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SUSTAINABILITY AT CHÊNE BLEU – WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY!


Our family’s deep love and respect for nature has always set the tone at La Verrière:

• Rigorous organic and biodynamic practices were introduced at the inception of the project

• Chemicals and synthetic fertilizers were replaced with natural composts and complex, time-consuming practices to support the natural strengths of the vineyard, such as planting fields of sorghum to increase fresh hummus in preparation for planting vines

• We planted a bamboo forest to provide natural water-waste filtration and a flock of sheep provide natural weed control and compost over the winter

• Experimenting with bee propolis, harvested from the estate apiary, functions as a natural disinfectant. We also produce our own honey, which we don’t heat or filter to clarify, as that can weaken or destroy enzymes, live pollen, vitamins and minerals.

• Dates for planting, soil treatments and harvesting are set by the biodynamic calendar

• Working with dedicated consultants, we have undertaken a total sustainability program that addresses the natural environment, human resource and community relations.

We know, however, that there is much more than we can do to bring our delicate ecosystem into balance and allow our unique flora and fauna to thrive. We are convinced that bees play a crucial role in the process, so we are trying to help them help us!

PURSUING THE WILD FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY

At Chêne Bleu, our philosophy in winemaking and viticulture has always been that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Therefore, we spare no effort in ensuring that every aspect of what we do – from soil to bottle – is focused on teasing out the greatest quality possible from our unique ancient terroir.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the potential of our high-elevation microclimate in the Southern Rhône to produce wines of grand cru quality, while honoring our role as students and protectors of both the wild “living organism” around our estate as well as the overall health and well-being of our clients.

To us, that’s the final frontier in sustainability – a road map for any winery trying to push the boundaries on quality without eschewing their responsibilities as guardians of the planet.

Bees play an enormous role in supporting the virtuous circle of life. Although vines are self-pollinating, new research shows that the best wines are made from soils teeming with life.

Cross-pollinated biodiversity and a nutrient-rich microbiome are the most defining contributors to the long-term health of vineyards and the complexity of flavors in their wines... eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the vineyard and compensating ‘trickery’ in the winery.

Xavier, who learned beekeeping from an elderly neighbor in his youth, developed a life-long appreciation for the fascinating and complex organizational structure of bees and a passion for protecting them. The early success of his beekeeping project has motivated us to grow the size of the apiary by adding more hives and bees.

WHAT THIS WINEFUNDING PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE

With the support of this investment through Wine Funding:

• We will purchase up to 10 new beehives and new bees for the Chêne Bleu apiary.
• We will expand our current research activity, with a new project focused on bees and their impact on biodiversity and winemaking, coordinating our work with existing studies and broadening our work in association with the scientists of the Mt Ventoux Biosphere.
• We will focus research on the health benefits of honey and wines made using propolis without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or additives.
• We will launch Bee and Biodiversity Educational Tours at the estate and create educational materials for both the wine trade and the general public.
• We will hire help for Xavier and the gardener/beekeeper currently looking after our apiary.

This will allow us to:

• Increase our bee population to cover a wider territory that encompasses the forest and clearings around the vineyard so that wildflowers and other flora can thrive.
• Increase our production of raw honey and propolis.
• Lead by example to show the wine world that the future of Grand Cru lies in supporting initiatives that strengthen our relationship with the earth and the well-being of our clients, instead of using time, energy and money pursuing short term gain or remedies at the expense of the greater good.
• Educate the next generation about the role of bees in the food and drink they ingest, as well as the welfare of the environment.

We believe that there are kindred spirits across the world of wine-lovers who would like to join us in our crusade to nurture the bee population of our region and restore the vital role that apiaries play in the balance of our ecosystem. We invite you to join us.


For more information on the wines, visit www.chenebleu.com

Follow Chêne Bleu on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn

79
backers
€ 31,005
pledged over € 20,000 goal
Closed

This project was successful on 30/01/2020

Chêne Bleu's project is a non-profit making initiative.
As such, the price of each package is less than the retail value of the goods and services included.
Support the project with a donation starting at 10€.

__

Chêne Bleu will contact you early January to arrange shipment. If you have specific delivery needs, they will be addressed at that time.
If you’re purchasing as a holiday gift, please let us know at info@winefunding.com and we will provide a special certificate to offer.

