Château Meyre

The initial purpose of Chateau Meyre was to produce wine, with the property set up and the first vines being cultivated more than three hundred years ago. Over the years, winemaking remained the heart of the estate, even as it passed through several owners and steadily gained a reputation for quality.

By the 19th century, the property came under the care of the Rabot family, during which time Château Meyre’s standing as a prominent winemaking estate was firmly established. In 1876, this was recognized with the property being regarded as one of the very first Cru d’Avensan quality wine designations. One of the family members, Paul Rabot, a well-known poet of his time, was so greatly awed by the scenic views of the area and the property itself that he composed poetry inspired by the beauty he had seen here.

Ownership later passed during the 20th century to Colette Lenôtre, wife of famed French pastry chef Gaston Lenôtre. The improvements in the wine-making process led to the property achieving a higher classification of Cru Bourgeois in 1932, which it maintained over the coming years. Not even World War II caused any major disruption to the operations of the chateau, which soon provided accommodations to visitors as well.

The Hetrakul family of Thailand bought the property at the start of the 21st century, and under whose ownership the chateau remains until the present. One of their first improvements was to follow up on the earlier acquisition of 2 hectares of land in Soussans with increased farm activity. By 2008, these efforts saw success, with organic farming becoming its main method of cultivation, while producing its first organic certified vintage in 2011. Ultimately, this allowed the chateau’s produce to be awarded the higher Cru Bourgeois Supérieur classification in 2020, recognizing its ideal qualities.

Design and Architecture

Chateau Meyre exemplifies an ideal balance between traditional and modern French architecture. With a heritage rooted in the 18th century, the chateau itself showcases strong influences of French Provincial and Eclectic architecture, a prevalent style of that era. In particular, this influence is evident in its exterior, featuring steeply hipped roofs on a brick and stucco base. Its homely aesthetic is accentuated by its humble two-floor design, with accessible spaces in the attic. Symmetry is also an important part of this style, strongly reinforced by its rectangular floor plan, aligned chimneys, and tall shuttered windows.

By contrast, the chateau’s faithfully traditional exterior gives way to a far more modern interior. Internal spaces of the chateau feature rooms styled in Mid-Century Modern, with minimalist walls and ceilings. Furnishings follow either Mid-Century Modern or Neoclassical aesthetics. The more luxurious the chateau suite, the more elaborate its features and furnishings become. The aptly named Elegance Rooms remain only modern in floor plan and arrangement. Meanwhile, its furnishings and design feature Neoclassical or even Baroque elements. Visitors staying at the chateau will be able to appreciate the luxurious and stylish comfort of these blended styles and aesthetics during their stay. 

During their stay, guests of the Chateau Meyre can count on a simple yet satisfying dining experience. The main culinary feature of the chateau is its continental breakfast, which is served from 8:00 to 10:00 AM. An earlier express breakfast option is available upon request from 7:00 AM.

These continental breakfasts are served either at the chateau’s dining room or on the terrace and cost 20 EUR (23 USD) per person. Served in a buffet style and prepared using fresh, local, seasonal produce, menu items may vary depending on availability and choice by the culinary staff. Broadly speaking, such dishes feature cold meats, cheese, salads, and condiments

Throughout the rest of the day, the chateau also offers a separate serving of its AOC Haut-Médoc (18 EUR/20 USD) or AOC Margaux (36 EUR/41 USD) wines along with meals. To those who wish to eat at a later time, the chateau also offers snacks such as charcuterie, cheese, and wine boards, which guests can also enjoy under the rose garden or on the terrace. Visitors can also eat dinner at the chateau, with evening menus available for those with a prior arrangement during booking. 

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

True to its heritage as a working vineyard, Château Meyre offers guests multiple ways to explore the winemaking process firsthand. Guests can arrange their stays to see how the property produces its wine. Visitors could choose among three options for touring the vineyard, all available in English or French.

The first option is the hour-long Discovery Tour, where guests can take a personalized winemaking tour. From the vat room to the vineyard and to the barrel cellars, visitors will be guided through the different stages of wine production. At the end of the tour, guests can taste two of the chateau’s certified organic wines, allowing them to personally savor the results of what they have just toured.

The second option is the Gourmet Tour. This tour lasts longer, at around an hour and 30 minutes. After going on a similar exploration of the winemaking process, visitors can also choose between a charcuterie and cheese board or sweet regional mignardises.

The third option is the Vineyard by Bike Tour. As the name suggests, this tour allows visitors to explore the winemaking process on a bike. Unlike the other tours, this option allows guests to go solely at their own pace. It is not a guided tour, with the guests being given an itinerary to guide them along with a bike, and then being sent on their way. They can learn all about wine production at their own pace, enjoy two wines after returning to the chateau.

Alternatively, those who intend to travel outside will be able to further explore the wine country of Bordeaux, with the chateau having several recommendations for guests to visit. Margaux is a Monument Historique-listed wine-producing region located several minutes away from the chateau, with golf greens and cycling loops alongside its extensive vineyards. Another wine-producing region is Pauillac-Medoc , with its vineyards being among the most prestigious in the world. Guests will be able to see La Rose Paulliac, France’s oldest cooperative winery, as well as several premier and cru bourgeois wines being grown here.

Beyond wine-related locales and activities, visitors can also take a trip to various beachfront areas where they can bask in the sun and swim. Medoc Atlantique features an unspoilt countryside and fine sandy beaches, along with lighthouses, marshes, and nature preserves. Cap Ferret also features wide beaches, a fishing village, and a dock. Just before Cap Ferret is Medoc Plein Sud, which not only contains beaches of its own, but also a pine forest where birds can be admired at springtime.

Other Celebrations

Château Meyre welcomes guests looking to host special events or occasions on its historic grounds. The chateau offers the option of just holding the event itself in its premises or also having attendees and participants stay inside as well, with their reserved rooms. There is a one-day seminar option where guests will only have to stay for the duration of the event for the day. The other option is an extended residential seminar option where guests can stay at the chateau’s 9 rooms and use the relaxation areas, swimming pool, pool table, and library.

The chateau can accommodate many events, such as family reunions, christenings, birthdays, seminars, or corporate retreats. Depending on the nature of the event, the property can offer its various outdoor venues for use. For indoor events, the main venue offered by the property is its seminar room, which can fit up to 35 people comfortably. It comes equipped with a connected TV screen, a flipchart, and various other presentation accessories that may be needed. Food and beverage services are provided by the chateau and its caterer, with the chateau providing its wines and the caterer providing the food, which are all customized and arranged during the booking process.