French Connection

Meet the Perrin Family

The Perrin family, prominent winemakers from France, are renowned for their long-standing commitment to tradition, innovation, and excellence, especially at their flagship estate, Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Their expertise and pioneering spirit eventually led to the creation of Tablas Creek Vineyard in California through a unique Franco-American partnership.
Perrin Family Heritage in France

The story of the Perrin family’s winemaking legacy begins in the early twentieth century. Pierre Tramier purchased Château de Beaucastel in 1909, which was later inherited by his son-in-law Pierre Perrin, and developed further by Pierre’s son, Jacques Perrin. Jacques was a visionary, reviving traditional grape varieties, such as Mourvèdre, and championing organic farming practices long before they became industry standards. Today, the fifth generationincluding Marc, Pierre, Thomas, Cécile, Charles, Matthieu, and César, continues this tradition, deeply valuing respect for terroir, biodiversity, and sustainable cultivation in every vineyard they manage.

The Perrin family’s philosophy centers on allowing the land to express its unique qualities. By embracing biodynamics and a hands-on approach, each succeeding generation aims for authenticity, balance, and elegance in their wines. Their commitment has earned them prestigious accolades, such as Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year and Decanter’s Man of the Year awards.

Robert Haas with Jean Pierre and Francois Perrin at Beaucastel c. 1985

The Birth of Tablas Creek

This ethos leapt overseas when the Perrin family partnered with American importer Robert Haas. Their friendship, which began in the 1960s, was driven by a shared vision: to produce Rhône-style wines in California using authentic French grape varieties and traditional vineyard practices. After four years of searching for land with terroir comparable to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, they settled in 1989 on 120 acres in Paso Robles. Tablas Creek Vineyard was born.

Legacy and Impact

Bringing Rhône varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Roussanne to California was a lengthy undertaking. Each imported vine cutting spent three years in USDA quarantine to ensure they were virus-free before propagating them at Tablas Creek. The first vintage was bottled in 1997, with their flagship blend Esprit de Beaucastel reflecting the spirit and varietal composition of its French counterpart.

Tablas Creek Vineyard is not merely an extension of Beaucastel but a beacon of Franco-American wine culture. Today, the vineyard is celebrated for its sustainability initiatives, including organic and biodynamic farming. This legacy is advanced by Jason Haas, son of Robert Haas, who continues to innovate while respecting the family traditions and environmental stewardship that define both the Perrins and the Haases.

Through careful stewardship, the Perrin family has made Tablas Creek an American home for rare Rhône grape varieties and a shining example of transatlantic collaboration, preserving heritage while embracing innovation for new generations.

This story connects two continents and emphasizes care for the land, respect for tradition, and the shared pursuit of wine excellence.