Beaulieu Vineyard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Beaulieu Vineyard | |
| Location | Rutherford, California, USA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1900 |
| Key people | David Abreu, viticulturist Joel Aiken , Director of Winemaking Bob Masyczek, Winemaker Jeffrey Stambor, Winemaker |
| Known for | Georges De Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah, Viognier, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Website | http://www.bvwines.com |
| Tasting | open to the public |
Beaulieu Vineyard was established in 1900 by Georges de Latour and is located in Rutherford, California, in the Napa Valley. When Prohibition in the United States began in 1920, most wineries in the country were forced out of operation. However, Beaulieu obtained a contract to supply sacramental wine to churches across the country. The demand for such wine increased dramatically during the years Prohibition and the winery repeatedly expanded. By the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, production had grown to over one million gallons per year.
Following Repeal of Prohibition, Beaulieu hired Andre Tchelistcheff from France as winemaker and the quality of its wines increased significantly. Tchelistcheff also became a mentor to other important winemakers such as Mike Grgich (whose Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the Judgment of Paris, Joe Heitz of Heitz Wine Cellars, and Robert Mondavi. By the 1940s, Beaulieu wines were served at all major White House functions.
In the Ottawa Wine Tasting of 1981, the 1970 vintage of Beaulieu Vineyard George de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon received second place.
