Epic Journey: The Timeless Legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard
The winemaking legacy at Beaulieu Vineyard remains unbroken for more than a century. Their story, as one of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, is written by the remarkable place and the extraordinary people who shaped winemaking in America.
Founding Vision: Georges de Latour's Dream
In 1900, when Georges de Latour's wife, Fernande, first laid eyes on the land that became the original Rutherford vineyard, she said, "Quelle beau lieu!" or "What a beautiful place.” Shortly thereafter, de Latour sold his thriving cream of tartar business, bought the four-acre ranch, and founded Beaulieu Vineyard with the vision of making Napa Valley wines that would rival those of his native France
Expansion and Influence
Georges and his wife expanded their land holdings over the next several decades, many of which are still part of the BV portfolio today. In 1903, they purchased 52ha in Rutherford, which they named BV Ranch No. 1. In 1910, another land purchase was made, known as BV Ranch No. 2. De Latour began importing pest-resistant vines and offered European Vitis vinifera varieties that were grown, grafted, and shipped from Europe to his fellow wine industry colleagues in California. 
Pioneering Spirit: Ahead of His Time
Years before Prohibition, de Latour had the foresight to obtain a warrant to produce altar wine for the Church and was thus positioned to become the first nationwide supplier of altar wine to Catholic churches across America. He established offices in New York - the Beaulieu Vineyard Distributing Company - expressly for the altar wine trade.
The Era of André Tchelistcheff: A New Chapter
In 1938, post-Prohibition, de Latour travelled to France and met André Tchelistcheff. De Latour hired Tchelistcheff, a Russian-born oenologist with European winemaking expertise and a spirit of innovation, as winemaker. After 35 years at Beaulieu Vineyard, Tchelistcheff retired in 1973 and the role of winemaker passed to Joel Aiken, then to Jeffrey Stambor. After almost 20 years of retirement, André Tchelistcheff rejoined Beaulieu Vineyard as a wine consultant and worked with the winemaking team to continue to bring innovation to the winery until his passing in 1994.
Commitment to Innovation: Building on Tradition
To continue Tchelistcheff's legacy of innovation, Beaulieu Vineyard made several investments in the early 2000s. First, a new state-of-the-art winemaking facility was completed in 2008 and in 2010, legendary winemaker Michel Rolland, joined Beaulieu Vineyard as a blending consultant for their reserve wines.
The Continuing Journey: Today and Beyond
The legacy of innovation continues today with Trevor Durling as Chief Winemaker. Trevor joined Beaulieu Vineyard as only the fifth winemaker in 117 years.
