wine tasting
Vineyards were first planted in the area in the 1st century but it was in 1884 that Madame Amiot set up Veuve Amiot to make the sparkling wine for which the area is famous. The tuffeau, a local Loire limestone, in the soil gives it a unique taste. Though its made in the same way as champagne with the same grapes it cannot be called champagne as it's not produced in the strictly controlled areas of the champagne region.
Veuve Amiot make 300 million bottles a year – and it’s delicious! You can take a free tour and tasting which is available in English, but you need to book in advance via their website: veuveamiot.fr
This is the only area in France to produce sparkling red wine – drink it chilled, it’s utterly lush. You can buy online from www.iziwine but the postage is expensive, much more fun to go and buy it!
Monmousseau also do tours and tastings. They have a fabulous Lumière show in the caves which are completely covered in bright lights.
The sparkling wine is matured for a minimum of three years and is very popular in the US where its been exported to for a century. Next time you raise a glass, think of those grapes growing in the soil of the Loire valley and resting in the the cool dark caves where it's matured. Website: monmousseau.com