My husband and I just returned from our trip to Chateau Elan Winery and Resort for Valentine’s Day. It’s actually just a short drive from Atlanta, about forty miles away, in Braselton, Georgia. Yet somehow I felt like we had been transported across the Atlantic to a luxurious French destination. The accommodation was excellent, the food was exceptional and the scenery was breathtaking. The trip was purely romantic.
It looked like a picture from a fairy tale. Even before we get off the highway, we focus on the castle like building and vineyards in the distance resembling a scene from the Middle Ages. Our romance had begun. The name, Chateau, was appropriate. In French, chateau refers to a large country house in the heart of an estate, used primarily as a residence. And I was looking forward to becoming a resident, even if it was just for one night.
We sailed through the gate and past the vineyards to the Inn, where we had reservations. Pulling up in front of the inn, three attentive bellhops greeted us outside the handsome stone building. Two opened the doors of our car simultaneously and welcomed us, and a third held the door of the inn open for us to pass. I immediately felt special. Thanking the bellboy, I walked past him into the lobby and recognized a sweet-smelling fragrance filling my lungs. I looked around trying to locate the source and saw a giant arrangement of fresh pink and white flowers on a circular table. Pink! How could I have missed that? I quickly dumped my stuff on a nearby chair and retrieved my camera to start documenting the trip, while my husband checked us in. Click. Click. Click. I took photos. The entrance was spacious with high ceilings and a large seating area. All was silent except for the click of the heels of my favorite black patent leather flats on the marble floor. And it was clean. Immaculate. As my husband finished checking us in at the front desk, he and a bellhop, pulling a rack with our luggage behind him, joined me. The bellboy led us around a corner, and I laughed in amazement as we passed a large stone fireplace filled with dancing flames. It was a cozy setting with a sofa and two chairs arranged close together, and I could feel the warmth of the fire as we passed. We then passed a gift shop on our left and made a mental note. Then looking to my right, I saw a large open area filled with light. The atrium was large and illuminated by sunlight from the windows overhead. I studied it as we walked and was surprised to see a double staircase leading from the floor we were on to the atrium. I followed her graceful curve with my eyes, thinking how pretty a bride would look coming down those stairs. I was suddenly distracted then, seeing two men moving, and she intrigued me. I watched as the chairs were unfolded and carefully arranged in a row. At the wedding. So, not wanting to miss anything, I raised my head looking into the distance and saw many tables decorated with white tablecloths and red napkins. The staff were busy preparing for the dinner guests. Continuing to our room, we walked down a glass-enclosed hallway overlooking the pool on one side and the golf course on the other, and I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was to be there.
Our room was nice. It was a double standard, decorated in the French style. Close inspection revealed a desk with high-speed Internet access, a cabinet with a television, and a chair with a reading lamp. It provided a serene view of the golf course, lots of trees, and the hills beyond. The bathroom was the best! It had a striking black granite-topped vanity with a framed mirror and accent lighting, a huge oversized tub, a separate glass-enclosed shower with dual shower heads, and even a robe. Sweet! I loved the bed. The sheets were soft, the comforter was puffy, and there were plenty of pillows.
With a little time to kill before dinner, we visited the Bodega and its gift shop. The winery offers guided tours from Monday to Friday, twice a day at 11:00 am and at 3:00 pm As it was 5:00 pm, a self-guided tour was carried out, where informative posters and a video facilitated the understanding of the winemaking process. Then, following the tour, we had the opportunity to taste the local wine. Tasting prices were minimal, tasting one wine for $1.00, five wines for $5.00, a glass of wine for $5.00, and a glass of Port (sweet dessert wine) for $10.00. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer any questions. After trying several different wines, we decided our favorite was the American Sangiovese and bought a bottle for future enjoyment.
Our dinner reservation was for 7:00 pm at the Elan Café, located in the Bodega. The atmosphere was calm and romantic with intimate tables and low lighting. Teri, our server was personable, skilled, and very considerate. He never rushed us or made us feel like the kitchen needed our dishes. Our four course meal began with a choice of scallop or shrimp soup followed by a delicious spring salad. Then my husband had the chicken breast and I ordered the New York Strip Steak. Both were unbelievably delicious, but the steak was the best ever! For dessert we could choose between a fondue for two or a flourless chocolate cake, and since it was Valentine’s Day, we opted for the fondue. Strawberries, pineapple, blackberries and chocolate dipped sponge cake. Hmm!
Our fairy tale continued when we woke up the next morning from a good night’s sleep. My husband enjoyed the coffee and we spent some time reminiscing about our dinner the night before. We start our day quietly, taking turns on the Internet and watching TV. Then, deciding we had to move or miss breakfast, we showered and dressed. The buffet breakfast was served in the Versailles restaurant located in the elegant Atrium area. The restaurant itself was large and cosy, with plenty of tables. We were sitting near a fountain, and the sound of trickling water was especially nice. We enjoyed a breakfast buffet with everything imaginable. We started with orange juice and fresh fruit including strawberries, pineapple and melon. Next, we add bacon and grits. The South at its best! Then, we finished our meal with pancakes and syrup. I know, a lot of food!
After breakfast we went back to our room, collected our belongings and headed to the lobby to check out. I took a couple more photos while I waited for my husband to settle in and when he finished we went back to the winery. I wanted to take a photo of The Café Elan, where we had dined the night before. My husband waited in the car and I quickly ran to take photos. While inside, I met a young couple who had gotten engaged the night before, having dined at The Café. He had surprised her with the whole trip and then proposed to her after dinner. She had arranged for a table to be set up on the balcony with a bottle of champagne and crème brulee for dessert. She said “yes” and they had returned to The Café to take pictures. It was easy to see how in love they were.
Chateau Elan is a beautiful place, perfect for making memories and relaxing. Oh yeah, it even has a spa. I didn’t get a chance to get a treatment on this trip, but it’s a good excuse to pay a return visit! The Chateau is ideal for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways. So when looking for a sexy southern spot to visit, think Chateau Elan!
