Wine Tasting Heaven !

This was a fourth annual visit to the wonderful Sarah-Jane and Gerald Beaumont in Pounçay near to Saumur in the gorgeous Loire Valley.

Tasting wine with Gerald is the most fabulous experience. It's like meeting old friends as previous vintages are re-assessed one year on. In addition, new exciting wines are ready for evaluation in a relaxed, informal and frankly idyllic environment at Sarah-Jane and Gerald's house, next to which is their exquisite B&B 'Annie's House'.

Gerald is honest and passionate about the wines of the Loire Valley and as a novice wine taster you are made to feel completely at ease as discussions continue through the evening over an accompanying sumptious meal!

Gerald's new venture is the opening of a wine bar in Saumur 'Bistrot Les Tontons' and my colleague and I have already decided a visit is in order next year! Thoroughly recommend you do too!

Mark Plummer, Somerset, June 2011

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Enlightening and Delightful

On a quiet Sunday afternoon, Gérald was very kind in introducing us to some Loire Valley wines and a lovely wine-tasting experience.

We had done several wine tastings before in California, but The Loire Valley is...well... The Loire Valley. Gérald took us around magnificent premises and wonderful underground caves... mystical, timeless, quiet, dark and damp, as they shoud be indeed, but being there and actually experiencing the resting process the "bottles of a million flavors" go through, gave it all together an new dimension.

Later, after realizing what it takes to bring this marvelous liquid from the ground-up (literally) going through all the process so adroitly described by Gérald, we were invited to a broad and ample tasting of wines, where we learned yet many more things... wine is a never-ending subject. Gérald's knowlege of wine-making and his passion for good wine was manifest in this lovely, quiet, balmy afternoon in the Loire, surrounded by vineyards and wheat, with the soothing sound of the wind in the leaves of trees...

Daniel & Judith Gorinstein, Mexico City, July 2011

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The perfect way to learn about wine from the Loire Valley. Highly Recommended!

My family and I did the Vineyard Discovery tour with Loire Valley Uncorked this August and it was fantastic. Even before we arrived they were very helpful and even organised for a taxi to collect us from our hotel in Saumur.

When we arrived Gerald (who runs the domaine) welcomed us and took us for a tour around the domaine, we learnt everything from how the grapes are grown and harvested, to how the different types of wine are produced. We got the chance to look around the vast underground caves where the wine is stored. It was really educational.

After the tour we were taken into a lovely wine bar area where we sampled some of the wines which we had learnt about which were all superb! Gerald was great at teaching us how to distinguish between the different type of wine. There's an opportunity to buy some of the wines at domaine prices too.

Gerald was very helpful and accommodating and speaks very good English. I would highly recommend taking the tour, it's the perfect way to learn about Loire Valley wines.

Rachel Jenkins, England, August 2011

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Fantastic Tour. Fantastic Wines.

After arriving to a warm welcome we went with our host on a tour around the vineyard which covered everything from the vines in the fields to the storage of them in the caves, amazing stuff.

We then, of course, had to taste the wine which was by far some of the best wines I have ever had. It was interesting to see how the different ways of creating the wines shown in the tour could produce such a variety of flavours, and all organic.

This was by far one of the best experiences we had during our week in France. I highly recommend a visit.

Martin Cusworth, June 2011

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Fantastic Guide. Fantastic Wines !

My husband, friends and I signed up for the Vineyard Discovery and, without exaggeration, this tour was the highlight of our holiday! Our guide, Gerard, was knowledgeable, entertaining, friendly and - too my great relief - English speaking! After a tour of the vineyard, wine making process, and caves, we embarked on a full-on wine tasting. We must have tasted 16 different wines and they were all fantastic! We all bought a few boxes of wine, only to think afterwards "we should have bought more!" but I'm sure we'll all be going back to visit Domaine de la Paleine in the not-too-distant future to top up!

The Family Cusworth, Oxfordshire, June 2011

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Relaxed. Informative and Thoroughly Enjoyable Day

While holidaying for a week in the Loire we decided to visit some wineries and this was without doubt the best we tried. On arrival the bi-lingual Gérald greeted us warmly and took us around the vines, taking great care to have us understand the different varieties, growing conditions and farming methods unique to this part of the Loire Valley, before talking us through the machinery involved and on into the modern, clean and airy vat and barrel sheds where he continued to explain the processes involved.

It was clear very quickly that Gérald knew his stuff and was passionate about his vocation. His family have been involved in wine making for many generations, something which struck me more and more as we made our way into about two kilometres of cool, limestone caves beneath the vineyard to see the original (now put to rest) wine press and the traditional wooden wine turning equipment still employed today.

