I want to introduce you to one of the most knowledgeable wine educators I have ever encountered in France, Cathy Henton.
I decided to visit Loire Valley this week. I did a series of podcast interviews, tasted alongside some well-known and underground producers all in the sub-region of Touraine. I plunged more deeply into this region than ever before. What do you think happened then?
I had more questions, of course!
That is what I love most about wine. The more you know, the more questions you have. The subject is vast, dense, yet so profoundly satisfying when you can access a scholarly flow—something I haven’t experienced for a long time.
This happened because of Cathy. We tasted together, walked through vines, and discussed the unique identities of Loire Valley Wines over the last few days. I am still reveling in all that I soaked up from her.
Cathy Henton has lived in the Loire for 15 years and worked in the wine trade for 35 years. She earned her WSET Diploma Level 4 (1986) and a Higher National Diploma in Wine Studies (Viticulture & Oenology 2005).
She can combine academic classroom theory with real-life practicals.
The beauty for me was in her storytelling of people and the wines they produce. You all know much I love history + wine culture!
The two of them run a company called Le Tasting Room. It is a small Loire wine tour company close to Amboise and Tours. Tours, classes, and tastings start from our countryside home in the village called Noizay, in the heart of the Vouvray appellation. Both Cathy and Nigel are fantastic cooks too. I was spoiled over a lunch yesterday.
We tasted 4 wines alongside a 4 course meal and talked all things France, wine and navigating life’s new chapters.
If you are in the Loire Valley or ever travel to the Loire Valley, you MUST book an experience with Cathy and her husband, Nigel. No matter your level of knowledge in wine, you will leave just as enamored as I did. They only work with very small groups as days are highly personal but informal and geared the tasting to suit any level.
How to find Cathy + Nigel
Webite: https://www.letastingroom.com/
IG: @loirewinelady
