Domaine Henri Bourgeois

Loire Valley, France

The wines of the Loire are best enjoyed alongside the area’s local specialties, goat’s cheese in particular, and the Bourgeois family provides a glorious regional feast from their winery, founded in 1935 and now run by the 10th generation. In the medieval village of Chavignol, only a couple of hours from Paris, their 12-bedroom hotel makes a classic base from which to explore their Michelin-starred La Côte des Monts Damnés restaurant, named after one of Sancerre’s most prized vineyards, at the base of which sits the updated winery. In summer months, they will equip you with a picnic and topographical map to explore the vineyards with. Otherwise, there are three sorts of tours guiding you through the family history, winery and cellars before tasting the ‘Estate’ collection; a ‘Charignol’ experience adds goats cheese and the ‘Complete Visit,’ further, cracks open some old vintages. Appointments are essential.