Domaine Saint Hilaire

A seductively peaceful Hérault hideaway for wine lovers and sybarites

Just a few miles inland from the beach, and within easy driving distance of both Beziers and Sète, Saint Hilaire feels dreamily bucolic. Secreted away amidst 80 hectares of vineyards and garrigue, this Hérault wine estate first saw the light of day in the 1800s. Towering Washingtonia palms, Aleppo pines and an ancient mulberry stand sentinel to its elegant façade, conferring unmistakably Mediterranean good looks: you could be nowhere else but the Midi.

In the most recent chapter of the Domaine's history it was bought by Anne and Jonathan James who abandoned successful UK careers to embark on their quest to produce first class wines. They've done just that: the likes of Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson have already waxed lyrical about their oenological creations and several prizes vouch for the excellence of their varietal Pays d'Oc reds and whites. And, as of summer 2008, they have opened the doors of 4 crisply elegant guest bedrooms which, like their wines, are a real coup de coeur.

Highs

• The chance to discover Saint Hilaire's prize-winning wines and to see at first hand what goes into their creation
• Top spec furnishings and fittings in the four guest bedrooms which are comfortable with a capital 'C'
• A peaceful and alluring location which is highly conducive to the Big Relax
• You'll be staying in a manicured and elegant home which doesn't have the slightest hint of hotel

Lows

• Dinners are only on offer once or twice a week, but with so many great eateries close by - pas de problème
• You will need to have a car to get around
• Don't expect swathes of staff: this is basically a husband-and-wife operation