After this we went up top into a cosy modern ‘wine bar’ where Gérald continued to impart his knowledge, dispelling any pretentiousness around wine tasting, while encouraging us to savour and enjoy each wine for its purpose and type and answering all our questions. I was driving so I had to throw a lot of fantastic wine into the bucket but I did take my time to savour the very best wines the vineyard had to offer, and they were very, very good. I only wished I could have squeezed more into the car at the end.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable day with the enthusiastic and good-humoured Gérald who never once rushed us and who generously gave us 3 hours of his time. If you only have one day for wine tasting, or are just in the area and enjoy wine I would encourage you to visit. However, I believe they also offer longer days and extended tours if preferred. Anyway, enjoy!

James Buckingham, Oxfordshire, June 2011

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Terrific! Exceeded All Expectations.

I came to the Loire Valley with little appreciation of Loire wines. I left with a great deal, due in large part to Gérald Beaumont. Gérald is a storehouse of knowledge because he has lived with these wines all his life. He grew up in a family of vignerons, the lure of wine-making deep within him. It has very much shaped the person he is today.

It is one thing to hold knowledge, another to be able to impart it. Fluent in both French and English, Gérald is the specialist one always hopes to encounter – affable, good-humoured, full of knowledge grounded in experience. He is more than willing to answer any and all questions (no matter how basic or esoteric), willing to go out of his way to help connect you with vignerons and their wines.

With the help of Gérald I was able to taste more distinct versions of chenin and cabernet franc (the two main grapes of Loire wines) than I ever thought existed. But, beyond that, he led me to other varietals in several other regions of France with which he had personal connection through his years operating a wine bar. It was wine tasting flavoured with the stories of French rural life as well as the realities of winemaking in modern France.

If you are looking for an authentic wine experience, one you will long remember and value, Gérald Beaumont is your man.

Kevin Major, wine blogger of One Brilliant Bottle, May 2011

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An Unforgettable Experience with an Enthusiastic Wine Master

We would recommend this activity to anyone who is even slightly interested in wine, a great way to spend a couple of hours. Although we wish it could have been longer as we enjoyed it so much!

On arrival we were welcomed by a very friendly Gérald, a wine expert and manager of the Domaine. Our adventure started with guided around the premises and shown how the 18 different varieties of wine on the Domaine were produced. - We hadn't appreciated before just how much work goes into producing a bottle of good wine, especially good organic wine as all the bottle Gerald produced were.

Géralds family have been in the wine making industry for generations and his knowledge and enthusiasm for wine was very impressive. Despite all this knowledge and tradition he was quick to dispel any myths around the 'etiquette' of wine tasting and focussed more on the tangible features of the wines that can be identified and appreciated by non wine experts such as us. As a result I feel more confident about choosing the right wine for meals or to drink on their own in the future - beforehand it was a case of choosing whatever was in deal at the local supermarket!

It was a privilege to have Géralds attention for a few hours and we will definitely be planning a longer trip next time - Gérald also organises a wine tour taking in three different Domaines. If this trip was anything to go by i'm sure this will be excellent!

Nathalie & Ross, Cambridge, April 2011

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Very Enjoyable !

The Loire Valley Uncorked web site was very informative and Sarah-Jane was very responsive in setting up a private wine tour and tasting. When we arrived at the Domaine de La Paleine we were met by Gerald who gave a wonderful tour and excellent tasting experience.

I am not sure how I would have organized a wine tour and tasting in France if I had not been able to work with Sarah and Gerald.

Rob Emsley, Boston, August 2010

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3 and Counting..!

For the past four years myself and a friend have engaged in a James May & Oz Clarke style wine tour of various wine regions of France and for the last three of those we've spent our final night at La Bellevue.

Why do we return; the peaceful location? The charm, comfort and style of Annie's House? The wine tasting, conducted by a patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic host? The fabulous food and plentiful wine, locally sourced and wonderfully cooked? Well yes of course, all of these things, but mostly because each year, with the warm of their welcome and hospitality, Sarah-Jane and Gerald have made us feel like we’re visiting friends.

Jeremey Harrold, Bristol, June 2010

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Learn, Taste and Enjoy !

Wine tasting with Gerald is a lesson in how to apprecite good wines and a demonstration of how passionate he is about all aspects of wine making in the region.

I have visited 3 years running and each time discover more about the region, the good years and the not so good years (equally important) and how previous years are developing with age.

I can thoroughly recommend this true French experience and wonderful exhuberance of your host. Embrace the culture, the region and the wine and you will definitely get the most from your 'degustation'!

Mark Plummer, Somerset, May 2010

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A Wine Tour We Highly Recommend !

