I Joined a Loire Valley Wine Harvest | Brézé, near Saumur | Vendanges 2026

After four years of exploring the wine domaines around Saumur with Mallory, I wanted to experience the grape harvest from the other side of the tasting glass. This year, I joined the vendanges at Terres des Carmes, a small domaine run by Clément Casagrande in Brézé, in France’s Loire Valley. From carrying heavy crates to cutting bunches in the vineyard, I discovered the physical work, teamwork, and good humor behind every bottle. Along the way were unexpected finds among the vines, conversations that stretched my limited French, and the “wine train”—a line of us carrying the crates hand to hand down to the old stone cellar. Follow the grapes from the vineyard into the cellar, where Clément is making Primavera and a new crémant, and meet the people who made this harvest such a memorable experience. Thank you to Clément and the entire team at Terres des Carmes for welcoming me into the harvest. #loirevalley #winelovers #vendanges #travelfrance #france #francetravel #winetasting #grapeharvest #countrylife