There are Fridays and then there are Fridays. Last week I had one of those epic evenings that can only be described as dreamy. When Boisset invited me to their Alchemy of the Senses Wine Dinner, I said yes without even knowing the location. That’s how fun their events always are! Little did I know the location would be so remarkable.

I pulled up to the stunning 19,000 square foot French chateau on an unusually chilly October night. Dressed in a velvet gown and faux fur jacket, I walked across the provincial paver stones to get a better view of Chateau du Lac. The Flower Mound estate sits on ten wooded acres and could easily double as a resort. It also just so happens to be for sale!

My friend Matt pulled up when I was still standing out front in a daze and we explored the mansion together. The backyard was even more jaw-dropping than I could have imagined, equipped with an infinity pool, stunning views of Grapevine Lake, and entertaining spaces galore. Even on a dreary autumn night, the property was gorgeous.

We finally went back inside and enjoyed some passed appetizers: oysters, foie gras, and smoked salmon hors d’oeuvres while sipping JCB Gala Champagne. We looked through the velvet-bound Alchemy of the Senses book, which has pages dedicated to smells (lovely notes found in wine), touch, and more. The book is not your typical wine book. Rather than focusing on wine making, Alchemy of the Senses celebrates how wine makes your feel: the emotion of wine. My favorite line from the book is, “Life is a theater and wine is our muse.” It’s a great coffee table book for wine lovers.

JCB’s jewelry line was also on display and it’s now my goal to own the snake necklace! I felt like Cleopatra trying it on.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Jean-Charles himself! After years of attending Boisset wine events, it was such a treat to meet the man  behind the label. He’s just as charismatic and warm as you might imagine a Frenchman to be. He has a passion for wine and love for life, that much is clear. After an entertaining welcome speech by Jean-Charles, we made our way to the dining room.

There were five tables set up adorned with some of the prettiest silverware I’ve ever seen. We drank, by the way, out of JCB’s new Baccarat crystal line, which you can shop here.

We started with  quail eggs and caviar paired with 2016 JCB N 81 Chardonnay. I don’t particularly care for Chardonnay but I loved this wine! It tasted like Creme Brûlée to me and smells a bit like wedding cake. I would not have thought to pair something so sweet with such a salty dish but that’s why I go to events like this: to learn more and get inspired for home entertaining.