Vignobles Bonfils is set to open a luxury wine tourism complex at the heart of AOP La Clape in Languedoc, called Château Capitoul. The family-owned group is one of the largest vineyard owners in France, with 1,600 hectares under vine. They also maintain 17 châteaux and estates in Occitania and 4 wine tourism sites.
“Being a wine tourism practitioner implies creating an emotional bond and becoming a region’s ambassador,” explained Laurent Bonfils, company CEO.
Bonfils purchased Château Capitoul in 2011 and spent three years renovating the property. A showpiece of 19th century winery architecture, the 240-hectare estate features olive groves as well as 62 hectares of unbroken vines and sits in Languedoc’s largest national park. Additionally, it has implemented eco-friendly and sustainable practices in an effort to protect its natural surroundings.
Château Capitoul’s laid-back luxury style stems from the input of Karl Ohanlon, along with his wife Anita Forte, both founders of the Domaine & Demeure group created in 2008, and interior designer Jessica Ballion Ohana. Together, they enhanced the chateau’s intrinsic style by fusing period features and contemporary furnishings.
The estate also houses cellar door facilities, now joined by two seminar rooms, a hamlet of 44 villas, a bar and two restaurants – Asado, with its chic bistro grill menu, and Mediterraneo, where chef Valère Diochet serves Mediterranean-inspired gourmet dishes.
The property’s 62 hectares of wine are made of Grenache noir and blanc, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Cinsault. It is located in Languedoc’s first appellation to be granted village-designated status, for reds and whites, AOP La Clape.
To go along with the re-opening of Château Capitoul, Bonfils has overhauled the wine range. Under the La Clape appellation, it now boasts 6 reds and 5 whites along with 3 Languedoc rosés.
For more information, head over to Bonfils’ official website.
