Beaulieu Vineyard

A historic winery in Napa Valley, California

Beaulieu Vineyard logo

Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) is a prominent winery located in the Napa Valley of California, United States. Established in 1900, it is one of the oldest and most celebrated wineries in the region, known for its rich history and high-quality wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon.

History

Beaulieu Vineyard was founded by Georges de Latour and his wife, Fernande, in 1900. The name "Beaulieu" means "beautiful place" in French, reflecting the couple's vision for the vineyard. The de Latours were instrumental in establishing the reputation of Napa Valley as a premier wine-producing region.

During Prohibition, Beaulieu Vineyard was one of the few wineries allowed to continue operations, producing sacramental wine for the Catholic Church. This allowed the vineyard to survive and thrive during a time when many other wineries were forced to close.

In 1938, Georges de Latour hired the renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff, who played a pivotal role in elevating the quality of BV wines. Tchelistcheff introduced new techniques and innovations that helped establish Beaulieu Vineyard as a leader in the American wine industry.

Vineyards

Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa Valley

Beaulieu Vineyard's estate vineyards are located in the Rutherford AVA, a sub-region of Napa Valley known for its unique terroir. The vineyards benefit from the region's ideal climate, with warm days and cool nights, which is perfect for growing Bordeaux varietals.

The vineyard is particularly famous for its "Rutherford Dust," a term coined to describe the distinctive earthy quality found in wines from this area. This characteristic is especially prominent in BV's Cabernet Sauvignon.

Winemaking

Beaulieu Vineyard is renowned for its meticulous winemaking process. The winery combines traditional techniques with modern technology to produce wines of exceptional quality. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used.

Beaulieu Vineyard Clone 6

One of the key innovations at Beaulieu Vineyard was the introduction of Clone 6, a specific clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that contributes to the complexity and depth of their wines. This clone is known for its small berries and intense flavor profile.

Wines

Beaulieu Vineyard produces a range of wines, but it is best known for its Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. This flagship wine is considered one of the finest examples of Napa Valley Cabernet and has received numerous accolades over the years.

In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, BV produces other varietals such as Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Each wine reflects the unique characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir.

Legacy

Beaulieu Vineyard has played a significant role in the history of American winemaking. Its commitment to quality and innovation has set a standard for excellence in the industry. The winery continues to be a leader in sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices.

Closeup of a wine cork from Beaulieu Vineyard

Related pages

• Napa Valley AVA
• Rutherford AVA
• André Tchelistcheff
• Cabernet Sauvignon