The history of the Beaujolais

Viticulture in the Beaujolais dates back to the first centuries AD thanks to the Romans. It is even said that the name of the Juliénas Cru refers to Julius Caesar.

 

In the Middle Ages, under the aegis of the Lords of Beaujeu who gave it its name, the region became wealthy. In 957, the well-advised Bérard de Beaujeu began to undertake viticultural transactions. Later, in 1140, his descendant Humbert III founded Villefranche to develop trade. In 1514, Villefranche became the new capital of the Beaujolais under the influence of Anne de Beaujeu.

 

However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that the production of Beaujolais wines truly began to take off. They were served in Lyon’s famed “bouchon” restaurants, and afterwards, with the development of river trade, they were shipped as far away as Paris.