CHATEAU DE FESLES

Discover Château de Fesles, an emblematic property in the Anjou region...

The birthplace of one of the world's finest sweet wines, Château de Fesles spreads its wings as if to better protect its offspring, the vines that gently blossom at its feet, before transforming them into gold.

The analogy is obvious, as the colours of the Bonnezeaux from the Loire Valley are so similar to the precious metal, with their deep yellow colour and amber and gold highlights on the corolla.

The residence and its superb grounds were built in Thouarcé, 30 kilometres south of Angers, in the 18th century, but the site's wine-growing vocation is thought to go back much further, according to writings by the monks of Gué de Berge, who mention the Bonnezeaux cru as far back as 1055.

Over the centuries, the successive owners of Château de Fesles were aristocratic families who maintained the château and gradually developed the vineyards. It was in the 19th century that a family of winegrowers with a passion for wine, the BOIVIN family, acquired the property.

For three generations, this family overcame many challenges, including the terrible phylloxera pest. They have also made a major contribution to expanding the vineyard, improving viticulture and winemaking techniques, and developing the business. In 1991, the estate was completely restored at the instigation of its owner at the time, Gaston Lenotre.

A thousand years after its creation, the Helfrich family, which has owned 45 hectares since 2008, continues to work to make the most of this terroir.

With this in mind, since 2022, the entire Fesles vineyard has been certified organic.

Guided tours in French and English
Every day at 10am, 2pm and 4pm - booking required.
Price: €7/person, free for children.
Duration: 1h30, with a 30-minute tasting at the end of the tour.