NEW HOTEL OPENING

Burgundy is a historical region in east-central France. It is famous for its Burgundy wines such as pinot noirs and Chardonnay, Chablis and Beaujolais. The area is crisscrossed by a network of canals and studded with grand châteaux, and some luxury hotels. The capital, Dijon, of mustard fame, is home to the imposing Palace of the Dukes, where the distinguished Musée des Beaux-Arts was established in 1787. Burgundy’s wine regions are Côte-d’Or, where the expensive Burgundies come from, Beaujolais, Chablis, the Côte Chalonnais and Mâcon. 

The region’s cuisine is Dijon mustard influenced, of course – coq au vin and beef bourguignon and other scrumptious dishes.

In the village of Pommard (a name which makes wine lovers’ hearts jump), about two miles from Beaune, Burgundy’s winemaking capital, there is a fortified manor which dates back to 1112, called Château de la Commaraine. This month, after a four-year renovation, it is no longer a fortified manor, it is now a hotel. 

With 37 rooms and suites, the design mixes elegance with the irrepressible charm of the region; most accommodations have views of the estate’s nine acres vineyard, and from one you can see the vat room! If you are a group there is a four-bedroom residence that has its own private tasting room. And why not?

There are two restaurants: Le Clos is a restaurant and bar, a place to enjoy great regional classics in a vibrant bistro while, of course, overlooking the winery. The VII is located in the ancient, vaulted cellar. 

Since this is most demonstrably a land of wine, discoveries and history, go on a Wine Safari. (Why didn’t we think of that, I mean at WONDERLUST? Spark up those tedious editorial meetings…) This, as you might have deduced, is a visit to different wine estates with wine tastings in their cellars. Or you can take a bike ride and eat and drink along the way. Or take a cruise on the Canal du Centre, or see it all from the air in a hot air balloon, although that last part mostly misses out on the wine, which is rather the point.

When all this wine stuff is enough, go and relax by the outdoor heated pool — yes it is heated, which is very grand — or visit the spa and have a sauna, Jacuzzi, relax in the steam room, or have a cold bath (masochist!) or, my favorite, have a massage. Once all of this is done, if your hair is looking a tad off, and even if it’s not, go to The Flora Hair Spa and give your head and hair a little love.

24 Grand Rue, 21630 Pommard, France*

Tel : +333 75 83 43 34

https://chateaulacommaraine.com/en