Chateau d’Estoublon, Established 1489
📍Fontvieille, France
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How often do you get to visit a 500 year old vineyard? The age of buildings and businesses found in Europe never ceases to amaze this history buff. While in the South of France, I wanted to make sure I took time to enjoy the local wines found in the Luberon region. While researching, I stumbled across the Château d’Estoublon and knew it was a must visit! Better still, it came recommended by one of my favorite fellow travelers, Stacie Flinner. Established in 1489, here’s what you need to know about Château d’Estoublon.
A Quick Visit to Fontvieille
Chateau d’Estoublon is just a quick 10 minute drive away from the commune of Fontvieille. David and I arrived too early for our reservation, so we decided to hop back in the car and explore. Because it was Mother’s Day in France, this tiny town of 3,500 was buzzing, especially at the local café. We ordered a coffee and croissant to hold us over, and people watched for a spell. Afterward, we wandered the streets, admiring the local architecture. I loved the monument in the town square that memorialized the French Revolution. No matter what century you look at, France is just so rich with history.
About Chateau d’Estoublon
Chateau d’Estoublon lies along the southern end of the Alpilles mountains, the range brought to life by Vincent Van Gogh. Here they have been making and perfecting olive oils and wines since 1489. Their olive oils are frequently named as some of the best in the world! Alongside the winery lies an 18th century château that would make for the perfect wedding venue. Becoming part of Airelles in 2019, you can also stay in one of the 22 rooms, ten bedrooms, and suites to make this castle feel like home. The 341 acres on the property are simply pristine and seem like it’s straight out of a provencial fairy tale.
Lunch at La Table
Although I was looking forward to seeing the estate in person, the main reason for our visit was lunch. La Table served was one of the most incredible meals I’ve ever had on their sunlit courtyard. Since it was a holiday, the space was full of celebrating families, and I was so thankful to have gotten reservations for the cookout. Of course, our meal started with the vineyard’s own wine: red and white for his and hers. What came next was a feast of perfectly prepared appetizers, meats, and vegetables. There was hardly any space for it all on our tiny table. With my tastebuds soaring, this is one of those meals that I will cherish forever. Chef Wim Van Gorp is a master!
Explore the Vineyard
After such a filling meal, exploring the vineyard was a much needed activity. Chateau d’Estoublon offers several tour options where you can intimately learn about their olive oils and/or wines. The visit begins with a guided tour of the vineyard and olive grove and ends with tastings. They are so accommodating and will customize the tasting to match your preference. This is also a great option if you can’t get a dining reservation but still want to explore and get to know all that they offer.
Shop for Souvenirs
Our visit’s only disappointment was learning that Chateau d’Estoublon doesn’t ship to the United States. Luckily, I had planned for this by being sure to leave room in my suitcase for at least two bottles. The Shop had so many varieties of olive oils and wines that it was difficult to choose. I prioritized a bottle of the Rouge Château 2018 and Blanc Château 2015, the years David and I got married and started dating. We also purchased a bottle of their award-winning extra virgin olive oil. Since I have no idea when we’ll return to Chateau d’Estoublon next, I’ll be saving all three bottles for special occasions. If you happen to live in Europe, lucky you because they deliver to 27 different countries.
In all our travels through the South of France, visiting Chateau d’Estoublon seemed like the quintessential Provence experience. Whenever I travel, I just feel so fortunate on not only finding incredible restaurants or experiences but being able to snag a reservation. When it comes to traveling, especially internationally, luck just may be a piece of the equation.
Love from France,
Katie
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