For lovers of great wine and all finer things in life, one would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect setting than the spectacular famous fertile valley of the Loire River; a region seeped in rich history from regal castles to its long viticulture tradition.

The Loire Valley wine region is situated south west of Paris typically a little over two hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is a region blessed with a gentle climate and fertile soil, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.

The Loire Valley is most famous for producing fine white wine such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet with accounts for seventy-five percent of the wine produced in the area. As well as these lovely white wines, you can enjoy the delightful, fruity and pleasant reds produced in the Loire Valley, such as Gamay and Cabernet Franc.

A fairytale wine-tasting adventure awaits the wine lover visiting the Loire Valley as wine-tasting can be enjoyed along with visits to many spectacular historic chateau scattered throughout the region. Chateau Chambord which is the largest Loire Valley chateau and the architecturally breathtaking Chateau Chenonceau spanning the River Cher are just two of many jaw-droppers for tourists to enjoy.

The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Holy Grail and the Knights Templar because it is so seeped in history and because of the close association with Leonardo Da Vinci.

Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce and see frescoes painted by his pupils and admire his study, salons, kitchen, bedrooms, and the chapel. His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.

Chateau Chaumont lies on the banks of the Loire River opposite the Touraine-Amboise vineyards and it holds an international garden festival annually from April to October being France's equivalent of the Chelsea Garden Fair. Last year the theme was play and many of the gardens on exhibit were highly interactive and a great success with both children and adults. This year the theme is going to be mobility.

Self-guided wine tours can be combined with hiking, bicycling, or hot air ballooningthrough the picturesque countryside. All wine lovers should make their next wine tasting vacation destination the Loire Valley because the excitement of their senses will stretch far beyond their palate. Many of the historic castles hold light and soundshows at night during summer. For castle enthusiasts staying at a castle can heighten the enjoyment of your vacation. Remember to bring lots of film or memory for your camera, as there really is not a prettier wine region in the world.