The Loire is a region of excellent wines. It not as well known as Bordeaux or Burgundy but also not nearly as expensive. In fact, wine may be one of the last great values in France, given the depressed state of the dollar.

The Loire is France's last great unrecognized wine region. Some of France's best winemaking occurs here though few Americans are aware of it. Even many French are unaware of some of the gems now being produced in the Loire Valley. But sommeliers, wine-bar and wine-shop owners, the wine press from London, Paris, Brussels and Tokyo in the know spend their vacations visiting the Loire Valley.

Touraine and Sancerre are crisp, excellent whites. Coteau du Layon is like a bargain sauternes, and is perfect with foie gras. Reds range from light and refreshing Touraine to full-bodied vintage Chinons.

Vouvray wines range from dry and tart to medium sweet, and even as a sparkling version. The sweet versions are generally superior to the dry ones. Vouvrays are produced in the picturesque little town of Vouvray alongside the Loire River, the longest and last wild river of Europe and its here that the world's best Chenin Blanc wines are made. Vouvray is a great white loaded with flavours and layers.

There are two versions of sparkling Vouvray called Vouvray Mousseux and a finer beaded called Vouvray petillant. Try the Vouvray Petillant, the local take on champagne. Sparkling Vouvray is nothing like champagne. Because of its richness and depth of flavour it is more like a champagne cocktail. Sparkling vouvray is elegantly supple and very sexy.

White wines of the Loire Valley usually improve with being aged from 5 to 15 years depending upon the AOC and the vintage. Its major white grapes are Chenin Blan, Muscadet and Sauvignon Blanc. Each of these grapes are cultivated in other parts of the world, but the Loire Valley establishes the benchmark. A new bottle of French Loire Valley white wine may be good, but a properly aged bottle is even better.

The tourist route around the vineyards of the Loire valley leads wine lovers and beginners alike from vineyards to cellars, offering wine-related discoveries punctuated by visits to imposing chateaux, abbeys, cave dwellings and gardens along the Loire, now classed as part of the world heritage of mankind by Unesco (Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes-sur-Loire).

Everyone knows French cooking is one of the best in the world if not the best. With more than 365 cheeses, thousands different wine producers, sea food, fishes and good meat ,foie gras ,and of course specialties like snails, frogs? legs, bouillabaisse, pot au feu, boeuf bourguignon. You can also enjoy a variety of local game from the deep forests of nearby Sologne, and trout or salmon from the region's rivers.

Beyond a doubt France's most food friendly wines are produced in one of the most gorgeous wine regions of the world, the Loire with magnificent castles and a gentle climate. France is heaven for those who like innovative cuisine and quality. Inviting inns offer game, fish and abundant fresh vegetables to be lingered over with light white Vouvray wine, or full-bodied vintage Chinon.

No other wine region in France welcomes visitors with such warmth or simplicity. Visit local wineries, or simply enjoy Loire Valley wine at meals. Terrific restaurants abound in the region, with prices half of what you' would expect to pay in Paris.

Over indulgence is no sin in this rich region.