At a tasting recently, a woman told me of her plans to visit France with her family. The Champagne region would be on the itinerary, she said, but where to go next? Burgundy or Bordeaux, perhaps?
     “No,” I blurted out, surprising even myself. “Visit the Loire!”
     Compared to these two fabled wine regions, the Loire is perhaps the underdog, but a closer look reveals it has just as much, if not more, to offer. Want to dig deep into an ancient wine culture, stewarded by countless small farmers guided by tradition? Check out the Loire. Interested instead in seeing an impressive array of truly splendid châteaux built in centuries past? The Loire has them, too.
     Most of all, the Loire Valley has unrivaled charm. Its people are warm, generous, and down-to-earth, just as its landscapes are refreshingly serene. The region is accessible—that goes for the character of its wines, as well as the value they provide. It also describes the disposition of most vignerons, who welcome visitors with open arms and gladly share the fruits of their labor.
     From the Pays Nantais, with its briny oysters and Muscadet, to the Sancerrois, with its zippy Sauvignons and chalky goat cheeses, the Loire is a region with a lovely diversity of wines, local foods, and other noteworthy attractions. Do not miss the troglodyte caves, quaint villages, and majestic Renaissance châteaux set amid a countryside of utter tranquility, which is also home to the world’s greatest Cabernet Francs and Chenin Blancs.
     Having made my case for the Loire, I propose you taste (and drink) your way through your own case of Loire to discover the region’s charms. On your next trip, you may forget the most renowned regions and instead find yourself off the beaten path, exploring the underappreciated heart of France and savoring everything it has to offer.