I don’t know about you but I sometimes have the flight of fantasy of running away to a foreign country. France is typically where my dreams take me. I love the way the French live and especially the way they eat. I had the “bonne chance” (good luck) of traveling there, specifically to the South of France, this past week.
I went on this little excursion with a dear friend. Having no idea what I was thinking when I enrolled in a French Immersion School-8 hours a day, with homework, I needed a break. This is worthy of another story. So, on Saturday, we decided to take a day trip to Chateau La Coste, which is an outstanding property located a few miles north of Aix-en-Provence. We rented a car, and although the thought of driving around in a foreign country initially caused a bit of anxiety, it was actually quite easy and fun!
We drove around the south of France like two carefree girls enjoying the beauty of the countryside, laughing and listening to good music. If you would rather not take on the responsibility of driving yourself around, another alternative would be to take a train to Aix-en-Provence and then to take a taxi. The benefit of this option is you can drink the bio-dynamic wines as which are very, very good and you don’t have to worry about misreading foreign road signs and ending up in Italy accidentally; although that wouldn’t be the end of the world. I love Italy too!
The winery/hotel combination boasts an array of extraordinary buildings and contemporary art by familiar names such as Frank Gehry and Alexander Calder, as well as Tadeo Ando, Louise Bourgeois, Renzo Piano and so many more (over 30 installations), spread out over 600 acres of organic vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. It is literally a cutting-edge, open-air museum, framed by the hills of Provence. There is truly nothing like it. I had to pinch myself, it was that lovely.
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one can’t help but take the time to enjoy the quiet beauty, gorgeous light and above all…the outstanding food and wine“
There are 3 restaurants on the property, including one by Francis Mallmann, the acclaimed Argentinian Chef. I have always been fascinated by his technique of cooking meats, fish, vegetables and fruit over an open flame fueled by various kinds of wood. This is his first restaurant in Europe and I was thrilled to get the opportunity to eat his food. He did not disappoint! Everything from the roasted artichokes, whole fish and even pineapple cooked over an open flame was extraordinarily simple and delicious. Additionally, this Domaine is known for its vineyard and let me tell you, the Rosé is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Apparently, one can buy it and send it home, which I neglected to do. I guess I’ll just have to go back!
So if you are like me and you find yourself sometimes dreaming of a little escape from reality, I highly recommend Chateau La Coste. I must say after experiencing this amazing spot that it was completely worth the effort to go-it is that good and trust me, I don’t say that often! Here is the website below. Be sure and make a lunch reservation before you go. If not, don’t panic, there’s a lovely little wine bar with a menu that has wonderful selections.