Nestled in the rustic yet elegantly rolling countryside of Bordeaux, we recently spent the weekend at Château Rigaud for a family celebration. A retreat that feels both luxurious as it does grounding, the Château is a timeless space where the world slows down, + the beauty of life emerges in every detail. For someone like me, who rarely drinks alcohol — wine included — to venture into a region celebrated for its vineyards may seem a curious step but the weekend was was just as delightfully experienced from my perspective as for those who reaped the rewards of the surrounding lands in each glass of red, white, or Bordeaux Cremant. But Bordeaux isn’t just about the wine for those seeking something profoundly beautiful; it’s deeper than that, it’s a feeling, a connection to the earth, + the quiet elegance, I cherish so much, of a life well-lived.
Arriving at the château, it embraces you with immediate sense of calm. The welcoming nature of the staff remained unparalleled from beginning to end. Welcoming you into the space, they explain that the château is your home while there, to be explored + enjoyed as though it truly is yours. From the outside, the stone facade, weathered by centuries of all sorts, is embraced by lush greenery, holding a charm enhanced by that unique soft sunlight I love about France, filtering in through the surrounding trees. Inside, the interiors reflect a chic yet comfortable + very comforting energy. The château was renovated extensively about about 20 years ago after a fire caused untold damaged, leaving the structure without a roof. Now though, with owners who have clearly loved it back to life in every detail, have ensured that it’s energy has a perfect recipe for chic, balancing the idea of an iconique boutique hotel with a house that’s become a home. Equally, it whispers stories of the past — nothing scary don't worry. But with the ancient open fireplaces - one dates back to the 1300’s if I recall correctly, enormous oak wooden beams, delicate textiles, lush textiles, + a thoughtfully curated mixture of older decor, it all comes together to create a harmoniously old world experience with the necessities + touches that give it it’s incredible warmth.
As one might dreamily expect of a day waking up in a château, it is very romantically so at Château Rigaud. Despite the fact that we only got one day of sunshine — the rest idyllically dreary for an October weekend in France — I found solace in the garden from the moment we arrived. The air, fragrant with the beauty of French countryside + a hint of dew. Days are spent exploring the surrounding countryside if you wish. We did one or two of the suggested excursions but decided to stay back on the others to enjoy life at the château, we loved it so much. Of course the region is renowned for its vineyards which are worth wandering through — not solely for the wine, but for the sheer beauty of their perfection. Medieval villages dot the landscape, their cobblestone streets + charming markets offering treasures of other kinds: handcrafted goods, local delicacies, + that uniquely French rhythm of life that I just adore so much.
Evenings at Château Rigaud are magical to say the least. Firstly, we were blessed to catch one of sun sets as it lay itself down behind the vineyards, casting the fields in golden light. But for the purpose of our family celebration we were there to experience the wine-tasting weekend, of which Château Rigaud puts on just a few select weekends each year + the evenings are when the real magic happen. Nothing short of enchanting, the experience is curated to highlight not only Bordeaux’s renowned vineyards but also the genius artistry of the château’s resident chef, John Grabecki, whose passion for local flavours elevates each moment + every bite. Each evening we were guided through intimate tastings in the château’s dinning room while the wine lovers explored vintages from neighboring estates under the expertise of a sommelier. Complementing the wine is a series of exquisite meals crafted by the John + his team, whose talent lies in creating seasonal dishes that showcase the region’s abundance of fresh produce. Each plate is a testament to the château’s dedication to gastronomy just as much as their love of + expertise in wine. Whether you partake in the wines or simply savor the flavors, the weekend is an unforgettable celebration of Bordeaux’s culinary + cultural heritage.
At Château Rigaud, the essence of Bordeaux transcends its reputation for wine. To my own experience of it, sans the wine, it’s a place to reconnect — with yourself, with nature, + with the quiet joys that make life beautiful; something which, throughout my years of visiting France, the French are so eloquently gifted in. You don’t need to drink to experience the richness of this region. All you need is a willingness to slow down + let the charm of the château embrace you at every turn.
Discover your own chateau experience at CHÂTEAU-RIGUAD
