The Best Wineries to Visit Near Angers: A Wine Lover’s Guide to Anjou

Angers may be famous for its medieval castle, vibrant cultural scene and relaxed French lifestyle, but it is also one of the best starting points for exploring the vineyards of the Loire Valley.

Within less than thirty minutes of the city, wine lovers can discover a remarkable diversity of landscapes, grape varieties and wine styles. From the dry Chenin Blanc wines of Savennières to elegant Cabernet Franc, sparkling wines and the famous sweet wines of the Coteaux du Layon, the vineyards surrounding Angers offer an incredible introduction to Anjou wine.

But with so many wineries and appellations to explore, where should you start?

Here is our guide to discovering the best wine areas and wineries near Angers.

Savennières: The Home of Great Chenin Blanc

Located around 20 minutes from Angers, Savennières is one of the Loire Valley’s most prestigious white wine appellations.

The vineyards overlook the Loire River and are mainly planted with Chenin Blanc. Here, the grape produces dry white wines known for their structure, minerality and impressive ageing potential.

The landscape itself is worth the journey. Small vineyard plots, historic estates and beautiful views over the Loire create a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the busiest wine regions of France.

A visit to a winery in Savennières is a wonderful opportunity to understand how soil, vineyard exposure and winemaking choices can influence Chenin Blanc.

For wine lovers staying in Angers, Savennières is simply unmissable.

The Coteaux du Layon: Discover the Sweet Wines of Anjou

South of Angers lies the Layon Valley, home to some of the most famous sweet wines of the Loire Valley.

The Coteaux du Layon appellation is also based on Chenin Blanc, but the wines are completely different from those produced in Savennières.

Thanks to specific climatic conditions, grapes can develop noble rot, concentrating their sugars and aromas. The result is a range of rich yet beautifully balanced sweet wines, often showing notes of quince, honey, apricot and candied citrus.

Several smaller appellations can also be found within the area, including Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru.

Visiting wineries in the Layon Valley is one of the best ways to discover the extraordinary versatility of Chenin Blanc.

Anjou Villages and Brissac: The Red Side of Anjou

Although Anjou is often associated with white and rosé wines, the region also produces excellent red wines.

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are the main red grape varieties, producing wines that can range from fresh and fruity to structured and complex.

Around Brissac and the southern vineyards of Angers, visitors can discover family-run wineries producing Anjou Rouge and Anjou Villages wines.

Saumur: Sparkling Wines, Cabernet Franc and Underground Cellars

Around one hour from Angers, Saumur offers a completely different wine experience.

The region is famous for its sparkling wines, produced using the traditional method, as well as elegant Cabernet Franc reds and expressive Chenin Blanc.

One of the most fascinating features of the Saumur wine region is its network of underground limestone cellars.

Carved into the local tuffeau stone, these impressive galleries have been used for centuries and provide ideal conditions for ageing wine.

A wine tour in Saumur often combines vineyard landscapes, historic wineries and spectacular underground cellars.

These wines are particularly interesting for travellers who already know the famous Cabernet Franc wines of Chinon or Bourgueil and want to explore another expression of Loire Valley reds.

How to Choose a Winery Near Angers

There are hundreds of wineries around Angers, from small family estates to internationally recognised producers.

Choosing where to visit depends largely on the type of experience you are looking for.

Some travellers want to meet independent winemakers and discover small production wineries. Others are particularly interested in Chenin Blanc, natural wines, Cabernet Franc or sparkling wine.

It is also important to remember that many Loire Valley wineries require advance reservations.

Unlike some wine regions where visitors can simply arrive at a tasting room, many wineries in Anjou are working estates. The person welcoming you may also be the winemaker responsible for the vineyard and the cellar.

Planning your visits in advance is therefore highly recommended.

Explore the Vineyards with Anjou Wine Tour

Based in Angers, Anjou Wine Tour offers guided wine tours through the vineyards of Anjou and the Loire Valley.

Our wine experiences are designed for travellers who want to go beyond a simple tasting and truly understand the region.

During the day, you will visit carefully selected wineries, meet passionate wine producers and discover the landscapes, grape varieties and stories behind Loire Valley wines.

Travel comfortably through the vineyards in our Mercedes minivan while your local English-speaking driver-guide introduces you to the fascinating diversity of the region.

From Savennières and Anjou to Saumur, Chinon and Bourgueil, each wine tour offers a different perspective on the Loire Valley.

Ready to discover the vineyards near Angers?

Explore our Loire Valley wine tours from Angers and experience Anjou through its wines, landscapes and winemakers.