineries & Vineyards
Wine Tours & Tastings
5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
Good for a Rainy Day
Budget-friendly
Good for Big Groups
Good for Couples
Hidden Gems
Honeymoon spot
Good for Kids
Adventurous
Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Vinitour Centre-Loire

2. Henri Bourgeois

3. Domaine Philippe Raimbault

4. Vincent Grall Vigneron

5. Domaine de la Perrière

6. Château de Thauvenay - La Chapelle

7. Château de Sancerre

9. Cave Des Vins De Sancerre

10. Domaine Fouassier

11. Dominique Crochet

12. Domaine Georges Millérioux et Fils

13. Domaine Raimbault-Pineau

14. vigneron patrick noël, 15. vacheron vignerons (sas).

16. Domaine Eric Louis

17. Domaine Hubert Brochard

18. Savoir Wine Academy

What travellers are saying.

Exclusive Wine tour in Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé from Paris
Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé Wine Tour with Local Goats' Cheese and the River Loire
A Winey Day Out: Sauvignon Blanc Wine Tour of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
Wine and Cheese Day Trip in Loire Valley Region from Paris
Sancerre Wine Lover Day Tour with Private Driver
Vinitour Centre-Loire
Henri Bourgeois
Vincent Grall Vigneron
Domaine de la Perrière
Château de Sancerre
Domaine Philippe Raimbault
Domaine Eric Louis
Château de Thauvenay - La Chapelle

The 8 Best Things To...

The 8 Best Things to Do in Sancerre, France

The town of Sancerre, perched high on one of the undulating hills, has the most magnificent panorama of the Loire Valley, with vineyards as far as the eye can see and pretty rooftops bundled together at varying points. This is wine country, so get your tasting buds at the ready. Here are the top 10 things to not miss out on when visiting Sancerre.

Sample the famous crottin de chavignol goat’s cheese.

Goat farming is an old tradition in the land surrounding Sancerre, so it’s no surprise that this creamy cheese will play a big part in your stay. The famous label is Crottin de Chavignol, made from fresh goat’s milk, of course, which gained its certification in 1976 and adheres to a strict rule book of local grazing, prioritising the well-being of the goats, and the meticulous care given by cbreeders. Each cheesemaker will create their product slightly differently, with varying flavours and aromas, but if you see the Chavignol mark, you know it’s the best and most local.

La Masion de Sancerre

La Masion de Sancerre, 3 Rue du Méridien, Sancerre, France, +33 248 541 135

Wander through the medieval old town

Sancerre has a very pretty old town that is just perfect for a morning amble. Make sure to walk to the church of Notre Dame de Sancerre, and just opposite that indulge in a little chocolate from Le Lichou. Next door is a great second hand book shop (Bouqu’infusions) to peruse, then you can follow Rue Saint-Jean back down to Café des Arts, a sweet cafe for coffee, crepe or lunch. One of the favourite spots in town, though, is just in front of the tourist office on Esplanade Porte César, which offers up the most incredible views almost as far as the eye can see.

Tour the vineyards

You’re really in one of the best regions for vineyard exploring and vineyard tours. You’ll be able to book anything from a vineyard tour – where you get shown around the vines and cellars and taken through winemaking history – to those where you dine and sample the local wines in picturesque settings at various venues. Vinitour Centre-Loire is a popular company offering tours from 1.5 hours to a whole day.

Les Jardins des Pesselières

Twenty minutes from Sancerre are the castle and gardens of Pesselières. The park’s design dates back to the 18th century while the castle, it is thought, dates back to around 1170. Today it is maintained with a natural and organic gardening approach, which means no pesticides, the melange of grass types is preserved, and formal lawns aren’t cultivated. A tour of this site includes the outer walls of the castle, the main courtyard, the moat and rover, as well as the park and gardens. It’s suitable for a lovely afternoon out, especially if you have children.

Les Jardins des Pesselières, Jalognes, France, +33 248 729 049

Climb the Tour des Fiefs

At the top of the hill above Sancerre you can still see the castlekeep, known as the Tour des Fiefs. For a small fee (€2.50 for adults), you can enter and ascend to the top of the tower, which is recommended as the views are an exceptional 360-degree panorama. Tour des Fiefs is just one of the original six castle towers, for an idea of the rough scale of the historic castle, which was considered an impenetrable stronghold in the Middle Ages.

Tour des Fiefs, 10B Place du Connétable, Sancerre, France, +33 248 780 358

Wine tasting in the heart of town

What’s great about Sancerre is that you don’t have to travel for an hour to reach a vineyard and indulge in a spot of wine tasting. There are cellars at almost every step in the heart of town so if you are staying centrally, you can simply walk out your door and make arrangements with one you fancy. During low season, you’ll often find owners will give you a private wine tasting session at no extra cost and this more personal, local welcome is something that makes towns like Sancerre so special.

Sancerre wines are some of the most reputed in France

Dine at La Tour

La Tour is a Michelin-starred restaurant perfect for sampling the very best the region has to offer or for a special occasion. La Tour serves up modern, creative cuisine with menus starting from a reasonable €25. Even thought the food is served with finesse, here, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The location is pretty and accessible, too, just off Place Nouvelle with parking spaces at the front.

La Tour, 31 Place Nouvelle Place, Sancerre, France, +33 248 540 081

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Château de Sancerre

Enjoy an unusual tasting in the heart of Château de Sancerre.

In the heart of Sancerre, dive into Château estate history and its wines! Your guide will introduce you to the grape varieties and terroirs of Sancerre and explain how to taste the different cuvées, in perfect pairing with local specialities.

Wines Route : Château de Sancerre A unique terroir with an extraordinary history

« Come ahead of the best » is the motto of Château de Sancerre. Situated on the left bank of the Loire, it is one of the rare châteaux to bear the name of an appellation. With an exceptional terroir composed of four different soil types (flint, chalk, clay and sand), and a total of 55 hectares of vines of an average age of 25 years, Château de Sancerre crafts wines that reflect this diversity and heritage. The region’s semi-continental climate produces well-structured Sauvignon Blanc, with fresh, bright aromas of ripe gooseberry and smoky, flinty notes. Château de Sancerre wines are all made, aged and bottled exclusively at the estate.

The entire estate enjoys Level 4 HEV certification (High Environmental Value), guaranteeing a high level of environmental performance in biodiversity conservation, management of fertilizer use and irrigation and the control of phytosanitary products for each site.

The Wine Tourism Trail An unforgettable visit

From Julius Caesar to Louis-Alexandre Marnier, Château de Sancerre is steeped in a rich history. During your visit, accompanied by our Sommelier Guide, you will discover at the foot of the Château our winery estate and we will initiate you to the pleasures of our finest wines, paired with local specialties: Chavignol goat’s cheese, Sancerre almond biscuits, and Sancerre dried ham.

Thibault Gildas' tips

Chateau de Sancerre wines are vinified, matured and bottled on-site. The diversity of our 93 parcels, comprising white soils, flint stone and limestone is perfectly well mastered in view of adapting the vine-growing to each terroir. The art of blending is carefully undertaken in keeping with Louis de Sancerre’s motto – “Come ahead of the best”. Our Sancerre wines are renowned worldwide and satisfy the finest connoisseurs.

Practical information

From October to March included : visit from Tuesday to Saturday at 11am and 3pm
From April to September included: everyday visit at 11am and 3pm, with extra visits on Friday and Saturday at 4.30pm.

Price: Adults 15€ / Children 12-18 years 7,5€

Minimum 2 people, limited to 20 people

The wines of Sancerre Our selection

We blend three terroirs that are typical of the Sancerre appellation to make this white wine. Each one has its own special characteristics: the flint stone offers ageing potential, structure, freshness and aromas of citrus fruit and minerality. The terres blanches (white soils) bring about roundness and white flower aromas (lily and acacia) and tropical fruit (lychee and pineapple); the Caillottes (hard limestone) and the Griottes (soft limestone), provide freshness, floral and intense citrus fruit aromas. The combination of these terroirs produces a refined, elegant and complex wine.

By exploring the best that our terroirs have to offer, we have elaborated a limited number our Cuvee du Connetable. « Come ahead of the best » is the motto of Château de Sancerre. From this terroir we have carefully selected south-facing parcels of low yielding top quality Pinot Noir. The harvest is handpicked, transported in small crates and sorted in order to extract the quintessence of this superb variety.

By exploring the best that our terroirs have to offer, we have elaborated a limited number of bottles of Terre de Silex 2017. The careful selection of our parcels has allowed us to try an unprecedented blend, derived from a soil that is 100% flint-stone, revealing all the clarity and precision of this magnificent terroir. The location has provided this wine with aging potential, structure, freshness and minerality.

