Alsatian B&B

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, entrée, 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