The History of the Château des Bachelards

A small château with a great heritage, living vines, respected soils and iconic wines.

Château des Bachelards, located in Fleurie (69820), less than an hour from Lyon, in the heart of the Beaujolais, This wine has its roots in the monastic history of the region, founded by the Benedictine monks of Cluny in the 12th century. These pioneers recognised the incredible potential of this unique terroir, where they planted the first vines. Their efforts shaped the vineyard that still surrounds the estate today, bearing witness to a rich and well-preserved monastic heritage, despite the disappearance of the abbey during the French Revolution.

Château des Bachelards: pioneering biodynamic farming in Fleurie in the Beaujolais region

A monastic history and heritage preserved, modernised and respectful of the land

In 1793, the Platet family, local notables, acquired the estate and passionately continued the winegrowing tradition. This walled vineyard, an unspoilt jewel in the heart of the Beaujolais region, remained in the Platet - later Lombard-Platet - family until 2007, an exceptional event in the history of the region, which has been marked by numerous transfers and land restructurings.

Since the 19th century, the wines of Château des Bachelards have been recognised as among the best in their appellation. Its terroirs were judged to be remarkable by the professionals of the day, hailed for their finesse, depth and ageing potential. This recognition was an integral part of the estate's history, and was reflected in the silver medals it won at the Universal Exhibitions in London and Paris, international showcases for French winemaking expertise.

In 2007, the estate entered a new era with the arrival of a visionary owner who embarked on a profound transformation of the vineyard. Aware of the environmental challenges and the natural wealth of the site, he initiated the conversion of the estate to organic farming.’organic farming, Château des Bachelards is one of the first estates in Fleurie to adopt this approach. 

In 2014, Alexandra de Vazeilles bought Château des Bachelards and made the bold decision to adopt biodynamic viticulture throughout the estate. Certified by Demeter since 2015 and Biodyvin since 2020, The Château has become a pioneer in this environmentally-friendly approach.

No synthetic chemicals have been used since 2007, with constant attention paid to respecting the terroirs and ecosystems in which the wines are grown. Under his leadership, the estate has broken with the region's traditional methods, eschewing traditional «Beaujolais» practices such as carbonic maceration and thermovinification in favour of long vinification and ageing in oak tuns, under the guidance of oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt. This approach produces complex, refined wines designed for ageing, placing Bachelards among the great French wines.

In 2022, Matthieu Gufflet, a committed investor with a passion for wine, takes over the reins of Château des Bachelards. Known for his innovative projects and sustainable approach, Matthieu Gufflet heads the Land of Nature His vision is clear-sighted: to bring nature back to the centre of our lives, by offering a holistic, regenerative and beneficial approach to people and their environment. His vision is clear-sighted: to bring Nature back to the centre of our lives, by proposing a holistic, regenerative and beneficial approach for Man and his environment.

By acquiring Château des Bachelards, Matthieu Gufflet hopes to write a new chapter in the history of the estate, while perpetuating its winemaking excellence and setting it on the path to a promising future. Château des Bachelards is preparing to become a venue for receptions and hospitality, while continuing to produce exceptional wines. The future of the estate will thus combine winemaking excellence with respect for the environment. terroirs and unique moments of sharing in an unspoilt natural setting.

Château des Bachelards continues to shine as a timeless jewel of the Beaujolais region. Combining age-old traditions with modern innovations, it embodies the perfect balance between respect for the terroirs and an ambitious vision for the future.

Interieur du Château des Bachelards chargé d'histoire.
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