Lorraine is famous, among other things, for its Mirabelle plum culture and its Baccarat crystal factory. What is less well known is that it was the first region in France to own a whisky distillery, the Maison G. Rozelieures, located in the village that gave it its name, 35 minutes between Nancy and Epinal. There are now about fifty distilleries in France that compete with their Irish, Scottish and Japanese competitors, but the Grallet Dupic family stands out because it is one of the few distilleries in the world that controls the entire production process.
Thus all the stages of production are carried out locally, from the cultivation of the field to harvesting, malting, brewing, fermentation, double distillation, ageing in cellars with varied atmospheres and temperatures (an attic, a sheepfold cellar and a former military fort) and bottling. This complete control makes it possible to maintain quality control, thus ensuring the expected result. In the middle of an agricultural estate of 300 hectares of cereals and trees, facing the Essey-la-Côte volcano and in the foothills of the Vosges mountains that supply it with spring water, the distillery has been producing delicious fruit brandies, including Mirabelle de Lorraine, since 1890.
An idea from the fields
The history of G. Rozelieures whisky begins in the 90s. Christophe Dupic and Hubert Grallet, two grain distillers and whisky lovers, were in the middle of a harvest in a barley field when they made the following observation: "We have barley, the know-how recognized in the world of eaux-de-vie and the passion of our profession, why not produce whisky? Both of them frequently stayed in the Scottish cradle of this amber alcoholic beverage. It will take them 15 years of thought, research and investment to get the first whiskies out of the distillery. Their knowledge of eau-de-vie and their secrets of distillation, handed down over five generations, have enabled them to quickly position themselves as one of the most renowned houses of French whisky. Thanks to their perseverance, they have won numerous awards in various renowned competitions such as the General Agricultural Competition and the World Spirits Competition. These distinctions are a true token of recognition and are the pride of the farm-distillery. But the story does not end there, because the distribution of Lorraine whisky exceeds France. Today, Rozelieures Single Malt Whisky is exported to many countries such as Japan, the United States and Australia.
Whisky from A to Z
The house opens its doors all year round to showcase its working methods and know-how. The tour, most often guided by a member of the Grallet Dupic family, begins with the screening of a recent, lively and dynamic film in a real screening room. It presents all the stages of production. Then, in the heart of the distillery, the two Charentais-style stills are adorned with light for a playful and immersive sound and light show in order to immerse the visitor in the world of spirits. In the tasting-discovery room, the entire team shares its knowledge and advice with enthusiasm and passion. It explains the specificity of the four whiskies (pure, intense, smoky or peaty) according to their ageing in casks from very different origins: Sherry, Cognac, Armagnac, Sauternes, Condrieu, Bourbon to name but a few. Rozelieures is also the only distillery in France to work with peat malts. Despite the reputation of its whisky, the Grallet Dupic family has not forgotten its other main product: the mirabelle plum. All its specialities (eaux-de-vie, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics and sweets) can be found in the Maison de la Mirabelle boutique.
Baccarat in full light
Rozelieures near Baccarat is labelled "Ville et Métiers d'art". This is an opportunity to stay in excellence by visiting the Baccarat Crystal Museum, which contains unique and magnificent pieces. The other highlight is the Saint-Rémy de Baccarat church for its luminous decoration composed of 20,000 pieces of crystal fitted in concrete. The whole, unique in the world, is available in more than 150 different shades.... We do not leave without having pushed the door of the crystal shop, place des Arcades. Needless to say, you need a full wallet, but jewellery, chandeliers, small lights, tableware, vases, decorative objects are also on display for the pleasure of the eyes
Smart info
When? When? All year round. The Distillery of Rozelieures is open from May 1st to September 30th from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11am and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Sundays and public holidays (on request), and from October 1st to April 30th from Monday to Friday from 9am to 11am and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays on request.
Getting there. By car, bus, train or plane (Metz-Nancy-Lorraine airport), everything is possible.
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Duration. A weekend allows you to visit Épinal for its imagery, Baccarat for its crystal, Lunéville for its castle or the lake of Pierre Percée, wild and with clear waters.
Public. All audiences. Everyone will find a place of interest in this part of Lorraine. The visit of the Distillery of Rozelieures can be done with the family, because it is very educational and fun. The visits are in French, English and German. Reception of people with reduced mobility.
The pluses. This part of Lorraine is a concentration of historical, architectural and artistic heritage, particularly with the arts of fire and a still well-preserved nature.
There are many gourmet specialities, including the famous quiche in Lorraine.
The visit of the Distillery of Rozelieures is free for private individuals. She is guided without a fixed appointment.
The less. It is complicated to travel between each city by public transport. The car is mandatory.
Useful. To prepare your Lorraine getaway as well as possible
TOURISM MEURTHE AND MOSELLE - More information on the website
MAISON DE LA MIRABELLE - More information on the website
ROZELIEUR DISTILLERY - More information on the website
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