I first visited a quaint château near Atlanta about 15 years ago during one of their many annual festivals and events. Château Élan was mesmerizing then, but would a recent visit give me that same feeling? On my first visit to Château Élan in August of 2004, the live jazz music filled the air as we casually went from wine tasting and cooking demonstrations to the most memorable (perhaps because it was also the messiest) grape stomping. I was filled with excitement as I flashed back to the “I Love Lucy” episode where Lucy and her BFF, Ethel, participated in the grape stomping tradition, also known as grape treading or pigeage. This method, preferred over mechanical presses, helps release the juices of the grapes and begins the fermentation process. I believe it also releases feel good endorphins in men and women of all ages, possibly intensified by sipping good wines.
On my most recent visit, I didn’t go for a particular event. It was more about relaxing and indulging. I booked the room through Groupon, with my fingers crossed because I had never actually used the discount site for travel. I’ll be using them in the future because it was hassle free and a great deal. I saw that the château was undergoing major renovations. When I called they informed me that I would not be disturbed in my room, the restaurants nor the spa during my stay, so I booked this getaway and anxiously waited for the day to come.
Located in Braselton, Georgia, a small town north of Atlanta, the château wasn’t hard to find. The entrance is very opulent with the property’s name cut into the greenery. I immediately thought of “Edward Scissorhands”, but decided to let this small cheesiness slide. I checked into the Inn, which was recently renovated. The lobby was beautiful, with modern yet cozy furniture and fireplaces to create a relaxing and comforting mood. Once I got to my room, I was glad to see muted, earthy colors, a Jacuzzi style tub, a rain shower head and bathrobes to slip into once I got settled.
Since I was there to relax, I headed straight to the spa to check in for my first appointment. I was issued a robe and slippers and noted the dry sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and spa lounge area. I could even order a glass of wine while using the spa and I hoped drinking the complimentary watermelon-basil infused water cancelled out any bad effects of the wine. My favorite spa area, and perhaps the most used during my visit, was the quiet room. If you enjoy the beauty of stillness and solitude, then this little slice of heaven is for you. It’s dark, with only a few electric candles giving off light. No cellphones or talking allowed. Comfy recliner chairs and heavy blankets make for plenty of meditative moments, which led to lots of cat naps. On the other hand, massage was basic and I must say I’ve had better for half the price. Even my hydrotherapy treatment and wrap were just okay. I recommend skipping the treatments altogether and just paying the fee to access the spa amenities all day. While the spa services left a lot to be desired, the Fleur De Lis spa café did not miss a beat. The Mediterranean sea bass was amazing. It was crispy yet juicy and served with asparagus, heirloom tomatoes and a slightly spicy sauce made with capers and white wine.
Also delicious was the wine tasting located in the tasting room and adjacent to the hotel’s newly renovated Marc Restaurant. Château Élan offers wine tasting and wine tour packages throughout the afternoon and evening. I’ve experienced a few wine tours in California and Virginia before, so I decided to skip the tours and get straight to the good stuff. The tasting room offered a flight of 7 classic or premium wines for $35-$40. Some of the wines were from the château’s vineyards, but they also had wines from other regions as well. The sommeliers were very friendly and knowledgeable. By far they were the most welcoming and engaging staff on the property. I secretly started to dream about becoming a sommelier in my next chapter, but it could’ve just been the wine.
Either way, I was enamored with 2 red wines: the Velvet American Reserve and the Uvaggio. However, I could’ve easily fallen in love with the other full bodied reds as well. The couple next to me was all about the sweet wines and they really enjoyed the moscato and the many muscadine wines offered. I was even persuaded to try the port, which is usually my least favorite. The port was accompanied by locally made chocolates, and, I must say, I’m now a fan.
I’m also a fan of the Marc Restaurant, a few steps over from the tasting room. The appetizers were unique and thoughtfully executed. If I was local, I’d definitely visit more often for happy hour or special occasions.
While there I tried really hard to keep mental and physical wellness at the forefront, so I used the yoga studio in the spa for my own original yoga sessions and explored the property’s two nature trails. The trails could definitely use some work as I had to watch out for huge spiders every few steps. Both sides of the trail were connected by huge, long spider webs and it made it hard to relax since I had to adjust my focus to ensure spiders didn’t get in my hair. Despite the creepy critters, I enjoyed my time on the trail.
I eventually ventured off the property to see what the town of Braselton had to offer. I found a small, vintage, industrial downtown area with modern restaurants, shops, businesses and a flea market all located in the town’s old Braselton Brothers department store building. Across the street was an old building turned brewery, which are popping up in every town across America these days. I decided to eat at the Cotton Calf there after visiting a few stores but not buying anything. The Cajun ribeye was amazing and the service was as well.
Overall, this was the perfect quick trip for a little relaxation and indulgence in a quaint setting. If you can’t make it to Italy, or to California’s wine country, consider Château Élan for your next romantic or girlfriends’ getaway. Once the renovations are completed in November 2019 for “Destination 2020”, I’m sure the place will be dripping with even more relaxed luxury and delicious wines.
About the author: TawanaTheCoach is a mother, a blogger, and an ICF Certified Career and Wellness Coach! Learn more at https://www.ignitedcoachingsolutions.com
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