Château de Coulaine was established in the early 1300’s and is one of the oldest and continuously family owned and operated vineyards in the Val de Loire, situated on the hillsides between Beaumont-en-Véron and Chinon.  

Today, Château de Coulaine consists of 20 hectares.  8 hectares are owned by Coulaine and the rest of the vineyards are rented from neighbors.  All 20 hectares are farmed by Etienne de Bonnaventure, owner and vigneron at Château de Coulaine.

In 1988, Etienne de Bonnaventure and his wife Pascale inherited 1.2 hectares of vines, all that was remaining after Phylloxera decimated the vineyards on their family's property and throughout Chinon in the 1860s. At the time, the family chose to let the decimated vineyards lie fallow, instead focusing on other crops and raising sheep. Upon inheriting the property, Etienne immediately undertook the arduous task of replanting these abandoned parcels. 

The Bonnaventure's quickly decided to work organically, and became officially certified in 1997. Following what was once seen to be a renegade path, today the family is proud to be among the pioneers of organic producers in the Loire Valley.

Etienne’s approach to quality and intensity in his wines is achieved by low yield management (25 to 40Hl/ha according to the plots, the appellation allows up to 70Hl/ha), hand harvesting, plowing to control weeds, and deep respect for preserving the life of the soil, all in order to favor concentration and a pure expression of Cabernet Franc.

The land expresses itself through its symbiosis with vine stock.  The wine is the reflection of this respectful farming and freedom; each vintage expresses its typicality, its personality.  Just like the vine, the wine is alive. It is simply a question of esthetic pleasure and an art of living as a human being. - Etienne de Bonnaventure.