The cellar
Discover the dates that marked the history of the Cave de Clochemerle and its functioning.
History
Creation of the Clochemerle cellar
The idea for the creation of the cellar dates back to 1955, when Gabriel Chevallier agreed that the main street in Vaux-en-Beaujolais should be named “Rue Gabriel Chevallier”.
It was decided that the cellar would be installed in the old cellar of the Hôtel St-Martin.
The inauguration took place on 28 October 1956, in the presence of Gabriel Chevallier and his wife.
Inauguration of the Clochemerle cellar
On 28 October 1956, the author of the famous novel sealed the fate of Vaux-en-Beaujolais to that of Clochemerle, by inaugurating the Gabriel Chevallier street and the Clochemerle cellar. On this occasion, he declared:
“I was absolutely surprised that the readers located Clochemerle as they did, because I thought I had created a myth that has now become a reality.”
The stone and beam construction, the heavy door, the copper bar supported by barrels, have not changed since the creation.
The Cellar today
Inside the Cellar, we can admire various paintings illustrating the novel Clochemerle by Gabriel Chevallier.
These humorous drawings were made at different times by the cartoonist Paul Dufour in the “Dubout” style.
One series represents in the same spirit the characters of the novel under the features of the inhabitants of the village.
The people
The Cave de Clochemerle is the showcase of the winegrowers of Vaux-en-Beaujolais. It is managed by a Board of Directors made up of men and women who are winegrowers or enthusiasts.
For the selection of the wines, a tasting committee meets to choose, among the proposed samples, new wines, wines for keeping, rosés and whites. Among the wines for laying down, a more structured cuvée is chosen, which will become the “Ponosse” cuvée of the year: in homage to the priest of the novel Clochemerle.
The reception at the Cave is assured by managers who know the terroir, the wine and the tourist attractions of our beautiful region. The men and women who make up the Board of Directors take it in turns to ensure the authenticity of their products. They are frequently assisted by volunteer inhabitants of the commune who help to maintain the spirit of Clochemerle.
The Cave de Clochemerle is the showcase of the winegrowers of Vaux-en-Beaujolais. It is managed by a Board of Directors made up of men and women who are winegrowers or enthusiasts.
For the selection of the wines, a tasting committee meets to choose, among the proposed samples, new wines, wines for keeping, rosés and whites. Among the wines for laying down, a more structured cuvée is chosen, which will become the “Ponosse” cuvée of the year: in homage to the priest of the novel Clochemerle.
The reception at the Cave is assured by managers who know the terroir, the wine and the tourist attractions of our beautiful region. The men and women who make up the Board of Directors take it in turns to ensure the authenticity of their products. They are frequently assisted by volunteer inhabitants of the commune who help to maintain the spirit of Clochemerle.