ttt

I'd like to know too.

Go to the Maison du Vin in Angers (across the street from the castle, an easy walk from the train station). At the MdV, dozens of western Loire/Anjou wines are available for free tastings. After you decide which ones you like best, you can either buy them on-site, or visit the wineries (the MdV staff will help you with directions, hours, etc.).
Couly-Dutheuil in Chinon (across the street from the castle) is popular and its Clos de l'Echo red well regarded, but I'm not sure if CD fits into your western Loire plans.
FYI, you don't give the dates of your trip, but many wineries close their tasting rooms from nearly Nov. to March.

Thanks, BTilke...that is just the information we needed. We do plan on going to Chinon so that is also good to know! We will be there the second week of July.

There is a Maison du Vin in Saumur as well. That one has more Saumur-Champigny and Bourgeuil wines to try (the Angers MdV focuses on Anjou and western Loire wines).

Thanks again...we will be in all those places so we will check into the Maison du Vin. It sounds like that is the best way to find out who allows visits. Do you have any other recommendations for the area?

Wineries, no. But our two favorite restaurants in Angers are La Ferme (for dinner) and Castel Boeuf (for lunch). La Ferme, located near the cathedral, has a pretty, country decor, very welcoming service, good food and is excellent value for money. Castel Boeuf is across from the much-photographed Maison d'Adam (a short walk from the castle) and is fantastic for lunch. For appetizers, they have a superb buffet full of home made goodies--salads, pates, littles dishes--and the main courses are just as good (emphasis is on grilled meats, although there are veggie and non grilled selections). A 3-course lunch (appetizer buffet, main course, dessert AND wine) costs under $20 per person (at least it did in 2004, and the dollar was weak then).