The Château de Nitray - History and Wine among the Vines

In the heart of the Loire Valley on the banks of the Cher, lies the enchanting 15th century Château de Nitray and its beautiful 10 hectares of working vineyards.

Château de Nitray

The Château

Built from the famous Tuffeau Stone of Touraine, the chateau is a proud example of Renaissance architecture set in a magnificent 43 hectare park, in 1947 it was even classified as a national heritage site of France. Stroll through the east wing, the delightful courtyard and take a look at the seigniorial dovecote with its rotating ladder, in full working order. Since the construction of the castle it has been owned by seventeen different families, in particular the Liébert family, who owned it for more than a century between 1807 and 1922.

Château de Nitray Courtyard

The Winery

In 1989, Earl Hubert de l’Espinay took over his father in law’s work of improving the wine making processes at the Château de Nitray so that each year they produce some stellar vintages from a wide variety of grapes, including; Sauvignon, Chenin, Chardonnay, Cabernet France, Grolleau and Côt. The harvesting, wine-making and bottling is done on the grounds, so you know that what you’re tasting is both authentic and fresh! Guest can also enjoy a tour of the wine warehouses and cellars, along with an in depth explanation of the production processes, as well as a screening of an 80 year old film about the initial co-operative.

Should you be feeling sprightly after a few glasses of their beautiful Touraine wines, guests also have the opportunity to take a leisurely bike ride through the beautiful trails, past idyllic sights such as the old Mill or needle weir. This excursion is available as part of Hotel Barge Nymphea’s Classic Cruise in the Loire Valley 

Château de Nitray Vineyard and Grounds

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