Jacques & Daniel DUGERDIL 

It is in Satigny that we find Daniel Dugerdil, along with his 10 hectares of vineyards, mainly situated in the village of Choully. Among the grape varieties grown on this family estate, the white wines include Riesling Silvaner, Chasselas, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. As for the red wines, you’ll find Gamaret, Gamay, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

When it comes to his personality, this unassuming winemaker describes himself as a dedicated entrepreneur who is always checking that he is doing things properly and constantly striving for improvement. Daniel is passionate about sailing, but admits he no longer has time for it. He does, however, enjoy taking quiet walks in the forest or in the mountains to recharge his batteries. But he makes no secret of the fact that what he loves most is being a dad.

Wine runs in this family’s veins. Indeed, his great-grandfather and his father were winemakers themselves. He also thinks he remembers that his grandfather was one of the founding members of the former Cave de Genève. But before taking over the reins in 2004, Daniel completed a CFC qualification as a car mechanic, studied at the agricultural college in Marcelin, and then went on to study oenology and viticulture at Changins. His profession also gave him the opportunity to work a little further afield, in Cadenazzo, in the heart of Ticino.

What does he love about his job? 

Nothing is ever the same! Every year is different, and the changing seasons mean that the winemaker’s trade is constantly evolving. Spring is actually his favourite time of year: what could be more beautiful than watching his vines grow? Autumn and the grape harvest are also a time Daniel enjoys, as he knows he’ll be able to take his foot off the gas a little and relax.

When asked what it takes to be a good winemaker, Daniel doesn’t hesitate for a moment; he replies straight away that you have to love what you do. That’s it. Incidentally, he points out that he only plants the grape varieties he’s fond of. And he certainly has a soft spot for one wine in particular: the Clémence Pinot Noir, with its lovely fruitiness, is his favourite. For a chat over a glass during long aperitifs with friends, he’d choose the Chasselas Vieilles Vignes.

And what about the future?

He is certainly devising more environmentally friendly solutions that will undoubtedly be able to replace the products used today. Furthermore, given the climate change we are facing, he points out that other grape varieties will surely be able to be grown on land in Geneva.