Way of life
A ROMANTIC DAY IN MARGAUX
Early in the morning, we leave the Route des Châteaux in Médoc behind. Margaux’s nature is still bathed in mist. We are daring to head off the beaten path... Rauzan-Ségla, the estate hidden between the rows of vines. Behind this hidden location lie historic treasures and timeless charm. Within and without, we are gripped by the poetry of the place. The astonishing sensation of a journey out of time.
DISCOVERY
CHAPTER 1. IN THE GARDEN
To explore the secrets of Margaux, we sneak away from the Route des Châteaux in the Médoc. Following an alleyway between the vines, in the distance we can see the slender buildings of Château Rauzan-Ségla. They loom subtly and simply on the horizon... The estate appears nestled amid the streaming lines of the Médoc landscape. The porch is simply engraved, and welcomes us with all the humility in the world.
You could say that the chateau’s façade hides its scale. You quickly see that the back of the building is higher, and that the estate is larger than it first appears. Your eyes are quickly caught by the labyrinth of tiles and rooftops, the shapes and rounded lines of fascinating architecture that can only be seen from certain angles.
In the small garden, we hear the muffled sound of a water fountain. The wind rustling through the leaves of the century-old sycamores...
A STROLL THROUGH THE PAST
In the small garden, we hear the muffled sound of a water fountain. The wind rustling through the leaves of the century-old sycamores... The arches lead toward a historic mansion, an elegantly maintained farmhouse and hub of winemaking. Once again, a snoop around takes you back in time. The stones of the buildings and benches bear ancient inscriptions. The marks of a rich history. Knowledge at our fingertips.
At the top of a tower you can read a Lamartine poem, engraved to bear eternal witness to a marriage proposal. There are also dates, tributes to women who worked for the estate. You will discover the Baroness of Ségla, who loved growing hydrangeas here. You can imagine her strolling gracefully through her garden in the morning mist.
EMOTIONS
CHAPTER 2. IN THE HOUSE
Back into the warmth! We head up a few steps and into the corridor. Our curiosity is instantly awakened. Here we can shed our woollen scarves, winter jackets and boots. Cheeks still rosy from the chilly air outside. Wide-eyed... The chateau has everything you would expect in a big family home. You immediately feel comfortable. It is as enveloping as the mist still gliding over the vines outside. You can hear the fire crackling in the lounge, drawing you in.
The parquet floor creaks. There is a smell of wax. We move forward in subdued, soothing lighting. All around are warm colours, shades of red that have been slowly created by the patina of time. Silky fabrics, velvet, floral patterns. As old as the elegantly arranged furniture, lovingly cared for. Vases, porcelain, artworks – plenty of pairings in every room.
All around are warm colours, shades of red that have been slowly created by the patina of time.
A FASCINATING PICTURE
It is almost a musical experience, revelling in every detail... Our eyes are drawn by this fascinating picture, with every element in astonishing harmony with all the others. You could say that the objects are whispering, particularly in the library where the old books call to us. Our timid fingers caress a book’s spine. I open one, embark on a journey. Time stands still. You almost want to stay forever. Nestled in this country cocoon.
TASTING NOTES
CHAPTER 3. DINNER TIME
The fire in the kitchen is also crackling, burning vine shoots for cooking. These aromas pull us out of our reverie and draw us in. On the white tablecloth, the table is laid with the house’s silverware and a bevy of glasses. Our eyes begin to sparkle. Everything is inch-perfect to ensure our well-being. We are being pampered. Dinner time! The dishes are served to be shared. The same warmth shines through in both the hospitality and the choice of food. Comforting and exceptional.
TIME STANDS STILL
We chat happily, the conversation becoming more intimate as we eat and drink. The more time passes, the more we offer up. And the moment lingers again. An old vintage is of course here too. It also takes its time to offer itself up in the glass.
As the hours pass, it reveals its various different sides. Cocooned. We feel cocooned. Sleep begins to beckon, drawing us to our rooms. To us, Rauzan-Ségla will always be a day spent out of time. Like a daydream.
DAY AFTER DAY
Dive into our way of life
