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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat underground

Ackerman Cellars
Best Time
Escape the heat underground

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient quarry caves transformed into an artistic wonderland, blending history, art, and the finest Loire Valley sparkling wines.
"One of the best caves we’ve ever visited – it feels more like an art museum!"

🧥 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Quarry Caves
Underground Cellars
Vast, ancient quarry caves transformed into an artistic wonderland with history and wine.

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

Wine Tasting Experience
Garden or Tasting Room
Savor excellent Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire wines in a beautiful setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat Underground
Art, History, and Wine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Driving is often the easiest way to reach Ackerman Cellars, especially if you're exploring the Loire Valley. Ample parking is usually available.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always consult the official Ackerman Cellars website for the most current operating times before your visit.
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.
Absolutely! Ackerman Cellars is family-friendly, with non-alcoholic tasting options like fizzy grape juice available for younger visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore vast underground quarry caves filled with art installations, historical displays, and interactive exhibits about wine production. Enjoy a wine tasting afterward.
Ackerman Cellars offers a self-guided tour, allowing visitors to explore the caves and their artistic displays at their own leisure.
The caves maintain a consistently cool temperature of around 12°C (54°F) year-round, making it a refreshing escape from warmer weather.
Yes, children can enjoy sensory games and interactive elements within the caves, and they are offered fizzy grape juice during the tasting.
Expect to see unique art displays, including string animal drawings and impressive light projections that enhance the underground environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Yes, Ackerman Cellars provides non-alcoholic options, such as fizzy grape juice, ensuring everyone can participate in a tasting experience.
They offer tastings of their Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire wines. Various tasting packages might be available, often after the cave tour.
Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of their excellent wines directly from the cellar shop after your visit.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Yes, you can typically take photos during the wine tasting, especially in the garden setting, but be mindful of other guests.
Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited inside the caves and likely on the property due to safety and privacy regulations.
The caves feature a mix of natural light filtering in and artistic lighting installations, which can create dramatic and atmospheric photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Craft of Ackerman Cellars
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.
An Artistic Underground Journey
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit