Loire Valley – Castles, Sauvignon & Savoir-vivre

The Loire Valley is one of France’s most beautiful and diverse wine regions—characterized by rolling hills, magnificent castles, lush gardens, and a centuries-old wine culture. Along the Loire, France’s longest river, lie not only fairytale châteaux, but also some of the country’s most exciting appellations. Here, mineral white wines, elegant red wines, and characterful rosés meet regional cuisine that thrives on freshness and down-to-earthness.

Wine culture in the Loire Valley

The winemaking tradition in the Loire dates back to ancient times, but its true heyday began in the Middle Ages, when the region became a favorite retreat for the French aristocracy. Today, the Loire Valley is considered the “Garden of France” and one of the most diverse AOP regions in Europe—with over 50 controlled designations of origin.

The wine region is divided into four main areas, which differ greatly in climate, soils and grape varieties:

• Pays Nantais (near Nantes) – known for Muscadet and seafood pairings.

• Anjou-Saumur – famous for Chenin Blanc, Crémant de Loire and sweet to noble sweet wines.

• Touraine – home of Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgueil and many fresh white and red wines.

• Centre-Loire – with the famous appellations Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, which are considered the world reference for Sauvignon Blanc.

Grape varieties & stylistics

The Loire is an Eldorado for varietal character – each grape variety shows its distinctive face here:

• Sauvignon Blanc – Fresh, grassy, ​​mineral. Star in Sancerre & Pouilly-Fume.

• Chenin Blanc – Versatile: from dry, sparkling to sweet (Vouvray, Saumur, Anjou).

• Melon de Bourgogne – Light white wine for seafood (Muscadet).

• Cabernet Franc – Elegant, herbal, fruity (Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur).

• Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grolleau – For light, playful red and rosé wines.

The cuisine of the Loire: fresh, rural, seasonal

Culinary-wise, the Loire Valley is closely linked to its river: fish, goat cheese, herbs, and fresh vegetables dominate the regional cuisine. It is light, aromatic, and emphasizes the natural flavors of the ingredients—ideal for versatile wine pairing.

Typical dishes from the Loire Valley:

• Sandre au beurre blanc – zander fillet in a classic white wine and butter sauce.

• Rillettes de Tours – Cooked, spreadable pork, served with baguette.

• Tarte aux chèvre & tomates – Warm goat cheese tart with ripe tomatoes and herbs.

• Salade de lentilles vertes du Berry – Lentil salad with goat cheese and herb vinaigrette.

• Tarte Tatin – upside-down apple pie – classic French with caramel.

Wine & Food: Loire on the plate & in the glass

The freshness and finesse of Loire wines make them ideal food pairings. A Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé shines with fish, while a Chinon or Bourgueil pairs perfectly with rillettes or poultry. Chenin Blanc demonstrates its class with goat cheese or fruity tarts, and a well-chilled Crémant de Loire is an excellent accompaniment to appetizers, aperitifs, and festive occasions.

Top 10 recipes with wine recommendations from the Loire – Enjoyment & Food pairing from the Loire Valley

Rillons de Tours (Rillauds d’Anjou)

French culture of enjoyment – wine and food that connect Wine with food plays a [...]

20
Aug

Filet Mignon de Porc (pork tenderloin with herbs)

French finesse – wine and food at the highest level Wine with dinner opens up [...]

20
Aug

Ratatouille Loire style

Summer vegetable highlight – wine and food in Mediterranean harmony Wine with food is the [...]

20
Aug

Andouillette

Traditional French enjoyment – wine and food with character and depth Wine with food focuses [...]

19
Aug

Chèvre Frais

Wine and food in perfect harmony – tender goat’s cheese as a moment of enjoyment [...]

19
Aug

Quiche Lorraine

French bistro classic reinterpreted – wine and food celebrated Wine with food is the heart [...]

19
Aug

Beuchelle à la tourangelle

French classics rediscovered – wine and food as a harmonious experience Wine with food means [...]

18
Aug

Tarte Tatin

French dessert art – wine and food at the highest level Wine with food inspires [...]

