Great friends, great memories, great wine.
If there is one thing we’ve learned from the pandemic that turned parents around the world into homeschool teachers, it’s that moms deserve a little pampering. And nothing says relaxing like a girls’ trip with all of your other overworked, overtired, under-appreciated mom friends.
Although it doesn’t matter where you go, so long as you GO, we do have a pretty stellar suggestion: Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia. Chateau Elan offers golf, tennis, restaurants, bike rentals, painting classes and charcuterie lessons, but we suggest simplifying your agenda to include two of the things the moms we know and love, love: relaxing and wine (together is better, obviously).
Chateau Elan produces over 30 different wine varieties, and is one of the most awarded wineries on the east coast. They offer daily tours behind the vines to see the grapes, vats, and production rooms where winemakers take the grapes to the glass. Sommeliers will thoroughly enjoy the Grandeur Tour & Tasting for an in-depth, personal tour. Those less interested in the ‘how’ and more interested in the ‘ahhh’ can skip the tour entirely and head straight to the tasting room.
Speaking of ‘ahhh’, we would be remiss to discuss Chateau Elan and not mention the incredible European-style spa. From massages to facials, from wraps to pedicures, the Spa at Chateau Elan offers a variety of relaxing wellness experiences. But of course, it’s not always about the destination. The journey to your treatment can (and should) include champagne by the indoor saltwater pool and hot tub, the dry Finnish spa and the eucalyptus steam room. (All spa services include a day of access to the amenities).
In an interesting bit of synergy/waste-not-want-not, the Spa at Chateau Elan has a series of vino-therapy products made from wine by-products and blended with natural plants and essential oils. The spa offers a few group packages to help you create the perfect weekend with your gal pals. Insider tip: you can actually book a room at the spa and spend the entire weekend in your complimentary robe (no pants #FTW).
End your day of sippin’ and relaxin’ with the perfect kid-free (and, let’s be honest, spouse-free) girls’ day spot: Chateau Elan’s wine bungalows. Gather four to six of your besties for three hours of stylish, air-conditioned (a must) canvas tents overlooking the beautiful vineyards. The reservation includes a Bungalow Basket filled with an assortment of gourmet snacks and a bottle of wine. Additional wine and charcuterie boards can be purchased.(Outside food and alcohol are not permitted).