A Picnic at the Château

This is a 2.5-hour introduction to the land, craft, and wines of a family-run estate in the Aquitaine countryside. It begins with a relaxed horseback ride through the vineyards — no experience needed. Your guide points out grape varieties and how slope, soil, and season shape each vine, while moving at an easy rhythm between vine rows that stretch across the landscape. Back at the château, you’ll tour the production area and barrel cellar, discovering how heritage and craft are intertwined. Then, you'll taste four wines selected to highlight different expressions of terroir and show how choices in the cellar shape character in the glass. The experience ends with a quiet picnic — regional specialties and a bottle of wine that the hosts will set up in the vines or on the estate grounds for you to enjoy on your own. This experience, shorter than Nathalie's 4-hour "Saddles and Cellars", is designed for travelers who want a vineyard experience without committing to a full afternoon.

What makes this experience unique is the immersion in the Aquitaine countryside. In just a few hours, you connect with the vineyard on horseback, taste its expressions in the glass, and savor a picnic that feels spontaneous but well-considered. Riding among the vines, you see how the greens shift with the changing light, a landscape that shifts with every moment. An expert guide accompanies you, sharing stories of the grape varieties and the secrets of the vineyard. The connection deepens when you step into the château for the tasting. Here, the terroir you have just crossed is poured into the glass, revealed through four wines presented by the winemakers themselves. There’s no formal structure — just good wine, beautiful scenery, and time to reflect. Your hosts give you space to enjoy the picnic in private. For those with limited time, it offers an easy, natural way to enjoy the countryside and its flavors without the full formalities of a hosted wine lunch.

Nathalie and Olivier Bonnélye share a deep passion for wine and hospitality that led them to transform a château into a place of craft and conviviality. Nathalie turned what began as a pastime into her profession, combining formal studies in wine commerce with a natural talent for creating meaningful connections. Olivier, whose career once took him around the world in science and business, always kept wine as his constant passion. In 2021 he embraced the dream of becoming a vintner, dedicating himself to reviving the potential of the estate and the historic French grape Côt (Malbec).

For your comfort and safety, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Jeans or trousers are ideal, along with closed-toe shoes (please avoid sandals or heels). A bottle of water is also advised, especially in warmer months. No riding experience is needed.