In September our club ran a motoring holiday to the Loire Valley a total of twenty six cars and fifty two car enthusiasts. The highlight of the trip was to visit Gerald Beaumont at the Domaine 20 kms south west of our base in Saumur.

Geralds expert knowledge of the wine making process was soon evident - from the planting of the vine in the chalky soil of this region to the final bottling, labelling and packaging of the finished product. He explained the way of allowing grass to grow between the plants to encourage the vine roots to search for water essential for growth of the chenin vines in this vineyard (an area of over 30 hectares).

The wine produced here is of a high quality, described as full bodied and fruity. The equipment is of the highest modern standard, from the stainless steel vats to the expensive French oak barrels. We were impressed with the wine cellars running for nearly a mile under the Domaine giving a constant temperature of 12.c. Modern machines for turning the bottles compared with a hundred year old wine press once operated by a single donkey were well photographed.

Underpins why French Wine is still the Best in the World !

It is evident both Sarah-Jane & Gérald care passionately about family, wine and traditional French values.

For Wine Lovers take the wine tour with Gérald, it is truly eye opening and underpins why French wine is still the best in the world.

Gérald, you truly get British humour and Sarah-Jane, you are an excellent host.

Lisa & John Pirrie, UK, September 2010

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Once is Not Enough...

If you are a novice on wine and wine making then this is a must.

If are already well versed in the ways of wine making and wine tasting you still shouldn't miss the opportunity to meet Gérald and explore the region and the Domaine in which he has invested such love and care.

Once is not enough and we will be returning as soon as we can to do it all over again.

Jane & Ian Ryland, Norwich, July 2010

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Perfect Weekend Get-Away for Wine Lovers

The Loire Valley Uncorked wine-tasting tailored weekend was truly one of our favourite weekend get-aways in a long time.

We arrived in Pouançay, a little village near Saumur in the Loire valley, on Friday evening, and were instantly made to feel very welcome by Gérald and his wife Sarah-Jane over a glass of the local sparkling before we started our evenings wine tasting.

The wine tasting is for a maximum of 2 couples so you can tailor the wine tasting to your personal preference: Gérald has a clear passion for wine and can give you lots of information on wine production and tasting, but equally, he is more than happy to just have a casual chat about what you love about wine over your many glasses. Either way you will have great fun and will fall in love with the wine of the region.

The rest of your weekend you can spend exploring the local towns and villages, go tasting at other vineyards, or just go for a walk/cycle along the river.

Overall I highly recommend wine tasting with Loire Valley uncorked, whether you are an expert or novice you will have a fantastic time, and come back with a wallet distinctly lighter and a car distinctly heavier - because it is just too good to miss.

Elizabeth & Paul, London, May 2011

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Learn about Loire Valley Wine from an Expert

We spent a wonderful afternoon with Gerald on the domaine, learning about the production and sampling the wine. It was fun and informative.

Actually being where the grapes are grown and seeing how different varieties of wine are made was a treat. As the session is tailored for small groups, all of our questions were answered. Gerald knows wine and eagerly shares his knowledge.

Tapper25, Canada, Trip Advisor

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Our Wedding Guests had a Fantastic Tour with Loire Valley Uncorked

My wife and I got married this summer in the Loire and wanted to arrange a special trip for our guests who had travelled from the UK as well as other parts of France, Europe, USA and the Far East.

It was a great success as Gérald showed them the vinification, cellars and best of all led them on an expert tasting of the wonderful wines of Domaine de la Paleine.

I have had a private tasting session as well and I can wholeheartedly recommend that Loire Valley Uncorked will be a fascinating and delicious trip where you will learn a great deal about the wine-making process in the area, and also taste some of the best wines around.

I'll certainly be going back very soon.

Russell Stopford, Cholet, September 2010

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Gérald Really Knows his Wines, this Wine Tour is not to be Missed

My son and myself have just returned from our 'road tour' in the wonderful Loire Valley during which time we penciled in a meeting with Gerald at the Domaine de la Paleine.

We both very much enjoyed Geralds company and his knowledge on wine is very impressive.

After having been shown around the Domaine Gerald then took us into the wine tasting room where we sampled some of the best reds, whites and sweet wines we have ever tasted. This also included a very nice sparkling wine which would give many Champagne's a good run for their money.

We can thoroughly recommend Gerald and ' Wine Valley Uncorked' when visiting this area of France.

Richard & Mark Harris, Sevenoaks, June 2010

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The Perfect Wine Tasting Experience !

We arranged a Wine Tour as a corporate event for our clients and it could not have been better organised.

