The vines serve as a link between the house, Rabelais’ work and the landscape which inspired the novel Gargantua.
Planted in 2004, the two varieties of grape, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, produce a wine called Clos de la Devinière available to buy on-site. La Devinière vineyards have been part of the AOC Chinon designation since 2016. Tasting tours (for groups, booking required) keeps the sensory experience alive with a blend of Rabelais and wine.
A panorama dotted with sites that bring the novel to mind unfurls before you from the vineyard: Château du Coudray-Montpensier, Gargantua’s reward for Gymnast; Seuilly Abbey defended by Brother Jean des Entommeures, the giant’s fellow soldier.
Feast your eyes on the landscape from the viewfinder table on this little spur.
The Clos de La Devinière winery produces almost 3000 bottles.
Cabernet (red) barrel-aged and chenin (blanc) are made at the winery and a sparkling rosé that launched in 2014 completes the range. The 2016 harvest was the one which joined the AOC chinon.
