Solar energy...

The Chai du Petit Bois where Bouachon wines are made is in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, and since 2016 has been the site of solar energy production.

The sun shines down on this wine region, for the delight of the tourists, and the benefit of the Bouachon winery! Since the summer of 2016, 1,437m² of photovoltaic panels have been in service, producing 141kWc of electricity, enough to supply 26 households.

With its commitment to sustainable winegrowing, the preservation of resources has been a major concern at Boisset for many years. Its estates in California, DeLoach and Raymond Vineyards, showed the way with photovoltaic roof installations which made them energy self-sufficient. In France, the legislation is different and the electricity produced is sold to the state power company EDF, which then handles distribution.

After renovating the interior, the work on the roof took a further 10 months, including installation of rock wool insulation, a PVC membrane, rails, and connecting piping to recover the warm air.

To carry out such an installation, Bouachon had to present a dossier to a tendering committee at the ministry of ecology and sustainable development to have the project approved.

In parallel, a pilot project is being carried out for the production of hot water. It is being followed by academics in Lyon and sets out to use the warm air stored by the voltaic panels to preheat the water used in the winery and to warm the buildings mid-season.