By Jean-Dominique Dalloz - Photos José Nicolas - September 19, 2011

A tour of one of the most beautiful estate wineries of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence region, where for the last few decades working the vines is combined with a love for art.

Hand Made

There are some places where the aesthete who sleeps in all of us can’t help but be delighted. Here at Château Vignelaure a compression sculpture by César can be admired near one of the estate’s most beautiful bottles. And before entering the magnificent cellars, the eye will already be amazed by the simple grandeur of the beautiful Provencal country house. In front, a big square delimited by arches and the building housing the cellar integrates perfectly with the whole. On the south side, two beautiful rectangular ponds dominate a pretty park planted

with trees. A double staircase descends from the house towards the vast terrace, from which there is an unobstructed view over the winery.

Château Vignelaure is the work of Georges Brunet, who back in the 50s had already built the success of the classified first growth Château La Lagune in the Médoc region. Thirty years later, looking for a quality estate in Provence, he fell under the charm of what at the time was just an old 18th-century farm. He did all the major renovations and created a 3-level cellar carved out of the limestone.

He also planted a few hectares of vines. And passionate about contemporary art, over the years Georges Brunet installed a number of works by big names in painting and sculpture in the cellars and old stable. So between two tastings, you can admire at your leisure works by Arman, Buffet, Miro or Hartung, and original photos by Cartier-Bresson.

The current owners Bengt and Mette Sundstrøm continue the work undertaken by their predecessor and perpetuate this passion for art and wine. While continuing to develop the estate, they make sure to conserve the spirit with which Georges Brunet made of the Vignelaure one of the

jewels of viticultural Provence. Everyone can here acquire a symbol of this successful union between art and vines, as each bottle of the Cuvée du Page has a label designed by Yves Saint-Laurent. To consume in moderation but admire without limits.

MORE PICTURES

Discover

Château Vignelaure
Route de Jouques
83560 Rians
Tél. : 04 94 37 21 10
www.vignelaure.com

• Tags :
• Provence,
• Vineyards