Situated in the heart of the Loire Valley, the town of Saumur is host to the summer-long festival celebrating the area’s wealth of fine wines, food, artistic talent, culture and more. Festivini is dedicated to exploring local culture and the wines of Loire Valley. Creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout the long days and evenings of the European summer, the festival takes guests to a world comparable to a Midsummer Night’s Dream. An aroma fills the air; a combination of floral blossom, sweet grapes and the heat which entangles and emphasises the other scents which circle the air. With endless fields shrouded in tangled grape vines for as far as the eye can see, guests can wonder the stretches of every vine or marvel at the sun setting over them while dining al fresco. Though the vineyards offer a peaceful setting and an escape to nature, the town is filled with character and life.

Festivini attracts lovers of wine, food and culture throughout the length of the French summer (June-September) in celebration of the region’s seven most famed wines. Being the longest in France, the river Loire sweeps through many areas and towns of note, each offering a different speciality. Saumur AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is an area highly renowned for their production of fine wines. As the main produce for the area, it seems only fitting that the flourishing summer is devoted to showcasing the seven wines of the Loire Valley and the aspects which go into its creation. Guests are invited to explore and enjoy these features in many different ways.

The vineyards are not only available to be seen by foot; the trails and vine paths can be explored by horseback, bike or even in the seat of a classic car. There is much to be learnt about the seven different wines of the Loire Valley- how they are made, the differentiation of the grapes, and family secrets passed down from generation to generation.

Enjoying the many wonders of the festival, such as art displays, walks through the countryside and nights of entertainment are some of the many reasons that travellers from all over the world gather to this quaint French town. However, most importantly, this is all centred around the wines.

Once having explored the city, the countryside and the product which defines the region, Festivini offers various ways and settings for wine enthusiasts and the curious traveller in which to enjoy the celebrated wines of the Loire Valley. The wines may be accompanied by a gastronomic three-course meal whilst watching the warm evening sun set over the hills, surrounded by the vines from which the wine is made.

 

During the day, guests are offered wine tastings whilst setting off on a local cruise along the river Loire. There are many other ways to enjoy the wines and the idyllic settings – the culture and wine festival offers an unrivalled experience; dinner is held at the Royal Abbey Fontevraud. Surrounded by the dimming light of dusk, the Abbey is lit up with great splendour for the occasion, making this evening one which should not be missed by any who wish to experience the wines of Loire Valley to their true and fullest potential.