Who hasn’t dreamed of living the life of a château? Luxsure has done just that for just a few hours, with the LUXURY WINE TOURISM. Literally and figuratively speaking, this tour offers you the chance to discover three of the Bernard Magrez Group’s grands crus, and to sleep in authentic Bordeaux châteaux. A unique and unforgettable luxury experience that we’d like to share with you in this article.
A major owner of vineyards around the world, a powerful producer of Grands Crus Classés, master of such Bordeaux landmarks as Châteaux Pape Clément, La Tour Carnet, Fombrauge, Clos Haut Perraguey and Labottière, a knowledgeable collector and enlightened patron of the arts, Bernard Magrez shares his exceptional world in a unique concept: Bernard Magrez Luxury Wine Tourism. The chance to be a lord of the manor, while discovering exceptional wines.
At the station, a Rolls Royce Phantom was waiting to take us to the heliport. Indeed, there’s no better way to visit the Bordeaux region than by helicopter, which offers an absolutely spectacular overflight of the estates while saving us a lot of time. We take off for Château Fombrauge.
Here’s an overview of Saint Emilion’s finest properties
After just a few minutes’ flight, we arrive at Château Fombrauge.
The former Carthusian monastery retains a sacred air from its religious past. Built with regularity and moderation, Château Fombrauge’s vineyards date back to the 16th century. Since its acquisition by Bernard Magrez, the Château’s long corridors have echoed the melodies of the most famous of Stradivari instruments, with concerts and musicians in residence. All around, the straight vineyards stretch endlessly like so many strings patiently awaiting the vibrations of the winemaker’s hand. One of Saint Emilion’s oldest Grands Crus, Château Fombrauge, perpetuates its ancestral flavours. Whether you’re looking for a springtime suite with the elegance of a castle, or a period suite with the charms of another era, choose your apartments and enjoy a taste of unprecedented luxury.
We were able to sample some of the finest dishes accompanied by exceptional wines from the estate.
We’re off again, heading for the Middle Ages and Château La Tour Carnet. Listed as one of the Médoc’s oldest estates, the beautiful medieval tower jealously guards the treasures of the troubadours, the souls of Michel de Montaigne and La Boétie, and a majestic period suite. A place of extraordinary charm. A Chateau of character, 900 years old, proudly contemplating its shimmering moat, which can only be crossed by an elegant drawbridge. Whether tasting its Grand Cru Classé Haut Médoc, or celebrating its annual literary prize, Château La Tour Carnet is a beacon for writers and lovers of fine wines.
Treat yourself to the luxury of a stay in this medieval room, and you’ll join the carved oak Renaissance four-poster bed on a hand-crafted terracotta floor. The spirit escapes into the magic of the Middle Ages, where enchanting nature, the bestiary tradition of ancient tales and sovereignty reign supreme. Lions adorn the gilded canopy, bronze rams sit on the bedside lamps, and aristocratic red velvet armchairs with gold embroidery on either side of the ancient holly-leaf fireplace – the decor is set. Behind the Roy blue drapes, red fabrics and fleur-de-lys embroidery, the history of a medieval memory lives on.
As soon as the sun rises, blue tits and goldfinches invite us to contemplate the Château’s splendid vineyards and flower-filled parks.
At bath time, the coved vault, antique tiled floor and black Marquina marble give your bathroom the feel of a Roman spa.
Back to Château Pape Clément, our host château for the evening. When this vineyard was donated to Bertrand de Goth in the 13th century, the archbishop of Bordeaux, later consecrated Pope Clement V, devoted all his talent to successfully improving the winemaking processes. In the 19th century, Jean-Baptiste Clerc established the reputation of the Château’s wines. When Bernard Magrez acquired the estate in the 1980s, he in turn began his journey towards excellence in Grand Cru winemaking. Could it be a divine enchantment that inspires successive owners with this triumphant determination?
On the outskirts of Bordeaux, this haven of peace, witness to the upheavals of history, boasts 32 hectares of vines that radiate out from the neo-Gothic architecture. In its gardens, thousand-year-old olive trees and the imposing Cedar of Lebanon silently watch over the Château. A few steps up from Gustave Eiffel’s glass roof, Château Pape Clément finally reveals all its period charm. We were able to test our culinary skills with a cooking class with chef Jérôme Bourcié.
Waxed woodwork, harp, harpsichord, portrait galleries and private collections: the reception rooms are resplendent with elegance. Guided by the amber scent of scented candles, guests follow the sturdy wooden staircase to choose their suite upstairs. Le Domaine des Songes, Mon Seul Rêve, La Tempérance, La Sérénité or L’Égrégore, the journey can begin.
Upon awakening, we tour the estate’s magnificent cellars before testing the creation of our own wine with the BWinemaker workshop. It’s a very pleasant experience, which allows us to discover the different stages of wine blending, as well as the specificities of the different terroirs.
Bernard Magrez is also a major art collector, owning a Cultural Institute in the center of Bordeaux which recently inaugurated a major exhibition on Claude Lévêque, which we were able to preview.
A visit to the region would not be complete without a visit to the fabulous Arcachon Basin. We board a Pinasse. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the art of oyster farming, to explore the Bay of Arcachon and to enjoy the freedom of the ocean.
The slender, slender boat, typical of the Gascon landscape, glides along the water towards the Île aux Oiseaux, a wild world home to preserved fauna. The sea waves then lead the passengers towards the Banc d’Arguin Nature Reserve, an islet of blond sand bordered by azure lagoons
when, finally, the emblematic cabanes tchanquées du Bassin can be seen in the distance. The pinnace then sets course for these silhouettes standing right on the water, and transfixed passengers share in the work of the oyster farmers who watch over the bags of oysters for a tasting on the illustrious Cap Ferret.
All this and much more (weddings, nature picnics, shows, golf, grape harvests…) is possible thanks to the Bernard Magrez Luxury Wine Tour, a tailor-made experience that lets you slip into the shoes of a châtelain or simply a lover of great wine.
Further information at http://www.bernard-magrez.com/ and http://luxurywinetourism.fr/
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