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Ultimate Guide to the Terroir of Sancerre, Part One

Sancerre is one of France's great wines and this guide will give you all the details on what makes it so good. Sancerre comes in red, white and rose, and all three colors of Sancerre are delicious and fascinating and worth getting to know.

White Sancerre is by far the most famous. A white wine made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown in the Sancerre Appellation of France’s Loire Valley, Sancerre Blanc ( as it is known in French) is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and has become a favorite around the world as one of the most dependably tasty, crisp, aromatic white wines -- and one that is reasonably priced, too.

Delicious on its own, and great with a variety of foods, it’s no wonder Sancerre is world famous!

Flatiron’s Four-Part Guide to Sancerre

But Sancerre is much more than just a dependable, affordable white wine. The Sancerre region makes many truly great wines of terroir that every wine-lover will be richly rewarded for getting to know, including red wines and rosés made from Pinot Noir.

In this post we’ll give you the basic lay of the land in Sancerre to help you better appreciate your next glass or bottle of the wine. The next three posts will give you all the details you need to really begin to appreciate the finer points of this famous, and yet underrated wine.

Sancerre: a Wine, a Village and an Appellation

The Sancerre appellation is named after the village of the same name. But the appellation covers vineyards planted in 14 surrounding communities. So, although a Sancerre wine must come from the Sancerre region, it may not come from the village of Sancerre.

Why is Sancerre So Popular?

First and foremost, Sancerre is popular because it tastes great!

Over the last several decades, the name Sancerre has become synonymous with crisp, bone-dry white wine with lovely aromatics and mouth-watering flavors of citrus and other fruits.

What’s more, those white Sancerre are dependably good. Virtually any Sancerre you find in America will be of decent quality, with a lovely freshness and pretty, delineated fruit. “A glass of Sancerre, please” is one of the safest asks you can make in a wine bar or restaurant. As such, it's become one of wine's greatest hits, a wine with nearly unparalleled brand recognition and customer devotion.

Some of Sancerre’s popularity is down to the popularity of its grape, Sauvignon Blanc. Naturally crisp, with citrus overtones, Sauvignon Blanc overtook Chardonnay as the “glass of choice” among many casual wine drinkers years ago. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is, of course, an enormous wine phenomenon. And California has its history “Fume Blanc” and other SB stars.

But there’s more to Sancerre than just a popular grape.

Much of Sancerre’s vinous consistency owes to the Sancerre region’s ideal climatic conditions. Centered on the village of Sancerre in the Loire Valley’s Central Vineyards, the region enjoys a continental climate, not unlike Burgundy (Sancerre is actually closer to Burgundy than it is to most of the Loire’s other famous regions). This climate allows grapes to ripen with fully developed, complex flavors, while also preserving the acidity necessary to keep the wines feeling fresh and food friendly.

Sancerre also has the kinds of soils that make truly great wines possible, with a mix of limestones, flints, clays and gravels giving variety and character to the wines. Add in a combination of rolling and steeper hills, varied expositions, and devoted growers and winemakers, and you have a recipe for great wine.

Sancerre’s Surprising History of Red Wine

Sancerre has some of the most enviable white wine terroir in all of France. But the funny thing is that historically the region made much more red wine (from Gamay and Pinot Noir) than white. And in fact, Sauvignon Blanc wasn’t even the main white wine grape in the olden days; even though Sauvignon Blanc had been around for centuries, that honor went to Chasselas (which is now mostly limited to Pouilly-Sur-Loire).

But all that changed in the 19th century when Phylloxera, the American-imported vineyard disease, wiped out all the old vines. Winemakers discovered they could defeat the disease by grafting their choice of French grape onto imported American rootstock (which was resistant to the pest). Faced with a clean slate and the chance to graft whatever they wanted onto the American rootstocks, the locals went by and large with Sauvignon Blanc.

Why did they choose Sauvignon Blanc? There are reports that this was because that variety took to the grafting technique better than most. But there are other reports that even before the widespread replanting, Sauvignon Blanc from the region fetched higher prices than any other grape; wine lovers had long known just how perfect the matching of Sauvignon Blanc and Sancerre’s terroir was.

Whether it was mostly for technical reasons or because the wines proved superior, by the time the train lines connected Sancerre to Paris, the region was established as white wine country and Sancerre Blanc was able to start to become a go-to wine in Paris bistros and shops. From that perch, Sancerre Blanc was able to begin to take its place among the world's favorite white wines.

There is still Pinot Noir planted in Sancerre today. It makes some of France’s greatest rosés -- wines with depth and minerality as well as the joyful fresh fruit we all crave from rosé. It also makes red wines that can be great value Pinot Noir alternatives to Red Burgundy, with a lightness and mineral or herbaceous freshness that balances the Pinot fruit.

Sancerre’s Villages and Soils

The irony of Sancerre’s market supremacy is that, despite all the fame, its incredible terroirs are largely unexamined by casual wine drinkers and devoted geeks alike. Even many casual wine lovers know that white Burgundy varies enormously from sub-region to sub-region or even plato to plot -- Meursault is different from Chablis which is different from Puligny Montrachet.

But the sheer power of the name “Sancerre” has obscured the rewarding subtleties that make a Sancerre from, say, Chavignol different from a Sancerre from Bué.

This same lack of awareness extends beyond terroir; many Sancerre Blanc fans know to ask for Sancerre, but are totally unfamiliar with the names of its best and most historic winemakers—producers who define the possibilities of what Sancerre can be.

But this is slowly changing. Today we’re looking at just some of the fundamental aspects of the region, while our next three posts will look at Sancerre in greater detail. We hope that by the end of this series you’ll agree with us that Sancerre is one of the great wine regions for casual wine drinkers and devoted wine geeks alike.

What Makes Sancerre’s Soils So Special?

Sancerre is a region of unique and exceptional terroir which, from a geological perspective, can be loosely broken into three parts:

(1) silex , is clay with flint, which makes delineated and elegant wines that age well;

(2) Kimmeridgian limestone (aka: terres blanches ), is a chalky soil made of ancient oyster fossils can be the most structured and take the longest to express themselves, but are delicious and full of personality;

(3) Oxfordian limestone, which comes in two main varieties, referred to as caillottes (a mix of limestone and gravel) and griottes (a mix of limestone and clay) tends to make the earliest-drinking Sancerre , often charmingly aromatic, floral and nuanced, but sometimes also deceptively deep and long-lived.

Each of these soils seems to have a pretty significant impact on the taste of the wine. Scientists debate how and how much soils actually influence the taste of the wines they make, but if you’re curious about how important soils are to the taste of a wine, Sancerre is a great region to develop your own understanding of the issue.

Learning about Terroir by Drinking Sancerre

Since Sancerre has a fairly homogeneous climate and, like most of Burgundy, uses just one grape for its reds and one for whites, it's a perfect region for discovering the effects of geology on a wine's taste. To get to know Sancerre intimately is to have had a crash course in terroir itself.

Of course, not all Sancerre is so terroir-specific. Erosion over the aeons has mixed two or all three classic soil types in some vineyards, and given others unique characteristics.

What’s more, plenty of great producers bottle wines that blend fruit from two or even all three soil types. Just as many a traditional Barolo producer (think Bartlolo Mascarello) will prefer to produce a wine that blends multiple terroirs rather than making a single commune wine, so to there can be something incredibly satisfying about a sancerre that has some of the finesse and smoky overtones of silex soils, undergirded with some of the kimmeridgian chalkiness.

Is There a Grand Cru Sancerre?

Unlike Burgundy, Sancerre's vineyards are not classified into qualitative categories. There are no grand cru, premier cru, or village rankings here. Of course, there are some particularly famous vineyards and, as in Burgundy, wines made exclusively from such sites can command higher prices. But you will never see a Sancerre labelled Grand or Premier Cru.

Does Sancerre have multiple villages like Burgundy?

There are 14 different communes in Sancerre but (once again, unlike Burgundy) the villages aren’t generally used as the organizing principle for the region’s wines. While you will come across plenty of Sancerres with vineyard names on them, and even many Sancerres named after one of those key soil types (just google “Sancerre Cuvee Silex” and you’ll see what I mean), you will rarely see a bottle of Sancerre labelled with the commune name.

Why this contrast with Burgundy? Well, in Burgundy the villages are famous for their unique terroirs: Meursault is rather distinct from Puligny Montrachet, despite their proximity. But in Sancerre the three defining soil types tend to appear, to one degree or another, in many of the villages.

