New Year, New Experiences: The Alchemy of the Senses Tour Is an Evening to Remember
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Jean-Charles Boisset welcomes guests to Chateau du Lac and his Alchemy of the Senses Dinner. Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
Gone are the days of sticking a sign in the yard and expecting a sale — today’s luxury buyers are expecting much, much more. And in 2020, the rest of the world will catch on to something that CandysDirt.com is already doing: Offering a unique experience involving a home can mean the difference between a stale listing or a sale.
When Laura Bacon of Coldwell Banker Apex teamed up with internationally acclaimed winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset, founder of the Boisset Collection lifestyle brand, to host his Alchemy of the Senses Tour. Potential customers were treated to an evening at Chateau du Lac they will never forget.
The Alchemy of the Senses tour turned this home into more than a two-dimensional listing. It showed how you could easily entertain 50 guests or more complete with private chefs, a large staff, and of course, a Sommelier or two behind the scenes. As a Lifestylist who writes about wine, dine, and design, we were thrilled to be able to experience the home and this event in person.
The home was re-staged for the Alchemy of the Senses Tour with the signature Boisset red and leopard decor, and guests were able to browse through the Alchemy of the Senses book which was beautifully displayed. Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
Chateau du Lac is one of those iconic Dallas properties that have a colorful history that you have read about more than once on CandysDirt.com. We hosted a Staff Party here and shared that it is one of the three most expensive homes for sale in Denton County.
Alchemy of the Senses tour turned this home into more than a two-dimensional listing — it showed how you could easily entertain 50 guests or more complete with private chefs, a large staff, and of course, a Sommelier or two behind the scenes. As a Lifestylist who writes about wine, dine, and design, we were thrilled to be able to experience the home and this event in person.
The Alchemy of the Senses Tour was a way that Jean-Charles Boisset embarked on a national, transformational tour in 2019 to share his world, from wine, spirits, and cider to jewelry, perfume, candles, and glassware.
In key regions across the USA, Boisset shared that “the Alchemy of the Senses tour welcomes strategic partners, press and influencers, industry leaders and ambassadors to explore the world of Jean-Charles Boisset and its art de Vivre… the embodiment of a luxurious lifestyle of the finest creations, emanating from wine as the catalyst of creation. The tour kicked off in May of 2019 and rotates through 12 locations through October 2019.”
Jean-Charles Boisset welcomes guests into his historically significant home on Wappo Hill in Napa Valley. Photo: The Boisset Collection
The tour started in Boisset’s personal home — the former Mondavi Estate on Wappo Hill in Napa Valley, and the finale was at Chateau du Lac. Boisset’s team took over each home and transformed it into a sensory experience. Champagne was served in his new line of Baccarat crystal, his stunning interactive Alchemy of the Senses book was on display, and his fragrant candles were burning throughout the home. His own chefs and winemakers prepared and shared a meal that Boisset personally crafted after what he would like for his own Last Supper.
Our tour included a peek into the properly climate-controlled wine cellar and panic room, something any wine collector would appreciate. Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
At Chateau du Lac, we were greeted by Jean-Charles with a glass of his Gala Brut, Champagne in his stunning Baccarat Passion sparkling wine glasses. He personally toured us through the spectacular home, and we nibbled on hors d ‘oeuvres like oysters in a delicate brine, Foie Gras, and smoked salmon.
Each guest had a seating card and a place to create their own Ultimate Last Supper guest list and menu Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
The dining room was set in his signature red and leopard, and we each had a personalized place to sit along with an invitation to create our own Ultimate Last Suppers with what food and wines we would serve at each course and who would be seated at our table. It was a great way to meet and learn about the people seated around us, and it really did make you think. If you would like to know who would be at Jean-Charles’ Last Supper and what would be served, you’ll have to buy his book and find out!
The Chateau du Lac dining room ready for over 50 guests to enjoy Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
Everything about how the home was decorated and staged made you appreciate what a great entertaining home this is. Even with the marble, limestone, and luxurious finishes, it was easy to carry on a conversation and spend quality time with other guests.
The kitchen in Chateau du Lac would be appreciated by the finest of chefs or the home cook. It is set up so lots of people can create in the space at the same time. Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
The exceptional wines from the JCB private collection flowed, and we dined on caviar and cheeses from his Atelier Fine Foods in Yountville.
We are lusting over the 72″ AGA range, custom copper hood and commercial walk-in refrigeration that are featured in this gorgeous kitchen! Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
The way the kitchen was set up and the stunning AGA 72″ range and walk-in refrigeration that were used to prepare the meal, made watching the staff put this together look like a finely choreographed dance.
Our last course of Champagne, Burgundy, and Bon-Bons was savored as we enjoyed the home and the view. Photo: Lisa Stewart Photography
In fact, none of us wanted to leave, even after we had finished the last hand-rolled chocolate truffle and splash of Champagne.
I can’t think of a better way to showcase this stunning chateau, and if I could afford this home myself, my signature would be on the dotted line today. I’ll always have the visuals of enjoying an extraordinary evening in this home.
