Château de Fombrauge. The seventeenth century monastery was originally the Cistercian monks’ cloister. Their vineyards would stretch over the three villages of Saint Christophe de Bardes, Saint-Étienne de Lisse and Saint Hippolyte. Since 1999, the Château Fombrauge and its wine estate has been under the ownership of Bernard Magrez, owner of many wine estates throughout the world. Four blends, each with a unique typicity, are produced on the estate, including the Château Fombrauge Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and an AOC Bordeaux white assembled from sauvignon blanc, sauvignon gris and semillion grapes. The Château de Fombrauge also prides itself on hosting artists and musicians in residency. A patronage insisted upon by Bernard Magrez to contribute to the discovery of rising stars. The estate has just acquired a very rare Stradivarius violin, only 500 of which remain throughout the world. Visits of the vats, the archaeological museum and the French landscaped gardens. Visits and tastings are also organised around themes and are by appointment. www.fombrauge.com
