Ancrée dans son territoire, la Maison Ackerman s’investit aussi pleinement dans le développement touristique et la valorisation du patrimoine.
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Ackerman Cellars

4.5
·2k reviews·Saumur, France

Explore ancient quarry caves transformed into an artistic wonderland, blending history, art, and the finest Loire Valley sparkling wines.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Escape the heat underground

CrowdMedium
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Ancrée dans son territoire, la Maison Ackerman s’investit aussi pleinement dans le développement touristique et la valorisation du patrimoine.

Ackerman Cellars

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Escape the heat underground

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient quarry caves transformed into an artistic wonderland, blending history, art, and the finest Loire Valley sparkling wines.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"One of the best caves we’ve ever visited – it feels more like an art museum!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Dress for Cool Caves

Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the caves maintain a cool 12°C (54°F) year-round. :snowflake:

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Exploration

Opt for the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace and appreciate the art and history. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Quarry Caves

The Quarry Caves

Underground Cellars

Vast, ancient quarry caves transformed into an artistic wonderland with history and wine.

Art Installations

Art Installations

Throughout the Caves

Discover unique string animal drawings and stunning light projections that bring the caves to life.

Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

Garden or Tasting Room

Savor excellent Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire wines in a beautiful setting.

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Beat the Heat Underground

Escape the summer sun in the cool, constant 12°C (54°F) of Ackerman Cellars' ancient quarry caves. Perfect for a refreshing break, these underground wonders offer a unique experience away from the heat.

Art, History, and Wine

Ackerman Cellars is more than just a wine producer; it's a captivating blend of history, art, and wine. Explore centuries-old caves, admire unique art installations, and discover the secrets of Saumur Brut.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Escape the heat underground
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Enjoy lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

good ending>>>> #yuki_ackerman2 #goblinscave #sana030502 #yaoi #bl
@yuki_ackerman2
364.6K likes • 2.4M views

🧥 Dress for Cool Caves

Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the caves maintain a cool 12°C (54°F) year-round. :snowflake:

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Exploration

Opt for the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace and appreciate the art and history. :walking:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Options

Non-alcoholic options like fizzy grape juice are available for kids and non-drinkers. :juice:

🍷 Wine Tasting Delights

Enjoy a wine tasting after your tour; wines are excellent and reasonably priced. :wine_glass:

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Dress for Cool Caves

Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the caves maintain a cool 12°C (54°F) year-round. :snowflake:

🚶‍♀️ Self-Guided Exploration

Opt for the self-guided tour to explore at your own pace and appreciate the art and history. :walking:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Options

Non-alcoholic options like fizzy grape juice are available for kids and non-drinkers. :juice:

🍷 Wine Tasting Delights

Enjoy a wine tasting after your tour; wines are excellent and reasonably priced. :wine_glass:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Ackerman Cellars, describing it as an artistic masterpiece and a unique experience that blends history, art, and wine. The cool underground caves are a welcome escape from the heat, and the self-guided tour is praised for its engaging content. While some find the wine tasting not to their personal preference, the overall experience, friendly staff, and quality of the wines are highly recommended.

"Wow this was quite an experience, wine caves in the quarry that had been used for the stone in Saumur. Artistic, nice escape from the heat, around 12c in the caves maybe cooler in parts and it was 36 c outside! Entertainment and lighting. Self guided tour.. easy to get around. Wine tasting after, not my taste but nice glasses and experience."

Caroline Roxburgh

"One of the best caves we’ve ever visited – it feels more like an art museum! Even if you don’t join the guided tour, the self-guided one is a must. This is not just a cave, it's a masterpiece! After the visit we enjoyed a lovely tasting in the garden, while the main tasting room looked premium but was a bit crowded. The wines are excellent and reasonably priced. Totally recommend!"

Alexandru Lupu

"Well worth a visit. Beautiful and extraordinary cave to go around with some interesting use of the space with the art sculptures. We enjoyed a game of bowls before an imformative wine tasting. Then on to buy a bottle or two. All the team welcoming and friendly, as well as being very knowledgeable about the wines"

G R

What People Like

Unique art installations
Cool underground caves
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Wine taste not for everyone

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ackerman Cellars is located in Saumur, France. You can reach it by car, taxi, or potentially local bus services. Many visitors find driving to be the most convenient option, with parking available on-site. Reddit

While specific bus routes can vary, checking local Saumur transport schedules is recommended. For many, driving or taking a taxi is more straightforward for reaching the cellars. Reddit

Driving is often the easiest way to reach Ackerman Cellars, especially if you're exploring the Loire Valley. Ample parking is usually available. Reddit

Ackerman Cellars is in Saumur, a town rich with history. Consider visiting the Château de Saumur or exploring other local vineyards in the Loire Valley. Reddit

