CHÂTEAU LA COSTE

WEBSITE: WWW.CHATEAU-LA-COSTE.COM
LOCATION: CÔTE D’AZUR
NEAREST AIRPORTS: MARSEILLE PROVENCE AIRPORT, 45MINS DRIVE

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A collection of all things fine in life, Château La Coste is a vineyard, winery, art trail and exhibition space. Employing traditional and ultra-modern wine making techniques, they produce top quality, award winning wines which can be enjoyed while admiring the collection, architecture, or, quite simply, lunch. It is absolutely divine in every way and sense.

Irish property giant Patrick McKillen took over the 17th century estate in 2002 and modernised it, both in its production techniques (which are now all organic and use the latest state-of-the-art equipment) and architecture. He employed Tadao Ando to create the cafe cum visitor centre, art space and chapel.

The vineyard is dotted with works of contemporary sculpture including a spectacular Louise Bourgeois spider which skims over the water feature in the entrance, and is the first thing you will see when you arrive. The collection featured works by Sean Scully, Alexander Calder, Andy Goldsworthy, Hiroshi Sugimoto, etc., and recently a Frank Gehry pavilion was added to the mix.

In what seems like an effort to outdo themselves, a villa has been added to the estate, Villa La Coste, which offers luxury accommodation and spa as well as further displays from the collection. I have not stayed there myself but if the rest of the estate is anything to judge by, I would certainly love to. Since first writing this post, a luxury hotel has been built, making this a romantic weekend getaway, and not just an afternoon affair.