Over 15 Years in the Loire
Firsthand knowledge built through everyday life and years of exploring the region.
Meet Your Loire Valley Guide
Meet Colin, your guide to the Loire Valley
After over 15 years living in the Loire Valley, Colin brings local knowledge, wine expertise and a love of the region's gardens, history and food to every private tour.
Plan Your Tour
PHOTO FOR COLIN
Colin with guests during a winery visit or in the vineyards
A personal introduction to the Loire
A memorable wine tour is not just about which bottles you taste. It is about understanding the people and places behind them.
Originally from England, Colin has made the Loire Valley his home for over 15 years. He speaks English and French, knows the region beyond its best-known attractions and enjoys helping visitors discover what makes its wines and culture distinctive.
Loire Valley Wine Tour grew from Colin and Marie-Chantal Elliott's enthusiasm for sharing their adopted region with visitors. That same personal approach remains at the heart of the experience today.
Your Guide
Colin Elliott
A wine enthusiast, educator and long-time resident of the Loire Valley.
Colin's wine studies with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) complement years spent exploring local appellations and getting to know the region's producers.
His interest extends far beyond the tasting room. A former professional garden designer and horticultural educator, Colin is equally at home discussing the landscapes, gardens and history that make this part of France special.
Explore the private toursExperience & Perspective
Knowledge that adds something to your day
Wine Education
Wine studies with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, shared in an approachable way.
English & French
Easy conversation for English-speaking guests and local communication with producers.
Garden Expertise
Professional experience in garden design and horticultural education.
PHOTO FOR COLIN
Colin talking with a winemaker or guiding a tasting
Wine & Winemakers
Getting to know the people behind the wine
The Loire's diversity is best understood where its wines are made.
From crisp Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre to Chenin Blanc in Vouvray and Cabernet Franc around Chinon, Colin helps guests make sense of the differences between grapes, terroirs and local traditions.
Winery visits are chosen thoughtfully, with time for conversation and questions. The aim is not to rush through a list of producers, but to leave with a better appreciation of the wines you have tasted.
Learn about Loire white wines
PHOTO FOR COLIN
Colin guiding guests in a Loire château or garden
Gardens, History & Culture
A broader view of the Loire Valley
There is much more to the Loire than its vineyards.
Colin's background in garden design brings an additional perspective to the region's celebrated châteaux and gardens. Landscape, architecture and the people who shaped them can be every bit as interesting as the wines.
Whether you want to combine a tasting with a château visit or devote several days to gardens, the itinerary can reflect the subjects that matter most to you.
Explore the Châteaux & Gardens TourThe Way We Tour
Private, flexible and at your pace
A well-planned day should still have room to follow an interesting conversation, spend longer at a winery or explore a place that catches your attention.
Colin discusses your interests before the tour and shapes the day around your available time, preferred wines and practical arrangements. Producer availability and the season influence the itinerary, but the aim remains the same: an enjoyable introduction to the Loire that feels personal rather than scripted.
Tell Colin what interests youGuest Experiences
What guests say about exploring with Colin
We got history and culture at the chateau in the morning ... local flavor with a great lunch ... wineries in the afternoon ... and great commentary from Colin along the way.
Colin was a fantastic host and guide throughout the Loire Valley for the day.
Before Your Visit
About your guide and your tour
Yes. Loire Valley Wine Tour offers private experiences rather than mixed-group departures, so the itinerary can be shaped around your interests and pace.
Not at all. Wine enthusiasts and first-time tasters are equally welcome. Colin can adapt the discussions and tastings to your interests and existing knowledge.
Yes. Colin is a native English speaker who also speaks French, so he can help with conversations at wineries and during other visits.
Plan Your Loire Valley Visit
Explore the Loire with Colin
Tell Colin when you are visiting and what you would like to see and taste. He can help you choose a private tour that fits your interests and plans.
Plan Your Tour