Both Sarah and Gérald were there to greet our 32 guests and provide a warm welcome upon arrival. The tour was relaxed, but well conducted and very informative. Gérald is extremely knowledgable and his passion for his subject most apparent. After an enjoyable tour of the vines and the caves, our group began the serious business of the day, la degustation!

We were all amazed by the quality and selection of different wines available, with a wide variety to suit all palates. It was certainly the most comprehensive wine tasting we have experienced, having sipped our way through a sample of reds, whites, sparkling and dessert wines.

We would highly recommend the wine tour, whether it be to individuals, or to a large group such as ours. Sarah-Jayne and Gérald were perfect hosts and we were able to leave everything in their capable hands and relax and enjoy the experience along with our guests.

A most enoyable and memorable day. Thank you!

Sally Dawson, France, September 2011

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An Insiders View of the Loire Valley

I was travelling with two of my friends to the Loire Valley and had the pleasure of getting a private guided tour with Gerald.

We had a fantastic time thanks to his insider's knowledge, connections and passion for wine and the industry. Lunch at Gerald's bistro in Saumur was superb as well - fresh, homemade and tasty.

I highly recommend the 'Le Grand Wine Tour' that encompasses a visit to 3 domaines and countless wine tastings. You also get to meet the winemakers and learn so much about their methods. I would certainly return for another tour with Gerald.

AT, Atlanta, USA, September 2011

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Unforgettable, One of a Kind; An Experience Not to be Missed!

WOW! What an amazing experience. I did Loire Valley Uncorked experience back in October with my fiance, his father, his father's fiance, and his aunt and uncle. We STILL talk about the experience ALL of the time whenever we mention our trip to France. Our day with Gerald was by FAR the highlight of the trip.

From the moment we arrived on the vineyard grounds, we felt so incredibly welcome. Gerald's knowledge is unparalleled. I learnt more about wine in one day than in my entire life up until that day... and I had so much fun doing it! We were given a wonderful tour of the property where all of the wine is made, and the process was explained in a way that was easy for me to understand. After touring the grounds we were taken into a nice room where we spent a while with Gerald tasting all of his wonderful wines and sparklings! It might sound funny to say this, but my life really was changed after that day, my mind has become so much more open to trying more wines, both red and white. The dessert wine was particularly amazing; I was pleasantly surprised I could find a dessert wine so enjoyable.

After our wine tasting Gerald took us to his restaurant where we had one of our favourite meals of all time! Not only can Gerald do wine like no one else, but his recipes are OUT OF THIS WORLD! I do not exaggerate when I say this was one of the best days I have ever had while traveling. Traveling is my passion, when time and money allows and this stands out at the top of all of my experiences. It is worth every minute and every penny spent and comes highly recommended from myself and those who shared the day with me. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and I hope to someday! A special thanks to Gerald for such a truly memorable day.

EliB123, Alabama, October 2011

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We Would Like to Visit Again and Again...

We could not have asked for a better experience for being immersed in the French wine culture in the Loire Valley, or even in France as a whole. Gerald is local to the area and he and his wife, Sarah-Jane, are such lovely people, open, charming, fun and knowledgeable.

Gerald is a true connoisseur in the most positive way and takes you to visit not only vineyards but to meet the winemakers with whom you can discuss their wines and what is special and particular about each one. We covered a number of areas in the Loire including Savennieres, Saumur, Anjou and Bourgueil including many others.

Gerald also took us to his wonderful restaurant Bistrot Les Tonton in Saumur where we had a delicious, hearty lunch of Boeuf Bourguignon.

This was the trip of a lifetime and we only hope that we are like cats and have eight more lives to be able to visit again and again. FYI: This is an all day very intensive tour.

RKnutsen, Atlanta, October 2011

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Absolutely Amazing Experience with Gérald

My fiancée and I met my Dad, his financée, and my aunt and uncle in the Loire valley for a vacation last fall. The trip was top-notch, but nothing else compared to our time with the good people at Uncorked.

Gérald is fluent in both French and English and his ability to explain his craft to relatively unexperienced winos (like my fiancée and myself) was nothing short of remarkable. He's a very personable, laid back but sharp witted host who makes a quick connection with his guests.

The tasting room itself is very smart but also inviting enough to make one feel really comfortable. The wine at Domaine de la Paleine is fantastic. I'm usually a reds guy myself, but I must admit that the whites, roses, sparkling, and sweets were exceptional.

If you can, make sure to also check out Gérald's wine bar and bistro. Best lunch I had in France, hands down. I couldn't recommend Loire Valley Uncorked highly enough. It was one of those days I'll remember for all of my life.

Charlie Nelson, Norwich, October 2011

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