The Loire Valley wine area is situated 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 mild climate and rich soil, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character. For lovers of great wine and all finer things in life, one would be hard-pressed to locate a more perfect setting than the spectacular famous fertile valley of the Loire River; a region seeped in rich history from regal chateaux to its long viticulture tradition. 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 pleasant white wines, you can enjoy the delightful, fruity and pleasant reds produced in the Loire Valley, such as Gamay and Cabernet Franc. A fairytale wine-tasting adventure awaits the wine lover touring the Loire Valley as wine-tasting can be enjoyed along with tours to many amazing historic chateau scattered 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. The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Holy Grail and the Knights Templar because it is so seeped in history and because of the close association with Leonardo Da Vinci. Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce and see frescoes painted by his pupils and admire his study, salons, kitchen, bedrooms, and the chapel. His drawings and paintings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most amazing machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi. Chateau Chaumont sits high above the banks of the Loire River opposite the Touraine-Amboise vineyards and it holds an international garden festival annually 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 ballooningthrough the picturesque countryside. All wine lovers should make their next wine tasting vacation destination the Loire Valley because the excitement of their senses will stretch far beyond their palate. Many of the historic chateaux hold light and soundshows at night during summer. For castle enthusiasts staying at a castle can heighten the enjoyment of your vacation. Remember to bring lots of film or memory for your camera, as there really is not a more splendid wine region in the world.
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