Visiting the Vineyard and B&B

I recently had the chance to spend a few days at Château de Béru during my recent multi-day trip touring the Burgundy wine region. Here’s our full Château de Béru review where you can learn more about what makes this winery so special.

Since I first tried the wines made at Château de Béru, I’ve been captivated by its unique taste and complexity. The wine stands out among others and has become quite the talk within the connoisseur community. Made primarily from Chardonnay grapes, it’s redefining what it means to be a relaxed and sophisticated wine.

When I first tasted the Château de Béru 2017 vintage, I noticed its purity and ripe flavors, which come from the winery’s approach to not using sulfur during production. The 2018 Terroirs De Béru had a delightful mix of lemon curd, yellow apple, and chalk with a soft, leesy aroma.

As I continued exploring this exquisite winery, I found the Chablis 1er Cru ‘Vaucoupin’ to be truly impressive. I toured the entirety of this vineyard located in Burgundy, and enjoyed a stay at the chateau. But I’m getting ahead of myself – let’s take a look at the history of Château de Béru and their wines.

Château de Béru Overview

Location and History

Château de Béru is situated in the heart of a sea of organic vineyards, just a few kilometers away from the famous wine town of Chablis, in the Burgundy region. This historic estate has been in the hands of the de Béru family for more than 400 years, boasting a long and rich history. The château is an ideal starting point for those who wish to explore the region with its picturesque landscapes, diverse terroirs, and rich cultural heritage.

See Related: Best Wine Tours in Burgundy

Ownership and Philosophy

After centuries of winemaking, the Comte Éric de Béru decided to replant all of the vines, including Clos Béru, in 1987. The Romans likely planted the first vines in the 1st Century, but the uniqueness of vineyards has its origins even earlier than that. Today, Château de Béru is owned and managed by Laurence de Béru and her daughter, Athénaïs de Béru, who is dedicated to preserving the family’s winemaking traditions while also introducing modern techniques and sustainable practices.

The Béru family has an admirable approach to winemaking guided by its biodynamic principles, which aim to enhance the natural expression of the terroir and promote biodiversity. Under Athénaïs de Béru and her leadership, Château de Béru has made the transition to organic and biodynamic viticulture, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and organic farming along with their respect for the environment.

This holistic approach to winemaking has earned the estate a reputation for creating high-quality, expressive wines that reflect the region’s unique characteristics. I truly admire this approach, and they were all too happy to take me through the process. I was thoroughly impressed by the lengths they go to in order to reduce their impact on the environment – and that’s coming from someone with a prior career in sustainability.

In addition to the historic sustainable winery, Château de Béru offers cozy and authentic guest rooms, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the French countryside and experience the terroir firsthand (we’ll get to that section of our experience below). With a relaxed atmosphere and a warm, welcoming approach, guests can expect an unforgettable stay at this historic estate, surrounded by the vineyards’ captivating views and the Burgundy region’s charm.

From their location in the small, beautiful French village of Béru to their commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, Château de Béru offers an authentic and memorable experience for all who visit.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Beaune, France

Vineyards and Terroir

Soil Types

While exploring Château de Béru, I discovered that the vineyards are in a unique terroir near Chablis. The soil in these vineyards is predominantly composed of Kimmeridgian limestone, rich in broken-down marine fossils.

This particular soil type contributes to the distinct mineral character found in Chablis wines, including Chateau de Béru’s offerings. This is not dissimilar to the chalky soil that gives a lot of champagnes their unique flavor profile.

Vineyard Practices

From Laurence and Athénaïs I learned that Château de Béru’s organic and biodynamic practices in their vineyards focus on preserving the local ecosystem’s natural balance. The significant efforts and decision to adopt organic farming are proving fruitful.

The results are evident in the vintages produced by Athénaïs and her team since 2004. Seeing the positive impact of their hard work and the considerable improvements made in recent years is impressive. Some of the critical practices observed at the estate include:

• Avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals
• Implementing cover crops to maintain soil health and vitality
• Employing biodiversity initiatives such as promoting insect populations and inter-planting diverse species
• Utilizing natural preparations, such as compost teas and biodynamic practices, to enhance soil fertility and vine health

One exciting feature of Chateau de Béru’s vineyards is the historic walled vineyard dating back to the 13th Century, known as the famous Clos Béru. Additionally, they produce wines from some of the best terroirs in the Chablis and Chablis Premier Cru appellations.

Consequently, thanks to these reflective vineyard practices and the rich terroir, Chateau de Béru’s wines express the purity and elegance of good Chablis wines.