What’s more, while Burgundy’s most famous sub-regions consist largely of a single east-facing slope, Sancerre’s sites can vary in exposition as well as soil and micro-climate -- even within a single village. This introduces another level of complexity that can be delicious, but that makes it harder to identify a distinct village characteristic.

There are, of course, exceptions. Bué has begun to develop a bit of a unique identity among some American Sancerre fans, especially for wines coming from predominantly Oxfodian soils. And, perhaps confusingly, Sancerre’s most famous sub-region isn't even one of the communes; it's the tiny hamlet of Chavignol, home to the famous vineyards of Monts Damnés and Cul de Beaujeu, and such elite producers as Francois Cotat and Gérard Boulay.

So the rest of the posts in this series will break the region down by the three principal soil types. We will discuss a few village names you may see on labels in America, but exclusively to help understand the soil types that we think are the real secret to getting a handle on Sancerre as a true wine of terroir.

Sancerre and Food: Many Matches Made in Heaven

It’s hard to think of a more perfect white wine for food than Sancerre . The bright fruit and crisp acidity makes Sancerre the ideal wine with everything from pre-dinner snacks to fine fish dishes. And while it’s not as famous with oysters as its kimmeridgian cousins from Chablis and Champagne, Sancerre can be amazing with a seafood tower.

And if you’ve ever had the local goat cheese, Crottin de Chavignol, with a simple salad and glass of Sancerre while sitting in the spring sun and watching a Loire Valley town amble through its leisurely midday… well, you don’t need us to tell you how good life can be.

And what about pairing red or rosé Sancerre ? Sancerre Rouge is a natural whenever you need a light red with character and freshness: think Salad Nicoise with lots of fresh herbs. Sancerre Rosé tends to be full of pretty fruit but also complex minerality and as such can be great both as a simple summer sipper and also as a pairing with dishes that sneak up on you with their sophistication, like the haute twist on fried green tomatoes with pistachio pesto, piperade, olive oil -- the wine’s fruit balances the tomato while the high tones cut through the piperade and olive oil.

How do I start learning more about Sancerre?

By drinking some! There’s no better way to learn about a region than to dive in and start drinking the wines. As you read on through our guide, you may decide to take a deep dive into the individual terroirs.

But for starters, we think picking an “entry level” Sancerre from a quality producer is the way to go. Give it time to open the glass, take a moment to note the mix of fruit and floral and mineral notes and you’ll see that, at almost every budget, there’s a Sancerre that, more than just a safe glass of tasty white wine, is an artisanal gem well worth paying attention to.

Shop Sancerre Wines in New York.

Shop Sancerre Wines in San Francisco .

What else is there to learn?

Want to go deeper into the details of Sancerre’s terroir and producers? Well read on:

Part Two: Sancerre's predominantly silex (flint) soils , which extend southward from Saint-Satur to Thauvenay, and that area's most significant producers: Alphonse Mellot, Vacheron, and Henri Bourgeois.

Part Three: The Kimmeridgian marl of Chavignol , which has many significant vineyards and producers, including the ones named earlier.

Part Four: The Oxfordian limestone soils , the best wines of which can be found in the commune of Bué. Here we will look at the wines of Lucien Crochet and others.

Want a list of Sancerre’s 14 communes?

Here you go: Bannay, Bué, Crézancy-en-Sancerre , Menetou-Râtel, Ménétréol-Sous-Sancerre , Montigny, Saint-Satur, Sainte-Gemme, Sancerre, Sury-en-Vaux, Thauvenay, Veaugues, Verdigny, and Vinon.

Special thanks for this blog go to our sponsors:

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How to pick the best Sancerre wine

Tastings Home

Originally written for Decanter magazine in 2007 and updated in 2019.

Sancerre is easily the most spectacular – and largest –vineyard in the Loire . The steep rolling countryside with its arc of vineyards around the dominating hill of Sancerre is unique to the region. With one or two exceptions, vineyards elsewhere in the Loire are gently sloping. The area is justly famous for its aromatic Sauvignons , but is also capable of some delicious reds from Pinot Noir .

The best Sancerre wines:

These top-scoring wines have been reviewed by our experts on separate occasions

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THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards

Wineries & vineyards in sancerre.

Wineries & Vineyards
Wine Tours & Tastings
5.0 of 5 bubbles
4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
Good for a Rainy Day
Budget-friendly
Good for Big Groups
Good for Couples
Hidden Gems
Honeymoon spot
Good for Kids
Adventurous
Good for Adrenaline Seekers
Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Vinitour Centre-Loire

2. Henri Bourgeois

3. Domaine Philippe Raimbault

4. Vincent Grall Vigneron

5. Domaine de la Perrière

6. Château de Thauvenay - La Chapelle

7. Château de Sancerre

9. Cave Des Vins De Sancerre

10. Domaine Fouassier

11. Dominique Crochet

12. Domaine Georges Millérioux et Fils

13. Domaine Raimbault-Pineau

14. vigneron patrick noël, 15. vacheron vignerons (sas).

16. Domaine Eric Louis

17. Domaine Hubert Brochard

18. Savoir Wine Academy

What travellers are saying.

Exclusive Wine tour in Sancerre & Pouilly Fumé from Paris
Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé Wine Tour with Local Goats' Cheese and the River Loire
A Winey Day Out: Sauvignon Blanc Wine Tour of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé
Wine and Cheese Day Trip in Loire Valley Region from Paris
Sancerre Wine Lover Day Tour with Private Driver
Vinitour Centre-Loire
Henri Bourgeois
Vincent Grall Vigneron
Domaine de la Perrière
Château de Sancerre
Domaine Philippe Raimbault
Domaine Eric Louis
Château de Thauvenay - La Chapelle

Wine Trails
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Food Trails

Sancerre wine route: top 10 guide

Wine from the sancerre region of france is beloved by many – especially sauvignon blanc – but local wineries also offer the chance to try pinot noir, rosé and organic wines. we pick the best winemakers, bistrots and b&bs in the area.

Photos and words by John Brunton for the Guardian

Sancerre is a firm fixture in restaurants and wine bars around the world and a trip into its vineyards – only a couple of hours drive from Paris – offers the chance to explore one of the most welcoming regions in France for wine lovers. Sancerre itself is a grand medieval hill town, with dozens of cafes, bistrots and “caves” to taste wine in. Set off into the countryside, and every winery is open for visits: as a sizeable part of their production is sold directly at the Domaine, with loyal customers often coming back for decades. Best known for its crisp sauvignon blanc, Sancerre has increasingly high-quality pinot noir and rosé too, and there is an exciting new generation of little-known vignerons to discover, many working to make organic wines. It is also well worth going to the adjoining Menetou-Salon appelation – whose vineyards are coming out of the shadow of their noisy neighbour and producing some outstanding wines.

WINEMAKERS TO VISIT

Domaine Paul Cherrier

Domaine pascal et nicolas reverdy, domaine martin, domaine pellé, au p’tit goûter, auberge l’ecurie, c’heu l’zib.

VINEYARD STAYS

La Côte des Monts Damnés

Moulin des vrieres.

REGIONAL SPECIALITIES

La Ferme des Chapotons

The Loire Valley Is Home to the Grandest Châteaux in France — and Some of the Boldest New Winemakers in the Country

Among the storied castles of the Loire Valley, there is an upstart generation of vintners whose low-intervention wines are redefining old-world style.

Editor's Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure.

On my last trip to France's Loire Valley , back in March 2019, I did something I'd never done before: I visited several châteaux. The statement sounds ridiculous because castles are as common in the region as grains of sand on a beach—it's hard to not stay in one. But as a wine writer, I'm usually tromping around vineyards with a winemaker, crouching down to study gray whorls of elderly grapevines and asking, literally, about the dirt. Holing up in fairy-tale castles? Not so much.

This time, I found myself standing in the highest tower of the Château de Chambord , built by King Francis I as a hunting lodge in the 16th century. Some lodge: 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, more than 13,000 acres of land. It took 28 years to build. Francis spent less than seven weeks there, total, before he died.

Obviously, a lot has changed since the 1500s, but what's remarkable is that in the Loire, a surprising amount of that change, both in terms of wine and châteaux , has taken place quite recently. Over three decades or so, the Loire has become the heart of France's natural-wine movement. The place is vast, with 87 wine appellations strung along the river, from Muscadet on the coast to Sancerre some 240 miles east, and even beyond.

But throughout the region, you can find members of a loose confederation of raffish producers who are making what are often called minimal-intervention wines. Unlike conventional techniques, their growing and vinification methods eschew chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial yeasts, as well as fining agents (which help improve clarity) and other technological trickery. There's also little or no use of sulfur as a preservative. The results can be intriguing or bizarre; the best are absolutely brilliant, full of a kind of vibrancy that's absent from the average mass-produced bottle.

