My husband and I just returned from our trip to Chateau Elan Winery and Resort to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is actually just a short drive from Atlanta , about forty miles away, in Braselton, Georgia. Yet, in some ways I felt like we had been transported across the Atlantic to a luxurious French destination. The accommodations were excellent, the food was outstanding, and the scenery was breathtaking. The trip was purely romantic.
It looked like a picture out of a fairy tale. Even before we exited the freeway, we focused 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 fitting. In French, chateau refers to a grand country house at the heart of an estate, used primarily as a residence. And I was anxious to become a resident, if only for one night.
We navigated our way through the gate and past the vineyards to the Inn, where we had reservations. Coming to a stop in front of the Inn, we were greeted outside the beautiful stone building by three attentive bellmen. Two opened our car doors simultaneously, and welcomed us, and a third held the door to the Inn open for us to walk through. I immediately felt special. Thanking the bellman, I walked past him into the foyer and recognized a sweet smelling fragrance filling my lungs. I looked around trying to locate the source and spotted a giant arrangement of fresh pink and white flowers on a circular table. Pink! How could I have missed that? I quickly set my things down in a nearby chair and retrieved my camera to begin to document the trip, while my husband checked us in. Click. Click. Click. I snapped pictures. The entrance was spacious with high ceilings and a large seating area. It was quiet except for the tapping of the heels of my favorite black patent leather flats on the marble floor. And it was clean. Spotless. When my husband finished checking us in at the front desk, he and a bellman, who pulled a luggage rack with our luggage behind him, joined me. The bellman led us around a corner, and I oooed and awed as we passed a large stone fireplace filled with dancing flames. It was a cozy setting with a sofa and two chairs arranged close by, and I could feel the warmth from the fire as we walked past. Next, we passed a gift shop on our left, and I made a mental note. Then, looking to my right, I saw a vast open area full of light. The Atrium was large and illuminated by sunlight shining through the windows high above. I studied it as we walked and was surprised to see a dual staircase that led from the floor we were on, to the Atrium. I followed it’s graceful curve with my eyes, thinking how pretty a bride would look walking down those stairs. I was suddenly distracted then, seeing two men moving about, and became intrigued. I watched, as they unfolded chairs and carefully placed them in a row. A wedding. Then, not wanting to miss anything, I lifted my head looking in the distance, and saw lots of tables being decorated with white tablecloths and red napkins. The staff was busy preaparing for dinner guests. Continuing to our room, we walked thru a glass-enclosed corridor with a view of the pool on one side and the golf course on the other, and I could not help but think how lucky I was to be there.
Our room was pretty. It was a double standard, decorated in French style. Careful inspection revealed a desk with high-speed internet access, an armoire with a television, and a chair with a lamp for reading. It provided a serene view of the golf course, lots of trees, and the foothills beyond. The bathroom was the best! It had a striking black granite topped vanity with a framed mirror and decorative lighting, a huge oversized tub, a separate glass encased shower with dual showerheads, and even a robe. Sweet! I loved the bed. The sheets were soft, the comforter was puffy, and there were lots of pillows.
With a little time to kill before dinner, we visited the Winery and its gift shop. The Winery provides guided tours Monday through Friday, twice daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Since it was 5:00 p.m., we proceeded on a self-guided tour, where informational signs and a video made it easy to understand the winemaking process. Then following the tour, we had an opportunity to sample the local wine. Tasting prices were minimal being taste 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 eager to answer any questions. After tasting several different wines, we decided our favorite was American Sangiovese and bought a bottle for future enjoyment.
Our dinner reservation was at 7:00 p.m. in the Elan Café, located in the Winery. The setting was quiet and romantic with intimate tables and subdued lighting. Teri, our server was nice, skilled, and very considerate. She never rushed us or made us feel like the kitchen needed our plates. Our four-course meal began with a choice of sea scallops or shrimp bisque followed by a delicious spring salad. Next, my husband had the Chicken Breast, and I ordered the New York Strip Steak. Both were incredibly delicious, but the steak was the best ever! For dessert we had a choice between fondue for two or a flourless chocolate torte, and since it was Valentine’s, we went with the fondue for fun. Strawberries, pineapple, blackberries, and pound cake submerged in chocolate. Yum!
Our fairy tale continued when we woke up the next morning from a peaceful night’s sleep. My husband enjoyed coffee, and we spent some time reminiscing about our dinner the night before. We started our day leisurely, taking turns on the internet, and watching tv. Then, deciding we should get moving or miss out on breakfast, we showered and dressed. The breakfast buffet was served in the Versailles restaurant located in the elegant Atrium area. The restaurant itself was large and inviting with plenty of tables. We were seated near a fountain, and the trickling sound of the water was especially nice. We enjoyed a breakfast buffet with everything imaginable. We began with orange juice and fresh fruit, including strawberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe. Next, we added bacon and grits. The south at it’s best! Then, we finished our meal with pancakes and syrup. I know, a lot of food!