Château Soutard is perfectly positioned – far enough away to enjoy glorious isolation from the summer crowds, but close enough to walk to the village’s range of restaurants, wine shops and wine bars. Yet there is so much for guests to enjoy on the estate that they might never want to leave.
Arrive in style
You immediately know you’ve arrived somewhere special: a tree-lined avenue leads from the road up to the monumental building. This alone is unusual in Saint-Émilion, where most châteaux are small farms or manor houses with fewer than 10 hectares of vines to their names.
From past to future
This large estate has a long history, dating back to the 16th century. It was bought in 1699 by Jean Couture and expanded by his dynamic daughter, Marie, who commissioned the impressive and classically styled 18th-century château at the centre of the courtyard, flanked by original 16th-century wings. The project was completed by her son, Jean Combret de Faurie, who also imagined the beautiful parkland that surrounds the château. Between them, they created the signature of the estate – one of simple but impressive elegance – which remains in place today.
The estate passed through the hands of several families until 2006, when AG2R La Mondiale, already owners of neighbouring vineyards Château Larmande and Grand Faurie La Rose, purchased the property. In 2009, they added another neighbour, Château Cadet-Piola, to their portfolio, which was integrated into Château Soutard in 2012.*
The whole holding now covers 60 hectares, half of which lie on the famous limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, including a historic 22-hectare plot of vines that has remained unchanged and intact for over a century.
A sense of place
This same limestone was used to build the château – an architectural jewel in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Renovation of the property began in 2011, with local craftsmen first restoring the lateral wings of the courtyard, transforming them for winemaking and wine tourism. The vat room, designed by architect Fabien Pédelabord, features a huge crystal chandelier hanging over the ultra-modern stainless steel vats – a clever juxtaposition of traditional French elegance and the latest winemaking technology.
A glass lift takes visitors down a shaft carved through the limestone into the subterranean barrel cellars. Naturally cool for ageing the wines, there is also an intimate tasting room.
The rose
In a nod to Château Grand Faurie La Rose, a rose motif has become something of a signature of the property. As well as the traditional rose bushes planted at the end of vine rows – a small part of their agroecology initiatives – rosebud motifs can also be found inside the château, in the plasterwork and on the ceilings.
The keys to the castle
In 2014, work began on renovating the spectacular 18th-century château to offer a more intimate approach to hospitality. Ten years ago, in September 2015, the doors of the château finally opened to welcome guests to a stunning renovation that perfectly respects the 18th-century style of the house.
The reception rooms and three guest bedrooms, spread over two floors in a private wing of the château, are decorated in a colourful and flamboyant interpretation of 18th-century French style. The ‘Polonaise Suite’ was created from original 18th-century documents. Each suite has a private modern bathroom; the large ‘Oberkampf Suite’ even has its own private lift. Under the eaves, on the second floor it enjoys stunning views across the vines and parkland.
Staying at Château Soutard is a unique, immersive experience in 18th-century French lifestyle – but with all the modern comforts and, of course, delicious wines and food. You have the chateau to yourselves, free to explore the reception rooms, tasting the wines from all the properties on the terrace, served with a selection of cheeses and cold cuts. Or dine in the elegant private dining room available for lunches and dinners for six to eighteen guests. The private chef serves a personalised menu on elegant French porcelain and crystal. Or guests can take a two-minute walk through the vines to Château Petit Faurie de Soutard, where the elegant Jardin de Soutard restaurant has a terrace with stunning views across the vines of Saint-Émilion and the neighbouring satellite appellations. Breakfast can be taken in the country-style kitchen.
With its large park, tasting room, terrace and boutique, there is plenty to keep guests occupied right here. But Château Soutard is also the perfect base from which to explore the vineyards – bicycles are even available, allowing you to experience the region up close.
A winning formula
Château Soutard is a serial Best Of Wine Tourism winner, having received a gold prize in the Architecture and Landscapes category in 2012, another in 2017 for Wine Tourism Services, and this year the Regional Gold Best Of for Accommodation.
Author: Wendy Narby - Insider Tasting Photos credits: ©ChateauSoutard Video credits: ©fakhry_nader et ©schz.Farah