In the Loire, you can live like a king in the evenings and tromp fields like a farmer during the days. The contrast is enlightening.

In the past few years, the region has also seen a number of grand châteaux reimagined as luxury hotels. In the Loire, you can live like a king (or at least a marquis) in the evenings and tromp fields like a farmer during the days. The contrast is enlightening.

Among those new properties is the spectacular Relais de Chambord . Built for the king's hunting hounds in the 1700s, the original house didn't have the benefit of modern upgrades, such as the rain showers, velvet-swathed headboards, or luxurious white linen sheets seen in today's guest rooms. Nor could the hounds rent an electric bicycle to drive around the property. Odds are the dogs didn't think much about the building's history or their palatial digs. Then again, it's easy to forget the fact that you're sleeping in a former kennel (albeit an opulent one) when you can wake up and gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows at King Francis's château—just a few hundred feet away.

When I drove into the unpaved courtyard at La Grange Tiphaine , Damien and Coralie Delecheneau's vineyard and winery, about an hour away in the Montlouis appellation, I was greeted by an actual hound. Every Loire Valley winemaker has at least one dog, if not two or three. Typically they growl at you menacingly for about 10 seconds, then flop over in the dirt. This particular winery pup, Lou, didn't even expend that much effort. It was pretty clear he'd rather have been off in the vineyards, chasing rabbits.

Stewards of the shift to low-intervention wine, the Delecheneaus farm biodynamically, upholding all the baseline tenets of the ideology. One reason the Loire arguably became the center of this evolution in France, as Damien Delecheneau explains, is that it's not a wealthy region: "It's just easier for a young winemaker to buy a vineyard here, compared with regions like Burgundy or Bordeaux." Plus, he added, many of the early ambassadors of the natural-wine movement happened to be Loire-based. "The beautiful acidity we have in our wines helps, too, if you choose to work this way."

La Grange Tiphaine's ramshackle character belies the precision of its wine making. "I'm from a scientific background," he says, "but now I look to work more with my heart." His 2018 Clef de Sol Chenin Blanc speaks to that: it's all spring flowers and wildflower honey when you smell it, bright and vivid on your tongue. As we walked between the 80-year-old vines behind the winery, Lou trotted after us, ears perked.

Across the riverfrom La Grange Tiphaine is Domaine Huet , the most acclaimed producer in the Vouvray appellation. Founded in 1928 by Victor Huët, a World War I veteran, it was run for 55 years by his son Gaston Huët, save for five years he spent in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp northeast of Dresden. He walked back to Vouvray from Germany in 1945 and proceeded to make one of the greatest vintages of the 20th century.

Since 2003, the property has been owned by Hungarian winemaker István Szepsy and New York financier Anthony Hwang; daughter Sarah Hwang runs the winery and lives there. She's well aware of Huet's stellar reputation: "It's something we could choose to embrace or fight against, and we've chosen to embrace it. Ultimately, we're just a few pages in a huge book. Our job is to make sure that the story is still being written, and written properly."

Related : Why Adelaide is Australia's Most Exciting Food and Wine Destination

Huet's Chenin Blancs, dry or sweet, are chiseled and intense—gorgeous white wines that linger on the palate as you drive to the 15th-century Château du Rivau, opened as a 12-room hotel in 2019 that has elegant stone and wood interiors and modern art throughout. Rivau was built in 1420; Joan of Arc stopped by to pick up horses during the Hundred Years' War in her quest to drive the English from France. (Brexit did what martyrs could not, apparently.)

More recently, co-owner Patricia Laigneau tricked out the grounds with a stunning rose garden planted with more than 450 different varieties. "A rose with no scent is like a person with no soul," she said, and suggested walking through the garden in the early morning or early evening, when the flowers are at their most fragrant.

Another equally beautiful 18th-century Neoclassical property is the Hôtel Château du Grand-Lucé , just outside Le Mans. It has grand formal gardens to wander, 17 rooms with original oak parquet floors to park your bags in, and Pratesi sheets on the beds to lounge upon. Should you wish to see the region's châteaux from overhead, the concierge can help arrange a hot-air-balloon ride.

But for me , too much luxury gets cloying. I decided to French Revolution my urge to live like a king and reground myself by heading to Sancerre to meet my friend Pascaline Lepeltier, a Master Sommelier and Loire Valley native. As I drove east, the dramatic châteaux of the central Loire became fewer and farther between. I followed the Loire River as it meandered among rolling hills and forests. I knew I'd reached Sancerre when the flanks of the hills became blanketed with Sauvignon Blanc vines.

That's Sancerre's signature grape. Though there is an actual town of Sancerre (charming; hilltop; medieval), the wine region itself comprises 14 small villages. I met up with Lepeltier for lunch at Momento , which opened last year in the tiny town of Bué.

Good wine tells stories. The right bottle can even let you travel in time.

The owners are a talented young couple, Thomas Jacquet and Mariana Mateos. Jacquet, a sommelier, is originally from nearby Bannay; Mateos, the chef, is from Mexico. They met while working together at Racines , a wine-centric French bistro in New York City where Lepeltier is the head sommelier.

From the small upstairs dining room we could see the rooftops of the town and the vineyards beyond as we enjoyed ravioli filled with earthy crottin de Chavignol goat-milk cheese. We'd been joined by two young Sancerrois winemakers, Matthieu Delaporte and Luc Prieur, whose families have been in the region for generations. Even though Jacquet's wine list at Momento is extensive, Delaporte and Prieur came loaded with cuvées from their own wineries, and pretty soon we were a pretty lively party of four people and 15 or 16 bottles.

Later I asked Delaporte how long his family had been making wine. Since the 17th century, he replied. "We were one of the first domaines in Sancerre-Chavignol; where we're located is where everything started. At that time, they were making wine, raising animals, making cheese."

My favorite of Domaine Delaporte's wines, which we drank at lunch, is its Sancerre Les Monts Damnés—crystalline and powerful at once, it shows how complex Sauvignon Blanc can be in the right circumstances.

"Monts Damnés is kind of a grand cru of Sancerre, even though technically there are no crus here," Delaporte said. "It means 'the damned mountains,' because a hundred years ago you had to be absolutely damned to work that steep a slope. It's forty to fifty degrees! But it's worth it."

When his ancestors were picking grapes on the chalk inclines of Monts Damnés, did they know that the Sun King was building a stable for 1,200 horses only 70 miles away? Probably not. Distances were greater then. Did his grandfather, bottling wines in 1947—a hundred bottles of which Delaporte recently found, in perfect condition, under his grandparents' house—know a Liberator bomber had crashed on the grounds of Chambord just a few years before? Quite possibly. Today, can I taste all those things when I open a bottle of his wine? Imaginatively, maybe.

Good wine tells stories. The right bottle can even let you travel in time. As Delaporte said about those 1947 bottles, "They taste amazing; I thought of my great-grandfather, making wine through both of the world wars." Until I can return to the Loire, I can open a bottle of one of Delaporte's wines and envision myself looking out over the rooftops of Bué into the late afternoon sun, laughing and talking with friends.

Châteaux and Natural Wine in the Loire Valley

Getting there.

From Paris, it's a 2½-hour drive to Tours, in the heart of the Loire Valley, and two more hours to Sancerre.

Where to Stay

Relais de Chambord : The façade of this elegant 55-room hotel echoes the slate-roofed towers of the Château de Chambord , just a short walk away. A guided tour of the château is a highlight, but the Relais also offers a spa with sauna, hammam, and outdoor whirlpool as well as guided tours of the surrounding nature reserve (doubles from $213) .

Hôtel Château du Grand-Lucé : Though this gorgeous Neoclassical château, built between 1760 and 1764, occupies more than 45,000 square feet, there are only 17 (extremely luxurious) guest rooms. Each features original oak floors, archival-fabric wall coverings, and bathroom amenities from cult French beauty brand Buly 1803 (doubles from $715) .

Château du Rivau : Built during the15th century, Rivau has undergone years of renovation, starting in the late 1990s. Walkthrough the fragrant rose gardens, and spot the white peacocks that live in the inner courtyard (kids may prefer the property's many fairy-tale themed gardens). Doubles from $275.

Where to Eat

Momento : Chef Mariana Mateos's menu makes the best of Sancerre's abundant products—crottin de Chavignol cheese, wild herbs, lamb from local farms—while drawing in a few influences from Italy as well. Thomas Jacquet's wine list is impressively extensive. (Entrées $28–$62.)

