In Martillac, in Gironde, no one expected to see the town once again at the center of attention. It must be said that the trip was not publicized. The American Jay Brown, who co-founded Roc Nation, a production and management company for artists and athletes with the rapper Jay-Z, discreetly worked behind the scenes. Two years ago, the businessman stopped at the 5-star hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie. “He really enjoyed coming here. He is a man who loves wine, who loves the South-West art of living” explains Alice Tourbier, owner of the 5-star hotel. Jay Brown therefore wanted to repeat the experience, but this time with his group of friends, to celebrate his 50th birthday and the 54th birthday of his friend and associate Jay-Z. From December 1st to 4th, the small town of Martillac in Gironde saw internationally renowned stars arrive.
Jay Brown arrived with his wife and their children, alongside Jay-Z on the arm of his wife Beyoncé and her sisters, as well as their children. Kris Jenner was also there with her husband, as well as Rihanna and her partner, but without children. Grey’s Anatomy actress Ellen Pompeo and her husband were also spotted. A whole happy gang, accompanied by an armada of assistants: hairdressers, makeup artists, babysitters and other security agents. “There was a lot, a lot, a lot of baggage” laughs the owner, when she sees the countless bags passing through reception.
“Night owls who did not appear before 2 p.m.”
To get to Bordeaux, some of them had traveled aboard the legendary Venice Simplon Orient-Express (VSOE) train. While its destinations are rather Venice, Vienna, Budapest and Istanbul, its presence on the rails of the South-West of France had attracted attention. On site in Martillac, some like the CEO of Paramount or the husband of Kris Jenner tasted wines from the Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate in the presence of the owner Florence Cathiard, already highlighted last September by the visit of the king Charles III and Queen Camilla. The rest of the gang stayed at the hotel, enjoying the luxurious rooms, the SPA and the region’s cuisine. “Club sandwiches, burgers, but made with local products!” would like to point out Alice Tourbier, regarding her exceptional guests, “directly from the West Coast of the United States, therefore in full jet lag, night owls who did not appear before 2 p.m..” A stopover was nevertheless rumored on social networks, at the Petrus estate in Pomerol. Tasting of great wines, dinner prepared by Jean Imbert himself: a memorable celebration that they will not soon forget.
The zeal of a few paparazzi
The owner of the place has very pleasant memories of her VIP clients as do the members of the hotel staff. “They are global stars, but they still remain down to earth and are accessible.” The only downside is the zeal of a few paparazzi. They were quickly spotted by the numerous security members who surrounded the stars.“They were really on their guard and had good reflexes. They immediately dislodged them from the vines, chased them away and reported them to the police.” But not enough to cool the guests, too accustomed to this kind of abuse. “I think they chose us for this authentic luxury that we can offer, this proximity to nature, the environment, the vineyards. Those who came with family did not regret it and those who came without their children told us: “We’ll come back with them!” If they keep their word, the small town of Martillac has not finished talking about it.
Photo credits: Zuma Press / Bestimage