Beaulieu Vineyard, known to generations of collectors simply as BV, is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Napa Valley. Founded in 1900, it produced Napa first widely revered Cabernet and trained the winemaker who set the standard for the entire region.

What a beautiful place

Georges de Latour, a French immigrant, and his wife Fernande bought their first parcel of Rutherford land in 1900. The story goes that Fernande looked across the property and said quel beau lieu, what a beautiful place, and the name stuck. De Latour understood vineyards better than most. Drawing on his knowledge of the phylloxera louse that had devastated Napa, he imported resistant rootstock and helped replant the valley, securing his place as an early pioneer of the California wine industry.

Sacramental wine and survival

Beaulieu survived Prohibition by a clever route. The winery held a contract to supply sacramental wine to churches across the country, and demand only grew through the dry years. By the time Repeal arrived in 1933, Beaulieu was producing more than a million gallons a year and was positioned to lead Napa into its modern era.

Tchelistcheff and the Private Reserve

In 1938 de Latour traveled to France to find a new winemaker and returned with Andre Tchelistcheff, a Russian born oenologist who would become one of the most influential figures in California wine. Tchelistcheff introduced cold fermentation, frost protection, and careful barrel aging, and he mentored a generation of valley winemakers. In 1941 Beaulieu released the first Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet, named for the founder who had died the year before. It is widely regarded as Napa original cult Cabernet.

What to pour it with

The Georges de Latour Private Reserve and the Rutherford Cabernets ask for classic pairings. Serve them with prime rib, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses. The wines age beautifully, so older bottles reward patience and a simple roast.

Common questions