Wineries to Visit

La Grange Tiphaine Damien and Coralie Delecheneau, the charming owners of La Grange Tiphaine, keep to a low intervention philosophy for their Montlouis and Touraine wines. Book a visit in advance to taste their Côt Vieilles Vignes, a stunning Malbec made with grapes from century old vines.

Domaine Delaporte Delaporte, which makes some of Sancerre's best wines, has a small tasting room in the tiny village of Chavignol.

Domaine Huet Book ahead to visit this legendary Vouvray property. Tastings cover the range of Huet wines, sparkling and still, dry to sweet, along with an older vintage. In-depth cellar tours can also be arranged at [email protected]

How to Book

T+L A-List advisor Shawna Huffman Owen ( [email protected] ; 312-257-2988) can help plan a wine-focused trip throughout the region.

A version of this story first appeared in the September 2020 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline Natural Sophistication.

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Sancerre is located between Bourges and Blois . On the Loire wine route, it is near the Menetou Salon and Pouilly-fumé appellations. The wines of the AOC Sancerre can be tasted in the 3 colors, The grape varieties that reign over Sancerre are Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

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Wineries Near Sancerre

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

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Best Wineries near Sancerre

Sancerre is a charming town perched atop a picturesque hill in the heart of the Loire Valley. With its history dating back to Roman times, this town exudes an old-world charm that will transport you back in time. As you wander its cobbled streets, savor local delicacies like Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese and indulge in the exquisite Sancerre wines.

Sancerre is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, producing some of the world's finest expressions of this grape. The local wineries invite you to explore their vineyards, where centuries of winemaking tradition meet innovation. As you sip on a glass of crisp Sancerre, you'll be sipping on a piece of history. Embark on a wine tour to discover the soul of Sancerre's vineyards. This is your invitation to savor the essence of France in a single glass. Experience Sancerre – where history, culture, and wine converge.

The best wine regions to visit near Sancerre

Sancerre, a charming town in the Loire Valley , is renowned for its exceptional wine regions. Tourists flock to the vineyards that produce the iconic Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines. These regions, situated along the Loire River, offer breathtaking landscapes and world-class wine tasting experiences. To savor some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines, consider booking a wine tour to explore the captivating wineries near Sancerre. Our team will help you to find wine tours tailored for your preference!

Top wineries close to Sancerre you can visit on a wine tour

Visiting wineries near Sancerre is a journey through the heart of French wine culture. These vineyards are known for producing some of the world's most exquisite Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines. The picturesque rolling hills along the Loire River create a stunning backdrop for your wine-tasting adventure. You'll not only indulge in superb wines but also witness the centuries-old winemaking traditions that have made Sancerre famous. Explore the cellars, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy the panoramic views. A visit to these wineries is a sensory delight and an immersion into the essence of French viticulture.

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Guide to Sancerre, Loire Valley

Janine Marsh
Centre - Val de Loire

View from a hill top terrace over the vineyards of Sancerre, Loire Valley

Sancerre is a beautiful, ancient hilltop village wine town. It’s located in the heart of France, in the department of Cher in an area known as Berry Province and you’d be hard put to find a more enchanting town anywhere in France…

Maison des Sancerre

The first place to head to is the Maison des Sancerre . This high tech museum that takes you through the history of wine made in the area. Sounds dry? Not a bit of it – it’s an innovative exhibition full of fascinating facts and featuring holographs and merry drinking songs. It ends with a fabulous wine tasting on the terrace with stunning views over the countryside.

And the views really are magnificent from all over this nest-like medieval village, but especially so from the Tour des Fiefs. This robust stone tower is the only remaining vestige of the town’s 14 th century castle.

What to see in Sancerre

Vintage looking butcher's shop in Sancerre, Loire Valley

Sancerre is a sleepy sort of place. Outside peak summer months, you’ll hardly meet a soul in the narrow steep streets that are lined with turreted houses. Pale pastel coloured shutters perfectly compliment ancient doors, wrought iron balconies and pitched roofs. Even in the summer it’s not exactly teeming. But, the square becomes lively and the shops and wine bars do a brisk trade, as this little town is firmly on the wine tourism route.

600 years ago, John the Magnificent, Duc de Berry (brother of Charles V of France) visited Sancerre and declared “the wine of Sancerre is the best in the kingdom.” Who are we to disagree?!

Delicious goats cheese and gastronomy

Thimble-sized goat cheese called Crottins in a tub

For a more substantial meal, Chef Baptiste Fournier at La Tour Sancerre serves utterly delicious dishes which perfectly compliment the local wines. Or try L’Auberge Joseph Mellot, one of the oldest restaurants in the town, pleasing diners since 1882.

Around and about Sancerre

Facade of the Chateau of Chambord, immense with multiple towers like pepper pots

There’s plenty to do and see in the area, The Chateaux de Chambord and Blois are only around 1.5 hours away by car. Activities range from hiking, cycling (including cyclo railing on a disused railway track) and golf. Or you could go canoeing at nearby St Satur where the Sancerre vineyards were first planted by monks in the 12 th century. But don’t, whatever you do, miss a visit to Bourges. The Cathedral City is not as well-known as some of the other Cathedral cities of France and isn’t on the main tourist route. It should be though, since this is a truly fascinating town to visit.

Street view in Bourges, Loire Valley, cobbled street, half timbered buildings

Many assume the word bourgeois comes from Bourges but it’s actually from the Celtic Bourg, meaning town. Once the capital of France, Bourges boasts 500 half-timbered houses (more than any other French town. It has Roman ruins (it was besieged by Julius Caesar in 525BC) and a castle. There are winding cobbled streets and a whole lot more.

Gorgeous gardens and lush countryside

While you’re there, visit the beautiful gardens of the Marais. And, have your mind boggled by the majestic beauty of the 12 th century St Etienne Cathedral with its spectacular 800 year old stained glass windows. Take a food break in a Roman tower at the Salon de Thé (74bis rue Boubonnoux). And explore the 15 th century Palais Jacques Coeur, built by the man who financed Joan of Arc’s campaigns and saved France from financial ruin.

Garden seat woven from wicker and shaded by vine at Priory of Orsan, Berry, Loire Valley

The countryside of Berry is filled with vineyards and walnut orchards, lush valleys and forests, crossed by rivers and streams. It’s peppered with picturesque hamlets, magnificent chateaux and turreted manor houses. A must-see is the Priory of Orsan which has the most exquisite medieval gardens. This is a place that’s made for exploring – and for tasting the divine wines that come from the fertile soil.

www.tourisme-sancerre.com

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The winegrowers of Sancerre are the heirs to a unique viticultural heritage - a geological, cultural and intangible heritage that they have been shaping for centuries and which they pledge to preserve, to exalt, and to pass on. Sancerre wines reveal the purest expression of their terroirs and reflect the commitment of a group of women and men, all of whom are passionate winegrowers and Ambassadors of their Terroirs.

T he vineyards

An ancient winegrowing region.

The vines have thrived on the slopes of the Sancerre region for over a thousand years. These exceptional terroirs have allowed the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes to find their emblematic identity, which is enhanced through the winegrowers’ know-how and style in conveying the expression of their terroirs. Out of this alchemy, the iconic, much-admired Sancerre wines were born, with a surprisingly extensive range of cuvées.

O ur V alues & commitments

A united and visionary winegrowing region.

During the 20th century, a collective effort transformed the vineyards of Sancerre and contributed to the renown of the Sancerre appellation throughout the world. Each grower, each generation, has brought his or her personal contribution to building up the identity of our appellation with a desire to be independent, pass on knowledge and display unequalled passion for its terroirs.

M en and women at the service of the vineyards

Winegrowers of sancerre, ambassadors of their terroirs.

For several centuries, the history of Sancerre wines has been supported by its growers. Women and men, artisan winegrowers, who are the holders of age-old expertise and love for their terroirs, work to unveil the sumptuousness of the appellation’s wines.

U nique geodiversity

Sancerre, a geological layer cake.

To understand the geology of the Sancerre area of appellation, it is necessary to go back hundreds of millions of years in time. As the ancient continents shifted and the sea rose then retreated, diverse sedimentary formations overlapped one another, and were later transformed by geological accidents and by slow erosion. The landscape was therefore patiently sculpted and the resulting mosaic of terroirs gives our appellation its unique identity.

M aison des S ancerre

Showcasing the living heritage of our appellation.

Maison des Sancerre is the link between the winegrowers and the general public (tourists or customers). As a place of gathering focused on viticulture and winemaking that is all about sharing and providing information about the vineyards, Maison des Sancerre is the means of promoting and valorizing the appellation’s wines.

S ancerre, the experience

A special destination, for an unforgettable experience.

