Do you know Ackerman Cellars near Saumur? A pioneer of fine Loire bubbles, this renowned house offered us an unforgettable sensory experience. A wine tour, winemaking methods, experiential art and wine tasting - you'll be captivated by this timeless experience in troglodytic cellars!
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Ackerman Cellars en Loire.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Ackerman Cellars worthwhile?
Yes, the Ackerman Cellars are well worth a visit and a tasting! We particularly enjoyed the troglodyte cave experience. Did you know that this is the 1st and oldest house of fine bubbles in the Val-de-Loire? Founded in 1811, these cellars are dug into former tufa quarries. We've learned that they provide the perfect setting for aging wines.
This is one of the best activities near Saumur in our opinion!
What you can see
A beautiful 19th-century building in a verdant estate
As you enter the village on Rue Léopold Palustre, on the banks of the River Thouet, you'll see the 19th-century building surrounded by trees and greenery.
The traditional method of winemaking
During our wine tourism tour of the Ackerman Cellars, we learned about the winemaking process, in particular the traditional method used by the company. Educational panels and explanatory diagrams gave us a clearer idea of the different stages, from harvesting to tasting!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The secrets of the pioneer of Loire fine bubbles
Did you know that Ackerman Cellars is the oldest House of fine bubbles in the Loire? We learned on this tour that it specializes in the production of Saumur and Crémant de Loire appellations. A know-how that has been preserved and passed down for centuries!
Wine-making equipment: the pressing stage
After the harvest, the 1st step in the winemaking process is pressing. We were lucky enough to admire the large wine press in the heart of these troglodyte caves carved out of the tufa stone. Quite fascinating, isn't it?
Stirring
After fermentation, blending and disgorging, it's time for riddling. It was quite surprising to see all those bottles with their heads bowed.
Olfactory analysis of wine
As we made our way through these magnificent troglodyte caves, we were able to analyze the wine using our sense of smell. A preliminary step before the tasting that will bring this unusual visit to a close. Here you can see the turntable where we can smell the wine made from the Chenin grape.
Vaulted ceilings over 20m high
Let's continue our stroll through this immense labyrinth of rock-cut caves. Some vaults are over 20m high! Immerse yourself like us in this subterranean world to discover the secrets of Loire fine bubbles. The house's troglodytic cellars are the highest in the region.
Spectacular light shows in the caves
Art is also in the spotlight, with ephemeral and grandiose works of art in the heart of these singular caves. The staging and lighting effects enchanted us. Artist Julien Salaud, 1st winner of the Ackerman + Fontevraud Residency, exhibited his new work at the Ackerman Cellars: Ecologia Naturotica. Nails and white wires form a theatrical fresco reminiscent of nature on the cave's stone walls. A captivating experience!
A map of the Loire wine route in the caves
Let's end this tour of troglodytic caves with a presentation of a beautifully illustrated map of the Loire wine route. It'll help you find your way around the vineyards and wines of this world-famous wine-growing region!
A tasting of the company's emblematic cuvées
The icing on the cake is the long-awaited moment! To round off this original visit, we had the pleasure of tasting some of the company's great vintages, such as X Rosé Brut Ackerman and Bulle Royale. In our opinion, Caves Ackerman is one of the best wine tastings in the Loire (see our article here) and one of the best wine cellars in the Loire (see our article here).
WHERE TO STAY IN Saumur
Downtown
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Saint Pierre - a historic stay! - see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château La Marquise - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Anne d'Anjou - prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Angers? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Demeure de la Vignole - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Joly Foudres - unusual in barrels - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud - prices, pictures and availability
Ackerman Cellars in Saint-Hilaire Saint-Florent: access
Where are the Ackerman Cellars?
- In the village of Saint-Hilaire Saint-Florent
- 25min drive fromAbbaye Royale de Fontevraud
- Located less than 10 minutes by car or bike, and 40 minutes' walk from Saumur
- Access at 19 rue Léopold Palustre
Access by car and parking
If you arrive by car, you'll drive along the Le Thouet river on Rue Léopold Palustre in Saint-Hilaire Saint-Florent. You can park in the Thouet public parking lot opposite the entrance to Caves Ackerman.
PRM-accessible parking is also available at the entrance to the house.
Public transport access
There is a bus network in the area, but you'll be very limited in terms of times and possibilities for getting to Ackerman Cellars. You can also get there by bike in just 10 minutes from Saumur.
Visiting difficulties
We have not identified any particular difficulties on the Ackerman Cellars wine tour. The visit is on one level, and the store is also easily accessible. The official website indicates that the entire course is suitable for people with reduced mobility.
If you're claustrophobic, the circuit is underground for 45min to 1h, with no view of the outside. It's also 12°C all year round on the entire route, the ideal temperature for aging wines, so remember to bring appropriate clothing to keep out the cold.
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Visit the Ackerman Cellars: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Schedules:
- Cellars open year-round every day except December 25 and January 1
- January to March and October to December: Monday to Saturday 10am-12.30pm/2pm-6.30pm, Sunday 10am-12.30pm/2.30pm-6.30pm
- April to May: 9:30am-12:30pm/14pm-7pm
- June to September: 9.30am-7pm
The last visit takes place 1h30 before the store closes.
Price:
- Self-guided tour: full price 6€/ price 12 to 17 years 4€.
- Guided tour: full price per person 8€/ 12 to 17 years old 6€.
- Free for children under 12
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow around 1h30 depending on the wine tour you choose, including a visit to the cellars, artworks and wine tasting.
Best moment
There's really no better time to visit the Ackerman Cellars, as they are open all year round and offer fun, experiential wine tours without interruption. However, note that the summer period is synonymous with large crowds in the Loire region, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, visit in spring, autumn or winter.
Direction of visit
There is a set direction for the visit, which follows the itinerary described above, with 45min to 1h underground in the troglodytic cellars, followed by a tasting session at the end, with access to the boutique.
Visiting with children
The visit is accessible to children and can be quite original to do with the whole family to share this cultural and historical dimension of the know-how around wine in the region. We're sure the troglodytic caves will delight young and old alike! And don't forget that children can enjoy a glass of grape juice during the wine tasting that closes the visit.
Eating out
There's no place to eat. However, you're only a 10-minute drive from Saumur, so check out our selection of the town's best restaurants.
Hotels
You're close to Saumur, which is a great place to stay. Here is our selection of the best hotels in Saumur. If you'd like to extend the experience in troglodytic caves:
- opt for a troglodyte hotel at Logis Demeure de la Vignole - see prices, photos and availability
- or sleep in a château and spend an unforgettable night at Château de Brézé - see details here.
DISCOVER Saumur
- Best things to do in Saumur
- Where to sleep in Saumur: best hotels
- Where to eat in Saumur: best restaurants
- Visit the Château de Saumur
- Visit Fontevraud Abbey
- The most beautiful castles around Saumur
- Saumur's troglodytes
- itineraries: weekend
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