For € 10.00 or more

Support the project with a donation starting at 10€

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project

For € 200.00 or more

POLLEN

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"**

Wine
1 bottle of Abélard 2007
1 bottle of Héloïse 2007
1 bottle of Aliot 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 400.00 or more

NECTAR

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 800.00 or more

BEEHIVE

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project

Wine
4 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
4 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
4 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
2 jars of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 1,000.00 or more

HONEYMOON

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project
A private workshop to collect honey from your beehive

La Verrière B&B
1 overnight stay for 2 with breakfast
1 Farm to Fork dinner for 2
1 wine blending workshop for 2

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
2 jars of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 8,000.00 or more

ROYAL PACKAGE - 1 NIGHT

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project
Your name engraved on your own beehive
A private workshop to collect honey from from your beehive

La Verrière B&B
1 night with breakfast for up to 17 people

Activities
1 guided cellar tour with wine tastings

Food
1 dinner with Chêne Bleu wines
1 breakfast

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière per person
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 15,000.00 or more

ROYAL PACKAGE - 2 NIGHTS

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project
Your name engraved on your own beehive
A private workshop to collect honey from your beehive

La Verrière B&B
2 nights stay for up to 17 people

Activities
1 guided cellar tour with private wine tastings
1 wine blending workshop

Food and wine
2 dinners with Chêne Bleu wines
2 breakfasts
1 lunch

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière per person
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

3 backers didn't choose a reward.

Thanks to backers

Denis H. 04/03/2020 - 12:48
It is a pleasure to support this great initiative led by a passionate team with a thoughful vision.
e5d6943a8d138a6955b0f470b3e8ed31 22/12/2019 - 12:30
I am delighted to "beefriend" this meaningful project!


SUSTAINABILITY AT CHÊNE BLEU – WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY!


Our family’s deep love and respect for nature has always set the tone at La Verrière:

• Rigorous organic and biodynamic practices were introduced at the inception of the project

• Chemicals and synthetic fertilizers were replaced with natural composts and complex, time-consuming practices to support the natural strengths of the vineyard, such as planting fields of sorghum to increase fresh hummus in preparation for planting vines

• We planted a bamboo forest to provide natural water-waste filtration and a flock of sheep provide natural weed control and compost over the winter

• Experimenting with bee propolis, harvested from the estate apiary, functions as a natural disinfectant. We also produce our own honey, which we don’t heat or filter to clarify, as that can weaken or destroy enzymes, live pollen, vitamins and minerals.

• Dates for planting, soil treatments and harvesting are set by the biodynamic calendar

• Working with dedicated consultants, we have undertaken a total sustainability program that addresses the natural environment, human resource and community relations.

We know, however, that there is much more than we can do to bring our delicate ecosystem into balance and allow our unique flora and fauna to thrive. We are convinced that bees play a crucial role in the process, so we are trying to help them help us!

PURSUING THE WILD FRONTIER IN SUSTAINABILITY

At Chêne Bleu, our philosophy in winemaking and viticulture has always been that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Therefore, we spare no effort in ensuring that every aspect of what we do – from soil to bottle – is focused on teasing out the greatest quality possible from our unique ancient terroir.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the potential of our high-elevation microclimate in the Southern Rhône to produce wines of grand cru quality, while honoring our role as students and protectors of both the wild “living organism” around our estate as well as the overall health and well-being of our clients.

To us, that’s the final frontier in sustainability – a road map for any winery trying to push the boundaries on quality without eschewing their responsibilities as guardians of the planet.

Bees play an enormous role in supporting the virtuous circle of life. Although vines are self-pollinating, new research shows that the best wines are made from soils teeming with life.

Cross-pollinated biodiversity and a nutrient-rich microbiome are the most defining contributors to the long-term health of vineyards and the complexity of flavors in their wines... eliminating the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in the vineyard and compensating ‘trickery’ in the winery.

Xavier, who learned beekeeping from an elderly neighbor in his youth, developed a life-long appreciation for the fascinating and complex organizational structure of bees and a passion for protecting them. The early success of his beekeeping project has motivated us to grow the size of the apiary by adding more hives and bees.