Let yourself be transported by the magic of the Sancerre vineyards and set off to discover the region’s wines, traditions and gastronomy! Live the Sancerre experience by immersing yourself for a few days in the atmosphere of wine alongside the men and women who showcase all it has to offer! Take full advantage of our region’s and terroirs immense wealth.

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16 Best Wines to Buy Right Now for $20 or Less, According to Wine Pros

Owners and operators of wine stores we love recommend the best buys from the world’s major wine regions — all of them under $20.

2021 Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles ($18)

2021 barnard griffin rob’s red blend ($15), nv poggio costa prosecco brut ($16), 2021 masseria li veli orion primitivo salento ($20), 2020 domaine grande bellane côtes du rhône rouge ($17), 2020 masciarelli montepulciano d’abruzzo ($16).

2021 Folk Machine Parts & Labor Red Blend ($20)

2022 Brea Central Coast Chardonnay ($20)

2020 la petite metairie #ono cabernet franc ($15), 2021 estézargues côtes du rhône rouge ($15), 2022 mary taylor wine anjou blanc ($20), 2023 kumusha sauvignon blanc ($16), 2022 heron chardonnay ($18), 2021 vigneti massa terra piemonte rosso ($17).

2022 Filipa Pato & William Wouters Dinamica D.N.M.C. Branco ($20)

2022 Quinta de Santiago Vinho Verde ($18)

Robby Lozano

Finding great wine doesn’t need to cost a great deal. There’s a lot to love about a special occasion bottle of wine, like the First Growth Bordeaux you were gifted for your wedding, or the bottle of Champagne whose vintage is your birth year. But everyday wine, those easy-breezy bottles that you pop at a dinner party or after a long day of work, are the wines that should matter most.

It’s often wine from the most well-known regions like Napa , Burgundy , and Tuscany , that are the most tempting. These regions have recognizable appellations, brands, or familiar bottle art, but often carry a big price tag. To find the best wine deals right now (the kind of bottles you’ll want to order by the case to always have on hand) we turned to the folks who know more about buying wine than anyone else: our favorite retailers. Here are sixteen stellar wines from all over the world for $20 or less.

The easy screw cap closure on this wine tells you a lot about what's going on inside the bottle: drink me now. It features lush red fruit like raspberry and cherry with a backbone of savory cedar. A touch of Merlot in the blend (only 6%) adds dark, rounded fruit notes evoking dark chocolate, cassis, and even coffee. Its delicious fruit flavors are concentrated yet easy going — a fabulous barbecue wine.

Experts say: “Paso Robles fruit offers all of the warmth you want from a classic California Cabernet at a fraction of the price you pay for Napa Cabs these days,” says David Weitzenhoffer of Community Wine & Spirits in New York City. “There’s a touch of oak in this wine, but it’s subtle and not overbearing.

Rob Griffin is the longest tenured winemaker in Washington State. Rob and his wife Deborah Barnard founded the winery over 40 years ago and make some of the best values in the region. Rob’s Red Blend has dark berry flavors and a touch of chocolate and coffee; the rich flavors of the 2021 vintage were in part thanks to an early spring and very, very hot summer in which black fruit ripened fast.

Experts say: “This appealingly jammy red blend has just enough acidity to keep the fruit in check, proving that Washington state red blends can be both delicious and well balanced while also offering serious bang for your buck,” says Weitzenhoffer, who grew up in Washington state.

This sparkling wine may be your new best friend when purchasing by the case. An easy-going sparkler with classic Prosecco aromas like golden apples and white flowers, this bottling is stellar on its own but also plays well in cocktails from a simple Mimosa to an Aperol Spritz. It’s made from 100% Glera grapes grown on coastal hillside vineyards whose cool coastal winds help preserve the grapes’ acidity.

Experts say: “This Prosecco punches far above its price point with undeniable quality and elegance,” say TJ and Hadley Douglas, the husband-and-wife team behind The Urban Grape , a warm and inviting wine shop with locations in Boston and Washington, D.C.. “At the shop, this is our go-to bottle to pour at parties and include with gifts. We recommend it over and over again to anyone who will listen, it’s truly remarkable for the price."

Located right on the heel of Italy’s boot, Salento is a region within Puglia known for its hot, dry climate and rich red grapes. While Salento is famous for its wines made from the Negroamaro grape, Masseria’s Orion bottling shows why Primitivo from Puglia shouldn’t be ignored. There’s plenty of red plum and blackberries with a touch of pink pepper to brighten everything up.

Experts say: “Primitivo, also known as Zinfandel, takes on a spicy, structured profile when grown on the limestone cliffs of Puglia in Southern Italy,” says Simi Grewal, owner of DECANTsf an all-in-one bottle shop, wine bar, and educational tasting room in San Francisco. “Their Orion bottling carries the juicy charm of Californian Zinfandel, with the spiciness of a southern Rhône Grenache and the body of a French Cabernet Sauvignon.”

A glowing red hue in the glass, this Rhône blend is warm and inviting. Made from grapes grown in chalky soils, this wine benefits from the Rhône’s hot summers coupled with its sloped landscape to fully ripen fruit-forward Grenache and Carignan without being overly jammy. For a more structured, ageworthy red, try Domaine Grand Bellane’s Valréas bottling which is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah.

Experts say: “Exactly what you want from the Côtes du Rhône, this is a versatile and crowd-pleasing red from a fifth-generation family of organic vintners,” says Weizenhoffer. “A high proportion of Syrah in the blend adds the right peppery note to balance out the ripe fruit.”

A benchmark of the Montepulciano grape and the Abruzzo region, this wine has notes of red raspberries, cherries with a pleasing touch of smoke. Masciarelli ferments and ages their wines in stainless steel, helping protect fresh fruit flavors and aromas.

Experts say: “Masciarelli is a family estate that totally over delivers in this category,” says Weitzenhoffer. “Their entry-level Montepulciano works with all of the classic red-sauce pairings from pizza to puttanesca, but offers layers of tannin and complexity not typical at this price point.”

2021 Folk Machine Parts & Labor Red Blend ($20)

This Grenache-dominant red blend is best enjoyed with a slight chill. The wine is one of California’s best values — it’s well made and the grapes are carefully chosen, resulting in a wine that’s juicy yet complex and savory, that even features Carignane from 100+ year-old vines.

Experts say: “Red blends are king when they taste this good,” says Douglas. “A blend of organically grown Carignane, Syrah, Grenache, and Barbera, this medium bodied wine from winemaker Kenny Likitprakong hits on all cylinders. Grapes for this wine are grown organically and the wine is made with minimal intervention as well.”

Since this wine sees both aging in French oak and goes through malolactic fermentation, which yields a creamy texture, winemakers Chris Brockway and Tim Elenteny pick grapes early in order to retain high levels of refreshing acidity. Expect green apple, lime zest, and mango.

Experts say: “A breath of fresh air for California Chardonnay, this wine is crisp and zingy for the racy white wine lovers but familiar enough for a white Burgundy drinker,” says Brandon Loper of Golden Age Wine , a Birmingham, Alabama-based shop that focuses on natural and low-intervention wines. “It’s not your typical California Chardonnay, and the price point is excellent to keep a few in the fridge.”

Made from 100% Cabernet Franc in Chinon, one of the Loire Valley’s primer regions for red wine, this medium-bodied red has balanced fruity and savory flavors. Thanks to its medium tannins, the #Ono could be served with a slight chill — pair its warming spiced notes with anything featuring spices, from eggplant salad to lamb meatballs.

Experts say: “From the trusted team at Domaine de la Commanderie comes this delicious and palate-friendly Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley,” says Douglas “This is a pop and pour wine that will please a whole table but won’t break the bank — which is good because you’ll definitely need more than one bottle.”

This medium-bodied Rhone blend features the region’s classic red grapes: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. It's delicious when enjoyed young, showing off red and black fruit flavors with a peppery finish, but with a bit of age (drink it within five years) the earth and baking spices really come through.

Experts say: “[This is] made in one of the few natural wine co-ops, just twenty minutes from Châteauneuf-du-Pape,” says Loper. “Since it's produced by a co-op, you may see several labels with the same name. They will all be great, but this is a recent discovery for us, and we find it to be the perfect hamburger wine.”

Fans of classic Loire Chenin Blanc, this is the wine for you. Made from 100% Chenin, Mary Taylor’s Anjou Blanc features classic orchard fruit aromas of golden apples and green pear with bright acidity and minerality — it’s complexity could warrant double the price.

Experts say: “Mary Taylor is a négociant who seeks out small producers who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to export their wines to the U.S.,” says Grewal. “Her white wines, like this Chenin Blanc from a fourth-generation winemaker in the Loire Valley village of Saint-Jean-de-Mauvrets, are smashing, with crystalline acidity and deep complexity from regions that you might not normally venture to.”

