Our guide to wine tourism in the Vienne
Gourmets' corner
©Dorian Sacher Wine lover or just curious? Go on the wine route and visit the estates of the Vienne. Wine tourism is an opportunity to discover the region through the history of its vineyards. Taste them delicious AOC Haut-Poitou and AOC Saumur Nord wines Vienne and go meet passionate producers.
La Vienne, land of vines
viticulture in the Vienne revolves around two large vineyards, which each have their own designation of origin: Haut-Poitou and Saumur.
The wines of Poitou and the AOC Haut-Poitou
The history of wine in Haut-Poitou dates back to the Middle Ages. It is during this period of history that we find the first evidence of viticultural and wine-making activities near the abbeys. At that time, the consumption of this alcoholic drink was reserved for the wealthy. Little by little, the culture of the vine develops in the Vienne and in Deux-Sèvres. In the 18th centurynd century, wine is no longer reserved for an elite and 40 hectares of vines are cultivated in the department of Vienne. But invasions of insects and parasites severely affect the vineyards. While in Deux-Sèvres, priority is given to breeding, while in Haut-Poitou, winegrowers replant. Today, the vineyards of Poitou are mainly located to the north and west of Poitiers.
Haut-Poitou wines are grown on clay-limestone soils. They are characterized by a sensation of freshness and lightness and are best enjoyed young. The Haut-Poitou AOC vineyard covers 700 hectares north of Poitiers and near Futuroscope. Since 2011, 150 hectares have benefited from the controlled designation of origin.
Several grape varieties are grown by the winegrowers on this terroir: gamay noir, cabernet franc, pinot noir and sauvignon.
Saumur North wines Vienne and the AOC Saumur
North of the Vienne, in the Loudunais, some winegrowers produce wines in the territories of the Saumur appellation. The vineyard is cultivated on Anjou blanc tuffeau chalk soils. The grape varieties benefit from the sweetness and character of the Saumur AOC, created in 1936.
On this territory, different grape varieties are produced: Cabernet Franc for red, Chenin for white and Chardonnay for sparkling wines.
The peculiarity of Saumur wines of Loudunais is that they age and are vinified in cellars dug into the tuffeau, in old mushroom farms, as can be found near Saumur. Thus, they benefit from a stable temperature all year round, between 10 and 15 °. Often, the vines are located above these cellars, on a clay-limestone subsoil. Around thirty winegrowers are present in the Pays du Loudunais, spread across 9 communes and over nearly 500 hectares in AOC Saumur.
On the wine route in the Vienne
The vineyards of Vienne are revealed on the wine route, a circuit that allows you to meet winegrowers and producers, while discovering the territory and its riches.
The Domaine de la Rôtisserie, for a tasting in a beautiful cellar in Tuffeau
This family wine estate of about twenty hectares is placed on the slopes of Marigny-Brizay. Located south of the Loire, the Rotisserie area enjoys an oceanic climate. It offers different wines in AOC Haut-Poitou, available in red, white and rosé, from Sauvignon, Gamay and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. The owners welcome you on site in a magnificent cellar, with an oven dug in freestone. During these free guided tours, discover the vines, the profession of winegrower and the wine cellar.
The Domaine de l'Épinay, to discover the estate aboard taxi-vines
If you come to the Vienne in the spring, don't miss the open days of the Domaine de l’Epinay. Explore it in a festive and warm atmosphere, aboard vineyard taxis, share a winegrower's meal and enjoy a tavern afternoon. All year round by appointment, it is possible to visit the cellars and cellar and taste the wines. Led by Quentin and Laurent Menestreau, representing the 4nd generation of winegrowers on these lands, L’Épinay extends over around thirty hectares sharing 4 communes benefiting from the Saumur appellation. Their specialties are Saumur Puy Notre-Dame, cabernet and Coteaux de Saumur.
Vallet father and son, for an unusual stay in a troglodyte house
In Saint-Leger-de-Montbrillais, the Vallet family has been cultivating its vines for several generations according to wine-growing tradition, using manual techniques. The wines are vinified in cellars dug into the tuffeau. Near their estate, the owners offer you an unusual stay in their troglodyte, which can accommodate up to 12 people. You can taste their delicious AOC Saumur wines, made from Chenin and Cabernet grape varieties and visit their farm.
Do you want to taste the gastronomic specialties of the Vienne ?
©ACAPThe Domaine de Villemont, to live new experiences in the heart of the vineyards
Ideally located between the Futuroscope and Center Parcs Bois aux Daims, the Bourdier family awaits you in Seuilly-Mirebeau. Independent winegrowers, they produce white, red and rosé AOC wines from Haut-Poitou. The Villemont estate opens its doors to you for guided tours: exploration of the vines and the cellar, presentation of grape varieties and tastings, discovery of food and wine pairings around a platter of charcuterie and cheese.
Throughout the year, the Bourdier family introduces you to wine tourism in the Vienne by offering you different exotic experiences: horseback riding, horse-drawn carriage, hiking or mountain biking, concerts, vintage car rally. They also organize special days for Christmas and for the harvest.
Passing through Poitiers? Also take the opportunity to discover the Poitevine breweries and taste the local products to associate with the different wines.