Villa René Lalique
The wine cellar
The 'Cathédrale' as it is known here, is a space designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta that houses the 2,500 entries in the cellar book of the Villa René Lalique (amounting to some 60,000 bottles) in optimum conditions.
The essence of a truly exceptional collection
At the entrance, Damien Hirst's 'Eternal', made up of 14 crystal panels designed in collaboration with Lalique artisans, is the first indicator that you are stepping into a truly extraordinary place, a spectacular showcase for wines from all the regions of France (including an extensive range from Alsace) and from around the world.
Selected by Romain Iltis, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (2015) and Meilleur Sommelier de France (2012), the finest wines lie side by side with productions from younger estates and hand-picked favourites of the Lalique Group Wine Director, to create the perfect pairings with Paul Stradner's cuisine, and in accordance with the seasons and preferences of each guest.
The Silvio Denz vineyards are also in the spotlight, including Château Cap de Faugères, Château Faugères (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé), Château Péby Faugères (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé), Château Rocheyron (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru) and Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey (Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification).
Exploring the terroir with Romain Iltis
Romain Iltis's team will tell you all about the terroir, explain the influence of the soil and the work of the winemaker, and as such, take you on another exciting journey.
Note that the 200m² of the Villa René Lalique cellar can be hired in its entirety for an unforgettable private or professional event.
Romain Iltis, Head Sommelier of the Villa René Lalique, Wine Director of Lalique Group and custodian of one of Europe's finest wine cellars.
Meilleur Ouvrier de France in the Sommelier category since 2015 and Meilleur Sommelier de France 2012, Romain Iltis is an inspiring role model for his colleagues and a powerful driving force behind the Villa René Lalique, to the benefit of all its visitors.
"The further we go, the less we know" Romain Iltis
Developments in the world of wine
Romain Iltis originally set out to become a chef, but thanks to his teacher Antoine Woerlé at the Lycée Hôtelier d'Illkirch-Graffenstaden and a place in the final of the Chapoutier Trophy for best student sommelier, he discovered a passion for wine that would definitively alter his course.
After a spell in Alain Ducasse's kitchens in Paris, Romain decided to whole-heartedly enter the world of sommellerie. For a few seasons, he worked in various establishments in the Alps, notably at the Chabichou (2 stars in the Michelin Guide) before returning to his native Alsace at the Hôtel Verte Vallée in Munster, where he quickly rose through the ranks to the position of Head Sommelier, then at the L'Arnsbourg restaurant, where he joined Chef Jean-Georges Klein.
Today, this Head Sommelier is keen to pass on his love of Alsace and restore the prestige of one of the richest and most avant-garde wine-growing regions in biodynamic viticulture.