Slow Travel Meets Fine Wine and Spirits at These 4 Breathtaking Estates
These four breathtaking estates across Oregon and France blend biodynamic farming, heritage, and elevated tastings in unforgettable settings
Photo: Courtesy of Stefan Schauberger / Unsplash
Abbott Claim
Photo: Courtesy of Devin Tolman
11011 NE Bayliss Rd,
Carlton, OR 97111, USA
There’s a hush that falls over you at Abbott Claim—a stillness shaped by whispering grasses, golden light, and the silhouettes of old oaks. Nestled in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, this striking new winery honors its land through biodynamic farming, regenerative practices, and elegant, expressive wines crafted by a gifted French winemaker. Guests are welcomed for a deeply personal, 90-minute journey that begins with a glass in hand and a stroll through the vineyard’s serene beauty. Through towering 16th-century Spanish doors, you’ll step into the candlelit quiet of the underground barrel cellar. At its heart lies the Oculus—a circular library of wine with a skylight to the heavens, where tastings unfold at a table carved from fallen oak. Tastings are $95 per person and by appointment only. Dress warmly—Pendleton blankets await. Leave your devices behind, and let the land speak.
Reserve at abbottclaim.com/visit
Château Malherbe
Photo: Courtesy of Leif Carlson
1 Rte du Bout du Monde,
83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas, France
Nestled between Saint-Tropez and Marseille, Château Malherbe is a 60-hectare coastal estate in Bormes-les-Mimosas, near the French President’s summer residence. With sweeping views of the Mediterranean and a deep commitment to biodynamic viticulture, the Ferrari family has tended these vineyards for four generations. Certified biodynamic since 2021, the estate produces refined red, white, and rosé wines that express the purity of Provence. Visitors are welcomed year-round into the ochre-walled cellar to explore the estate’s history, terroir, and signature cuvées—crafted with care, tradition, and respect for the land and sea. Open daily for tastings.
Maison Martell
Photo: Courtesy of Cognac Martell
16, Avenue Paul Firino Martell,
16100 Cognac, France
Founded in 1715, Maison Martell is the oldest of Cognac’s great houses—where centuries of savoir-faire meet bold innovation. Open year-round in the heart of Cognac, France, the estate offers guided tours that trace its legacy, terroir, and sustainability efforts, followed by tastings at L’Atelier Martell. This summer, guests can also visit L’Indigo by Martell, a chic rooftop bar with panoramic city views. Here, Global Master Mixologist Rémy Savage reimagines classic cocktails using Martell’s finest expressions. From heritage to hospitality, Martell invites you to discover the essence of French artistry and the spirit of audacity.
Château Lagrange
Photo: Courtesy of Alain Benoit
Château Lagrange, 33250 Saint-
Julien-Beychevelle, France
Set in the heart of Saint-Julien, Château Lagrange—3rd Grand Cru Classé in 1855—offers a refined Bordeaux experience with a surprising Japanese twist. Owned by the Suntory Group, the estate blends centuries of winemaking tradition with a deep respect for nature. Visitors can explore the vineyards aboard a Méhari, try their hand at blending workshops, or enjoy cooking classes featuring seasonal Japanese dishes. With 118 hectares of vines, forest, and lake surrounding the château, guests are immersed in an exceptional natural setting that reflects the estate’s enduring commitment to harmony, sustainability, and innovation.
