Homes & Estates

102 | Homes & Estates

ineyards thread across the foot-

hills of Alsace, a region nestled in

France’s northeast corner between

the Vosges Mountains and the

Rhine River. Villages with timber-

framed houses and brasseries nod tenderly to the

region’s agricultural past. They are the hidden pearls

of Alsace, each telling its history through gastronomy

and savoir faire.

Wingen-sur-Moder is one such gem. On the

surface, the tiny hamlet on the Moder River may seem

like an unexpected place to find one of France’s most

exclusive villa hotels and three-star Michelin chefs,

Jean-Georges Klein. But in fact, Wingen-sur-Moder

is where René-Jules Lalique established his crystal-

making factory and home nearly a century ago. It’s

also where Silvio Denz, chairman and CEO of Lalique,

found the inspiration to transform the provincial villa

into a luxury hotel, food and wine destination while

paying homage to the iconic crystal brand.

“I wanted to combine French savoir faire, epito-

mized by Lalique’s craftsmanship, with French savoir

Radiant

Revival

BY ALYSON PITARRE

VILLA RENÉ LALIQUE

DAZZLES AS A HOTEL

AND EPICUREAN

DESTINATION EMBODYING

FRENCH ART DE VIVRE

AND SAVOIR FAIRE.