Extension and Renovation of the Château de Beaucastel Winery: Architecture and Terroir

Abstract

Rooted in the terroir—the local conditions and traditions—of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Domaine de Beaucastel project has extended a biodynamic winery through architecture shaped by climate, materials, and inherited knowledge. With earth excavated on-site, reclaimed materials, and low-tech methods, the built ensemble emerged by means of cut-and-fill work, embedding the wine cellars and a large underground cistern into the landscape. Passive cooling systems harness the mistral wind, thermal mass, and water to maintain optimal conditions for wine-aging with minimal energy use. Developed through collaboration with the Perrin family and local craftspeople, the project involves collective memory, environmental resilience, and long-term autonomy, translating the notion of terroir into sustainable architectural form.