From the very beginning of our era the land surrounding La Gaffelière has been dedicated to vines. In 1969, the excavation undertaken by the count Léo de Malet Roquefort unearthed mosaics from the Gallo-Roman period depicting fruiting vines indicating that vine and wine culture took place at this "palace" (as early as the 4 th century). The exact area of the excavations is know as "le Palat" or palace and as we know the Poet-Consul Ausone (308-394) owned a large wine growing estate at this site certain conclusions can be drawn.
Le Palat is today the site of Château La Gaffelière that takes its name from the medieval sickroom situated on the estate where lepers (or "gaffets") were cared for. Permanently present at the site the 16 th century the Malet de Roqueforts are oldest family in Saint-Emilion The Malet house, dating from the 16 th century (given by the family to the community) is situated in the heart of this historical village, and bears witness to the close relationship between the de Malet family and Saint-Emilion.
Such ancestry confers a motivating responsibility to renovate but also a profound respect for the traditions, which have created the renown of château La Gaffelière throughout the world. The architecture of the Château retraces the different tastes and fashions that inspired previous generations of the family with it's arched 15 th century kitchen, 19 th century pigeon house and the 17 th and 18 th wings which house the Château's reception rooms.
