The history of the Loire Valley and its wines is inextricably linked with the history of France itself. With the exception of the Pays Nantais whose vineyards were planted by the Romans, winegrowing in the Loire region first began around the 5th century. From the 9th to the 12th centuries, monastic life featured significantly in the development of the vineyards, while the enthusiasm of the kings of France for this area and all it had to offer also played a major part in its growth.