Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France

History: The rich history of Chateau de Beaucastel as it exists today dates back to the 16th century. In 1549, Pierre de Beaucastel bought a barn with a plot of land extending to 52 saumées in Coudoulet. The manor house was built with the arms of Beaucastel carved into a stone wall in the hall. In 1687, de Beaucastel was made “Capitaine de la ville de Courthezon” by Louis XIV in recognition of his conversion to Catholicism. The letter from Louis XIV, also signed by Colbert, is still visible in the chateau. In 1909, Pierre Traminer bought the estate and later transferred it to his son-in-law, Pierre Perrin, a scientist who further developed Beaucastel. His son, Jacques, continued his father’s efforts until 1978 and brought worldwide recognition to the estate. Today, the torch is carried by Jacques’ sons, Jean-Pierre and François. They are joined by the fifth generation of Perrins: Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu and César Beaucastel is, above all, a family story, the story of Famille Perrin. Its main strength is being able to combine the talents of each family member to manage the wine estate under common values: absolute respect for the land and terroir, biodynamic culture as a philosophy of life and the search for truth, balance and harmony.