Oisly: Wine, History and Nature

For a stay in Oisly, winemaking, local history and nature offer a range of ways to explore the area. The commune is part of the AOP Touraine Oisly wine-growing region between the Loire and Cher rivers. There are also wineries with a variety of visitor experiences, a distinctive church and local natural landmarks. You can tailor your stay to your own interests without limiting your wine experiences to a single format.

Winemaking and tastings in Oisly

Domaine des Corbillières is located in Oisly and covers 20 hectares farmed organically. A closer look at the vineyard reveals a Sauvignon plot with 16 rows planted in 1964. The Domaine welcomes visitors to its wine cellar by prior arrangement. Check the visitor arrangements before setting off if you would like to plan a visit.

Other wineries have their own areas of focus. Domaine Octavie welcomes visitors for a tour, a wine tasting or a personal discussion about its wines. At Divin Loire, vineyard and wine-cellar tours are available by prior arrangement. The experience also includes a wine tasting and a tasting of local products; snack platters are available for an additional charge. At Domaine Pré Baron, a 1.5-hour guided tour is followed by a commented wine tasting. Booking requirements and programs may change, so it is advisable to confirm them before your visit.

Pairing wine with food is also part of the local offering. Domaine Penet recommends its Touraine Oisly with goat’s cheese, shellfish or fish in sauce. These specific pairings offer a culinary way to experience the wine, while tours and tastings at the other wineries provide different insights.

History and special places

Oisly’s winemaking history is also connected to individual families and estates. Domaine Octavie’s roots in the commune’s winemaking history date back to 1885. Domaine des Corbillières was acquired by Fabel Barbou in 1923. Another visible trace of winemaking is a vineyard hut on the road to Contres: Oisly and Sassay had it restored together, with work completed in 2013.

The Church of Saint-Hippolyte is also part of the area’s history. It is the only church in the Loir-et-Cher department dedicated to Saint Hippolytus. This distinctive dedication sets it apart within the department. Together with the vineyard hut, it offers two very different historical points of interest: a religious dedication and a building associated with winemaking.

The Bavet stream and Chêne Gaillard

The Bavet stream rises near the centre of Oisly. It then flows through Couddes and Choussy before eventually reaching Monthou-sur-Cher. Locating the place names on a map makes it possible to follow the described route from its source near Oisly to its eventual destination.

A striking natural landmark is the Chêne Gaillard oak. Its trunk circumference is 4.90 metres, and it is estimated to be possibly around 500 years old. The measurement and the age are two separate details: the circumference is stated precisely, while the great age remains an estimate. Those interested in old trees will find a distinctive natural feature here alongside the area’s historical and winemaking themes.

Wine experiences with different focuses

The range of experiences spans tours and conversations as well as activities that combine exercise with wine. Domaine Pré Baron offers an e-bike tour through the Oisly terroir, ending with a wine tasting. This differs from the 1.5-hour guided tour followed by a commented tasting at the same Domaine: one takes you through the terroir by e-bike, while the other is described as a guided visit with a wine tasting. Booking requirements and availability may change; check the details in advance if you have a particular program in mind.

The experiences listed vary in content and visitor arrangements. Find a hotel in Oisly using the search; specific accommodation options and their terms are available there.

Discover more destinations: Nouan-Le-Fuzelier, Pouillé, Chambon-Sur-Cisse, Mulsans, La Ville-Aux-Clercs, Noyers-Sur-Cher, Josnes, Sambin.

For the broader travel overview: Loir-Et-Cher.