The castle of Vinzelles is located in the town of Vinzelles, in Saône-et-Loire, 6 km south-west of Mâcon.
Located on the hillside, dominating the village, a first fortified house was erected in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Vinzelles family, the lands belonging to the county of Mâcon and then to the kingdom of France.
The seigniory passed to the Saint-Amour family in the 15th century. During this period, Louis XI seized the area, although it was very solidly fortified.
Now owned by the Dormy family, the estate was repaired and restored in the 17th century. However, the castle is mentioned as ruined before the Revolution and then left at the disposal of farmers. Several owners succeeded each other in the 19th century and now it belongs to the Lostende family and is at the center of an important wine estate.
Listed in the Inventory, next to the Château de Layé which belongs to the same domain, the Château de Vinzelles has preserved elements of the 17th century enclosure (walls and turrets). Its inner courtyard is lined with buildings on three sides. To the south, a massive construction pierced with gunboats comprises on the ground floor rooms with groin vaults and a spiral staircase. It is adjoined by an open gallery whose roof rests on stone columns.
The main dwellings, located to the west, house a groin-vaulted chapel and, on the first floor, a large room decorated with elements of wall frescoes evoking hunting scenes.
More than six hectares of vines producing "Pouilly Vinzelles" appellation wines surround the site. Guided tour of the castle in July and August except Mondays and the rest of the year by appointment. Welcome for tasting every day (advise if possible). Information on +33 6 07 11 43 88.
