Revealing the Stone Heart of Beaulieu Vineyard: A Behind the Scenes Glimpse at Our Restoration

At Beaulieu Vineyard, history is not something we look back on – it’s something that surrounds us. Our original stone buildings, completed in 1885, have anchored this estate through Prohibition, revival, acclaim, and change. Today, as our broader renovation continues, we are proud to share that the restoration of these historic stone walls – the very foundation of the estate – is now complete.

The full transformation of the winery is still progressing, but the stone, at last, has returned to view.

“We’ve brought the original stone back to life – preserved, strengthened, and ready for its next chapter.”

– Juancarlos Fernandez, Principal, Signum Architecture

Before Beaulieu, There Was Valley View: A Legacy to Honor

Long before Beaulieu Vineyard existed, this building carried another name: Valley View Winery.

Completed in 1885 for State Senator Seneca Ewer, it was designed by Hamden McIntyre, the visionary behind Inglenook for Gustave Niebaum, the CIA at Greystone, and several of Napa’s most enduring structures. McIntyre built with intention: stone for strength, thoughtful proportions for beauty, and a belief that Napa’s future would be shaped by great architecture as much as great wine.

Senator Ewer understood this too. He saw potential in Napa long before it was celebrated, commissioning a stone winery that was both functional and forward‑thinking.

His son, Fred Ewer, would later sell the building to Beaulieu Vineyard. On August 29, 1923, it appeared in the BV general ledger simply as “No. 71,” a modest entry for a monumental moment.

“By the time Georges de Latour purchased it, he wasn’t just buying a winery, he was stepping into the legacy of Napa’s earliest pioneers.”

– Lynn Downey, Archivist & Historical Consultant for BV

A Vision of a “Beautiful Place”

When Georges and Fernande de Latour first set foot in Rutherford, they called it a “beautiful place.” It became their home, their mission, and ultimately the name of their winery: Beaulieu.

Georges was never a passive observer of opportunity. He ran multiple businesses at once, from the California Tartar Works to fruit and nut packing to early brandy production, all while acquiring vineyard land across Napa Valley. By the time he purchased the Fred Ewer winery in 1923, he had already imported phylloxera‑resistant vines, made early wines, and leased properties for production.

But he wanted more than a warehouse for his winery’s future. He wanted craftsmanship, permanence, and beauty.

This stone building embodied all of it.

The Stone Restoration: Completed with Care

Today, the stone walls that first shaped Valley View Winery, and later Beaulieu Vineyard, stand fully restored.

Over the past year, teams have:

• Reinforced the original McIntyre‑designed walls with modern structural support concealed behind the stone.
• Rebuilt eroded areas by hand, using a historic mortar blend true to the building’s 19th‑century character.
• Integrated reclaimed stone found in a barn on the property, pieces quietly saved by some long‑gone caretaker.
• Sourced matching tuff stone from local quarries, ensuring seamless continuity.
• Cleaned and stabilized the stone surfaces, allowing their natural texture and history to shine.

“Some of the stone we’re re‑using was discovered quietly waiting in a barn – a piece of BV’s past returning home.”

 – Kirsten Shinnamon Baker, Sr Architect & Project Manager, Signum Architecture

What stands now is a building as sturdy and dignified as the day it was raised.

Craftsmanship that Spans Generations

While the stone looks timeless, the work behind it is very much of this moment. Shannon Masonry brought extraordinary skill to the project, approaching each section as both a work of craft and preservation. Their efforts honor the masons of 1885 and ensure the building is ready for the century ahead.

“You can feel the craftsmanship, especially now that the stone is fully restored.”

– Mitch Hamilton, Superintendent, Wright Contracting

Sustaining What Endures

Preserving rather than replacing these structures is one of the most sustainable choices a winery can make. More than 90% of concrete removed in preparation was recycled, and the 24‑inch stone walls will once again support natural temperature stability – a design feature well ahead of its time.

This is stewardship, carried forward.

A Glimpse Toward What Comes Next

The full renovation, from hospitality spaces to new experiences, is still in progress, and we’ll share more as the project evolves. But with the stone restoration complete, the heart of the estate is ready for its next chapter.

These walls witnessed the optimism of Senator Ewer, the vision of Hamden McIntyre, the ambition of Georges de Latour, and the rise of Napa Valley. Soon, they will welcome guests again.

Stay with Us as this Journey Continues

This milestone marks only the beginning of what we’ll share in the coming months. As Beaulieu Vineyard moves forward with the broader renovation, we invite you to follow along as history, craftsmanship, and vision come together – just as they always have here.

For now, the stone stands ready, restored with care, and once again at the heart of Beaulieu Vineyard.