A farm tasting of five ageings of Crottin de Chavignol, from fresh to dry, with either a glass of Loire wine or apple juice, at a goat farm a few kilometres from Sancerre.
Young crottin has a firm, chalky paste and aged ones turn nutty and dry. White Sancerre's sharp Sauvignon acidity and citrus cut that density and freshen the hazelnut. The consortium lists it first; a pairing guide calls it the classic white.
The consortium lists Chinon among the red Loire wines for this cheese. A medium-bodied Chinon raised in tank or old wood keeps Cabernet Franc's fresh fruit and high acidity, which sit well against the tangy, hazelnut paste of a young log.
The consortium recommends a dry, fruity white with Pouligny-Saint-Pierre and names Sauvignon de Touraine. The wine's citrus lifts the tang of the white version without covering its dried-fruit notes.
Address: La Bête Noire Sancerroise, Écluse de Thauvenay, Le Guénetin, 18300 Thauvenay, Loire Valley
Wine and cheese tasting in the boutique of a Chavignol affineur: a single Crottin de Chavignol, or a cheese and charcuterie plate, in a shop that also has an ageing facility with explanations of the craft.
A visit of a working goat farm and Sancerre vineyard, free to walk round and guided on request, with the making of Crottin de Chavignol to see and a tasting in the shop.
A guided visit of a goat dairy with about 150 milking goats, explaining how the herd is run and how Valençay and Selles-sur-Cher AOP are made, with cheese and wine tasting.
Annual fair devoted to Sainte-Maure de Touraine AOP, with a market of regional food products, cheese competitions including the Chèvre d'Or, a mini-farm and entertainment. Free entry in 2026.
Covered market of Tours, opened in 1980, where stalls such as the affineur France Fromages sell Touraine goat cheeses alongside bakers, butchers and wine merchants.
3-day Private tour to Top 7 Loire Valley Castles with 2 Wine tastings. Chenonceau, Amboise, Chambord, Blois, Chaumont, Da Vinci Clos Luce, Villandry by Mercedes. Live ...
Discover the Loire Valley and visit its three most prestigious castles of your choice on a private guided tour, at your pace, according to your wishes
Escape Paris for a magical day in the Loire Valley. Explore fairytale castles, wander charming Blois, and enjoy a local wine tasting along the way.
