At the heart of the property’s identity is a legend, that of the first Duke of Epernon, who owned the Château at the beginning of the 17th century. He became so powerful that as boats passed in front of his estate, they would lower their sails to show their allegiance. This deep mark of respect gave rise to the château’s emblem, a ship with a griffon-shaped prow; its name in Gascon, Bêcha vêla, meaning “baisse voile” (“lower the sails”), later became Beychevelle.

Château Beychevelle has 250 hectares of land, about 90 of which are planted with vines.

The vines have an average age of 30 years and are closely planted, with densities of 8,300 to 10,000 vines per hectare; they have developed substantial root systems, enabling them to draw nutrients from deep in the soil, and to cope with the sometimes difficult weather conditions, such as when there are droughts in the summer.

The vineyard is planted with the Médoc’s four traditional grape varieties: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

The proximity of the Gironde, which can be seen from the front steps of the Château, has a protective, regulating effect on the climate that is vital for the production of Beychevelle’s wines.

The heart of the vineyard is located on two plateaus of deep Garonne gravel, on the edge of the Gironde, providing ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

These are the famous gravelly hilltops of the Médoc that offer the best conditions for the classic Bordeaux varietals.