With notes of both lemons and golden apples, this South African Sauvignon Blanc leans stylistically toward Sancerre more than New Zealand. It’s zippy and bright without being overly acidic or green. The grapes are grown on ancient sandstone which could be responsible for the wine’s lovely mineral quality.

Experts say: “There is a world of high-quality wines at value prices coming out of South Africa, but no one is doing it better than sommelier-turned-winemaker Tinashe Nyamudoka,” says Douglas. “While he’s a genius with South Africa’s better known white grape, Chenin Blanc, don’t miss this vibrant, tropical-fruited Sauvignon Blanc grown biodynamically along the Breede River in the Western Cape.”

Fresh and fragrant, this Chardonnay has notes of lemon blossom and stone fruit like ripe white peach. Since the wine sees no oak and doesn’t go through malolactic fermentation, it’s light and crisp, pairing fabulously with a bright summer salad but with enough texture and body to stand up to a rotisserie chicken.

Experts say: “This dressed-down, zippy Chardonnay is helping to change the conversation about what ‘California Chard’ is,” says Grewal. “Laely Heron focuses on sustainably produced wines that reflect the purity of the grape variety. Heron makes varietal-driven wines, not blends, that are simply fermented to maintain the grapes’ characteristic flavors. She works with growers throughout California, and labels her sines simply as California, not a smaller appellation, which allows her to source from the best vineyards and maintain high quality while keeping costs down.”

Since most of winemaker’s Walter Massa’s work happens in the vineyards, it’s no surprise that one of his premier wines is called terra, meaning land in Italian. He lets the fruit lead the way when it comes to making this 100% Barbera . The grapes macerate on the skins before going through a long, slow fermentation with native yeasts with gentle lees stirring and battonage, resulting in a vibrant, fruity Barbera with a touch of spice and dried herbs.

Experts say: “This Barbera is one of the best values in the natural-wine world,” says Loper. “It’s fresh and juicy with an Italian rusticity that will elevate any dinner you pair with. It’s especially perfect for red-sauce pasta dishes and pizza.”

2022 Filipa Pato & William Wouters Dinamica D.N.M.C. Branco ($20)

Made in Bairrada, a region along Portugal’s coastline, this smooth and refreshing white wine is made to pair with food from raw seafood to creamy shrimp cooked with lots of butter. Made from whole grape bunches that get pressed and fermented in stainless steel, 10% of the wine is aged in large French oak pipas , 500L barrels typically used in Portugal, which adds some richness and texture to the final blend.

Experts say: “There are so many great wines coming out of Portugal that are priced incredibly well,” says Grewal. “This bottling is a blend of Arinto and Bical, two indigenous Portuguese varieties that pack a zesty and minerally punch while still being generous on the palate. It has a creamy texture with a salty finish and bright grassy notes, like sweet tarragon and white tea.”

Quinta de Santiago is family-owned and has been making wine since 1899. Their Vinho Verde, which features a 50-50 blend of the region’s classic grapes, Loureiro and Arinto, has quenching citrus notes of green apple and lime, coupled with steely minerality. It’s zippy, tart quality is something we often describe as “fizzy acidity,” where acid creates an almost effervescent feel on the palate.

Experts say: “If you’re looking for a versatile bottle of white wine, then look no further,” says Loper. “I recently shared this with my family paired with some steelhead trout, sweet potatoes, and salad, and it worked well with everything on the plate.”

Day trip: A farm-inspired brunch in Stuart. A Tuscan wine shop in Hobe Sound.

When I lived in Miami, I’d drive to the upper Keys sometimes for lunch. My parents and I loved to do this, spur of the moment, drawn by the promise of fresh fish and key lime pie. For me, it was about the drive, particularly the stretch of road that ran between the ocean and the bay. That first sight of water was a much-needed segue into a more relaxed dimension.

I always remember this when I drive north on U.S. Highway 1, past Tequesta and toward Hobe Sound. The segue to chill is not a water view but the blur of preserve land that’s part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. For a few soothing miles, there are no strip plazas or other signs of big-city life. By the time you’ve reached the first glimmers of Hobe Sound, you’ve shifted into island mode. For me, this alone is worth a day trip.

On a recent Saturday, I took such a trip. Here are my three favorite experiences from my Palm Beach Gardens to Stuart drive.

Bridge Road: the ‘establishing shot’

Driving north on U.S. 1/Federal Highway, I wanted to double-down on the island feel. So I made a right turn on Bridge Road and took the scenic drive that is always my Hobe Sound establishing shot. In filmmaker terms, it means the shot that captures your setting and sometimes mood. Southeast Bridge Road always does just that.

Drive slowly beneath the canopy of intertwined banyan tree branches, and you’ve reached the enchanted-forest part of your day trip. Cross the Bridge Road Bridge and you’ll find another tree-lined stretch before you reach Hobe Sound Martin County Beach Park, where you can park and access the public beach. Even if you haven’t planned a beach day, you can soak up the salt air, the sun and surf.

On this recent day trip, we only paused at the beach for a look-and-see. We had brunch plans in Stuart.

Brunch at the Colab Kitchen

You can only follow a cool spot on Instagram for so long before the food photos and funky al fresco views beckon you to visit. Stuart’s Colab Kitchen restaurant and market has been calling my name for a while now. And when I heard the farm-inspired restaurant and market had a new brunch menu, I headed north.

When I got there, I realized Colab Kitchen’s concept goes beyond the farm inspiration. It is as “farm-to-table” as you get. As you step into the spacious and modern building in downtown Stuart, you’re greeted by a kind of farmers market. You can buy freshly harvested greens from Indiantown’s Colab Farms, produce, farm eggs, fresh bread, bakery items, prepared sauces, natural toiletries and other items.

The main dining room and bar area follows in a sweep of clean lines and modern lighting over more rustic wood floors. It’s a welcoming space, both in decor and hospitality. Even though we arrived less than an hour before the end of brunch, we were greeted warmly and led to a sunny indoor table that offered terrific views of Colab Kitchen’s large dining patio and sprawling lawn.

The brunch menu proved to be a problem, but only because I wanted to order everything on it. It’s one of those rare menus on which the “healthy” items — the salads and bowls — are as tempting as the comfort-food items, such as the smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, sweet potato, onions and sourdough toast ($19), the lemon-ricotta pancakes ($17) and the egg-topped tomato pie ($19).

I ordered a small-plates type of brunch because I couldn’t decide on one big dish. It offered me a good introduction to Colab Kitchen’s talents.

We started with house-made sourdough bread ($14), a deliciously crusty half-loaf served on a wood board with salt-sprinkled cultured butter, roasted garlic and a good dollop of the best pimento cheese I’ve had in a while.

Our deviled eggs appetizer ($9) was almost too lovely to eat: Four boiled egg halves, topped with a tall swirl of deviled filling and crowned with a bit of tomato jam and pickled mustard seed, were served atop a mix of farm greens.

I had to have some crispy, thick-cut bacon on the side ($5), and it did not disappoint. Ditto for the loaded hash browns side dish ($8), a perfectly crispy smash topped with melting cheeses and snipped chives — put an egg on top and you’ve got a yummy entree.

We got a sweet kick from one of the daily dessert specials, a warm peach bread pudding topped with caramel and vanilla ice cream ($12).

As much as I wanted to try the lemon-ricotta pancakes, I had to leave those for the next time. (Because I’m hoping there will be a next time!)

Colab Kitchen: 100 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Stuart, 772-872-6243, ColabKitchenFl.com

A Tuscan wine shop visit

Heading back south, I made an obligatory stop at my favorite area wine shop, Casa del Vino. This cozy shop is where proprietors Silvia and Franco Mininni have welcomed wine lovers, wine novices and the community at large since opening seven years ago.

They furnished the place with decorative touches from their native Tuscany, a few comfy chairs and a long wooden table they hand-built and covered with a tapestry of wine crates. Inspired by the eclectic variety of wine crates they had amassed during years of working with Italian wineries, they built the table inside their warehouse a good two years before opening the shop.

“There was no particular reason why we built it, but we thought that maybe one day we would know why,” says Silvia. “Two years later, we opened this place, and this table is now a major part of it.”

It didn’t take long for her to realize the why of the table. It brought together a new wine-appreciating community, sparked conversation and new friendships over generous pours of wine and cheese and salumi boards topped with cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy.

Now Silvia and Franco have given their shop a new focus. While they continue to sell imported wine and goods at Casa del Vino, they are serving multi-course dinners just about every night. The dinners, intimate affairs that tend to sell out quickly, are offered at the wine-crate table.

