One of the many enjoyable pastimes on the East End can be sipping a glass of crisp, dry rosé on a hot summer day among friends and family. For the past decade, rosé wine has been the summer season beverage of choice on the East End. It goes hand in hand with a lifestyle influenced by and perfected in Provence, France, famous for producing some of the world’s finest rosé wines.
Château de Berne wines from Provence might be familiar to you — they include Château de Berne’s Romance and Château de Berne’s Inspiration. The wines can be found on the menus of East End restaurants, in many wine shops, and online. You may also find wine from Château de Berne’s sister estate, Ultimate Provence.
This is the backstory of a vineyard with a vibrant history — and one whose full experience is just a plane ride away. Located just 45 minutes north of Saint-Tropez in Flayosc, there are 1,272 acres of beautiful scenery to discover. Journey through forests and olive groves until you reach the luxurious five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel at Château de Berne.
Château de Berne is the perfect place to create lasting memories. Nestled in a picturesque Provençal setting, it is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and those seeking a memorable holiday. The estate spans over 370 acres of organic vineyards and is one of the region’s largest producers of AOC Côtes de Provence rosés. Guests can choose from private chateaus and villas and indulge in eco-friendly cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jardin de Berne. The estate also offers a range of leisure activities, including a spa and cooking classes.
Château de Berne has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The estate is located on the Aurelian Way — a road formerly linking Italy and Spain. The property was donated to the Cistercian Order and later confiscated by the King of France. In the 19th century, the estate was expanded and modernized. In 2007, a British entrepreneur purchased the estate and launched its signature square wine bottle. The estate now produces some 500,000 bottles each harvest and offers immersive wine tourism experiences — one of the first in the region to do so.
A visit to Château de Berne would be incomplete without experiencing the Michelin-starred Le Jardin de Berne, the estate’s fine-dining restaurant. The chefs, Louis Rameau and Eric Raynal, are meticulous in their execution of each dish, carefully curating unique and meaningful combinations of ingredients, never-before-seen pairings, and astonishing textures that “pay respect to nature’s true intentions.”
“We work holistically with each product, piercing its secrets and drawing endless inspiration for our ever-changing seasonal creations.” — Chef Rameau.
Every dish at Château de Berne is a work of art, taking you on a culinary voyage that goes leaps and bounds beyond the table, highlighting the venue’s environment. The venue also holds the prized Michelin Sustainable Gastronomy Green Star, awarded to those who uphold an extremely high level of sustainable and eco-friendly practices. They also unveil the full potential of each ingredient in their dishes — promising a pleasurable tasting experience enhanced by the mastery of French cuisine and an ode to nature. The chefs utilize the estate’s three vegetable gardens, surrounded by beautiful and sweet-smelling lavender, herbs, berries, fruits, and aromatic plants and flowers. In addition, the estate boasts 4000 olive trees that produce Château de Berne’s exceptional olive oil.
The guest rooms and suites are designed to offer guests a warm, bright, and harmonious stay, paired with unparalleled service. These rooms perfectly blend country chic and superb comfort, ensuring a delightful experience. Outside the door, you will be greeted by nature’s beauty and can embark on a journey through the hiking trails, visit the farm’s sheep and goats, or simply relax poolside with a glass of wine.
Hidden within the sprawling nature of the property are five stunning private villas. These villas are the perfect retreat to relax and reconnect. They offer a tailor-made service with a butler available. Larger groups of family or friends can enjoy a stay in total privacy with access to the hotel’s facilities nearby.
No stay would be complete without a sensory journey at the resort’s spa. Indulge in a moment of pure pampering and relaxation while enjoying the beautiful views of the vineyards and olive groves. The spa features an indoor counter-current pool with a swan neck fountain, two jacuzzis, a sauna, a steam room, a solarium, and a relaxation area with a herbal tea room. You can also try one of the many treatments or rituals available.
To book a stay, visit chateauberne.com. Follow on Instagram @chateaudeberne. To purchase wine online from Château de Berne or Ultimate Provence, visit provencerose.com.