In the spirit of f riendship, fun and living life to the full, at the end of 2024, MASCULAR invited a group of remarkable men (f riends, models, contributors, collaborators) to attend a one-of-a-kind party: The SPECTACULAR PARTY

The genesis for the event dates back to a memorable 50th birthday party held in a Chateau near Bordeaux. While there was no precise event being, we wanted to celebrate the 40th issue of MASCULAR Magazine, the successful launch of MASCULAR Living and MASCULAR Studio having passed 400 models photographed. Perhaps more than specific MASCULAR milestones, we felt the need for a moment of pure enjoyment and friendship during these troubled times. 

Generally, the 2020s have been pretty horrible. So we wanted to take a moment and remind ourselves that life also has a beautiful side. That while we can neither ignore nor shirk our responsibilities in addressing the issues facing our proximate and broader communities, we gain strength through friendship and brotherly love. We are stronger when our spirits have something in the tank. 

To that end, MASCULAR took over the splendid Chateau Pitray in the eastern part of the 

Bordeaux region. Located in the Cotes de Castillon area near St. Emilion, the Chateau 

produces amazing wines, which we sampled liberally over the 3-day weekend (May 2-5). 

Guests arrived at the Chateau on Friday afternoon from all over the world. London, Dallas, Toronto, Palm Springs, Sorel-Moussel, Melbourne, Lanquais, Palm Springs, The Netherlands, Berlin, St.-Marcel-du-Périgord and so on – a truly awesome show of support. In no time the reception rooms and balcony were filled with chatter and laughter as friends, old and new, easily relaxed into party mode. On arrival, people explored the Chateau with its many reception rooms, stunning grounds, beautifully appointed bedrooms and vaulted cellars (more on those later). 

Wine Tour and Tasting 

One of the many highlights of the weekend was on Saturday morning when the Count gave us a tour of the property which included tons of fascinating detail on his family’s background – his ancestors were allies to the Americans in the revolutionary war. He then took us to his adjacent winery. The talk was fascinating and we all got a masterclass in making fine wine the “Bordeaux” way. From when to pick the grapes (apparently there’s a genius lady who gives the green light) to the pros and cons of organic wine production, to current challenges in the industry - we learned a lot. And then there was the tasting. Beautiful wines from a dynamic producer. Supple and soft on the palate… but aren’t they all! 

After a great lunch, more wine, and time by the pool, we (almost) all retired to (mostly) our rooms for a nap and to prepare for the evening. 

Black-Tie & Leather cocktail reception 

The first scheduled event was a Black-Tie & Leather cocktail reception followed by a formal dinner. Our dear friends at GHQ Spirits generously sponsored the Martini Cocktails – the faint of heart had Aperol in various concoctions, but the Martinis were superb. Compliments flew as each of the guests made their entrance in formal dress. Some with hints of leather. Everyone made a real effort and our cohort looked amazing. All of the meals throughout the weekend were superb, but Paula truly outdid herself in the kitchens. The home-made foie gras was superb, as was the prime rib main course. The rest of the evening was spent sharing more cocktails and chatting among friends. Some had changed out of their black-tie while others enjoyed their finery, so the scene was eclectic, relaxed and sexy. It was a long day, and for some, an even longer night. Enough said. 

Sunday morning - The morning after the night before.

The sun was up and the dining room and reception rooms were immaculate. It was as if we had just arrived. People had been busy preparing for our second full day. After another great breakfast (homemade brioche, various cereals, yogurts, a fresh fruit display, fresh croissants, scrambled eggs, etc…) and furtive glances, recovery mode kicked in. 

We enjoyed the gardens and the pool in particular. Relaxed atmosphere doesn’t even begin to describe the mood. People were still digesting the experience from the night before. Paula asked some of the groundsmen to build her a bar-b-que for that afternoon’s lunch. 

Around noon, people returned to their rooms to don their costumes for the second scheduled event – the Toga Party. One by one, the guests appeared in their roman-inspired costumes. (All but one who wasn’t prepared, so he tied a bedsheet loosely around his waist, thereby setting bacchanalian tone for the rest of the day). 

The Togas were fantastic. People made a real effort, and everyone was smiling. Afternoon cocktails were served, and the Togas got more and more comfortable. Paula did us proud with the bar-b-que which we enjoyed in the vaulted cellars. The cellars are incredible – the stuff of fantasies. Enough said. 

Toga Time 

After lunch, guests assembled poolside to enjoy the grounds and the lovely weather. An intrepid few went exploring in the woods clad in Togas and armed with camera equipment. Photos were taken. Some with Togas and others without. The rest of the afternoon proceeded pretty much as one might expect of a group of well fed and ever so slightly inebriated (bar a few) gay men by a large pool at a French chateau on a sunny day. Naturally many swimmers didn’t want their Togas to get wet. Very conscientious of them, of course. The guest wearing the bedsheet around his waist apologised to the Chateau staff for the ‘scenes’ from that afternoon. He was assured that they had “seen it all, and more, before”. How wonderfully discrete of them. 

Naturally nobody could eat or drink anymore. Until dinner. Again, Paula managed to surprise and delight with a great meal. By now, everyone felt like old friends. So many moments to discuss, and a slight feeling of melancholy as people started to prepare for the next day’s departures. All of the exchanges of contact details had happened long before, so the evening was spent talking, making plans, playing (French) billiards and savouring wine and 

cocktails. 

Monday Morning 

Monday morning came too quickly. The weekend flew by, and yet so much had happened. Everyone had a story. First time at a big gay event, first time out since a breakup, first time to France, on the eve of launching a new business, celebrating the “all-clear”, celebrating an enduring relationship or the beginnings of something exciting and special. All of these different perspectives and life stories brought a beautiful energy to the event – but only because each one of us embraced the moment and allowed themselves to enjoy everything and everyone. 

After yet another copious breakfast, we began saying our many goodbyes and packed our various vehicles with luggage and some of the Count’s delicious wine. 

We wish to send our gratitude to GHQ Spirits for their generous gift. And, of course, a huge thank you goes to Jean and his team for providing us with such an incredible experience, for spoiling us, and for making us feel truly at home at Chateau Pitray. 

As we drove through the alley of epic trees, and the Chateau faded out of view, we all took a moment to consider what an incredible moment we had shared.