How a Mumbai Architect Rebuilt a Vineyard in France's Rhône Valley

Architect Bijoy Jain explains how he renovated Château de Beaucastel to reflect the terroir of the famed vineyard

- Ruma Singh

On a visit to the Château de Beaucastel in France years ago, the first thing that struck me was how well-integrated it was with its surroundings, how minimalistic. It is deliberately so.

As Charles Perrin, fifth-generation co-owner, Château de Beaucastel, explains, "Beaucastel's identity is rooted in two things: respect for the land and quiet, patient innovation."

The reimagined Château de Beaucastel, which was inaugurated in May after an extensive renovation by Mumbai-based architect Bijoy Jain, is still rooted in that philosophy of sustainability.

Château de Beaucastel is the flagship winery of the Perrin family, located in Courthézon in southern Rhône in the appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The "new palace of the pope," as the name translates, was France's first wine appellation (which is like a tag or label to identify the region a wine originates from) given at a time when the papal seat moved from Rome to southern France from 1309-77. Famous for their discerning palates and extensive cellars, the popes sought quality and found that the rugged terroir of the region produced extraordinary, powerful wines.

Besides their own extensive wine estates that include Beaucastel (since 1909) and La Vieille Ferme, the Perrins have partnered with Brad Pitt to produce super-brands Château Miraval, Champagne Fleur de Miraval and Gardener gin. But Beaucastel remains closest to their hearts.

The Perrins' commitment to organic viticulture is well-documented with Jacques Perrin being one of the earliest adopters of organic farming in 1950, and biodynamic viticulture from 1974. As the Perrins' business grew, so did Beaucastel's reputation and it needed a structure that would accommodate the practical requirements of future expansion. So, in 2018, the family announced an international competition to select an architect for the renovation of the Château de Beaucastel winery. They received 1,200 entries from architects of 32 nationalities.