The Summer Solstice is the perfect time for a picnic lunch at a chateau.
Especially if is Chateau du Petit Thouars (pronounce that '2 Rs') in the Loire Valley. And so easy to get to from Paris. Simply take the TGV train from Gare Montparnasse direction Tours for Chinon or Porte Boulet. In a mere hour or so you're in a lush, bucolic paradise.
The chateau was bought by winemaker, Sebastien's ancestor in 1634.
Wonderful architectural details to gaze at...
But we're here for a vineyard tour and picnic!
Our guide, Monsieur Dimitri awaits.
Off we go wearing straw hats lent by the chateau...
To inspect the vineyards.
15 hectors growing Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes.
It's that very important time when the vines flower (la fete de la fleur). All looks well for the next vintage.
Next a cooling tour of the caves to see the aged oak vats.
The bottling facilities
Yves du Petit Thouars gives us a tasting of the range of wines from the chateau.
My picnic partner, Solli approves.
Enfin Sebastien arrives with our bottles for the lunch.
The weather could not be more perfect for a picnic in the vines.
Chateau staff Mademoiselle E. sets our elegant table with goodies:
Light salads, paté, charcuterie, a selection of cheeses, baguette
And of course chateau du Petit Thouars' lovely Chenin Blanc.
Bear is best pleased tasting TWO tartes; poire et fruits rouges.
Later on, after a perfectly relaxing afternoon we feel like Alice in Wonderland wandering back to the castle after our scrumptious picnic.
If you're coming to the Loire, what better way to celebrate a special occasion or just the beautuful countryside than an elegant picnic at the chateau plus wine tasting. Chateau DPT wines have won many awards.
For the fourth of July on Saturday/Sunday there will be an outdoor celebration and I'll be there painting strawberry watercolors onsite and selling prints.
