SAUMUR GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Bouvet Ladubay: 170 Years Underground — Caves, a Miniature Theatre and a Four‑Cuvée Tasting in Saumur
A 1h45 guided visit at Caves Bouvet Ladubay that traces 170 years of winemaking through archives, theatrical curiosities and a final commented tasting of four cuvées; this guide explains what to expect.
Bouvet Ladubay: 170 Years Underground — Caves, a Miniature Theatre and a Four‑Cuvée Tasting in Saumur.
Embark on a compact 1h45 journey through 170 years of Bouvet Ladubay history in Saumur. The guided visit threads through archival rooms and a collection of labels, into the Petit Théâtre and the evocative Cathédrale Engloutie, explains the steps of the Méthode Traditionnelle, and finishes with a commented tasting of four cuvées—an intimate, small‑group experience run by the house.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
170 years of archives and label collections
Explore Bouvet Ladubay’s archives, its collection of historic labels and the period office of Etienne Bouvet, a concentrated view of the house’s long history.
The Petit Théâtre and the Cathédrale Engloutie
Encounter the Petit Théâtre Bouvet Ladubay and the atmospheric Cathédrale Engloutie—distinctive, theatrical features woven into the cave visit.
Méthode Traditionnelle and four cuvées
Learn the different stages of the Méthode Traditionnelle and cap the visit with a commented tasting of four cuvées, including the house Bruts de Loire.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
The program flows from a guided walkthrough of the cellars and displays into a focused tasting sequence: 1h15 of guided exploration through history, objects and the explanation of production methods, followed by 30 minutes of commented tasting of four cuvées — concise, explanatory and designed for small groups.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total duration is 1h45: approximately 1h15 for the guided visit and 30 minutes for the commented tasting.
Meet at the caves’ reception (À l'accueil de nos caves) as the designated departure point for the visit.
The visit includes a guided tour of the caves and a commented tasting of four cuvées at the end of the visit.
The operator’s information does not specify special equipment or clothing; participants should note the minimum age requirement (from 8 years).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the visit last?
The total experience lasts 1h45: about 1h15 of guided visit plus 30 minutes of commented tasting.
What does the visit include?
A guided tour through the house’s archives, theatre exhibits and production explanations, followed by a commented tasting of four cuvées.
What are the group size limits?
Visits require a minimum of 2 people and are limited to a maximum of 10 participants per visit.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes — visits are available from age 8 and up.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the caves’ reception (À l'accueil de nos caves).
Which wines are tasted?
The tasting features four of the house’s cuvées, with reference to the house’s Bruts de Loire offerings.