Christine PILET-FALQUET 

A native from Collonge-Bellerive, the Falquet family has been based on the estate for five generations. If you’d like to taste one of the winery’s wines, please do feel free to visit the estate. There’s always someone on hand to give you a warm welcome on weekdays or on Saturday mornings. You’ll discover eight hectares of vineyards, as well as 40 hectares divided between arable crops and ecological compensation areas.

Diversity is evident in twelve different ways across Christine’s vineyard. Gamaret, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Gris and even the latest addition, Divico – here is a glimpse of the grape varieties cultivated by this born-and-bred Collonge native. Christine is a winemaker who is bold in her day-to-day choices, as illustrated by her varied selection of grape varieties. Following in the footsteps of her father – one of the very first people in Geneva at the time to grow Gamaret vines – she is now breaking new ground by focusing on the hardy Divico variety.

Passion: the driving force behind his values and his love for his craft.

When she talks about her work as a winegrower, ‘passion’ is undoubtedly the word that comes up most often. She draws this fervour from a family legacy and a tradition that has endured for over 400 years. Whilst mindful of this heritage, Christine does not allow herself to be daunted by it. Bold and a perfectionist, for Christine – just like a good wine – it is above all a question of balance. She seeks to develop her estate by striking the right balance between respect for the land, quality and economic viability. What does she enjoy most? The cycle of the seasons, discovering new vintages or the hustle and bustle of the grape harvest; a blend of elements that breaks the monotony and gives her a sense of constant renewal.

Passing on to future generations​

Today, Christine’s main focus is on passing on the business. Indeed, she hopes one day to pass the torch on, leaving behind land in good condition and expertise that respects the environment. This is achieved through an estate managed in a sustainable manner and grapes prized for their quality. It is a demanding philosophy that drives her to explore new solutions and to rethink the approach to and evolution of her profession.

“La Cave de Genève values each individual’s personality and fosters a healthy collaborative environment that brings out the best in us all.”

When Christine talks about La Cave de Genève, it is above all with pride. She particularly appreciates the friendly rivalry between the winegrowers, their solidarity in their efforts, and the participatory nature of the cooperative. For her, La Cave embodies the people behind it and an identity shaped by enthusiasts. Getting involved in the co-operative’s activities is a source of enrichment in her daily life. This quest for constant improvement in the service of a common goal – namely the smooth running of the business – is a daily learning experience.

“Sauvignon Gris: a speciality well worth discovering.”

We cannot say goodbye to Christine without finding out which of our wines is her favourite. The Clémence Merlot or the Belles Filles Sauvignon Gris: these are two wines with strong personalities that are sure to delight her. It is these very bottles that our passionate winemaker loves to describe with such enthusiasm to anyone who is interested.