Château de Messey, a large estate nestled on a hilltop just 8 kilometers (five miles) from Tournus in the commune of Ozenay is mentioned in IXth Century manuscripts.Its surrounding region grew in importance from the XIth Century, with the widespread construction of abbeys and Romanesque churches, such as those still found in Cluny, Chapaize and Tournus. Among other endeavours, the monks of Cluny and Citeaux, whoThe Château's two wings face each other across a lovely open courtyard shaded by three 19th century horse chestnut trees. The vaulted cellars and stores have now recovered their original purpose and spirit. Typical of the region, this cluster of buildings is topped by a dovecote tower. Gently rolling below the château one finds the domaine's farm, a mill along the Natouze stream and the vine workers' cottages. Marc DUMONT has fully restored the Château and these houses in their very traditional aspect, yet with all the modern conveniences. Today, the Château mail aile where the tour is located is offered for rent for holidays, seminars, weddings... The spirit of these old stones will delight all those looking for the old fashion world of calm, harmony, home made farm produce ...and friendship.

History:

In 1986, Marc DUMONT bought a vineyard in Cruzille, in Mâconnais, that originally belonged to the monks of the illustrious Abbey of Cluny. A few years later, he met the Demoiselles Jourdan sisters then the owners of Château de Messey, a domain of 89 hectares (220 acres), of which 17 hectares (42 acres) had produced AOC wines until 1958. Marc Dumont purchased this domain to carry on the tradition of many generations in the art of fine wine making. The beautiful XVIth century vaulted cellars assure the best conditions for making high quality wine. To offer as wide a range as possible, Marc DUMONT decided to extend beyond the production of "Clos des Avoueries" by buying grapes or must from quality vineyards across Burgundy. After a few years, in order to reduce the distance from the vines to the cellar to minimize the risk of oxidation, he acquired Manoir Murisaltien, with 1500 m2 (16,000 sq. ft). of beautiful cellars in the heart of Burgundy at Meursault, center of the fabulous white Cote d'Or wines. Thus wines from Mâconnais are made and matured at Château de Messey, while those from Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits and Côte Chalonnaise are brought to their full potential at Meursault, in the best tradition of the unique flavour and style of each specific terroir.