For travelers seeking a deeper connection to France’s most celebrated wine region, a historic gate in the heart of Pommard is about to open to a new kind of luxury. Château la Commaraine, an iconic estate dating back to 1112, makes its grand debut this March 2026 following a meticulous four-year transformation. Located just 2.5 miles from the wine capital of Beaune, it stands as Burgundy’s first five-star property to offer a truly “full immersion” experience within a working winery.
“From the beginning, we wanted Château la Commaraine’s incredible history to lead the design,” says Vincent Parinaud, the property’s General Manager. “It’s a 12th-century estate, so every decision was made to honor its heritage and regional identity while introducing contemporary comforts.” Working closely with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France, local artisans and stone masons utilized original white stone and traditional materials to preserve the soul of the fortress. “The interiors draw from Burgundy’s natural beauty, with original white stone, warm woods and soft light used to create a sense of calm and elegance.”
Related: JW Marriott Opens Its First Property in Spain—Right in the Heart of Madrid
A Story in Every Suite
Hotel & Resort PhotographyThe interior of a luxury bedroom suite featuring a mix of rustic and modern design. One wall is made of exposed natural stone, while the other is a soft, textured grey. The room includes a large bed with white linens and pink accent pillows, a cream-colored loveseat, and a mid-century modern lounge chair. Large windows with white drapes look out onto a sunlit vineyard, and a vaulted wooden ceiling spans the top of the room.
(The interior of a luxury bedroom suite featuring a mix of rustic and modern design. One wall is made of exposed natural stone, while the other is a soft, textured grey. The room includes a large bed with white linens and pink accent pillows, a cream-colored loveseat, and a mid-century modern lounge chair. Large windows with white drapes look out onto a sunlit vineyard, and a vaulted wooden ceiling spans the top of the room.)
The result is a 37-room and suite retreat where the architecture acts as a bridge to the past. Guests can book the Rotonde Suite, set within a circular 14th-century medieval tower featuring original rafters, or the Cuverie Suite, which sits directly above the winery’s vat room to provide a “front-row seat to the winemaking process”. The Mathilde Suite was named after a princess from the château’s history, and features a beautiful fireplace and sweeping vineyard views, explains Parinaud.
For ultimate privacy, the estate also features the Villa des Vignes, a standalone four-bedroom residence nestled within the vines. According to Parinaud, the goal was for guests to “step into a slower rhythm of life” where the vineyards are not just a backdrop, but the heart of the stay.
Beyond the rooms, everything from the architecture to the gastronomy creates an experience that’s deeply rooted in the region, says Parinaud. “The wine list curated by Burgundian sommelier Victor Petitot mixes iconic regional bottles with unexpected discoveries from around the world, the dining menus led by Chefs Christophe Raoux and Jérôme Rioux focus on seasonal dishes and regional classics, and the bar is tucked inside the 14th-century tower like a well-kept secret.”
Premier Cru Gastronomy and “Wine Safaris”
A breathtaking aerial view of a historic French chateau with two pointed towers, surrounded by endless rows of vineyards in peak autumn color. The grapevines are a vibrant, glowing gold and orange, stretching toward the horizon under a soft, hazy sky. Smaller stone outbuildings flank the main chateau, and rolling hills are visible in the distance through the morning mist.
(A breathtaking aerial view of a historic French chateau with two pointed towers, surrounded by endless rows of vineyards in peak autumn color. The grapevines are a vibrant, glowing gold and orange, stretching toward the horizon under a soft, hazy sky. Smaller stone outbuildings flank the main chateau, and rolling hills are visible in the distance through the morning mist.)
The immersion extends to the estate’s two restaurants, helmed by Christophe Raoux, Meilleur Ouvrier de France. Le Clos, a relaxed bistro, serves regional classics in the 14th-century tower, while the fine-dining venue LE VIII is set within the château’s original vaulted stone cellar.
Because the property sits within an 8.9-acre Premier Cru Monopole—a rare designation where an entire vineyard plot belongs to a single estate—the wine experience is unparalleled. Guests can engage in:
Winemaker-Led Tastings: Explore the terroir and cellar with resident winemaker Paul Krug.
Wine Safaris: Venture to neighboring domaines in old-fashioned vehicles or by bike along the “Voie des Vignes”.
Exclusive Access: Participate in daily viticultural activities, from harvest to vine cultivation.
Beyond the vines, the property offers an 18-meter heated outdoor pool, a full-service spa with a sauna and hammam, and a fitness center. As Parinaud puts it, the experience is designed for the “welcomed insider,” offering a level of personalized service that finally matches Burgundy’s global reputation for excellence. “Our guests are invited behind the scenes in ways few places can offer.”
Related: This Irish Castle is the Ultimate Wuthering Heights-Inspired Valentine’s Retreat
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Dining and Cooking