Since relocating to France, my interest in and consumption of wine have soared. I've always enjoyed wine, but the experience here has been an entirely new adventure for me. Discovering the nuances of wine regions and the subtle differences has been an absolute delight. One revelation has been the inclusion of Sancerre in my top three favorite French wine regions. Renowned for its crisp, dry whites, Sancerre also boasts some exceptional dry reds. Ordering a Sancerre rouge at a restaurant in Paris or elsewhere in Europe often earns me nods of approval from servers. It seems to be a somewhat lesser-known region for reds, but in my opinion, they are absolutely superb!
A dear friend of mine in Paris shares my love for Sancerre wines, so we decided to embark on a weekend trip together, accompanied by a few other friends. Securing six bikes on a Saturday in early June, we set out to create our own tour. You can get an idea of our bike route here! Planning ahead for wine tastings in Sancerre is important, as many vineyards may not accommodate impromptu tours and tastings. If you're looking for shops with on-the-spot tastings, consider making a 1 hour 45 minute drive to Chablis, known for its crisp dry white wines with less acidity than Sancerre (I'll write about this experience in a separate post!).
We rented four e-bikes and two standard bikes from Cycles Sancerrois, a place offering commendable service at fair prices. However, keep in mind they run out of bikes, so reservations are advisable. Aaron charted a scenic route through picturesque hills that led us to our chosen wine-tasting destinations. Opting for an e-bike, especially for me and the less experienced cyclists, turned out to be a brilliant idea given the region's hilly terrain. Aaron of course used his own bike (since he biked to Sancerre from Paris), because he likes climbing. Always a more challenging option, if that's what you're into!
Our journey began with a cycle to a local lunch spot, followed by a scenic route to Domaine Eric Louis. What makes this place particularly fascinating is its specialization in goat cheeses, coupled with a goat farm on a separate property open for tours. Our experience was mixed; the goat farm tour was exceptional! It's thoughtfully arranged for independent exploration, culminating in a boutique where you can order a platter of goat cheeses paired with your preferred wine. The wine tour, however, was a bit perplexing, possibly due to a miscommunication between the guide and my friend when we were booking the tickets. We thought we had confirmed that my friend could translate into English during the tour, however, the guide did not appreciate it when it came time and she requested that we remove ourselves from the group and stand in a corner if we want to continue. We felt like we were being reprimanded like children so we decided to leave the tour a little early and wait for the tasting at the end. Despite minor negative interaction, the wines were delightful, and I simply recommend booking a tour in a language you're fluent in -- don't expect any translations! :)
We also explored Domaine Reverdy-Ducroux, offering an expansive tasting experience. It's not uncommon for smaller French vineyards and shops to provide unlimited tastings without upfront payment, and this one was no exception. The owner graciously guided us through their wine rooms, generously offering a variety of wines. We left with more than a few cases in tow.
Two other notable stops included Aux Tresors de Bacchaus, a wine shop with a wide selection, and Taste Sancerre, featuring an incredible terrace view of the rolling French countryside. The latter proved to be a peaceful haven after a day of cycling.
Finally, our accommodation at LE LOGIS ST PERE exceeded expectations. Found through a reservations site, it catered perfectly to two couples. With two bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom, and a communal living area, kitchen, and private courtyard, it offered both privacy and shared space. Located within walking distance of restaurants and shops, and with free public parking nearby, it's an excellent choice, especially for two couples. I highly recommend!
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