True Travel Talk

France: Loire Valley - A Road Trip with a Winemaker


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9. Sometimes the best trips aren’t planned around big landmarks – they unfold through shared stories, good meals, and the people you travel with. In this episode, Jill joins California winemaker and friend Bill Williamson for a three-day road trip through France’s Loire Valley, filled with unforgettable winery visits, river views, perfect meals, and plenty of laughter.

From a goat-filled gas station to tastings with local winemakers and dinners overlooking the Loire, this is travel at its best: slow, joyful, and rooted in friendship.

Travel & Experience Highlights

Day One: Sancerre → Blois

  • Sancerre for Savingnon Blanc at Château de Crezancy (arranged by phone with Nicolas Chevreau)
    • In Blois, stay at Fleur de Loire - 44 rooms + suites, Loire views, historic hospitality
    • Dinner at Amour Blanc (at the hotel)
    • Day Two: Vourvray → Chinon

      • Vourvray: Marc Brédif Chinin Blanc tasting, intimate floral setting
      • Lunch: Chinon sidewalk cafe; light salads, narrow streets
      • Tastings: 
        • Angelliaume - cave tasting with quirky signs
        • Bernard Baudry - formal Cab Franc tasting
        • Dinner: Bro’s Restaurant - courtyard dining
        • Day Three: Blois

          • Lunch + Shopping: Art de la Table, Cheese tasting at La Passion du Fromage
          • Dinner at Le Médicis, final foie gras, fresh marshmallow dessert with sunset over the Loire
          • About the Guest:

            Bill Williamson is an Australian-born winemaker who moved to California with his wife Dawn in 1980 and went on to found Williamson Wines in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. He oversees the vineyards and winemaking for more than 45 award-winning, direct-to-consumer wines and is known for making wine feel accessible, joyful, and meant to be shared. As he says, “I grow good grapes, make good wine, and I share it with friends.” Find more ways to engage with Williamson Wines here.

            About the Show:

            True Travel Talk takes you around the world with real stories, honest tips, and inspired itineraries — from family adventures to faraway escapes, always grounded in connection and curiosity.

            Follow Along on Instagram: @truetravelcrew

            Executive Producer & Host: Jill Bohaboy

            Produced by: Collective Change Communications — Kelly Sakalas & Jeni Keeler

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            True Travel TalkBy Jill Bohaboy