Domaine de Vavril: rediscovering a lost paradise

The Domaine de Vavril, nestled in the heart of Beaujolais, has rediscovered its former splendor thanks to the passion and efforts of Richard Brague. A former financier, he has transformed this historic property into a family retreat and a sought-after event venue, blending wine-making tradition with modern hospitality.

In the 18th century, nobles were indebted from squandering their fortunes on external displays of wealth to parade at the king’s court. They were forced to sell some of their properties piece by piece to refill the kingdom’s coffers. At the same time, the bourgeoisie was growing rich, particularly in the Lyon region thanks to the silk trade, whose reputation was known throughout Europe. The great bourgeois families then replaced the nobles in these majestic residences, surrounded by vast gardens and vineyards, where every stone represented, in its own way, the beginnings of a revolution. These houses were refuges where families would gather for long meals under the arbors. They were the beating heart, a place for meetings, laughter, and memories. The Domaine de Vavril, nestled in the heart of Beaujolais, was one of them. And since its purchase about twenty years ago, the new owner has relentlessly worked to bring back the fantasized tranquility of that era.

Nothing predestined Richard Brague to become the owner of a historic estate. “I was working in finance and was about to move to London, but I wanted to keep a foothold in France,” he recounts. While looking for a house in the Lyon region, the idea of taking over a wine estate didn’t immediately come to mind. Yet, he fell under the spell of the Domaine de Vavril despite its state of disrepair. Only the vines were maintained, and the rest required a massive renovation. But no matter. He liked the place. And though everyone told him he was crazy, that it was a money pit, and that he would never have the time to look after it while living on the other side of the Channel, he adored it. It was 2004, the finance market was doing well, it was the moment to take the leap. “Naively, I thought it was a good idea and that the wine would pay for the house’s upkeep.”

Built shortly before the Revolution, the estate has a rich history, having belonged to a Russian baroness and various doctors from Lyon before falling into disrepair after the war. Richard Brague was captivated. He had always loved history, and this place had much to tell. Determined to restore the château to its former glory, he undertook a meticulous renovation. The newly acquired house, combined with an “amusing” wine-making activity, allowed him, for the first few years, to dive back into the ideal of pre-war holidays he had dreamed of. However, the 2008 financial crisis changed things and brought a major reality check to the Brague family’s dream vacation. “We couldn’t go on like that. We had to either sell or find a new source of income.” The decision was made to rent out the house. Soon, requests began pouring in.

In response, Richard undertook new renovations, despite a difficult economic period. “It was one of my best decisions, but it cost me dearly,” he recalls. With its breathtaking view and magnificent spaces, the estate began to attract a clientele willing to pay for prestigious events. Initially managed as a family affair, the estate progressively became more professional, developing its services and its team.

Despite the financial challenges, Richard decided to keep the vines, not only for the estate’s brand image but also to maintain a living tradition. Although the wine produced on-site is not enough to make the estate fully profitable, it remains an essential part of its identity. “People love getting married during the harvest, and my children love to participate in the bottling,” he explains. Producing his own wine is not only fun but also allows him to support a family of winemakers dedicated to the quality of the product.

The Domaine de Vavril is not just a business; it is a family refuge. “Every summer, we gather here, between 20 and 30 family members, friends from all over the world, with children of all ages,” says the owner.

“Vavril has once again become a timeless haven.”

Meals are prepared by a chef, a bell rings to announce them, and the laughter of children in the pool creates a microcosm of the family life of yesteryear. “My children prefer these moments at Vavril to a vacation in New York,” he says proudly. Renovations and several phases have restored the entire estate to its full splendor, from the main house to the terraces and reception halls. “We are constantly improving.”

The Domaine de Vavril is the shining example of how a place steeped in history can be reborn and thrive.
“Wine, like weddings, creates life,” concludes the owner. “It is essential that these places continue to live and transmit their history, not just as relics, but as places of life and sharing.”

Today, Vavril has once again become a timeless haven where history, family, and modernity come together to create unforgettable memories.