Few lunches in France are as pleasant as a picnic among the vines. This experience near Chinon takes you out of the town and into the vineyard, where you sit with a hamper of local food and a glass of the region's wine, with the rows of Cabernet Franc stretching away. There is no formal programme and no pressure, which is exactly the appeal after a morning of sightseeing. The wine comes from the place where you are sitting, the bread, cheese and charcuterie come from nearby, and the pace is as slow as you want it to be. It suits couples looking for a romantic stop, small groups who want something relaxed, and anyone who would rather eat in the open air than in a crowded restaurant. In fine weather it is easily one of the loveliest and most memorable lunches in the Loire.
The Chinon vineyards lie along the Vienne valley, on slopes of chalk and gravel that suit Cabernet Franc. The region has a long winemaking tradition, and the cellars cut into the tufa cliffs around the town have been used to age wine for centuries. In the vineyard you can see how the vines are trained, how the soils change from one parcel to the next and how the landscape shapes the wines.
A host will usually explain the basics as you eat, so you leave knowing more than when you arrived. The pace is gentle, and there is time to walk between the rows, take photographs and simply sit.
The picnic itself is built around regional food. Expect fresh bread, local goat cheese, cured meats or rillettes, seasonal fruit and something sweet, with wine to match. The exact contents vary by season and by the producer, so check the details when you book, and mention vegetarian or allergy needs ahead of time.
A picnic in the vines works best in dry, settled weather, so it is a good choice from late spring to early autumn, and organisers may offer an alternative setting if the weather turns. Bring a hat and sun cream in summer and a light jacket in spring or autumn.
It is easy to fit around other plans. Visit the fortress in the morning when the light is good, enjoy the picnic at midday, and then spend the afternoon wandering the old town or driving to Fontevraud Abbey, a short distance away. If you are driving, remember that the wine is part of the experience, so arrange a designated driver or ask about quantities.
Check the meeting point, the start time and the length of the session when you book. For couples, this is a particularly easy way to add a romantic highlight to a Loire itinerary without a large budget or a formal reservation.
A practical word on timing
The best moment for a vineyard picnic is usually around midday, but late afternoon, when the light is warm, is lovely as well. In hot weather, find out whether shade is provided and bring water. In shoulder seasons, the vines change colour, with the green of summer giving way to gold and red in autumn, and a picnic at that time has a different and equally beautiful atmosphere. Whatever the season, leave time to enjoy it, because the point is to stay awhile.
What to expect
The experience
A picnic of regional food and local wine, served in the vineyard with a short introduction from your host.
Best time
Midday in dry weather, from late spring to early autumn.
How long
One to two hours, with time to wander the rows.
Tips
Bring a hat or a light jacket, mention dietary needs when you book and arrange a designated driver.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and small groups who want a relaxed, scenic lunch.
- Families
- Ask about children's options, as the focus is wine and the setting is outdoors.
- Couples
- A romantic open-air lunch with a view over the vines.
- Pair with
- The fortress at Chinon or Fontevraud Abbey.
- Time needed
- A couple of hours.
Good questions
What is served at the picnic?+
Regional bread, cheese, charcuterie and something sweet, with local wine. The exact menu varies, so check the details when you book.
What if it rains?+
Weather can affect an outdoor picnic, so check the operator's conditions and whether an alternative setting is offered.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?+
Often yes with notice, so mention dietary needs when you book.
Where does it take place?+
In a vineyard in the Chinon area, so confirm the meeting point and directions when you book.
Do I need a car?+
A car makes it easier to reach the vineyard, but check the meeting point, since arrangements differ.