WHAT THIS WINEFUNDING PROJECT WILL ACHIEVE

With the support of this investment through Wine Funding:

• We will purchase up to 10 new beehives and new bees for the Chêne Bleu apiary.
• We will expand our current research activity, with a new project focused on bees and their impact on biodiversity and winemaking, coordinating our work with existing studies and broadening our work in association with the scientists of the Mt Ventoux Biosphere.
• We will focus research on the health benefits of honey and wines made using propolis without chemical fertilizers, pesticides or additives.
• We will launch Bee and Biodiversity Educational Tours at the estate and create educational materials for both the wine trade and the general public.
• We will hire help for Xavier and the gardener/beekeeper currently looking after our apiary.

This will allow us to:

• Increase our bee population to cover a wider territory that encompasses the forest and clearings around the vineyard so that wildflowers and other flora can thrive.
• Increase our production of raw honey and propolis.
• Lead by example to show the wine world that the future of Grand Cru lies in supporting initiatives that strengthen our relationship with the earth and the well-being of our clients, instead of using time, energy and money pursuing short term gain or remedies at the expense of the greater good.
• Educate the next generation about the role of bees in the food and drink they ingest, as well as the welfare of the environment.

We believe that there are kindred spirits across the world of wine-lovers who would like to join us in our crusade to nurture the bee population of our region and restore the vital role that apiaries play in the balance of our ecosystem. We invite you to join us.


For more information on the wines, visit www.chenebleu.com

Follow Chêne Bleu on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn

79
backers
€ 31,005
pledged over € 20,000 goal
Closed

This project was successful on 30/01/2020

Chêne Bleu's project is a non-profit making initiative.
As such, the price of each package is less than the retail value of the goods and services included.
Support the project with a donation starting at 10€.

__

Chêne Bleu will contact you early January to arrange shipment. If you have specific delivery needs, they will be addressed at that time.
If you’re purchasing as a holiday gift, please let us know at info@winefunding.com and we will provide a special certificate to offer.

For € 10.00 or more

Support the project with a donation starting at 10€

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project

For € 200.00 or more

POLLEN

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"**

Wine
1 bottle of Abélard 2007
1 bottle of Héloïse 2007
1 bottle of Aliot 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 400.00 or more

NECTAR

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 800.00 or more

BEEHIVE

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project

Wine
4 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
4 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
4 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
2 jars of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 1,000.00 or more

HONEYMOON

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project
A private workshop to collect honey from your beehive

La Verrière B&B
1 overnight stay for 2 with breakfast
1 Farm to Fork dinner for 2
1 wine blending workshop for 2

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
2 jars of honey produced at La Verrière
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 8,000.00 or more

ROYAL PACKAGE - 1 NIGHT

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project
Your name engraved on your own beehive
A private workshop to collect honey from from your beehive

La Verrière B&B
1 night with breakfast for up to 17 people

Activities
1 guided cellar tour with wine tastings

Food
1 dinner with Chêne Bleu wines
1 breakfast

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière per person
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

For € 15,000.00 or more

ROYAL PACKAGE - 2 NIGHTS

Participation in the sustainaBEElity project
Be part of the 'BEE Sustainable' biodiversity initiative at Chêne Bleu
Tour of the apiary when you visit the winery
Annual biodiversity newsletter on the research & progress made on the project
Invitation to our Bee Event: "Honey Making & Biodiversity at Chêne Bleu"
A detailed report on the biodiversity project
Your name engraved on your own beehive
A private workshop to collect honey from your beehive

La Verrière B&B
2 nights stay for up to 17 people

Activities
1 guided cellar tour with private wine tastings
1 wine blending workshop

Food and wine
2 dinners with Chêne Bleu wines
2 breakfasts
1 lunch

Wine
2 bottles of « Abélard » 2007
2 bottles of « Héloïse » 2007
2 bottles of « Aliot » 2014

Honey
1 jar of honey produced at La Verrière per person
with special edition Chêne Bleu honey spoon

3 backers didn't choose a reward.

Thanks to backers

Denis H. 04/03/2020 - 12:48
It is a pleasure to support this great initiative led by a passionate team with a thoughful vision.
e5d6943a8d138a6955b0f470b3e8ed31 22/12/2019 - 12:30
I am delighted to "beefriend" this meaningful project!

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