Introduction
The "Art de Vivre" at a Bordeaux Wine Chateau
A real voyage of initiation and enjoyment;
a warm, personal and relaxing way to get to know
Bordeaux's famous wines and its fabulous cuisine.
If there is a better way to experience the "secret" Bordeaux region from the
inside, I would like to know it!
A small
group of guests - up to six people in all - have the unique opportunity to discover this
region during a 1-week stay at the charming "Maison des Vignes" on the Chateau
Bujan estate. They will experience the "art de vivre" (art of living) through
Forum International in the company of Pascal Meli and Michele Rousseau who are winegrowers
and culinary specialists, and who know and love this region intimately, having lived and
been active there most of their lives. Their knowledge of the country and the people who
live there has enabled them to unlock for their guests the secrets of the most famous
vineyards in the world, visiting wine chateaux, meeting the people who make wines and
prepare typical culinary specialties. Together they will explore Medoc, Sauternes and
Saint Emilion and the most beautiful places in the legendary regions of Arcachon, Bordeaux
and the Gironde estuary.
The
programs offered are in harmony with the seasons, from January to October. Each season has
its unique charm. In January and February, in front of the fireplace, foies gras and duck
and goose preserves are made, and in the cellars the new wines are the subject of long
discussions… In spring, the vine's buds and blossoms bring the promise of the next
harvest…The first asparagus and strawberries herald the revival of abundant fruits
and vegetables…In summer, fresh vegetables and fruits flood the markets, the grapes
turn blood red in the sunshine and an outing to the fine sand beaches of the Atlantic is a
special treat…September brings the fever of the harvest…the first figs and the
famous cep mushrooms of Bordeaux can be tested…October is the season of the wine
cellar…the winemaker oversees the fermentation of the grapes, the vine takes on its
ruby color…the days are still sunny and sweet.
Each week is organized according to the interests of the participants: visits to estates,
excursions to Bordeaux, Arcachon… including the markets and simple cooking lessons,
in tune with the passing seasons…wine tasting every evening…and again tasting
wines from the vineyards discovered that same day, combined with the dishes they
complement.
By receiving their
guests in the heart of the Chateau Bujan, Pascal and Michele give them the chance to share
in the charm and gentle way of life enjoyed in this region. From dream chateaux to small
wine estate, from the baker who still makes an honorable bread to the conscientious oyster
farmer, the image that the guests will take with them of the Bordeaux region, will no
doubt be vivacious, exuberant, warm and unforgettable.
The Maison des Vignes was built in
the XVIIth century, no doubt by the wine-makers who created Château Bujan. It is located
right in the heart of the estate vineyards, not far from the present “Château”.
It was completely renovated in 2000. Today it is a welcoming and comfortable house where
life can be enjoyed. With its two large stone fireplaces, old wooden beams and soft
colors, the Maison des Vignes has kept its spirit of days gone by.
On the ground floor, the
living room with its large fireplace and comfortable sofas invites long relaxed
conversations. The kitchen, opened to the dining room, allow guests to discover the
secrets of delicious regional cooking. Around the large table, each meal is a feast for
the eyes and the palate.
The four rooms are named after the Meli’s grandparents. Emile’s room is on the
ground garden level and has a double bed. Noe’s room is also on the ground garden
level and has two twin beds. These two rooms share a bathroom with two wash basins and a
bath with shower. The two WC (toilets) on this level are independent from the bathroom.
You can use the laundry with washing machine, dryer and iron. On the first floor:
Louise’s room has a large bed, a washroom with a wash basin and a shower.
Elodie’s room has two twin beds, a washroom with a wash basin and a shower. There is
one independent WC (toilet room) on this level. There is a hair dryer in each bathroom.
At the Maison des Vignes, the beds are adorned white open-work bedspreads. There are
plenty of soft, white towels in the bathroom. There is daily maid service. During your
stay, Muriel will see that you have everything you need to be comfortable. Each evening,
the table will be a new work of art. Napkins, candles, flowers are in harmony with the
seasons, the wines of the day and the feeling of the moment!
It is not always easy for a simple tourist to penetrate this unique
world. Pascal MELI and Michèle ROUSSEAU offer you more than a simple wine tour. They will
open doors to you that are often closed. They will be your guides, share their knowledge
and enthusiasm and uncover the treasures of this prestigious region. Moreover, they both
speak English.
The following program is an example of a week you can enjoy at Chateau BUJAN.
NOTE: We also offer 5D/4N and 4D/3N programs. Contact us for details and
prices.
Saturday : Arrival.
We will meet you at the
airport or train station at whatever time is convenient for you depending on your travel
plans. We will help you with car rental and you will follow us to the Maison des Vignes.
