Chateau de La Vieille Chapelle

The restaurant was a highlight: fresh, local food, especially the burrata if it’s on the menu and whatever the plat du jour is, plus a Friday dinner with jazz from Denis Girault that brought in a big crowd of locals. We loved the wines too. The complimentary tasting covered the vineyard’s history and winemaking, and Château de la Vielle Chapelle makes a broad range of biodynamic wines, from sparkling to white, rosé, reds and blends. I was especially taken with the sparkling “BuBulles” bubbles and the “Amuse-Gueules” white, even though neither is usually my thing. My mother and I spent two days at Château de La Vieille Chapelle, and it felt like the peaceful country escape I’d hoped to find. I’d done a lot of research, even as a travel professional, looking for quiet, nature and good wine. It’s in the countryside at Lugon/et/l'ile-du-Carnay, near Libourne and still within reach of Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. The property was beautiful, the grounds felt like a postcard, and I loved the farm animals, pool and lounge area. We stayed in the main house, which was the actual Chapel. The rustic farmhouse-style room had modern conveniences, and the breakfast room, which also serves as the tasting room, was cozy and lovely. The family ownership was a big part of why I chose it. Since 2006, Frederic and Fabienne and their sons Raphael and Gabriele have made the place special through their care for the property, wine and region. Frederic answered all my planning questions by email weeks before we arrived, and he and his family gave us such a warm welcome. Raffaele was so sweet to my mom and me, and everyone working there seemed genuinely caring and personable. It exceeded what I’d pictured. Grazie mille to the Mallier family for a stay and memories I’ll always treasure.