That’s not all though. Given their sustainable, organic, and holistic approach, they rely on the lunar calendar, which is on the front of the entrance to the chateau, as you can see here. I love that!

See Related: Best Wine Regions in France

Winemaking Process

Harvesting

From what I’ve learned from touring vineyards around the world, harvesting is a crucial stage in the winemaking process, and Château de Béru is no different. Grapes are carefully hand-picked at optimal ripeness to ensure the final wine’s best possible flavors and characteristics. The vineyards in Château de Béru are cultivated using organic and biodynamic techniques, aligning with the estate’s dedication to respecting the rich history of their terroir.

Fermentation

During fermentation, the indigenous yeasts present on the grape skins play a significant role in developing the flavor profile of Château de Béru wines. Many of the domain’s wines are made without the addition of sulfites or other additives to allow the true expression of the terroir to shine through.

Specific details on their fermentation process include:

• 100% Chardonnay grapes for their Chablis wine
• Terroir is composed of crushed limestone and marine fossils formed during the Kimmeridgian era
• Vineyards are located on the hill of Béru, with an altitude above 300 meters.

Aging

At Château de Béru, they also emphasize the importance of aging in achieving their wines’ desired taste and texture. Using oak barrels contributes to the wine’s complexity and flavor depth, acting as an oxygen buffer for maturation.

Aging process details include:

• Meticulous care in vineyard work and throughout the harvest
• Domaine’s wines are often bottled without any additives
• Oak barrels are used for aging, adding nuances to the wine profile.

Focusing on each aspect of the winemaking process – from harvesting and fermentation to aging – Château de Béru takes the time and effort to craft unique wines that truly showcase production quality, their terroir, and the passion of their winemakers.

See Related: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Champagne Region

Château de Béru Accommodation

This luxurious 5-star accommodation offers an idyllic escape for travelers seeking comfort, relaxation, and a taste of French culture. With its beautifully landscaped garden, a lovely swimming pool, and attentive staff, Château de Béru provides a perfect setting to unwind and indulge in the beauty of the surrounding Béru hillside’s terroirs – and some of their delectable wine, straight from the source!

Amenities

Dining Options

Although Château de Béru doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, there are multiple dining options nearby in Chablis that are truly excellent, but you’ll need to drive.

We dined at the restaurant in the Au Vieux Moulin Hotel in Chablis, and as you can see from the image above, the food was exquisite. These establishments offer a range of delicious local French cuisine, allowing you to experience the region’s authentic flavors.

If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your room or one of the communal areas, the château has kitchenette facilities in select rooms, which include a microwave, toaster, and fridge for your convenience. You’ll have complimentary breakfast each morning in the main château dining area during your stay.

Parking and Transportation

At Château de Béru, guests can enjoy the convenience of free private parking on the property’s premises. This permits easy access to transportation and exploring the surrounding areas. No need to worry about finding a secure parking spot nearby; your car will be safe here.

Family and Pet Policies

As a bed and breakfast, Château de Béru aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for families with children of all ages. Rooms can comfortably sleep 2 to 5 guests, ensuring families can stay together during their visit.

One note is that pets are prohibited on the property during the stay. Château de Béru is committed to maintaining a clean, healthy, and serene environment for all guests. This also means smoking is not permitted in rooms or common areas.

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Activities and Local Attractions

Exploring Chablis

During my stay at the Château de Béru, I seized the opportunity to explore the famous Chablis terroirs. Chablis, just a few kilometers from the château, is renowned for its exquisite wines.

I spent a wonderful day visiting the nearby vineyards and wineries to taste several Chablis wines. One of the notable attractions within the vicinity was Vins d’Ici ou d’Ailleurs, located approximately 4.2 miles from the Château.

While enjoying local wines at the wine tastings, I learned more about the winemaking process and the unique attributes of the Chablis commune. The landscapes around the vineyards are stunning, providing me with a memorable drinking experience.

See Related: Dom Pérignon Tour: History & Experience of the Champagne House

Visiting Auxerre

Another highlight of my trip was visiting the historical city of Auxerre. Just a short drive from the Château de Béru, Auxerre offers several cultural and time-honored landmarks to explore. I was particularly captivated by the stunning architecture of the Collegiale St Martin (4.2 miles from the Château), an unmissable gem in the city.

While in Auxerre, I also visited Maison de L’andouillette Michel Soulie, a charming local establishment specializing in the delicious traditional French sausage, andouillette. This authentic, regional culinary experience added a delightful touch to my visit.

The Château de Béru served as the perfect base to explore Chablis and Auxerre while offering a luxurious and comfortable setting—the combination of wine, history, and gourmet delights made for a memorable adventure.

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