Set in a picturesque estate in the heart of the Loire Valley, Chateau de la Grille offers a unique, idyllic wine-tasting experience.
Located just a few miles north of the historic city of Chinon and the Loire River sits the sprawling Chateau de la Grille.
Surrounded by endless rows of grapevines and the remnants of the estate's original castle, this is the perfect spot to spend a couple of hours enjoying wines made from grapes this region is famous for: Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc.
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About Chateau de la Grille
The estate dates back to the 15th century and was passed down over the years to owners including royal advisors to King Louis XV, local historians, and artists.
In the mid-19th century, the property was renovated and a chapel was added, which still sits on the site today. Various castle outbuildings lend more French charm and you can easily find yourself exploring the estate and skipping over the understated tasting room.
But once you find it, you'll be treated to a wide selection of wines that beautifully express the terroir of the region.
Wine tasting experience
Chateau de la Grille offers free wine tastings Tuesdays through Saturdays. No appointment is required for small parties, but it's a good idea to call ahead for larger groups and reserve a day to stop by.
During our visit, we were treated to about half a dozen wines, from lighter Chenin Blancs to a crisp rosé, as well as a few bolder reds and bright sparkling wines. Here are a few that we really enjoyed.
Marie-Justine Rosé
We sampled the 2023 vintage of the crisp, acidic Marie-Justiné rose and liked it so much, we brought a couple of bottles back with us. Made with 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, this salmon-colored wine features strawberry and citrus aromas with a bright finish. It's ideal for warm summer days.
Red Chinon
One of the Chateau's signature wines, the Red Chinon is made with grapes from vines that are around 50 years old. Also made with only Cab Franc, it features dark fruit aromas with a slightly peppery finish and mellow tannins.
It also has a unique bottle that resembles ones used for Champagne during the 18th century. A nod to what the winery says is "luxury" quality of this wine.
Chateau de la Grille Sparkling Rosé
This sparkling wine is made with the traditional method using just-ripe Cab Franc grapes. That helps preserve the wine's bright acidity and fruit flavors. Minimal skin contact results in a pale pink color. Overall, this is a crisp, easy-drinking wine that's a perfect complement to light appetizers or as a stand-alone aperitif.
The Chateau de la Grille experience
When visiting the chateau for wine tasting, you'll be given a guided experience that walks you through many of the estate's more popular, as well as harder-to-find wines. But there's much more to experience here.
For €7 (about $7), you can add a guided tour of the estate and its historic buildings, and explore one of the few Loire Valley castles set amid its own vineyard.
You can also go on a self-guided walk of the grounds and vineyards and take a few picturesque snapshots to remember your visit. And to help keep you from getting lost among the vines, free maps are available from the wine cellar.
Staying at Chateau de la Grille
If you'd like to stay longer at the chateau and make it your base as you travel around the Loire Valley, you can rent the castle. This could be a good option if you're traveling with friends, as the property features 5 bedrooms.
Contact the chateau for pricing information.
Visit Chateau de la Grille
Address
Route de Huismes (D16) a Chinon
37500 Chinon
France
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday: 10 AM – 12 PM and 2pm – 6pm
Tasting experiences
- Wine tasting: free
- Wine tasting and guided tour: €7/person
- Self-guided walk of the grounds: free
For more information, contact Chateau de la Grille.
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