After you settle in the Maison des Vignes, we will get to know each other over an
aperitif. Together we will prepare a typical Bordeaux dinner and, of course, your first
introduction to the wines…
Sunday: "L'art de vivre au chateau"
Pascal will show you around
his Château, a beautiful stone house that has watched over two centuries surrounded by 42
acres of rolling vines in an especially lovely Bordeaux landscape. Pascal will explain to
you his way of making wine and take you through the vineyards. In his cellars, you will
see the year's wine, peek at the vats and barrels and share in the life at BUJAN. Lunch
will be served at the Maison des Vignes, in the garden or near the swimming pool,
depending on the season. BUJAN is open to you all afternoon. You can walk in the woods or
the vineyard; you can look in on the work of the season outdoors or in the cellars. You
can take a dip in the swimming pool, discover the banks of the estuary of the Gironde, or
simply lie down with a good book !
Monday: Le Médoc
We will board the
ferry that crosses the Gironde at Blaye and take the "route des Chateaux". All
the dream Chateaux are there: Margaux, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild… We will visit one
of the Chateaux, and if the Cellar Master is in good humor, he will entrust you with a few
secrets while we savor the latest vintages. You can continue the visit in the
afternoon or head to Bordeaux for the return trip. Around 7.00 p.m. your dinner will
feature the Medoc wines and regional dishes: cold cuts, Pauillac lamb…
Tuesday: The golden Sauternes
After breakfast, we will
head for SAUTERNES, one hour away by car. In a small 25 acres property, you will discover
the secrets of this golden wine. You will be shown the processes that make this wine so
particular. During the tasting, you'll discover that this sweet wine goes well with both
salty and sweet appetizers. In the afternoon, you'll probably want to visit the
magnificent chateaux and immerse yourself in their glorious past. Wandering through
Sauternes' country roads, you will make the surprising discoveries of Chateau YQUEM,
Chateau de MALLE with its gardens, Chateau de LA BREDE where MONTESQUIEU, the famous
philosopher who wrote "The Spirit of the Laws", lived. We will meet you again at
6.00 p.m. to prepare a meal together that will feature SAUTERNES wines: foie gras in all
its forms, parsley seasoned cheeses, Auvergne blue cheese, Fourme d'Ambert or Roquefort,
orange salad…
Wednesday: Blaye and the estuary
Around
9.00 a.m., we will set off for the outdoor market at BLAYE. BLAYE is a lovely town
dominated by a 17th-century citadel. We will buy some of the things we need for dinner.
Next, we'll visit the Citadel, built by Vauban, under the reign of King Louis XIV. We will
meet again at 6.00 p.m. at Chateau BUJAN. While tasting white wines, Pascal will talk to
you about the different processes for making red and white wines. Via your glass, you will
tour the Bordeaux whites, a very pleasant way to travel! The menu varies according to the
season, filet of sole or Basque-style tuna, mussels marinières, scallops, goat-milk
cheese, fresh fruit tarts…
Thursday: Saint Emilion
SAINT EMILION
has some of the oldest vineyards in the Bordeaux region. The jurisdiction of Saint Emilion
is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO . Surrounded by undulating valleys, the very
"civilized" village has a distinctive and authentic charm. The mediaeval village
of SAINT EMILION is worthy of all your attention and most probably all your afternoon. The
site with its many monuments is remarkable. You will find craft and art shops to visit and
some famous and enticing restaurants. We will see you again at the Chateau BUJAN around
7.00 p.m. We will recap this outing with the wines of SAINT EMILION and the dishes that
accompany them so well: roast duck, autumn game meat, gratin dauphinois, Saint Nectaire
cheese, pears in spiced wine with soft macaroons (small almond cakes made only in St
Emilion!)
Friday: Le Bassin d'Arcachon
After breakfast, we will
take the ferry across the estuary and make our way to the Bassin d'Arcachon where we will
spend the day. The oysters of the Basin are famous and we will visit an oyster farm. A
real "farmer of the sea" will tell you about his art and let you taste this king
of all festive dishes. Lunch beside the Basin on the Arcachon or Cap Ferret side is
extremely pleasant. In the afternoon, you can do what you like: climb the Dune du Pyla,
take a nap in the pine forest, swim, sunbathe, discover the town 
of ARCACHON. When you return via Bordeaux,
you will understand why this region has inspired so many painters. Friday night's dinner
will give us the opportunity to taste again the wines that you preferred and to imagine,
depending on the season, dishes that would best accompany the wines: roasts or stews,
garden vegetables, tasty cheeses…
Saturday: departure
We suggest that you don't include a very early departure time in your plans.A flight or a
train at 8.00 a.m. would oblige you to wake up at 5.00. It's going to be hard enough to
say good-bye as it is. Why not leave la Maison des Vignes at the end of the morning and
take some time to visit Bordeaux?
Is your group interested in
the foods and specialty wines of Bordeaux?
See our special Cuisine
& Vignes program
to the Bordeaux region.
Rates
| La Maison des
Vignes, France Rates Per Person for 2003 |
||
Double Occupancy, for 8D/7N |
Double Occupancy for 3D/2N | Double Occupancy for 2D/1N |
| $2100 | $1340 | $1000 |
Single Room Supplement |
Single Room Supplement | Single Room Supplement |
| $250 | $95 | $95 |
