A Beaujolais wine estate rooted in history since 1265
Nestled in the heart of Beaujolais, facing the village of Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, Château du Bluizard is an exceptional wine estate whose history dates back to 1265. Built as a fortified farmhouse, it has stood the test of centuries to become one of the rare wine châteaux in Beaujolais to grow, vinify, and bottle its wines entirely on-site. Its 40 hectares of vines, spread across more than 80 plots, give rise to five appellations: Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Beaujolais-Villages Rouge, Beaujolais-Villages Blanc, and Crémant de Bourgogne. Every bottle is the expression of a unique granitic and sandy terroir, cultivated through a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach.
From fortified farmhouse to exceptional estate: eight centuries of history
Built in 1265 as a fortified farmhouse, Château du Bluizard is one of the few medieval buildings in the Beaujolais to have retained its original character while evolving over the centuries. Its slate roofs, exposed stonework, and inner courtyard bear witness to an architecture that has endured through the ages without losing its soul.
The estate’s viticultural identity took shape gradually, culminating in the delimitation of the appellations in 1937 by the ancestors of the current owner — a defining decision that still determines the terroirs on which the vines are grown today. David Ratignier, the estate manager, carries on this legacy through expertise passed down from generation to generation.
Today, Château du Bluizard is a grower-producer estate: every grape is grown on-site, vinified at the château, and bottled on the property. A seamless journey from vine to bottle, guaranteeing the authenticity and character of every cuvée.
Terroirs and Appellations
The estate’s granitic and sandy soils give rise to two distinct wine styles: supple, fruit-forward wines for drinking young, and more structured wines capable of ageing for several years in the cellar. The Gamay Noir (red and rosé wines) and Chardonnay (white wines and Crémant) grape varieties express themselves with remarkable typicity, season after season.
Brouilly
Ruby colour, ripe red fruits, fine tannins. The flagship appellation of Beaujolais.
12,5 ha · Gamay
Côte de Brouilly
Deep purple colour, fresh grape aromas, silky tannins. Gold Medal, CGA
1,3 ha · Gamay
Beaujolais-Villages
Round and supple in red, floral and honeyed in white. The two pillars of the estate’s production.
16,5 ha rouge + 1,5 ha blanc
Crémant de Bourgogne
Golden colour, fine bubbles, hints of citrus and almond. Crafted using the traditional method.
Blanc de blanc · Chardonnay
Discover all our traditional wines
Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Beaujolais-Villages, Crémant — full descriptions and cuvées
Our Résiste! Range
Disease-resistant grape varieties, a strong environmental commitment — our pledge for tomorrow
Two exceptional ranges, two commitments
Cuvée Souvenir Napoléonien
Aged in oak barrels, the Brouilly Souvenir Napoléonien is the estate’s prestige cuvée. Its lightly purple colour, aromas of cherry and peony, and elegant tannins make it a truly exceptional bottle — also available as an oak-aged Beaujolais-Villages Blanc. A tribute cuvée paying homage to a Napoleonic episode linked to the estate.
Résiste! Range
Born from a strong conviction for the future of the vineyard, the Résiste! range is produced from grape varieties naturally resistant to fungal diseases. Fewer treatments, fewer inputs, wines that express a preserved terroir. A pioneering approach in Beaujolais, complementing our HVE certification across the entire estate.
Have a Question?
Visit the estate or order our wines
Interested in discovering Château du Bluizard, tasting our wines on-site, or placing an order? We would be delighted to welcome you and discuss our cuvées, direct sales conditions, and availability.
+33 (0)6 85 82 18 26 ou +33 (0)6 68 57 22 10