The Double family is in its fourth generation of viticulteurs since the planting of the first vines in 1890:

Emile DOUBLE (1869-1938) founder, builds the vaulted cellar where he produces his wine in 100 hectolitre wooden vats. He later installs the concrete vat system in 1892. These are still used to this day, though renovated and modernised, during the grape harvest, or the vendanges, for the soaking of red wine grapes with their skins.

Henri DOUBLE (1903-2002) continues his father’s work, expands the vineyard to an overall area of 32 hectares, and in 1969 plants the first of the Cabernet Sauvignon.

Christian DOUBLE, agriculturalist, takes on the reins and expands the vineyard further to 42 hectares in total. He modernises the cave, implementing temperature control systems and the process of raising red wine in barrels. He also pioneers the idea of rearing white wines in barrels.

His wife, Marie Jeanne, has helped him in the development and modernisation of the property by putting into place an organised business framework which has allowed a broader commercialisation of the wines, whether through European exports, sales throughout France in caves, hotels and restaurants (CHR), and sales on-site in the cellar. She puts on art exhibitions in an old farm building which she has converted into a magnificent oak-panelled library. This library is also available for wine tastings, introductory wine courses, and all sorts of other wine-related functions.

Now it is Phanette and Maxime’s turn to make their contribution to Beaupré’s future.

At the head of his business Winestree, Maxime is tapping new marketing opportunities in countries like Japan, Russia and the USA, thus broadening Beaupré’s commercial horizons. He also tries to organise alternative cultural events, like 2006’s hugely succesful jazz festival in the gardens at Beaupré.

As for Phanette, she is an agriculturalist and qualified œnologue having studied at Agricultural College in Montpellier. She is in charge of monitoring the state of the vines and the wines, and oversees not only the grape-growing process, but also the wine-making process at Beaupré. Her eight month stint at Château Margaux for a study in wine-making in 2003, as well as her experience working in wine over in Australia, has permitted her to bring a new lease of life to the domaine, which can only serve to build on Beaupré’s strong existing reputation.