40 minutes north of Atlanta, Chateau Elan Winery and Resort brings to mind the timeless grandeur of a French countryside estate. But unlike its European counterparts, this chateau seamlessly blends Southern whimsy with world-class hospitality, offering guests sweeping vineyard views and an elevated culinary program that rivals any urban fine dining experience.
Chateau Elan’s allure may come from its stunning grounds and impressive wine roster, but there’s a creative commotion happening in the kitchens. The resort is home to a small handful of distinct restaurants, each curated to highlight the estate’s award-winning wines. Both casual bites and white-tablecloth plates are designed with the wine list in mind, and nowhere is that more evident than the chateau’s signature dining destinations.
Fleur De Lis
Tucked inside the serene spa, Fleur De Lis is an adults-only dining experience that leans into wellness without skimping on wow-factor. The setting is hushed and sun-drenched, with floor-to-ceiling views of the lake and gardens.
The pan-roasted branzino is an especially bright spot on the menu, served with charred tomato, edible blooms and a pillowy grit cake. It’s a delicate, flaky white fish that sings in harmony with a chilled glass of unoaked, mineral-driven chardonnay. The whisper of citrus on the finish embodies the restaurant’s ethos: light, elegant and deeply satisfying.
Marc
For those who prefer their indulgences a bit bolder, Marc Bar & Restaurant offers the most decadent culinary experience on the estate. Housed in a dramatic space with dark wood, leather banquettes, and a view into the wine library, Marc serves as the château’s modern steakhouse.
One of Marc’s most beloved entrées (and my personal favorite) is the seared duck breast, plated with sweet potato purée, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a port wine demi-glace. Crisp skin gives way to a perfectly rosy center, and the dish finds its soulmate in Chateau Elan’s reserve Merlot—a round and juicy red with just enough tannin to balance the duck’s richness.
Marc is also the heart of the resort’s Winemaker Dinners, which pair multi-course meals with rare and/or limited-edition wines. For connoisseurs, the pairing menus are a must, blending storytelling and flavor with seamless precision.
Chateau Elan’s Barrels and Bourbons
In addition to its culinary offerings, Chateau Elan boasts one of the most diverse beverage programs in the Southeastern region. The Louis House of Bourbon, located just off the main lobby, features over 175 curated bottles—from rare small-batch labels to Kentucky classics. The leather-accented bar is a favorite among bourbon aficionados and offers intimate tasting flights alongside whiskey-forward cocktails.
Wine lovers, can choose from over 30 varietals crafted on-site at the winery. Chateau Elan’s daily wine tours and tastings are immersive, educational, and often include exclusive pours not available elsewhere on the property. Guests can book a barrel tasting in the winery’s cellar, enjoy a VIP tasting in the Cask Room, or even create their own blend during the Winemaker’s Experience, bottling and labeling their own signature wine to take home.
I recommend the Sommelier Choice tasting for interactive learning and an excellent selection of tapas.
Chateau Elan is more than a winery; it’s an enveloping experience that hearkens back to a more indulgent era of travel. Its culinary offerings are as nuanced as its wine list, with menu items that honor regional fare while embracing European extravagance. Chateau Elan proves that Old World luxury is alive and well— and it’s nestled in North Georgia.