For our Grand Masters retreat, we have chosen 5 of the most highly respected, experienced winemakers of the region. These winemakers have a long family history in the art of winemaking, producing some of THE best cabernet franc and chenin blanc wines in the world.   

Our wine retreats are tailormade to showcase some of the best and most innovative producers in the region. During our time in Saumur we have developed great relationships with many of the winemakers in our area. By personally handpicking producers for each themed retreat, we know you will get an immersive,  fun and enjoyable experience exploring all that the region has to offer. 

We will introduce you to high quality wines, show you the whole wine tasting experience where we will take you to the plots where the grapes are grown, meet the winemakers at their domaines and hear about how they create their own expression in their wines, adapting their techniques according to the soils and environmental influences. 

With the inclusion of staying at our home, you will have the opportunity to further chat about the wines we tasted and compare the different vineyards, their wines and the characters that make the Loire the most innovative region for wine making in France. 

Our retreats aim to take all the stress out of organising your own wine tour and accommodation, enjoy the comfortable surroundings of our home, the tranquillity and beauty of the town of Saumur and above all our hope is that all our guests have fun exploring great quality wines, with less of the jargon.

Whether your are a wine enthusiast wanting to explore this region's wines for the first time or more experienced looking for a personal immersion into this region, our wine retreats will offer you the opportunity to experience the wine in a way you will feel most comfortable.

On your first day, we ask guests to arrive by 12 midday, to join us for a charcuterie board and sparkling wine with an introduction from Willo about the wines in the region, who and what makes a wine producer a grand master and what to look out for during your time here. 

At 2pm we will head to our first winemaker

Around 7pm we will commence evening meal and our blind tasting event

On your second day with us, we will have the following programme: 

Breakfast at la Maison trumeau

Brief history and further background to local wines and winemaking

Around 10am, leave for our 2nd Domaine visit. Estimated return time of 12:30pm for lunch

Afternoon we will take you to the 3rd Domaine visit for the retreat, allowing plenty of time to chat with the winemaker, visit the premises and see the terroir where the grapes are grown. 

Evening meal will be at 7.30pm in the first of our first of Saumur's top restaurant. 

On your third day with us, we will have the following programme:  

Breakfast at La Maison Trumeau

Time in the morning is your free time to visit the region's best food market and explore the town of Saumur. We are happy to make recommendations for your morning or join us while we take in the sights and sounds of the market while enjoying a coffee in our favourite spot, La Bastide

Lunch will be served at 12.30pm 

After lunch we will visit 2 winemakers at their Domaines, aiming to return to La Maison Trumeau at 5:30pm

Saturday night's restaurant will be booked for 7.30pm

After breakfast, on the day of your departure day, you have free time to enjoy the local sights or use the morning to relax and take it easy in our home. 

We highly recommend taking in the sights of one of the region's best flea markets, which are held most Sundays. On this date it will be held in the beautiful village of Montsoreau, along the banks of the Loire River. If you would like to attend the market for a browse and see the location we will happily take you there or offer other suggestions for things to see in the area. 

Checkout time is 1pm.