During my recent visit to the shop, Silvia told me she and Franco plan to expand into the space next door in the plaza. The new space will be for wine tastings, classes and other events, she said.

I could not leave without buying some of my Casa del Vino Italian favorites: pecorino studded with pistachios, mortadella from Bologna, Italian crackers, a bottle of Ad Astra Super Tuscan, a sippable pinot bianco from Trentino and a fiano wine from Campania.

Back home later, I thought about my day’s adventures — and of the Italy I’ve found in Hobe Sound — as I enjoyed bites of the pecorino and mortadella.

Casa del Vino: 11330 SE U.S. Hwy 1, Hobe Sound, 772-675-2228, on Instagram @casadelvinolifestyle

Read recent columns by Liz Balmaseda

◾ A fresh batch of places to eat and locally made treats

◾ New West Palm steakhouse restaurant kicks off Sunday brunch

◾ A favorite seafood restaurant gets a glow-up in the Gardens

◾ New oceanfront bar opens, 2 others named ‘best’ in The South

◾ 3 new pizzerias to put on your radar

◾ Where to find the best meatballs in town? Some favorites!

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on Instagram and Post on Food Facebook . She can be reached by email at [email protected] .

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COMMENTS

THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards
It was great to see & learn how the wines of Sancerre are produced. Lucille was really friendly, approachable and... 17. Domaine Hubert Brochard. 3. Wineries & Vineyards • Sightseeing Tours. 18. Savoir Wine Academy. Wineries & Vineyards • Food Tours. What travelers are saying.
Best Wineries in Sancerre, Wine Tours & Tastings 2024
Domaine Fouassier is a 10th generation family run business and mid-size winery in Sancerre. They manage 60 hectares (150 acres) of biodynamically farmed vineyards, and produce 10 different single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc wines. None of their wines see oak, and only stainless tanks and amphorae are used.
10 best wineries in Sancerre to visit in 2024
Domaine Gitton. Since 1945, Domaine Gitton judiciously spread across the best plots of the terroir. France , Sancerre. €5.00 Book now.
Your 2024 guide to Sancerre in Loire Valley region
Places to visit in Sancerre Wine Appellation Picturesque village Sancerre. Sancerre is a lovely village where the main enjoyment is simply strolling around the gorgeous streets of the old town, which are surrounded with preserved old houses. Begin your stay at the Sancerre tourism office on the Esplanade Porte César to learn about the village ...
10 best wine tours & tastings in Sancerre 2024
Sancerre 39 Experiences. 5/5. Amboise 67 Experiences. 5/5. Tours 67 Experiences. 5/5. Chinon 72 Experiences. 5 /5. Saumur 72 Experiences.
Sancerre wine route: top 10 guide
Sancerre wine route: top 10 guide. Wine from the Sancerre region of France is beloved by many - especially sauvignon blanc - but local wineries also offer the chance to try pinot noir, rosé ...
THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards
It was great to see & learn how the wines of Sancerre are produced. Lucille was really friendly, approachable and... 17. Domaine Hubert Brochard. 3. Wineries & Vineyards • Sightseeing Tours. Open now. 18. Savoir Wine Academy. Wineries & Vineyards • Wine Tours & Tastings . What travellers are saying.
THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards
These experiences are best for wineries & vineyards in Sancerre: A Winey Day Out: Sauvignon Blanc Wine Tour of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé; Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé Wine Tour with Local Goats' Cheese and the River Loire; Sancerre Wine Lover Day Tour with Private Driver; See more wineries & vineyards in Sancerre on Tripadvisor
Sancerre ⭐️ Best Wineries, Wine Tours & Tastings ️ 2024
The wineries in Sancerre appellation that accept group reservations for 8 persons at least are : Domaine Hubert Brochard. Château de Sancerre. Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet. Discover all the wineries in Sancerre appellation that accept group reservations for 8 persons at least.
The 8 Best Things To Do In Sancerre France
The town of Sancerre, perched high on one of the undulating hills, has the most magnificent panorama of the Loire Valley, with vineyards as far as the eye can see and pretty rooftops bundled together at varying points. This is wine country, so get your tasting buds at the ready. Here are the top 10 things to not miss out on when visiting Sancerre.
Visit Château de Sancerre
From October to March included : visit from Tuesday to Saturday at 11am and 3pm. From April to September included: everyday visit at 11am and 3pm, with extra visits on Friday and Saturday at 4.30pm. Price: Adults 15€ / Children 12-18 years 7,5€. Minimum 2 people, limited to 20 people. Château de Sancerre. 6 Rue Porte César.
Ultimate Guide to the Terroir of Sancerre, Part One
Sancerre is a region of unique and exceptional terroir which, from a geological perspective, can be loosely broken into three parts: (1) silex, is clay with flint, which makes delineated and elegant wines that age well; (2) Kimmeridgian limestone (aka: terres blanches), is a chalky soil made of ancient oyster fossils can be the most structured ...
How to pick the best Sancerre wine
Originally written for Decanter magazine in 2007 and updated in 2019. Sancerre is easily the most spectacular - and largest -vineyard in the Loire. The steep rolling countryside with its arc of vineyards around the dominating hill of Sancerre is unique to the region. With one or two exceptions, vineyards elsewhere in the Loire are gently ...
THE 10 BEST Sancerre Wineries & Vineyards
It was great to see & learn how the wines of Sancerre are produced. Lucille was really friendly, approachable and... 17. Domaine Hubert Brochard. 3. Wineries & Vineyards • Sightseeing Tours. 18. Savoir Wine Academy. Wineries & Vineyards • Food Tours. What travellers are saying.
Sancerre wine route: top 10 guide
Sancerre is a firm fixture in restaurants and wine bars around the world and a trip into its vineyards - only a couple of hours drive from Paris - offers the chance to explore one of the most welcoming regions in Francefor wine lovers. Sancerre itself is a grand medieval hill town, with dozens of cafes, bistrots and "caves" to taste wine in. Set off into the countryside, and every ...
The Best Natural Wine Vineyards in France's Loire Valley
Book a visit in advance to taste their Côt Vieilles Vignes, a stunning Malbec made with grapes from century old vines. Domaine Delaporte Delaporte, which makes some of Sancerre's best wines, has ...
Best wineries to visit near Sancerre ⭐️ Wine Tours ...
From 49,00 €. Sancerre is located between Bourges and Blois . On the Loire wine route, it is near the Menetou Salon and Pouilly-fumé appellations. The wines of the AOC Sancerre can be tasted in the 3 colors, The grape varieties that reign over Sancerre are Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
10 best wineries to visit near Sancerre
Top wineries close to Sancerre you can visit on a wine tour. Visiting wineries near Sancerre is a journey through the heart of French wine culture. These vineyards are known for producing some of the world's most exquisite Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines. The picturesque rolling hills along the Loire River create a stunning backdrop for ...
Guide to Sancerre, Loire Valley
Around and about Sancerre. There's plenty to do and see in the area, The Chateaux de Chambord and Blois ... Or you could go canoeing at nearby St Satur where the Sancerre vineyards were first planted by monks in the 12 th century. But don't, whatever you do, miss a visit to Bourges. The Cathedral City is not as well-known as some of the ...
Visiting Sancerre, France: Original Home of the Sauvignon ...
Visiting Wineries. One of the easiest ways to visit several wineries is with a tour. The House of Sancerre recommends Vinitour-Centreloire (tours available in English) Hotels. La Cote des Monts Damnes
9 Sancerre Wines to Electrify Your Palate
The white wines of Sancerre are a warm-weather favorite and drinking them is a perfect reason to dust off the patio furniture. Usually made with Sauvignon Blanc from France's Loire Valley, these bottlings' crisp minerality, high acidity and herbaceous notes pair beautifully with the culinary staples of spring and summer, like shellfish and green salads.
Sancerre AOP
Maison des Sancerre is the link between the winegrowers and the general public (tourists or customers). As a place of gathering focused on viticulture and winemaking that is all about sharing and providing information about the vineyards, Maison des Sancerre is the means of promoting and valorizing the appellation's wines. Discover the place
16 Best Wines to Buy Right Now for $20 or Less, According ...
We asked the professionals at some of the top wine shops across the U.S. to tell us their best wines to buy right now for $20 or less. From California Cabernet Sauvignon to Italian Prosecco, South ...
Road trip: Brunch restaurant in Stuart, best wine shop in Hobe Sound
A Tuscan wine shop visit. Heading back south, I made an obligatory stop at my favorite area wine shop, Casa del Vino. This cozy shop is where proprietors Silvia and Franco Mininni have welcomed ...