No matter if your preference lies with luxurious red Bordeaux wines, elegant Burgundian pinot noirs, refreshing Loire Valley whites or sparkling champagnes – French wine regions have something to please every oenophile’s palate.
France’s many wine hotels are an ideal way to add a luxurious touch to your next wine-themed vacation. These vineyard-themed resorts make ideal home bases for exploring local gastronomy and culture.
Chateau de Mercues
Perched atop a precipice, this 13th-century medieval chateau offers breathtaking views over the Lot Valley and Cahors vineyards. Once the summer residence of Cahors’ bishops, this Relais & Chateaux offers an exceptional blend of elegance, cuisine, and fine wines.
The Vigouroux family owns and manages this estate, producing some of France’s finest Malbec. Situated in a silty-clay terroir ideal for vine growing with a high plantation density, they produce some of the world’s finest Malbec wines.
At Le Dueze Restaurant, guests can savor regional cuisine and partake in wine tastings. Additionally, guests have access to an outdoor pool, tennis courts and free wireless Internet.
The castle’s 30 guestrooms offer a sophisticated blend of old-world charm and contemporary amenities. Some feature marble bathrooms, minibars, while others provide views of the vineyards.
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey, situated in Sauternes near Chateau d’Yquem, boasts 36 hectares of vineyard on 70 meters above sea level. Planted with 93% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle varieties, this vineyard produces premium wines.
These vines are mature, with some of the oldest plots dating back over 40 years. They are planted at an average density of 6,666 vine stocks per hectare on soils that include silica-gravel and clay-gravel.
Silvio Denz, a businessman and passionate Grand Cru enthusiast who became Lalique CEO in 2014, took control of the estate and has made remarkable improvements. Under his direction, Lafaurie-Peyraguey has become one of the premier wines in Sauternes region.
Chateau de Cote Saint Jacques
Only an hour and a half from Paris, this charming hotel is situated in Joigny – a vibrant town full of art and history. Here, large timber-framed buildings blend together in harmony, while the castle of Gondi towers over it all.
Take a short walk to the medieval covered market, where you can purchase local products such as homemade foie gras and jams. The Michelin-star restaurant boasts an extensive wine list and offers cookery lessons.
Jean-Michel Lorain, the restaurant’s owner and 2 Michelin star chef, has a gift for creating dishes that combine old world “savoir faire” with high quality produce. The flavors are clean and comforting, while the visuals are striking without being overdone.
The wine menu features wines from around the region as well as some from other areas. Guests are invited to tour the estate’s cellars and taste their own bottles – it’s an ideal opportunity to sample different styles of wines while learning more about them!
Chateau du Petit Musigny
Chateau du Petit Musigny, constructed centuries ago on the remnants of an old Cistercian abbey, is one of Burgundy’s most stunning residences. Situated along the famed wine trail between Dijon and Beaune, Chateau du Petit Musigny provides visitors with an opportunity to taste world-class wines.
This hotel offers stylish apartments and junior suites whose unique aesthetic combines antique furniture with modern carpets and exquisite marble bathrooms. Each room is named after a legendary Grand Cru wine such as Romanee Conti, Chambertin or Echezeaux.
The hotel is the ideal destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a relaxing day in the vineyards or an indulgent wine tasting trip. Guests can also take advantage of their onsite spa and enjoy a meal at their gourmet restaurant. Furthermore, guests are given access to free tours of the wine museum.