In 1938, Andre Tchelistcheff produced Beaulieu Vineyard’s first Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and established the benchmark of quality for all California wines.

Born in Russia, he fought with the White Russian Army during the Russian Civil War and, at age thirty-six, came late to the study of wine. In California, Tchelistcheff instituted improved winery hygiene, new fermentation techniques, and viticultural practices. His widespread influence as a pioneering winemaker and consultant had a profound effect on contemporary winemakers.