Alsatian B&B

This item appears on page 34 of the October 2011 issue.

In the Alsatian wine region of France, we were fortunate to stay at Clos des Raisins (5, rue des Raisins, 68980, Beblenheim, France; phone 0033 03 89 79 45 11) in late April 2011. Built as a winery in 1722 and lovingly renovated in 2008 by Thierry Kruger and his wife, Armelle, I highly recommend this truly charming bed-and-breakfast.

It has four rooms in a wing adjacent to the family home. There is at least one handicapped-accessible room, a family room accommodating four people, and an apartment with two connecting rooms. There is a lovely small garden as well as a lounge to relax in.

The four rooms are attractive, with a combination of antique French furniture and absolutely new and modern bathrooms, including a showerhead that changes color to let you know when the water is warm enough or too hot.

In high season, a room for two costs €110 (near $159), including breakfast and all taxes. The lovely Continental breakfast features bread Thierry bakes each morning along with other delicacies.

Dinner is available, if preordered, for €38 ($55), consisting of an appetizer, entrĂ©e, desert and coffee or tea. Wine can be purchased to accompany the meal.

Smoking and pets are not allowed. Private (enclosed) parking is on site.

A graduate of the hotel school in Strasbourg, Thierry is an excellent chef as well as a wine connoisseur. His wife, Armelle, is a font of knowledge about sightseeing in the area. There are several nice restaurants within walking distance in the picturesque village.

Thierry and Armelle are truly a delightful couple who speak excellent English and have created a wonderful, quiet place to relax.

SHARON AFFELTRANGER
Pacifica, CA