An wine estate to discover near Saumur

In the heart of the Saumur Champigny appellation, the small village of Parnay, which spreads out on the hillside on the banks of the Loire, is full of underground galleries and ancient cave dwellings. The Heritage Days are an invitation to come and discover the winery and its cellar!

Although modern in construction, Domaine de Rocheville is no exception to the rule. Its eco-responsible winery and reception areas, built in 2013 and 2014, are set against an old farmhouse that stands on the edge of the Parnay valley. 

Above ground, wine is produced from the vine to the bottle, as the “Independent Winegrower” sign announces: Saumur Blanc, Crémant de Loire and Saumur Champigny wines, either organic or Terra Vitis certified, based on Chenin and Cabernet Franc grapes.

A visit in three stages for the Heritage Days

On Saturday 18 September 2021, the Domaine de Rocheville offers you an “upside down” tour during which you can discover, underground, the beauty of its troglodytic cellars dug into the rock, and above ground, the originality and ingenuity of its vat house, and of course taste some of its wines.

The guided tour begins with a descent (by lift!) into the centuries-old troglodytic cellars of the estate, where the old vintages are kept. You will discover the formation of the tuffeau, this limestone rock so representative of the Saumur region, the origin of troglodytism, the traditional method applied to fine bubble wines and other secrets…

The tour continues above ground in the contemporary vat house, with its unique architecture in the Loire Valley, to discover the production of the wines, from the manual harvest to the maturing process, including the vinification of red wines in stainless steel vats. Don’t be fooled by the fact that, although the vat house is surprisingly modern with its state-of-the-art equipment, the production methods are traditional… and meticulous.

Finally, enter the ageing rooms where you can discover different types of barrels, all made of oak, where the different vintages of the winery are aged in optimal conditions from a few months to 3 years!

The experience would not be complete without a commented tasting of the estate’s wines, both red and white, organic or Terra Vitis certified, in the large glassed-in room or on the terrace if the weather is good.

Take the opportunity to see the superb photo exhibition on the theme of biodiversity, exceptionally extended for the Heritage Days!

Practical information

Guided tours at 11am, 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 18 September 2021 (the estate is closed on Sundays).

Reservation recommended on +33 2 41 38 10 00

Visit accessible to people with reduced mobility.