In need of a bucolic break from Paris, we recently hopped on a 2-hour train to Bordeaux en route to the vineyards of Saint-Émilion. Specifically into the Premier Grand Cru world of Château Troplong Mondot.
Home became the cozy two-bedroom Vineyard House, one of the three accommodation options at Château Troplong Mondot, and best described as ‘campagne chic’. Their new 5-bedroom château, an ideal setting for friends and family, can be rented privately.
Surrounded by 43 hectares of vineyards (composed of 73% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon) we hopped in a vintage Land Rover to explore the property and discovered a fruit, vegetable, and herb garden, as well as roosting chickens.
The lush landscape at Château Troplong Mondot invited us into a slow and sustainable life, and we welcomed every invigorating moment.
Meals paired with Troplong Mondot wines were enjoyed at the newly renovated restaurant Les Belles Perdrix, helmed by chef David Charrier. Every meal was a discovery in the creative cuisine of this talented chef, certain to be awarded another Michelin star.
What I found most impressive was that the exceptional Troplong Mondot wines were all produced sustainably. During our wine tasting we learned more about Saint-Émilion wines, some of the best in France, and also had a chance to taste the latest harvest.
Specially trained horses plow the fields on this hilltop land, the highest in Saint-Émilion. It’s the incomparable terroir that aids in producing these award-winning wines.
The Medieval and undeniably charming town of Saint-Émilion looms in the distance, just 20-minutes by foot from Château Troplong Mondot.
Mornings were spent winding our way through the paths of this scenic town, one of the most visited in France. We were privileged to have this UNESCO World Heritage Site all to ourselves.
Admiring vineyard-covered Saint-Émilion from above, we spotted Château Troplong Mondot off in the distance.
The time came to bid farewell to our home in the vineyards and set off to neighboring Montagne-Saint-Émilion.
Our first stop was to Château Corbin. This 4th generation estate is home to a pigeon house dating back to 1606.
Before returning to Bordeaux and boarding a train back to Paris, we drove past a stunning castle and couldn’t resist a visit. Château Saint-Georges proved a perfect last tasting in a wine region we will undoubtedly return to.
