This should not be considered a definitive list of wineries in the Loire Valley, but merely as a starting point.  Most wine travelers will proclaim the local "mom-and-pop" operation they discovered in the middle of nowhere as their best wine experience. Always be open to trying a new wine, as flavors and styles vary from vintage to vintage, village to village, and winemaker to winemaker.  The comments on the wines that we have provided should therefore be taken with a grain of salt.

Anjou

Centered on the town of Angers, Anjou is infamous for its wide variety of styles, producing dry, medium-dry, and sweet white wines; sparkling wines, rosés, and red wines, all of which may be available at any given producers winery. Only about 20% of the area's production is made into white wine, with the majority being rosés.  The traditional Rosé d'Anjou is declining in productivity, but the more refined and longer-lasting Cabernet d'Anjou is easily accessible. Reds from this area are made from Cabernet Franc and Gamay, creating wines that are lighter and crisper in flavor.  For the wine traveler, it is recommended that you take at least two days to cover this appellation, due to its size.

Beaulieu-sur-Layon (15 miles S of Angers)

Produce an array of wines, but their sweet wines are especially deep and well made.

Excellent quality wines across the spectrum.

Their best wine is the Coteaux du Layon Chaume, but their Savennières is also top-notch.

Bonnezeaux

The most important producer in Bonnezeaux, Jacques Boivin makes dry white and red Anjou and a sumptuous sweet wine.

Brissac-Quince

Large cooperative with wines from at least fifteen appellations.  Stick to their Anjou Villages and Anjou reds and whites are quite good.  Purchase specialized wines at your discretion.

Ph: 011 33 02 41 91 24 58

Makes a fabulous Cabernet d'Anjou and a sweet Coteaux de l'Aubance that is quite good.

Chaudefonds-sur-Layon (18 miles SE of Angers)

Le Pommeraye

Two gems that are well worth trying are the Coteaux du Layon from Chaudefonds and from Rochefort.

A stop for the sweet wine lovers to try their Coteaux de la Loire.

Rochefort-sur-Loire (14 miles SE of Angers)

8 rue de l'Abbaye
BP 11
49190 Rochefort-sur-Loire
Ph: 011 33 02 41 78 70 03
Fx:  011 33 02 41 78 83 82
Web:  www.baumard.fr
E-mail: florent@baumard.fr

A family-owned winery with vineyards across the region.  Their wines are beautifully crafted and show the versatility and potential of Chenin Blanc by taking advantage of what has long been accepted as its natural home, the slate-covered hillside vineyards along the Loire and Layon rivers. 

Owner Jacques Lalanne focuses on the quality of his wines without consideration of cost - they're more expensive, but worth it, especially if you want to age them.

Good wines, but definitely worth the trip for the 16th century château.

Another destination for good wines, but fabulous ambience.

Tigné

Owned by French film star, Gerard Depardieu, Château de Tigne exhibits film memorabilia in their tasting room.  Solid wines.