Our Story
We lived a fairly international life before settling in the Médoc region. Saint-Estèphe. We lived on the East Coast of the United States for 23 years, where we had originally moved for work. After more than two decades in America, we lived near Zurich in Switzerland for three years, then spent six years in Spain near Madrid. When we had to return to France in 2021, we chose the Bordeaux region because it offers easy connections to Paris and London, where Jacques still has to travel from time to time for work. We love being so close to Beaches of the Atlantic. Although none of us is originally from this region, we quickly fell in love with the Médoc, its vineyards, its beaches, and its diverse landscapes.
The Vines
During our search for a house in the Bordeaux region, we fell instantly in love with this one. Château Papounan. A major decisive factor was the 20-acre vineyard that came with the property – we couldn’t resist the opportunity to try our hand at wine-growing and participate in the Médoc wine tradition.
We have decided to continue the activity of bed and breakfasts That the previous owners had developed it. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our new home with travelers from all over the world. We signed for the house in October 2022, and welcomed our first visitors just three months later for New Year’s Eve.
Since then, we have learned the rhythm of hospitality and viticulture, from winter pruning to harvesting. grape harvest in September, when our grapes join those of the local cooperative to produce the "« Marquis of Saint-Estèphe. »
Our vines are grown according to the principles of organic farming: we only use products approved for organic use. It is one part of our approach to sustainable tourism.
Akyra & Amarok
We share our home with two adorable dogs with very distinct personalities. Akyra is our Patou 7 years old (Pyrenean Mountain Dog), and it’s pure happiness – sweet, kind and wonderfully cuddly.
Its only «flaw,» if one can call it that, is its instinct to bark to let people know they need to get out of the way – it’s simply in its genes as a race that traditionally protects sheep from wolves in the mountains.
Our latest companion is a Alaskan malamute His name is Amarok. He is 3 years old and a sociable dog who loves people and other dogs — sometimes a little too enthusiastic! He won't hesitate to shower you with licks to show you how happy he is to meet you.
Although they live on our side of the house, our two dogs are always delighted to welcome visitors who wish to meet them. They love their daily walks in the vineyards and, in winter, when the tourists have deserted the region, their frenzied runs on the beach.