THE ESTATE

The Vineyard

Our 13 hectares of vines are tended according to the standards of the Swiss agriculture Integrated Production (PI), with a view to respecting the environment by favoring sustainable development. The line spacings are grassed and the phytosanitary treatment plan is based on the Bio Suisse specifications. We grow grape varieties that have diversified over the years. To date, the estate has 10 different grape varieties in AOC (protected designation of origin). For the white wines: Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Riesling x Sylvaner, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and for the red wines: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Gamaret and Merlot.

The Vineyard

Our 13 hectares of vines are tended according to the standards of the Swiss agriculture Integrated Production (PI), with a view to respecting the environment by favoring sustainable development. The line spacings are grassed and the phytosanitary treatment plan is based on the Bio Suisse specifications. We grow grape varieties that have diversified over the years. To date, the estate has 10 different grape varieties in AOC (protected designation of origin). For the white wines: Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Riesling x Sylvaner, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and for the red wines: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Gamaret and Merlot.

The Cellar

The first four wines were made by Sandrine Bersier at the Clos du Château premises in Choully. The magnificent original cellar dating from 1800 was fully renovated in 2010 and is equipped with state-of-the-art winery equipment. The experience of Lionel Dugerdil and his team, coupled with quality tending of the vine, allowed us to develop small wonders. Being established in Geneva, it was obvious to want to vinify Chasselas and Gamay and the result is satisfying; these two wines are exceptional. For the other two varieties vinified, the choice was made according to our tastes: we love the Chardonnay, and the plot “Les Communailles” is a jewel! For the Gamaret, it’s rather similar, a beautiful plot and a wonderful fruit.

Sandrine Bersier and family

Sandrine has always had an attachment to her terroir, but first worked in the field of human resources in several industries based in Geneva. In 2015 she had the opportunity to join the vineyard of Clos du Château which gave her the desire to return to the family estate. After further training in viticulture in 2017-2018, she joined her parents, Christine and Philippe, who are passing on their rich viticulture expertise from nearly 40 years of experience. On the cellar side, Sandrine vinifies the wines in her own facilities at Clos du Château, surrounded by an experienced and dynamic team.

Sandrine Bersier and family

Sandrine has always had an attachment to her terroir, but first worked in the field of human resources in several industries based in Geneva. In 2015 she had the opportunity to join the vineyard of Clos du Château which gave her the desire to return to the family estate. After further training in viticulture in 2017-2018, she joined her parents, Christine and Philippe, who are passing on their rich viticulture expertise from nearly 40 years of experience. On the cellar side, Sandrine vinifies the wines in her own facilities at Clos du Château, surrounded by an experienced and dynamic team.

Our team

Much of the tending of the vines is done by hand by our faithful team of leaf pickers, from May to early July, and during the harvest, usually in October. They also help us during the winter season to prune the vines. There is also the team of Clos du Château, with whom we collaborate for the development of our wines and for some work during the year, in particular the phytosanitary treatments which are done using the latest technology and a choice of products according to Bio Suisse specifications. 

Our history

It was in 1859 that our rural family, originally from Choully, settled in Dardagny to cultivate their land and extract the fruit of their work with the 1856 stone press, which to this day adorns the magnificent courtyard. Today, 160 years later, we are the fifth and sixth generations to exploit the estate with as much respect and passion for our land. For us, 2018 goes hand in hand with renewal: by giving a name to the estate and creating our own range of wines, it is an approach which gives full meaning by valuing the richness of our magnificent vineyard with the hope that the Domain of the Roche 1859 can continue to live for a long time through future generations.

Our history

It was in 1859 that our rural family, originally from Choully, settled in Dardagny to cultivate their land and extract the fruit of their work with the 1856 stone press, which to this day adorns the magnificent courtyard. Today, 160 years later, we are the fifth and sixth generations to exploit the estate with as much respect and passion for our land. For us, 2018 goes hand in hand with renewal: by giving a name to the estate and creating our own range of wines, it is an approach which gives full meaning by valuing the richness of our magnificent vineyard with the hope that the Domain of the Roche 1859 can continue to live for a long time through future generations.