BV was there: The 1950s, the Next Generation

Fernande’s passing saddened the winery and the Napa community deeply, but her presence continued to be felt worldwide. Along with winemaker André Tchelistcheff, her daughter Hélène built on BV’s momentum, taking it to new levels of quality, innovation, and renown.

1951

Fernande de Latour passes on October 12. Her daughter and longtime collaborator, Hélène de Pins, is elected president.

1952

BV loses a large portion of its crop to frost but is able to acquire fine-quality grapes from the Stelling family. At a dinner given by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles in Washington, DC, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are served the 1946 vintage of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. BV wines are also poured for the couple during a second US tour in 1957.

1955

After visiting BV, French statesman and winegrower Dr. Georges Portmann declares to the St. Helena Star, “I never would have thought that wines of such excellence could possibly be produced in California. They’re exceptionally fine.”

BV Sparkling debuts with a 1949 vintage featuring Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. A reviewer deems it: “…the first of its kind produced in the United States, having been made from start to finish under temperature control.”

1958

The winery hosts Rock Hudson and Jean Simmons, stars of “The Earth Is Mine.” A Hollywood dramatization of a family’s struggle to survive Prohibition, it was filmed in locations across Napa, including at BV.

1959

Mike Grgich joins BV, working under winemaker André Tchelistcheff.

2025 is the 125th anniversary of that historic moment. In preparation for our year-long celebration, we’ve been combing our archives and reconnecting with family, friends, and team members far and wide to rediscover the people and happenings that made it all possible.