The Loire Valley is over 630 miles long.  In the past we have raced up and down between the famous appellations, spending more time travelling than actually discovering the wine itself. Because of this we now tend to concentrate on the western Loire and the appellations of Anjou/Saumur. It is also, coincidentally, the region where our heart lies in terms of both wine and the character of the
people.  It is the region I know most about and more importantly the region where winemakers know more about me. So, to be frank, if your idea of a wine tour is simply to visit as many wineries in as short a time as possible, then you are probably on the wrong website. If, on the other hand if you have a real love of wine and wish to spend most of an afternoon tasting great wines at your leisure, to go away with a real memory of the essence of the region and then perhaps to drink and discuss the same wines over excellent food in the evening then we await your arrival with anticipation!
But don't think that your experience of different types of wine will be restricted; Anjou/Saumur contains 27 Appellations covering the whole gamin of wine production, many of them hidden gems which you are unlikely to find on the market in your respective countries. For example the superb Rosé; "Cabinet de Saumur" is only grown on 70 hectares of a particular type of  Limestone whilst the luscious "Coteaux de Saumur" is restricted to a mere 17 hectares. The maximum yield for this legendary wine is a paltry 400hl., This level is rarely approached and, in some years, none whatsoever is produced. 

After many years, both in working in the wine industry and studying wine and, of course after living here for ten years, this part of the Loire, in its approach to wine and in its unpretentious, understated way has always held a fascination for me and I sincerely hope that you can join me to discover some of its hidden gems. 

à bientôt
Brian


    

Wine is an eternal fascination, a joy and an intellectual exercise. It is also, here in the wine regions of the Western Loire, a thing which underpins much of everyday life and culture.  In this region wine appreciation is, however, rarely snobbish and, refreshingly, the locals never forget that wine is made for drinking, being just as happy drinking a fresh, vibrant rosé "au bar"on a hot summers afternoon as they are discussing the finer points of a fine Anjou Rouge or a luscious Coteaux de Saumur over a long Sunday Lunch or cocooned in one of the many wine chais which abound in the area.  Drinking wine is a social occasion, to be done in company,  in convivial surroundings and, for preference, accompanied by good food.  We have lived in this region of the Loire for 10 years, have many friends amongst the winemaking community and would hope to be able to shine a light into a hidden corner of the ethos, techniques and the sheer delight which goes into the making of these unique wines.   
    

You will stay in our gites at Le Clos des Guyons. Thus giving you all the facilities of our rental accommodation.
Le Clos des Guyons was formally the home of La Domaine de Guyons but the wine is now made in a larger chai on the other side of the village.
Depending on numbers meals are taken in the large central dining room or in the Salon in front of the huge stone chimney.
Whilst retaining all the character of the original building our gites now contain all modern conveniences including en-suite rooms and satellite TV.