18
Aug

Rillettes de Tours

French country cuisine meets aromatic accompaniments – wine and food with style Wine with food [...]

18
Aug

Latest food recommendations for wines from the Loire

Rillons de Tours (Rillauds d’Anjou)

French culture of enjoyment – wine and food that connect Wine with food plays a [...]

20
Aug

Filet Mignon de Porc (pork tenderloin with herbs)

French finesse – wine and food at the highest level Wine with dinner opens up [...]

20
Aug

Ratatouille Loire style

Summer vegetable highlight – wine and food in Mediterranean harmony Wine with food is the [...]

20
Aug

Andouillette

Traditional French enjoyment – wine and food with character and depth Wine with food focuses [...]

19
Aug

Chèvre Frais

Wine and food in perfect harmony – tender goat’s cheese as a moment of enjoyment [...]

19
Aug

Quiche Lorraine

French bistro classic reinterpreted – wine and food celebrated Wine with food is the heart [...]

19
Aug

Beuchelle à la tourangelle

French classics rediscovered – wine and food as a harmonious experience Wine with food means [...]

18
Aug

Tarte Tatin

French dessert art – wine and food at the highest level Wine with food inspires [...]

18
Aug

Rillettes de Tours

French country cuisine meets aromatic accompaniments – wine and food with style Wine with food [...]

18
Aug

Pretzel d’Alsace (Alsatian pretzel)

Crispy Alsatian pretzel culture meets sparkling wine enjoyment Wine with food thrives on the art [...]

14
Aug

Cheese variation with regional raw milk cheese & kimchi slaw

Modern Cheese Culture & Fermentation Pleasure: Exciting Food Pairing for Every Bar Wine with food [...]

13
Aug

Baked Camembert with Fermented Mushrooms & Herbs

French oven enjoyment meets aroma explosion in the glass Wine with food can hardly be [...]

13
Aug

Soft cheese trio with fermented carrots, cauliflower & mustard seeds

Delicious cheese variation interpreted in a modern way Wine with food always means creativity and [...]

10
Aug

French cheese platter with Comté, Morbier & goat cheese roll, served with quince chutney

French delight for wine and cheese lovers Wine with food stands for culinary delights that [...]

10
Aug

Grilled king oyster mushrooms with parsley oil & walnut gremolata

Fine mushroom cuisine – modern and aromatic with American wine accompaniment Wine can be so [...]

07
Aug

Potato and zucchini gratin with lemon and thyme cream

Oven happiness meets freshness: Modern gratin cuisine with fine wine accompaniment Wine to go with [...]

06
Aug

Cold lentil salad with tomatoes, olives & thyme

Fresh enjoyment with Mediterranean flair – perfect with sparkling wine Wine with food can also [...]

15
Jul

Fregola salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella & basil (served cold)

Summer freshness with Mediterranean flair This fregola salad is a prime example of Mediterranean cuisine: [...]

30
Jun

Pappardelle with peas, mint & ricotta salata

Fresh flavors, creamy cheese and a hint of mint – perfect for warm days This [...]

25
Jun

Citrus tagliolini with prawns & lime butter

Mediterranean freshness with a touch of luxury Fine tagliolini, delicately cooked prawns and a velvety [...]

25
Jun

Herb-marinated veal carpaccio with lemon crème fraîche

Tender, fresh and aromatic: summer veal meets citrus and garden herbs Tender veal, sliced wafer-thin, [...]

24
Jun

Burrata with yellow bell pepper vinaigrette & roasted seeds

Summery elegance on the plate A simple but sophisticated summer dish: creamy burrata meets a [...]

24
Jun

Beef carpaccio with parmesan & lemon-olive oil

Summer classic with a freshness kick and elegant acidity Thinly sliced fillet of beef meets [...]

24
Jun

Tuna carpaccio with lime, sesame seeds & spring onions

Fresh lightness with an Asian twist: this carpaccio will delight you Tenderly sliced tuna marinated [...]

23
Jun