A 345-year-old Burgundy winery is embracing the possibilities of sustainable design

Feted French winery Chateau de la Chaize has reopened after an eco-friendly overhaul from architect Didier Repellin – and it’s a glimpse of a more sustainable future for wine-making.

Established in 1676, the Beaujolais winery is the quintessential French vineyard with the graceful architecture of the chateau – classified as a historical monument in 1972 – designed around ideals of the golden ratio.

Chateau de la Chaize’s cream-coloured exterior looks out over 900 acres of grounds and vineyards in the Beaujolais region, which includes rows of topiary and a fountain that only adds to the building’s grandeur. Repellin has restored the chateau with a careful hand, refurbing the historic chai storeroom and adding a VIP lounge for guests.

Although the main building appears untouched, the architect has overseen the installation of more eco-friendly wine-making facilities – including a bottling and storage space that uses gravity to move wine through the various stages of production. There’s also new solar panels and geothermal water systems, in a bid to reduce the winery’s carbon footprint.

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