Golden State Today

More than 60,000 archival items from Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) are now part of a new collection at the University of California, Davis Library. The collection includes photographs, ledger books, and various media that will aid researchers and historians in understanding BV's impact on Napa Valley and the American wine industry.

The UC Davis Library plans to digitize portions of the Beaulieu Vineyard Records for historical research purposes. This will allow scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to explore the vineyard’s history online. From April 1 to September 15, items from the collection will be displayed at Shields Library on campus. An accompanying exhibit will also be available on the library’s website.

Carl Evans, senior vice president of direct to consumer at Treasury Wine Estates, expressed honor in partnering with UC Davis Library. “This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to not only sharing our rich history but also celebrating the broader history of American wine," he stated.

Evans mentioned that UC Davis was chosen as the archive's home due to its reputable library and historical ties with BV. In past decades, BV collaborated with UC Davis experts like Maynard Amerine and André Tchelistcheff on viticulture advancements.

William Garrity, university librarian and vice provost of digital scholarship, commented on BV's significance: “Beaulieu Vineyard has been a pillar of Napa Valley for generations."

Audrey Russek, curator of food and wine collections at UC Davis Library, emphasized the importance of corporate records in preserving industry legacies: “BV has been a visionary industry leader since its founding.”

The gifted archive includes original letters from Georges de Latour between 1902-1915; board minutes from 1923-1967; articles about prominent employees like André Tchelistcheff; historical background on vineyards; advertising materials; architectural records; and winery photographs.

While pieces of its history find a new home at UC Davis Library, BV is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation set for completion in 2026. The project aims to incorporate elements from its archives into new visitor spaces.

Beaulieu Vineyard was established in Rutherford, Napa Valley in 1900. It is renowned for its contributions to California Cabernet Sauvignon under leaders such as Georges de Latour and André Tchelistcheff.

The UC Davis Library holds premier collections related to winemaking and grape growing which support academic pursuits across various disciplines.