In about a month I will be spending three days in the lower Loire valley (Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur, etc.). In addition to the many chateaus and a couple of cathedrals, I would like to visit some wineries in the area. I'm interested in places where an American visitor would encounter a friendly reception. I'm not interested (necessarily) in those wineries that have received great scores from WS or WA or that are well known because they have wide distribution in the USA. What I'm really looking for are recommendations based on personal experience. Ideally, places where there is someone who speaks a little bit of English (to complement my ability to speak a little bit of French) and where one I can walk out feeling that I have made a friend that I likely will never see again.
Suggestions, anyone?
Colvala