Travel time will depend on your starting point within Saumur or the surrounding Loire Valley region. It's generally a short drive from the town center. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary depending on the tour and tasting options chosen. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and package details. Reddit

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always consult the official Ackerman Cellars website for the most current operating times before your visit. Reddit

Yes, Ackerman Cellars typically offers a self-guided tour that allows you to explore at your own pace, and potentially guided tours focusing on history and wine production. Reddit

Absolutely! Ackerman Cellars is family-friendly, with non-alcoholic tasting options like fizzy grape juice available for younger visitors. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore vast underground quarry caves filled with art installations, historical displays, and interactive exhibits about wine production. Enjoy a wine tasting afterward. Reddit

Ackerman Cellars offers a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to explore the caves and their artistic displays at their own leisure. Reddit

The caves maintain a consistently cool temperature of around 12°C (54°F) year-round, making it a refreshing escape from warmer weather. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy sensory games and interactive elements within the caves, and they are offered fizzy grape juice during the tasting. Reddit

Expect to see unique art displays, including string animal drawings and impressive light projections that enhance the underground environment. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Ackerman Cellars focuses on wine tasting, they may offer light snacks or have arrangements with local eateries. It's best to check their website or inquire directly. Reddit

Ackerman Cellars is primarily a wine producer and tasting venue, not a full-service restaurant. You can enjoy wine tasting, but for a full meal, consider dining in Saumur town. Reddit

Yes, Ackerman Cellars provides non-alcoholic options, such as fizzy grape juice, ensuring everyone can participate in a tasting experience. Reddit

They offer tastings of their Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire wines. Various tasting packages might be available, often after the cave tour. Reddit

Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of their excellent wines directly from the cellar shop after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside Ackerman Cellars for personal use, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography. Reddit

The art installations, light projections, and the sheer scale of the underground quarry offer numerous unique photo opportunities. Capture the contrast between the ancient stone and modern art. Reddit

Yes, you can typically take photos during the wine tasting, especially in the garden setting, but be mindful of other guests. Reddit

Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited inside the caves and likely on the property due to safety and privacy regulations. Reddit

The caves feature a mix of natural light filtering in and artistic lighting installations, which can create dramatic and atmospheric photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ackerman Cellars is a surprisingly engaging destination for families. The self-guided tour is perfect for keeping children entertained as they explore the cool, vast underground caves. Interactive elements like sensory games and the unique art installations capture young imaginations. Reddit

Crucially, the availability of non-alcoholic tasting options, such as fizzy grape juice, means kids can feel included in the tasting experience while parents enjoy their wine. The overall atmosphere is fun and educational, making it a great way to introduce children to the history and production of sparkling wine in a memorable setting. Reddit

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For wine lovers, Ackerman Cellars offers a deep dive into the history and production of Loire Valley sparkling wines. As the oldest producer of Saumur Brut, their heritage is significant. The tour provides a fascinating look into their traditional methods and the unique terroir that influences their wines. Reddit

The wine tasting experience is a highlight, allowing you to sample their excellent Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire. The wines are reasonably priced, and the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the cellar adds to the appeal. The combination of historical context, winemaking insight, and quality tasting makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in French sparkling wines. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Craft of Ackerman Cellars

Established in 1811, Ackerman Cellars holds the distinction of being the oldest sparkling wine producer in the Loire Valley. They were pioneers in developing Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire, establishing a legacy of quality and innovation. The very caves you explore were once active quarries, providing the stone that built many of Saumur's historic buildings. This deep connection to the land and its resources is palpable as you wander through the cool, subterranean passages. Reddit

Today, Ackerman continues to produce exceptional sparkling wines using traditional methods. The tour offers insights into their winemaking process, from grape selection to the secondary fermentation that gives their wines their signature effervescence. Visitors can learn about the unique terroir of the Saumur region and how it contributes to the distinct character of their wines. The blend of historical significance and modern winemaking expertise makes Ackerman Cellars a truly special destination for wine enthusiasts. Reddit

An Artistic Underground Journey

Ackerman Cellars transcends the typical winery tour by integrating a vibrant artistic dimension into its underground spaces. The ancient quarry walls serve as a canvas for a variety of captivating art installations, including intricate string animal drawings and mesmerizing light projections. These artistic elements are not merely decorative; they are thoughtfully curated to enhance the visitor's experience, creating an immersive and almost surreal atmosphere as you navigate the cool, cavernous depths. Reddit

This unique approach transforms the visit into an exploration akin to an art museum, offering a refreshing contrast to the often-expected wine cellar ambiance. The interplay of light, shadow, and artistic expression within the natural rock formations provides endless visual interest and makes for memorable photo opportunities. It’s this fusion of natural history, winemaking heritage, and contemporary art that sets Ackerman Cellars apart, offering a multi-sensory experience that appeals to a wide range of visitors, not just wine connoisseurs. Reddit

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