The countryside around the city of Tours is known as the "garden of France," a verdant, fertile area where the aristocrats of the Ancien Regime built their great châteaux.

The Touraine appellation yields red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. For white wines, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are the preferred grapes, but they may be blended with Chardonnay. For red wine, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are the primary grapes, but they too may be blended with Cot (the local name for Malbec) or Pineau d'Aunis. Rosé may be made with Gamay or either of the Cabernets.

The region boasts several of the greatest appellations in the Loire Valley. Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire celebrates the versatility of the Chenin Blanc. Nearby, Chinon, Bourgueil and St Nicolas de Bourgueil make wines that set international standards for Cabernet Franc. To the east, Cheverny makes wines that are as likely to resemble those of the Centre Loire as those of its nearer neighbors. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are as much in evidence as Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The smaller appellation of Cour-Cheverny makes only white wine, using the Romorantin grape. The Romorantin is also an element in the fresh white wines of Valençay, which are generally based on Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with the addition of the little known Arbois. The red wines of Valençay use the same grapes as are used throughout the region. Smaller appellations include Touraine Amboise, Touraine Azay-le-Rideau (made in the area surrounding one of the most beautiful château in a the Loire Valley), Touraine Mesland and Touraine Noble Joué.