From September through October (harvest season), Les Sources de Caudalie, which is located in the middle of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards in France, offers the “In the Wine-maker’s Footsteps,” program. It includes two nights in a Prestige room with breakfast; dinner or lunch for two at the country inn, La Table du Lavoir, the two-Michelin starred La Grand’Vigne, or the wine and tapas bar, ROUGE; a tasting of three wines on property; and immersion in the grape harvest.
Note: The package is only available from Wednesdays through Sundays during the promotional period.
Advisors can reach the hotel directly via [email protected] to book the package or organize private excursions for clients.
Top Tip: VIPs in search of a behind-the-scene look at the culinary scene can visit the kitchen during lunch or dinner while Chef Nicolas Masse and his team cooks. They can also visit the owners’ private wine cellar (aptly named Paradise). The hotel can also organize wine tours that teach the history of the Château Smith Haut Lafitte, the property, the winemaking process and the winery (plus “all of its secrets”).
We hear the hotel’s best rooms are situated on the lake: the Village des Pêcheurs (“Fishermen’s Village”) comprises 12 suites on stilts and the Ile aux Oiseaux (“Bird Island”) has a raised deck and décor by bridal wear designer Delphine Manivet. All suites have a bathroom with tub and shower, individual climate control, cable TV, Wi-Fi and minibar.
The best seat at La Grand’Vigne during the winter is the table in front of the window with a view over the lake; during summer the best tables are on the terrace. Les Sources des Caudalie recommends booking a table as early as possible, especially for La Table du Lavoir. Note: Busy season is from early June to end of October.