Construction of vaulted cellars XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Part of the former Saint-Julien Abbey.
1954
Creation of the Museum of Espelosin
Creation of the Museum of Espelosin 1954 (≈ 1954)
Opening at Château des Basses-Rivières in Rochecorbon.
vers 1970
Closing of the Museum of Espelosin
Closing of the Museum of Espelosin vers 1970 (≈ 1970)
Partial transfer of collections to Tours.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Origin and history
The Musée des vins de Touraine, set up in Tours, finds its origins in the collections of the former wine museum "d This first museum, closed around 1970, housed objects related to viticulture, such as silverware or wine tools. These pieces were transferred to enrich the current collections, which cover various themes: mythology, archaeology, and history of the wines of Touraine.
The museum's collections illustrate the links between the vine, wine and local traditions, including religious rites, employers' parties and winemaking brotherhoods. They are presented in a remarkable historical setting: the vaulted cellars of the 12th century of the former Saint-Julien Abbey, as well as in the courtyard of the cloister. The museum highlights the social and cultural practices associated with wine, such as the diseases of the vine or the effects of its consumption.
Labelled "Musée de France", the establishment is distinguished by its ethnological and thematic approach, covering both technical aspects (agro-food, tools) and decorative aspects (ceramic, goldsmithy, textiles). Its address, at 16 rue Nationale in Tours, makes it a central place to discover the wine heritage of the region, in a building full of medieval history.