The Loire Valley wine area is located south west of Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is a region blessed with a gentle climate and rich soil, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.

The Loire Valley is most famous for producing fine white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, and Chenin Blanc with accounts for seventy-five percent of the wine produced in the region. As well as these lovely white wines, you can enjoy the delightful, fruity and pleasant reds produced in the Loire Valley, such as Cabernet Franc and Gamay.

A fairytale wine-tasting adventure awaits the wine lover touring the Loire Valley as wine-tasting can be enjoyed along with visits to many spectacular historic chateau sprinkled throughout the region. Chateau Chambord which is the largest Loire Valley chateau and the architecturally breathtaking Chateau Chenonceau spanning the River Cher are just two of many jaw-droppers for tourists to enjoy.

Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce can admire his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His drawings and paintings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.

The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail because it is so seeped in history and because of the close association with Leonardo Da Vinci.

Chateau Chaumont lies on the banks of the Loire River opposite the Touraine-Amboise vineyards and it holds an international garden festival each year from April to October being France's equivalent of the Chelsea Garden Fair. Last year the theme was play and many of the gardens on exhibit were highly interactive and a great success with both children and adults. This year the theme is going to be mobility.

Self-guided wine tours can be combined with hiking, bicycling, or hot air ballooning through the scenic countryside. All wine lovers should make their next wine tasting holiday destination the Loire Valley because the excitement of their senses will stretch far beyond their palate. Many of the historic chateaux hold laser and firework shows at night during summer. For chateau enthusiasts staying at a chateau can heighten the enjoyment of your vacation. Remember to bring lots of film or memory for your camera, as there really is not a prettier wine region in the world.